Memphis: True Crime Night Tour & Cocktails on Beale St

Summary

Memphis after dark—true crime tales, old secrets, and a cocktail stop

You’ll step into Memphis’ darker side with real stories from locals—mobsters on Beale Street, strange disappearances near Victorian Village, and chilling unsolved cases told by someone who knows every corner of town. Includes a themed cocktail at Moxy Hotel and enough odd details to keep you thinking long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed the bus because I couldn’t find my phone—classic me. By the time we climbed aboard, our guide (Terry, born-and-raised in Memphis) was already cracking jokes about “the ghosts of Beale Street stealing things.” I liked him right away. The city felt different at dusk—lights flickering on, some humidity still clinging to the air. We rolled past Court Square, windows down just enough to catch the smell of fried chicken drifting from somewhere nearby. Terry pointed out the old jail site and started in on the story of Memphis’s biggest jailbreak. I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a true crime tour, but here we were.

The bus stopped near Victorian Village and we got out for a bit. There’s something eerie about those old houses at night—paint peeling, porch swings creaking a little in the breeze. Terry told us about Georgia Tann, who basically ran a black-market baby ring back in the day. It’s heavy stuff, but he never made it feel like just some museum lecture; he’d pause and ask what we thought or toss in these weird details (like how she always wore gloves). Someone asked if any of her houses were haunted and Terry just grinned—“If you believe half these stories, they all are.”

Honestly, my favorite part was Beale Street—not for the music this time, but for hearing about its deadliest saloon (the “Castle of Missing Men”—what a name). You could almost picture it: rowdy crowds, piano music spilling out into the street, then suddenly everything going sideways. The neon signs buzzed overhead as we walked by. At one point a local passing by overheard our guide mention Alma Theede—the “Black Widow”—and just shook his head like he’d heard that name too many times growing up.

We ended up at the Moxy Hotel for cocktails (included with the tour), and I tried something called a “Corpse Reviver.” Not sure if it revived anything except my curiosity about what else had happened in these streets over the years. Sitting there with my drink, listening to people swap theories about Memphis’s coldest case—it felt more like hanging out with friends than being on a tour bus. I still think about that last view of Beale Street under neon light as we headed home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Memphis true crime history

• Visit Beale Street's deadliest saloon
• Learn about surgeon "Dr. Death"
• Discover Georgia Tann's crimes
• Hear Memphis's longest family feud story
• Stop at Moxy Hotel for cocktails
• Hear 19th-century sensational murder tale
• Learn about Alma Theede, "Black Widow"

Top questions

How long is the Memphis True Crime Tour?

The tour takes place in one evening and includes several stops around central Memphis.

Is there walking involved or mostly bus travel?

Most of the tour is by bus with short walking stops totaling about half a mile on foot.

Are drinks included in this true crime tour?

Yes, each guest gets one themed cocktail or mocktail at Moxy Hotel; soda and water are also available.

Can children join this tour?

Infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers; service animals are allowed too.

Where does the Memphis True Crime Tour visit?

You’ll see Court Square, Victorian Village, Beale Street, and other historic spots tied to famous crimes.

Is parking available near the starting point?

Yes, there are multiple garages and open-air lots within a few blocks; closest is at 149 Peabody Place.

Who leads this true crime tour?

A knowledgeable local guide shares stories and answers questions throughout the evening.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to where the tour starts.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided transport through Memphis’ most notorious neighborhoods with an expert local storyteller at the wheel. You’ll stop for one custom-themed cocktail (or mocktail) at Moxy Hotel—soda and water are also available—and get plenty of chances to step off and explore places like Beale Street and Victorian Village before returning downtown by bus.