This week’s cover story by Toby Sells is about Historic Haunts Memphis. We followed the Bluff City paranormal investigators as they explored Memphis’ haunted juke joint Earnestine & Hazel’s, and tried to contact the many spirits who supposedly reside there. On the Memphis Flyer YouTube channel, we’ve got video of the spooky expedition. Happy Halloween!
We came. We saw. We partied. That’s right: Last Wednesday, the Flyer held its annual Best of Memphis party at Railgarten, welcoming friends, family, and plenty of BOM winners to celebrate with us. Partygoers enjoyed cocktails and beer, feasted upon sliders and nachos, and danced to live music from Salo Pallini. Some even got to meet the one and only Michael Donahue.
We thank all of our readers who nominated and voted this year, and give our congratulations to the 2024 BOM winners. Special thanks go to our sponsors for the evening: 1776 Men’s Grooming Parlor; Orion Federal Credit Union; Memphis Light, Gas and Water; Choate’s Air Conditioning, Heating And Plumbing; and Southland Casino Hotel. Now, please go on and enjoy our photographs from the evening, and never let the party die!
On Wednesday, Sept. 18th, the day our Best of Memphis 2024 list was released to a waiting world, the winners gathered at Railgarten for a celebration.
I was there with my trusty iPhone camera to record the event for posterity. Thanks to Salo Pallini for the music, and for everyone involved in making this party a raving success.
The Memphis Flyer’s annual Best of Memphis readers’ poll is back, back again! You nominated, you voted, and we spit those answers back out in these pages here. And now it’s time to announce the winners you chose. That’s right: The winners you chose — not us, your fearless (sometimes fearful) writers, not even our advertisers, who help keep this paper a free publication for you.
From margaritas to antique stores to family outings — and everything in between — y’all chose your favorites. Ties have been noted, and no favoritism shown, except in our staff picks because we can.
Best of Memphis 2024 was written by Shara Clark, Michael Donahue, Alex Greene, Michael Finger, Kailynn Johnson, Chris McCoy, Abigail Morici, Toby Sells, Jon W. Sparks, and Bruce VanWyngarden. It was designed by Carrie Beasley.
Thank you to our readers, advertisers, and Memphis, and congratulations to our winners!
Follow this link to find out Memphis’ favorites:
bom24.memphisflyer.com
The birthplace of blues, barbecue capital of the world, and home of rock-and-roll, Memphis is a uniquely vibrant city famous for constantly innovating. Recently, it embraced one of the biggest trends sweeping the nation: THC drinks, a buzzy alternative to alcohol that offers a new way to party.
Because they’re made with hemp-derived cannabinoids, THC drinks are legal for adults throughout the country to enjoy. One of the most popular brands in the nation, Crescent 9 THC Seltzer, is now available at many Memphis locations.
Memphis and Cannabis
Both medical marijuana and recreational marijuana are fully illegal in Memphis. This is something of a surprise considering the fact that, according to a 2024 Vanderbilt Poll, 60 percent of Tennesseans support legalizing marijuana.
Although Tennesseans lack access to marijuana, they do have access to hemp thanks to various bills passed by the state legislature. In 2019, SB357 legalized hemp products, including those containing a psychoactive quantity of THC. In 2023, HB403 further regulated and supported Tennessee’s hemp industry.
Hemp products are federally legal if they contain hemp-derived cannabinoids and less than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC. These products must also meet Tennessee’s safety and potency requirements to be sold in Memphis. Despite these restrictions, the hemp industry is flourishing.
Hemp-derived THC beverages have become especially popular. One big reason for their success is the fact that many people have given up alcohol in favor of cannabis; indeed, the popularity of cannabis may soon eclipse that of alcohol. A recent study found that by 2022, more people were using cannabis daily than were using alcohol daily.
What is Crescent 9 THC Seltzer?
Flavored with real fruit and infused with a satisfying dose of cannabis, Crescent 9 THC Seltzer is a deliciously refreshing alternative to alcohol. Unlike edibles, Crescent 9 THC Seltzer takes effect in about 15 to 30 minutes, about as fast as alcohol so that you can enjoy Crescent 9 socially.
There are four flavors of Crescent 9 THC Seltzer.
● Ginger Lemonade. Sweet and tart with 5 mg of THC and 4 mg of CBD.
