The Old Dominick Distillery sign

From Blight to Bright Lights in Memphis

This article originally appeared at nytimes.com on May 18th, 2018

Increased local efforts have transformed blighted areas into buzzy social hot spots, attracting tourists along the way.

Find a Job Live in Memphis Start a Business

Stay In The Know On All Things Memphis

Sign up for the latest in Memphis music, food & drink, news, sports, arts & more.

Explore More Articles

Jan. 7^th, 2025

5 Steak Houses in Memphis, Tennessee a Cut Above the…

5 Steak Houses in Memphis, Tennessee a Cut Above the Rest

Dec. 18^th, 2024

5 Restaurants to Try for the Best Wings in Memphis,…

5 Restaurants to Try for the Best Wings in Memphis, TN

Dec. 13^th, 2024

Six of Our Favorite Restaurants on Summer Ave in Memphis,…

Six of Our Favorite Restaurants on Summer Ave in Memphis, TN

Oct. 18^th, 2024

10 Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Memphis Restaurants You’ll Want to…

10 Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Memphis Restaurants You’ll Want to Try

Explore Memphis Food

Mar. 13^th, 2025

Three Years In, WiMM Continues to Showcase the City’s Brightest…

Three Years In, WiMM Continues to Showcase the City’s Brightest Women Artists

Feb. 28^th, 2025

10 Must-See Concerts for March ’25

10 Must-See Concerts for March ’25

Feb. 21^st, 2025

“Talking to the People, Ya’ll:” 5 Memphis Anthems for Black…

“Talking to the People, Ya’ll:” 5 Memphis Anthems for Black History Month

Jan. 23^rd, 2025

Memphis Soul Music – Past and Present

Memphis Soul Music – Past and Present

Explore Memphis Music

Jul. 2^nd, 2024

5 Arts Organizations to Support This Summer in Memphis

5 Arts Organizations to Support This Summer in Memphis

Mar. 19^th, 2024

Memphis Muses: A Celebration of Women-Led Arts and Culture

Memphis Muses: A Celebration of Women-Led Arts and Culture

Feb. 22^nd, 2024

Celebrating Black Theater and Performance Arts in Memphis!

Celebrating Black Theater and Performance Arts in Memphis!

Feb. 15^th, 2024

5 Memphis Artists to Check Out for International Month of…

5 Memphis Artists to Check Out for International Month of Black Women in the Arts

Explore Memphis Art

Mar. 10^th, 2025

Honoring a Memphis Icon: The Legacy of Babbie Lovett Comes…

Honoring a Memphis Icon: The Legacy of Babbie Lovett Comes to the Stage

Mar. 10^th, 2025

Memphis Grizzlies Host Sixth Annual Girls Summit to Empower Young…

Memphis Grizzlies Host Sixth Annual Girls Summit to Empower Young Athletes

Mar. 4^th, 2025

UTHSC Achieves Carnegie R1 Designation, Strengthening Memphis’ Research Landscape

UTHSC Achieves Carnegie R1 Designation, Strengthening Memphis’ Research Landscape

Feb. 27^th, 2025

Memphis Native Brandon Claybon Stars in CBS’ New Groundbreaking Soap…

Memphis Native Brandon Claybon Stars in CBS’ New Groundbreaking Soap Opera Beyond the Gates

Explore Memphis News

Dec. 6^th, 2024

Meet Payton Willis: Dreams and Determination Paving the Way for…

Meet Payton Willis: Dreams and Determination Paving the Way for Success

Dec. 6^th, 2024

Meet Ariday Acosta: A Trailblazer and Advocate for First-Generation Students

Meet Ariday Acosta: A Trailblazer and Advocate for First-Generation Students

Nov. 5^th, 2024

Author Tara M. Stringfellow’s Favorite Places to Write In Memphis

Author Tara M. Stringfellow’s Favorite Places to Write In Memphis

Oct. 14^th, 2024

Bring Your Soul: Kathryn Hicks

Bring Your Soul: Kathryn Hicks

Explore Memphian Stories

#BringYourSoul to be featured on our social media

Looking for the perfect holiday weekend hangouts t

Looking for the perfect holiday weekend hangouts to catch up with friends and family?

Start your night at cozy @swampbarmemphis with some delicious food and drinks. Then head right across the street to elevate your night at the stunning @tiger_andpeacock Rooftop Bar overlooking Midtown!

Gather your friends and family for a night of fun and unforgettable memories in the heart of Memphis 〽️ #WeAreMemphis #BringYourSoul

Thankful for you, Memphis. #SoulLivesHere #WeAreMe

Thankful for you, Memphis. #SoulLivesHere #WeAreMemphis #BringYourSoul

**CLOSED** #Giveaway Students, Finals Week is comi

**CLOSED** #Giveaway Students, Finals Week is coming up fast! To help you survive, we’re giving away the ultimate @uofmemphis Finals Week Survivors Kit! 🐯

📚 $50 to @insomniacookies for a sweet treat 🍪
📚 $50 to @belltowercoffee on Highland for studying + coffee ☕️
📚 $200 to @tigerbookstore for some Tiger shopping! 🐯

Here’s how to enter to win:
🤓 Follow @wearememphistn
🤓 Like this post
🤓 Tag 3 study buddies!

