Spooky post grad clarity
Want to start off by saying I came here from Knoxville and have been in Memphis since starting college back in 2022. Graduated this past Saturday from University of Memphis, went to Beale Street, and had fun.
Anyway, the real fun that’s had me scratching my head is that I think I found my new favorite third spot in the allegedly oldest tavern in town, The Green Beetle.
On Sunday, I had a delicious bushwacker there (if you haven’t tried one, do. It’s basically a boozy Wendy’s Frosty imo). After a few sips, I randomly found myself wondering whether the late Jeff Buckley ever roamed around the Green Beetle. Anyway, I went to the restroom and, with nobody else in there, I heard a loud thud. Then while I was using it, the faucet somehow turned on by itself.
Now, I’ve been thinking maybe I encountered some mind f-ing ghost or maybe, just maybe, I was a little too deep into the lovely bushwacker. Either way, I’m choosing to believe Memphis gave me a proper welcome.
That whole encounter, along with my thoughts about Jeff Buckley, led me to visit the house he lived in while he was in Memphis. It’s tucked away nicely in Midtown and gives off this feeling of being both private and open at the same time. Seeing it made me start thinking about why Jeff chose Memphis, and how he probably spent those short months living here.
And honestly, the answer feels pretty simple: the beauty Memphis holds for the people willing to see it.
Like me, someone who came here to study urban planning. Like Jeff, who lived in a cottage across from Overton Park and the Memphis Zoo, where he recorded music and spent free time wandering around.
This whole weird little experience made me realize something about myself too, why I chose Memphis in the first place.
This summer, I’m going to spend more time walking through Memphis and documenting vacant houses around town. I hope to speak with residents, learn more stories, and immerse myself even deeper into the community.
Proud University of Memphis graduate.