● Tropical. Citrusy and sweet with 6 mg of THC, 3 mg of CBD, and a splash of caffeine.
● Sour Watermelon. Nostalgically sweet and sour with 10 mg of THC.
● Strawberry Lemonade. Deliciously refreshing with a potent 50 mg of THC.
Whether you’re just curious about cannabis or an experienced consumer, there’s a perfect Crescent 9 for you.
Where to Find Crescent 9 THC Seltzer
Crescent 9 THC Seltzer is available at stores and music venues throughout Memphis and surrounding areas. Below are some of the most popular locations to enjoy a cold can on-site or pick up a pack of Crescent 9 to unwind at home.
Find Crescent 9 at:
● Minglewood Hall
● Bud & Hal’s Liquors
● Buster’s Liquors & Wines
● Ceasar’s Wine & Liquor
● Gaslight Liquor Shoppe
● High Point Grocery
● Joe’s Wines & Liquor
● Kimbrough Ine Wine & Spirits
● Kirby Wines & Liquors
● Liquor Barn
● Southwind Liquor
● Wayne’s Wine & Liquor
● Yorkshire Liquors
● Bartlett Wine & Spirits
● Corks Wine and Spirits
● Germantown Village Wine and Liquor
● Hemp2oh
● Mad Hatters Tea Room & Gifts
● Natalie’s Liquor Warehouse
● Vintage By Corks
● Lake District Wine & Liquor
But you don’t have to leave your home to order Crescent 9. Adults across the country can order Crescent 9 THC Seltzer online at crescentcanna.com. You must be 21 or older to buy THC-
infused hemp products.
This article is sponsored by the Crescent 9 THC Seltzers.
Almost 40 years ago, in August of 1984, entrepreneurs Carl and Brenda Carter recognized the need for a cemetery in DeSoto County where local families could bury and memorialize their loved ones. They embraced the challenge to establish a burial ground that was not affiliated with a church or a family cemetery. The result was Twin Oaks Memorial Gardens on Goodman Road in Southaven. At that time, the cemetery was across the street from a golf course and surrounded by nothing but vast, undeveloped land.
Fast forward to the early 1990s, when the Carters realized that a funeral home was needed, to better serve their clientele and the citizens of DeSoto County. Twin Oaks Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home opened as Southaven’s first and longest-established funeral home.
Carl Carter died in September of 2007 and his wife, Brenda, continued their legacy of operating the funeral home. In September of 2023, she decided it was time to pass the torch to new members of the funeral profession.
Dillon Dickey and Seanna Hamm purchased the cemetery and the funeral home from Mrs. Carter to continue the legacy that the Carters had begun. The facilities have undergone a complete overhaul with total upgrades to the lighting, flooring, painting, and furniture.
Dillon and Seanna plan to operate the funeral home and cemetery for many years, offering the same high level of service and dignity, with special attention to personalized services, that the people of DeSoto and Shelby County have come to expect from the Twin Oaks name. Striving to inform, educate, and assist their community, they partner with the local schools, colleges, chambers and other groups.
Today, Twin Oaks is proud to be a full-service funeral home offering any deathcare-related services such as pre-need planning, burials, cremations, cemetery, markers, and more.
Call us or visit us online for more information: 662-349-9720,
www.twinoaksfuneralhome.com.
This article is sponsored by the Twin Oaks Memorial Gardens.
While Tupelo, Mississippi, celebrates its favorite native son throughout the year, the city rolls out the blue suede carpet each June during the Tupelo Elvis Festival. Held June 6-9, 2024, the festival honors the legacy of Elvis Presley and his immense impact on popular culture in the city where it all began.
The celebration kicks into high gear June 6th with the “Becoming Experience” Youth Day & Competition at the Elvis Presley Birthplace. Young Elvis fans participate in workshops with Elvis tribute artists and compete to earn $1,000, a guitar from Tupelo Hardware Company, and the opportunity to perform on the main stage at the Cadence Bank Arena during the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist finals Saturday morning. A showcase featuring the 30 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contestants and the “Welcome Back to Tupelo” concert round out Thursday’s events, followed by the Tupelo Elvis Festival After Party at the Silver Moon Club.
