Discover Selmer: Music History and Culture

Selmer offers several ways to explore its culture: the McNairy County Trail of Music Legends, public Rockabilly art, and historic buildings with exhibitions. Recreational activities at Selmer City Park and monthly events may also factor into your plans. When choosing a hotel, you can first decide what to focus on during your trip: music history, the area’s past, or a mix of culture and recreation.

Music History on the Trail and at The Latta

The McNairy County Trail of Music Legends begins at the McNairy County Visitors & Cultural Center, The Latta, at 205 West Court Avenue in downtown Selmer. Markers along the downtown trail feature brief biographies and photos of the inductees. Visitors can explore the trail on foot. This brings the people’s life stories and portraits into focus, not just their names.

The Latta brings several cultural offerings together in one place: the building has a 200-seat theater, three gallery rooms, and a learning center. It was built in the mid-1930s as a local Ford Motor Company dealership. Its former use as a car dealership and its current cultural and learning spaces give the building its own local history. The visitors’ center is managed by McNairy County Tourism; confirm current visiting arrangements before your visit.

Insights into McNairy County History

The McNairy County Historical Museum is housed in the historic Ritz Theater Building. Its central gallery showcases various aspects of life in early McNairy County. Comparing it with the Trail of Music Legends highlights their different perspectives: the trail focuses on inductees, while the museum explores aspects of the county’s early history.

Broommaking is another part of the local culture. Jack Martin of Selmer is a fourth-generation broom maker and owner of Hockaday Handmade Brooms. This craft tradition adds a personal folklife perspective to the musical and historical themes.

Rockabilly Art and Getting Around

Selmer’s Rockabilly Highway murals are public artworks celebrating Rockabilly music and West Tennessee’s musical heritage. Rockabilly Mural 1 is listed at 124 West Court Avenue, and Rockabilly Mural 2 at 100 Front Street. Check the address information before traveling. As public art, the murals offer a different focus from the trail’s biographical markers, using large-scale imagery to celebrate the musical heritage.

City Park and Events for Your Trip

Selmer City Park has a walking trail, tennis and basketball courts, and an outdoor stage. These offer a range of recreational activities, from walking the trail and playing court sports to attending events at the stage. Recreational facilities may change; check current offerings before your visit.

On the first Friday of the month, local shops and restaurants stay open later, and there is live music and food trucks in downtown Selmer. If your trip falls on one of these Fridays, check current event dates and details in advance. The announcement for the Selmer Farmers Market’s 2026 season opener on June 26 listed freshly grown local produce, homemade breads and jams, handcrafted goods, and fresh farm products. Check current market days and offerings before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Adamsville

For the main travel overview: Mcnairy County.