Cooper-Young, TN

Cooper-Young is an eclectic neighborhood and historic district in the Midtown section of Memphis, Tennessee, named for the intersection of Cooper Street and Young Avenue. The entrance to the neighborhood is marked by the Cooper-Young Trestle, a 150-foot (46 m) long steel sculpture which depicts homes and businesses found in the neighborhood. Created by metal artist Jill Turman, the sculpture was dedicated in 2000, and has become a source of community pride and identity.
The neighborhood is known for its eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants, including the widely-known Young Avenue Deli. Java Cabana, Cooper-Young's coffeehouse, was once host to the Elvis Impersonator shrine, as well as the Viva Wedding Chapel, where hundreds of people were once married in the backroom by Elvis impersonators. It's still a great bohemian cafe for wifi, fair trade coffee, homemade goodies, and open mic poetry night every Thursday. Other restaurants such as Cafe Ole, Cortona, Tsunami, Soul Fish, Jasmine Thai, Celtic Crossing, Sweet Grass, Lou's Pizza Pie, Do (pronounced "doe") Sushi, The Beauty Shop, and Young Ave Deli represent diverse cuisines (sometimes several within one establishment) and reflect the creative spirit of the neighborhood.
Also in Cooper Young, one will find Amazing Lace, The House of Mews (a shelter for homeless cats), Goner Records, a local record label, Black Lodge Video (one of the city's last - and largest - independent movie rental stores), Midtown Acupuncture & Natural Apothecary and Burke's Book Store. Cooper Young is also the home of Memphis' only hostel, Pilgrim House Hostel.