The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition begins June 7th at the Cadence Bank Arena with festival host Tom Brown and the Tributes in Concert band. Festival participants are invited to Food Truck Friday featuring Tupelo’s delicious food truck fare and a special Stax Museum of American Soul Music Pop-Up experience featuring the Stax Soul Mobile. Other events on Friday include the “Behind the Jumpsuits” Conversations event that delves into the stories of those individuals who keep Elvis’ memory alive, and the “From Tupelo with Love” concert. More after parties round out Friday night’s festivities.
TCB Fights is one of the newest festival events, and features fighters from UFM, HIT Fitness, and other local gyms. The TCB Fights “Decked Out” Weigh In happens June 7th, with the Boxing Event June 8th at 7 p.m. in the Cadence Bank Conference Center. Dress to impress and enjoy fight night with the king.
Lace up your running shoes for the Running with the King 5K at Veteran’s Park June 8th. This annual race takes participants past the Elvis Presley Birthplace and through the neighborhood where Elvis grew up. Sponsored by the Tupelo Running Club, the race is a fast, flat course and benefits the Northeast Mississippi Boys & Girls Club.
The Elvis Tribute Artist Meet & Greets and Tupelo Elvis Fan Club activities take over Downtown Tupelo June 8th. Visit Downtown retailers, meet the tribute artists, and enjoy living history demonstrations. Tupelo Hardware Company, where Gladys Presley purchased Elvis’ first guitar, holds a reenactment of the famous purchase, and guitars are still sold there today. The Stax Museum Soul Mobile makes another appearance Saturday with music, giveaways, and fun for the entire family.
With more than 200 restaurants in Tupelo, planning your next meal is as much fun as the festival revelry. Eat like the king with a visit to Tupelo’s oldest restaurant, Johnnie’s Drive-In, where Elvis liked to eat. Sit in the Elvis booth inside or enjoy carhop service at this operating drive-in. Try the doughburger, a North Mississippi delicacy. Tupelo’s restaurants serve up plenty of other Elvis eats including his favorite fried peanut butter and banana sandwich at Café 212 in Downtown Tupelo. Visit tupelo.net/blog/eat-like-a-king/ to explore all of the scrumptious food inspired by Elvis. Follow #tupelofoodie on Instagram and drool over all of the culinary delights just waiting to be enjoyed.
Looking for an experience you can only have in Tupelo? Mississippi’s first and only meadery, Queen’s Reward, is the only meadery in the world that makes mead with 100 percent Mississippi honey. Enjoy a tasting in their exquisite west Tupelo tasting room or enjoy mead by the glass. Mead slushies are a crowd favorite. Can’t decide which one to try? Order the mead slushie sampler and try them all.
Tupelo has more than 2,200 accommodating hotel rooms, so you are sure to get a great night’s sleep after a full day of festival fun. Hotel Tupelo is the city’s newest boutique hotel. Located in the heart of Downtown Tupelo’s Fairpark, Hotel Tupelo has 79 rooms, a bar and restaurant on-site, and an array of local touches that make it a truly unique stay. Just across the street, the Hilton Garden Inn offers guests a comfortable stay in walking distance of all Tupelo Elvis Festival events.
The Tupelo Elvis Festival is the perfect excuse to visit the city where anything is possible. To learn more about the events or to purchase tickets, visit tupeloelvisfestival.com. Plan your trip by visiting tupelo.net and imagine what you can do there!
This article is sponsored by the Tupelo Main Street Association.
Huey’s Poplar has long been a staple for great food, friendly service, and the welcome, laid-back atmosphere that’s been synonymous with the local chain since its inception in 1970. On Sunday, April 21st, the restaurant is inviting the public to join them in celebrating 20 years of
serving East Memphis, a community that’s been more loyal than they could have predicted.
Though 20 years is a huge accomplishment, the Huey’s brand began back in 1970, when the original Midtown location (still on the corner of Madison and Tucker to this day) was founded by local Memphian, Allen Gary, whose childhood nickname inspired the restaurant’s name. Gary dreamed of creating a bar that was fun and unique, and a place where he and all his friends could have a good time. Of course, no good time is had without a good burger, and he didn’t have to go far to find the best meat in town. It was just a block down the road, at John Gray Big Star, where he had them grind his secret mix daily.
