West Memphis, AR

You haven't had great Southern food until you've had Arkansas soul food and barbecue. The Mississippi River makes a great source for oysters and other seafood. Check out the Bourbon Street Steakhouse for some great cuts of meat and amazing BBQ, and Soul Fish Cafe for seafood and soul food. Their blackened catfish is some of the best in the world. You also have easy access to Memphis Tennessee, where you can shop at the Memphis Farmer's Market to pick up some fresh, locally grown produce.

West Memphis is served by the MATA, Memphis Area Transit Authority, the same bus system running through Memphis and the rest of the area. The bus service in West Memphis isn't quite as extensive as it is in Memphis, but it's serviceable. West Memphis covers about 26.6 square miles, and once you get to the right neighborhood, you'll find it fairly walkable, but if you really want convenience, a car will make life a little easier than a bus pass. The bus service will get you where you want to go, but it might be a bit of a walk to and from the nearest stop, depending on where you live, work and hang out.

West Memphis really is a beautiful town. Not too big, not too small, and in driving distance to Memphis and Little Rock, West Memphis is a great place to be if you want to take in Southern culture without living deep in the woods or right in the heart of a big city. Convenience and quiet, great music and great food are what West Memphis is all about.