When visiting Memphis you know you’re going to get a healthy dose of Elvis, Beale Street, and BBQ. Aside from those three very tantalizing reasons for a Memphis visit, the town of Memphis holds a vital role, not only in the history of American music and cuisine, but also in the history of American civil rights.
Memphis, Tennessee, is the beating heart of blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and soul. Whether you’re a music lover, history buff, or food enthusiast, the city offers an unforgettable experience that combines rich cultural history with modern charm. And a lot of fabulous food!!
Graceland
For some, there is, and will only ever be, one King – Elvis Presley. The King of Rock and Roll chose to settle down in Memphis and bought himself a property which he called Graceland. Flocks of Jailhouse Rock loving, Elvis fans have been coming to pay homage to the King since his untimely death at the age of 42. Visiting Memphis without visiting Graceland just can’t be done.
Not only that famous white house, but the cars, the clothes, the memorabilia and the jets, yes, there is more than one, are all larger than life, just like Elvis himself. Don’t miss visiting the gift shop! It’s one of the best places to find your very own personal bit of Elvis memorabilia to take home with you!
National Civil Rights Museum
One of the most tragic events to occur in Memphis was the assassination of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King. Dr. King had flown to Memphis to support the African American sanitation workers who were on strike, protesting their inhumane working conditions. Reverend King perished on April 4, 1968 on the balcony of his room at the Lorraine Hotel.
That building, fraught with the burden of history, now houses the National Civil Rights Museum. Tracing the history of the American civil right movement from the 17th century to present day, the museum with its interactive exhibits and rich history, is a must for anyone visiting the city of Memphis.
Sun Studio
From Graceland, all you music lovers, jump on the bus that links the house with Sun Studio, one of two music studios in Memphis that changed the sound of music. Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, B.B. King and, of course, hometown boy, Elvis, all recorded some of their greatest hits here and Memphis rock was born.
Considered by some the birthplace of rock and roll, Sun Studio is still a working music recording studio, but they give tours, allowing you to be in the same room where the greats laid down their legendary tracks. One of the many fun things to do is pose with the same microphone those greats used!
You can buy your advance tickets here.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
At the time it was founded, Stax Studio broke all the rules. Completely integrated at a time when most of the American South was not, Stax Studio gave birth to a new sound – soul. Otis Redding was perhaps its biggest star, but many of the Stax hits have found themselves in the American psyche, including “Hold On, I’m Coming” by Sam and Dave, and “Knock on Wood” by Eddie Floyd, and “Shaft” by Isaac Hayes.
Although no longer a working studio, this museum honors its former artists and houses one-off memorabilia that are a part of music history. Not sure that Otis Redding’s Cadillac is an homage to anything, but it’s really fun to see it there.
You can buy advanced tickets here.
Beale Street
One of the most famous streets in the United States, Beale Street is known for bars, booze, and as the home of the blues, especially as it’s one of the only places in the country you can carry around an open container of an alcoholic beverage without getting busted.
In the past, you would hear the likes of B.B. King and other Blues greats singing from the open doors of the many blues clubs. By touring the street during day and building by building, you discover why USA Today called it “America’s Most Iconic Street.” By night, you will be too busy soaking up the sounds in one of its famous drinking establishments.
The Peabody Ducks
Memphis hotels run the gamut, but there is only one with the March of the Ducks. The Peabody Hotel is not just the most iconic hotel in downtown area, dating back to the 1880s and a Memphis institution, but it is home to the most famous Peabody ducks in the south.
According to the Peabody, the Peabody Duck March was established in 1933. For almost 90 years, twice a day, the Duck Master (yes, that is his official title) has led these willing participants in the March of the Ducks or Duck Parade as it is usually referred. If you want to see the Duck Parade, but aren’t staying at the Peabody, you can see them by taking a few walking tours!
BBQ is King!!
No trip to Memphis is complete without indulging in its world-famous barbecue. From the dry-rub ribs at Central BBQ to the smoky goodness of Payne’s, your taste buds are in for a treat. Join a barbecue tour or create your own to savor the city’s best flavors. Most BBQ places are family run and have been making their secret recipe for years. No two are the same, making BBQ eating super exciting for those of us who are fans.
Central BBQ is the grand dame of them all, but there are so many more: Cozy Corner BBQ, Payne’s, One & Only BBQ, and Rendezvous, just to name a few!
BBQ Spaghetti???!!
For a twist on BBQ, try BBQ spaghetti at the one and only The Bar-B-Q Shop,. I am not sure what the Italians might make of it, but we couldn’t eat it fast enough.
Spaghetti and BBQ – one of those combinations that could only emerge from a place where, no matter what type of food you are eating, Italian in this case, you can’t imagine it without BBQ on top.
Gus’s Fried Chicken
Fried Chicken is another of my all time favorite dishes and Gus’s Fried Chicken was worth the hour-long wait. Sometimes there is a reason that a restaurant has a reputation as far away as London.
Just the right amount of black pepper and spice give it that celebrated bite. The only way to stop eating it if you want to leave a little room for that chess pie you saw on the menu.
Soul Food
The Four Way is one of the most historically important restaurants in town, having served Dr. King while he was in Memphis.
It’s still serving fried chicken, turnips greens, macaroni and cheese to the throngs of tourist and locals combined.
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