In 1973, Gary sold his business to Jay Sheffield and Don Wood. During that time, the majority of sales were beer and liquor, and Huey’s was getting a great reputation for live music. And then in 1976, along came Thomas Boggs, who most Memphians know as the face of Huey’s as it’s known today. Boggs — who’d gotten his start in the service and hospitality industries early in life and had gained a wealth of knowledge from restaurant and corporate roles at TGI Fridays — began working at Huey’s Midtown in 1976 as a bartender. Soon after, he signed on as a partner in the restaurant with Jay Sheffield, and with his vast knowledge of the industry, began to see a trend towards casual dining. With that in mind, Boggs began building a menu to transition Huey’s from a bar to a full-service restaurant.
From there on, as they say, the rest is history. Sheffield and Boggs expanded to a second restaurant, which later expanded to five and beyond. Boggs’ children grew up working in the Huey’s stores (among other restaurants) and, eventually, his three daughters and one of his
sons went on to run the company, which they still do today. Now, the local, family-owned chain has 10 locations (eight in Memphis and two in north Mississippi), with the Brews, Blues & Burgers legacy Boggs started going strong. As their father did before them, Huey’s owners continue to focus on providing tasty, high-quality food and the friendliest service in the business.
If you ask any of the Boggs siblings what really sets Huey’s apart, though, they’ll say their decades-long connection to the Memphis community. Huey’s has supported pivotal organizations like the Memphis Zoo, University of Memphis, and Church Health for nearly as long as they’ve been around, and they give back to hundreds of other schools, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits each and every year.
Ashley Robilio, president of Huey’s Restaurants, shares, “Our dad taught us that if you give to the community, the community will give back to you. We’ve always taken that to heart and still operate with that core belief today. We like to be all over the city, so to speak, supporting as many good causes as we can.”
Huey’s Poplar – East Memphis continues to be a shining example of the Huey’s Restaurants legacy. They invite you to celebrate that legacy, along with the grand opening of Huey’s Poplar’s brand-new patio, on Sunday, April 21st, with all-day food discounts (throw-back pricing to
20 years ago!), 2-for-1 beer specials, live music starting at 3 p.m., cake, and more.
Celebrating its remarkable journey since its inception in 1974, Outdoors In. commemorates its 50th year as a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers alike. The origins of Outdoors Inc trace back to when co-founders Joe Royer and Lawrence Migliara merged their passion and entrepreneurial spirit by uniting their paddling companies, West Tennessee White Water Supply and South Central Canoe Base, into what was initially known as a store called The Great Outdoors. This venture was born out of necessity; as avid paddlers and racers, Joe and Lawrence could not find performance outdoor equipment in Memphis. Their first retail outpost was established in spring 1974, marking the beginning of a new era in outdoor retail.
In the early days, the focus was squarely on performance paddling equipment, catering to a niche yet passionate demographic. The founders’ trip to Rainier Mountaineering School was a pivotal moment, broadening their horizon and subsequently the store’s inventory to include climbing and camping gear. It wasn’t long before the brand underwent a significant transformation, adopting the name Outdoors Inc and expanding its product line further to encompass snow ski equipment and apparel. This expansion was timely, coinciding with a period of unusual regional snowfall, allowing Outdoors Inc to sponsor the first-ever Cross Country Ski races in Memphis’ Audubon Park.
The 1980s saw further diversification with the addition of cycling gear to their repertoire, underscoring Outdoors Inc’s commitment to catering to a broad spectrum of outdoor activities. The subsequent years witnessed physical and geographical growth, solidifying Outdoors Inc’s presence as the go-to retailer for skiing and snowboarding in West Tennessee.
Today, Outdoors Inc prides itself on being more than just a retail outlet; it is a cornerstone of the Memphis community, offering not just high-quality gear for a variety of outdoor activities, but also fostering long-term relationships with customers through exceptional service. The commitment to durability and sustainability is evident in the selection of products that promise longevity over disposability, reflecting an environmentally responsible ethos. Outdoors has continued to carry gear and apparel from industry-leading outdoor brands such as Patagonia, Arc’teryx, prAna, Cannondale, Hoka, Teva, Chaco, and more.
The company’s commitment to the community and the environment remains unwavering, as evidenced by its longstanding tradition of hosting events like the Outdoors Inc Canoe and Kayak Race on the Mississippi River that took place for 38 years until the pandemic struck, and the Outdoors Inc Gravel Race that happens every November at Big River Crossing. Outdoors has also partnered with and supported local nonprofit organizations such as Wolf River Conservancy, Overton Park Conservancy, and Shelby Farms Park Conservancy.