Giveaway ends on Friday, Nov 29 with winner announced Monday, Dec 2. Good luck!

Want to be a part of something bigger than yoursel

Want to be a part of something bigger than yourself? Memphis is overflowing with amazing organizations making a real difference in our community, and this giving season is the perfect time to find out how you can give back to the 901! There are countless ways to get involved in Memphis your way. Head to the link in our bio for lists of organizations to get involved in and help better our city. #BringYourSoul #WeAreMemphis

Today’s the big day! 🍻 We Are Memphis is prou

Today’s the big day! 🍻 We Are Memphis is proud to collaborate with Crosstown Brewing Company to create ‘Bring Your Soul’ Dark IPA—a beer that captures the heart and spirit of Memphis. Come celebrate this special release today from 5-9 PM at the Crosstown Brewing Taproom with DJ sets from @shelbywordsmith and @qemmy_, good vibes, and, of course, great beer! Be one of the first 100 guests (21+) to grab a beer on us! #BringYourSoul

Memphis is full of inspiration for Memphis author

Memphis is full of inspiration for Memphis author @tarastringfellow, whose acclaimed novel "Memphis" captures the city's soul. From historic porches to trendy cafes, discover where inspiration strikes for this talented writer as she reveals her favorite writing spots. Read more at the link in our bio and see if your favorite writing nook made the list!

Where do you find inspiration? #BringYourSoul

Ready to try something unique? It’s your lucky d

Ready to try something unique? It’s your lucky day! ‘Bring Your Soul’ Dark IPA combines piney Pacific Northwest hops with sweet malt undertones for a crisp, smooth sip—perfectly paired with limited edition Korean Honey Butter wings and a We Are Memphis Margarita!

Be there Nov. 15 from 5-9 PM at Crosstown Brewing Company to taste it all! Don’t forget, the first 100 guests over 21 get to taste the beer on us! #BringYourSoul

Dive into the vibrant Memphis art scene with a Mem

Dive into the vibrant Memphis art scene with a Memphis Mural tour!

Tomorrow, join The @brooksmuseum for an exclusive guided bus tour led by muralist @birdcap starting at The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art with refreshments and a special discussion between Birdcap and curator Patricia Daigle. This immersive experience includes a tour of three iconic murals, where Birdcap will share insights on each artwork!

Join Art Now today to be part of this community dedicated to supporting local artists. Membership offers you insider access to tours, talks, and more, all while supporting Memphis’s creative pulse.

Don’t miss out on this unique journey! Learn more at the link in our bio.

Crafts & Drafts Holiday Market is back at @crossto

Crafts & Drafts Holiday Market is back at @crosstownconcourse tomorrow — and it’s never too early to start your holiday shopping!

Shop from 85+ incredible local crafters and makers, sip on local brews, and dive into the festive spirit.

Enjoy live music pop-ups, family-friendly activities, and explore everything Crosstown Concourse has to offer — from art galleries and shops to delicious eats.

Follow @memphiscraftsanddrafts for vendor previews, and don’t miss out on this holiday tradition!

📍 1350 Concourse Ave | Saturday, Nov 9 | 10 AM – 4 PM
📸: @crosstownconcourse

Get ready, Memphis! The Indie Memphis Film Festiva

Get ready, Memphis! The Indie Memphis Film Festival is back next week, bringing an incredible lineup of films, panels, and events that celebrate creativity and storytelling. From local voices to global perspectives, this festival is an experience you won’t want to miss.

A special highlight this year is the Black Creators Forum—a space dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black filmmakers, artists, and creatives.

Mark your calendars and grab your tickets! Head to @indiememphis or visit indiememphis.org for details. Let’s support the arts and #BringYourSoul to Memphis!

Big news, Memphis! @wearememphistn & @crosstownbre

Big news, Memphis! @wearememphistn & @crosstownbrewingcompany are teaming up to launch ‘Bring Your Soul’ Dark IPA at our release party! 🎉

Join us on Nov. 15 from 5-9 PM at Crosstown Brewing Company for tastings, live music, and the first 100 guests over 21 grab their first taste of this bold new beer on us. Don’t miss out! 🍻 #BringYourSoul

Gloomy days call for comfort food, and Downtown Di

Gloomy days call for comfort food, and Downtown Dining Week has you covered. Whether it’s the soulful flavors at @sagememphis or an upscale yet cozy dinner at @ameliagenesmemphis, these local spots are serving up the perfect dishes to lift your spirits with affordable deals and specials. Don’t let the weather stop you—get out and enjoy some of Memphis’ finest! #WeAreMemphis #DowntownDiningWeek #BringYourSoul

Get The Guide To Soul City