Memphis is once again in the national spotlight
This time shining bright in AFAR’s “52 Places to Travel in the U.S. This Year” thanks to our incredible contribution to music culture, especially through our thriving hi-fi listening lounges.
AFAR’s roundup celebrates destinations that offer travelers something unique, meaningful, and memorable. And Memphis easily earns its spot.
Why Memphis?
Sure, Tennessee is world-famous for honky-tonks and juke joints. But as AFAR notes, Memphis is also leading the way in a more intentional way of listening. One that pays homage to the city’s unmatched musical history while also embracing a cool, global vibe.
Hi-fi listening lounges, inspired by the Japanese kissa bars, offer a sophisticated, communal experience for music lovers with incredible sound systems, carefully curated vinyl collections, and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down, savor the sound, and let the music wash over you.
Where to Experience It in Memphis
AFAR highlighted two standout spots here in the Bluff City:
📀 Central Station Hotel
Located on South Main in Downtown Memphis, the Central Station Hotel is not only a place to sleep, but it’s also home to a vinyl collection of over 40,000 Memphis-related songs, EgglestonWorks speakers handcrafted right here in Memphis, and a cozy listening lounge tucked behind the lobby bar.
Sip a cocktail while the soundtrack of the city surrounds you, from Otis Redding to Big Star to Three 6 Mafia, all played on a sound system that does it justice.
🎶 Memphis Listening Lab
For true audiophiles, there’s nothing quite like the Memphis Listening Lab, housed inside the iconic Crosstown Concourse.
This public archive, which opened in 2021, boasts:
35,000 45 rpm singles
25,000+ LPs
25,000 CDs
all donated by Ardent Studios cofounder John King.It’s free, it’s open to the public, and it’s an absolute dream for anyone who loves discovering music. Just grab a record, find a turntable, and lose yourself in the sound.
👏 Let’s Keep the Record Spinning
Whether you’re a longtime Memphian or just visiting, make time to check out these listening spaces. Bring a friend. Bring your curiosity. And bring your love for the music that makes Memphis, Memphis.
Read the full AFAR feature here. Then come experience it for yourself.
📍 Central Station Hotel — 545 S Main St
📍 Memphis Listening Lab — 1350 Concourse Ave, Crosstown Concourse