As Outdoors Inc marks its 50th year, it reflects on a legacy of innovation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. It stands as a testament to the vision of its founders and the dedication of its team, promising to continue serving and inspiring outdoor enthusiasts for years to come.
The 50th anniversary of Outdoors Inc is more than just a celebration of its past achievements; it’s a pivotal moment that highlights the company’s role in the outdoor industry and its vision for the future. As Outdoors Inc continues to adapt, innovate, and inspire, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of the great outdoors and the human spirit’s desire to explore it. Here’s to the next 50 years of adventure, stewardship, and community.
This article is sponsored by Outdoors Inc.
The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel will present a commemoration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy on Thursday, April 4, the 56th anniversary of his death. Martin Luther King III, wife Arndrea Waters King, and daughter Yolanda. Renee King will participate in the ceremony, which will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person. This year, the Museum introduces a youth component with the performing winners of its Youth Poetry and Spoken Word Competition.
The event entitled “Remembering MLK: The Man. The Movement. The Moment.” will be held in the Museum’s courtyard at 4:00 pm Central with a musical prelude followed by the commemorative service at 4:30 pm. Participants can also join the live stream via the museum’s website, YouTube and Facebook platforms.
Martin Luther King III, the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, will deliver the keynote address. Mr. King is a civil rights advocate and global humanitarian, focusing on addressing the most pressing social justice issues of today. Amplifying his father’s work, Mr. King has devoted his life to promoting global human rights and eradicating racism, violence, and poverty, earning a reputation as a respected international statesman and one of the world’s most passionate advocates for the poor and oppressed.
As chairman of the Drum Major Institute (DMI), a nonprofit rooted in his father’s work over 60 years ago, Mr. King collaborates closely with his wife, Arndrea Waters King and daughter, Yolanda Renee King, to advance Dr. King’s vision of a more just and equitable world. Founded in 1961, the organization focuses on continuing the King legacy through education, action, engagement with world leaders, and collaboration with socially conscious organizations.
Arndrea Waters King, social justice activist and President of Drum Major Institute (DMI), has championed several nonviolence, anti-hate and social change initiatives throughout her life, designing programs to advance understanding and activism. She is a strong supporter of youth activism and believes in helping young people take a peaceful, effective stand for the world issues that concern them most. As president of DMI, she plays a critical role in creating strategic partnerships and managing the daily operations of this active social justice organization.
At 15 years old, Yolanda Renee King, the only grandchild of Dr. King, is an activist and children’s book author having recently published We Dream A World, a tribute to her grandparent’s legacy. Having appeared on the world stage and in national media interviews, she uses her voice to speak up on key issues including gun violence, climate change, and racial equality.
As a teen creative, Yolanda King will lead the youth segment of the commemoration with words of inspiration and introduction of the “I AM the Legacy” poetry and spoken word winners to be announced this month. The competition is designed for high school students to use the performative art of poetry on topics that identify their thoughts, solutions, or designs on how they envision freedom, equality, and justice for their future. The competition is made possible by The Memphis (TN) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
“This year, the commemoration is poignant as we elevate the ‘drum major instinct’ Dr. King expressed, but with the fierce urgency of now,” said Dr. Russ Wigginton, Museum President. “Given today’s climate, we recognize we all must move toward greater justice, peace, and righteousness from wherever we stand,” he said.
Each year, the Museum commemorates the tragic event that occurred on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in 1968. This year’s event features a keynote speaker, special performances, fraternal tribute, and changing the balcony wreath with a moment of silence at 6:01 pm Central when Dr. King was slain.
Rev. Dr. Dorothy Sanders Wells, the Rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church, will give remarks. Wells has recently been elected the first woman and first Black person elected as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi.
W. Crimm Singers AKA Wakanda Chorale, a professional ensemble-in-residence of Tennessee State University’s Big Blue Opera Initiatives, will perform music of the Black experience throughout the diaspora and every genre connected to it with major emphasis on the Negro Spiritual, African American operatic, and concert repertoire, hymnody, and anthems.
During the 4:00 prelude, recorded speeches by Dr. King will broadcast in the museum courtyard. In the event of rain, the event will be held inside the museum’s Hooks Hyde Hall. For more information, visit April4th.org.
This article is sponsored by National Civil Rights Museum.