There are a multitude of exciting things to do and see
in Memphis—more than time and ink could aptly express, so an overview of the
things road-trippers will surely want to experience while in this unforgettable
place will have to suffice. Enjoy Memphis; savor your time here, for there’s not
another city like it in all the world.
In downtown Memphis,
you’ll enjoy the vibe of
Beale Street,
where composer W.C. Handy worked as a musician
and made the
street famous in his song “Beale Street Blues."
Countless musicians have made
their debut
playing in the bars along this lively avenue.
Time it right:
Memphis in May
Events
throughout May invite visitors to experience the Beale Street Music Festival, World
Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and an annual International Festival.
The roots of Soul and the Blues grow deep along the
river’s edge and the rich soil of the muddy Mississippi nurtured and cultivated
a musical sound so original that it caused the entire world to take note.
Inspired by the colorful music floating out of the bars on Beale Street, Elvis
himself made his home here, creating a new style and rhythm that would put his
name at the top of the charts for years to come.
GRACELAND: The estate of Elvis Presley, famous rock and roll singer, is located in south Memphis.
Countless visitors have come here to pay tribute to the King and admire the
funky, unique décor of this iconic home. True Elvis enthusiasts will want to
stay at the Heartbreak Hotel with its
musical, Graceland inspired motif, reflecting the style and personality of the
King himself. Stay up and watch Elvis movies all night long and wake up ready
for a pilgrimage unlike any other. The acreage surrounding the hotel is covered
in museums, cafes and gift shops all dedicated to the King of Rock and Roll.
Heartbreak Hotel: Rates from $115, #901-332-1000
·
Backbeat Tours:
To really get a feel for it all—there is so
much to take in!—start with the Backbeat
Big Mojo Tour. There’s no better way to see downtown Memphis and absorb the
setting where music legends made their mark. Entertaining tour guides will
talk, sing and amuse you from start to finish, so sit back and enjoy (and don’t
be afraid to sing along!).
Meet the bus at:
Blues City Diner: where
you can grab a bite to eat before the tour. Try the Memphis Soul Stew with Texas toast hot off the grill. www.bluescitycafe.com
Ø
Sun Studio: included as a stop on the Backbeat Big Mojo
Tour, this iconic recording studio started by Sam Phillips in 1950 is an
amazing piece of history. Elvis got his start here (stand on the X where he
recorded his first hit “That’s All
Right!”) along with Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis to name a
few. www.sunstudio.com
Sing along to your new "Sun Studio Greatest Hits" CD--you won't be able to leave without purchasing one. "Blue Suede Shoes," “Great Balls of Fire,” and “I Walk the Line” will keep your toes tapping long after you leave Memphis!
After the
Backbeat tour, your appetite will be wetted for a little taste of Memphis!
Take
an afternoon stroll down Beale St.
(you might see the Beale St. Flippers
in action) before stepping into the Peabody
Hotel for a quick glimpse of those glamorous ducks.
If you’re a serious
Peabody enthusiast, wait for the 5:00 p.m. exodus, when the ducks (who swim in
the lobby fountain all day) make their way back to the elevator and up to their
penthouse suite. (No, I’m not kidding. This is serious stuff!).
Eat at Rendezvous. Period. Just a step away from the posh
Peabody, this basement turned
barbecue mecca is the place to have ribs—Ribs you will not forget! Start with
the Cheese and Sausage Appetizer Plate and
a pitcher of Ghost River Beer (brewed
locally with Memphis water—best around). Yes, a pitcher; don’t question me on
this. The Vergos family has perfected their Pork
Ribs Plate—with a smoky dry rub and tender, moist meat that will leave you
echoing “Not since Adam has a rib been this famous!” A helping of vinegar-based
coleslaw and baked beans complete the classic Memphis meal, and I’m afraid
there won’t be room for much more. www.hogsfly.com
·
Wild Bill’s: an authentic and lively juke joint deep down
Beale. (#901-726-5473)
Don’t
head too far for a bed; Talbot Heirs
is just up the street, on the west side of the Peabody.
www.talbotheirs.com Rates from $130, #901-527-9772
By far the best place to stay in downtown Memphis, Talbot Heirs (located on the west side of the Peabody Hotel) is a well-kept secret boasting superb location.
This eclectic inn is high on hospitality and convenience.
Check in early and park your car; you can walk anywhere you need to go in downtown Memphis from Talbot Heirs (Beale Street is less than two blocks away).
Each suite, with its fun and original décor, sports a full kitchen, so call ahead and let the innkeeper know what you’ll need; they’ll stock the fridge for you!
Enjoy the light breakfast and fresh coffee in the comfort of your own spacious suite.
Save room because you’ll want to catch brunch nearby at the fabulous Majestic Grill!
The Majestic Grille: Best place for Brunch (Sat. & Sun.), this is a meal-must during your Memphis stay. The 1913 silent picture house entertained Memphians for three decades, and films are still shown on the big screen while diners enjoy lively conversation over one dramatic dining experience. Favorite brunch option: A spicy Bloody Mary pairs well with the signature buttery biscuits and a decadent plate of Gulf Coast Shrimp-n-Grits swimming in a rich, creamy sauce. On-line reservations are easy to make. Call ahead (901-522-8555) or go to: www.majesticgrille.com
First, take a walk along Front Street, or “Cotton Row.”
(From Talbot Heirs, head north on
Second Street, turn left onto Union Avenue, and you will run directly into
Front Street which follows the Mississippi River).
At the corner of Union and
Front, you may want to stop in at the Cotton
Museum which once housed the Memphis
Cotton Exchange, now restored and devoted to sharing the story of cotton—“the crop that created empires, transformed
American culture, and changed the history of a nation and the world.”
Heading north on Front Street, you will have
spectacular views of the Mississippi
River and Mud Island. Cross over
at the Confederate Park and admire
the view from atop the bluff while taking a moment to reflect upon a little Civil War history. www.memphisriverfront.com
If you decide to explore the exhibits at Mud Island, check for times on their
website (closed during winter).
www.mudisland.com
The Riverwalk at Mud Island is an exact scale model of the Lower Mississippi River flowing from its confluence with the Ohio River at Cairo, Illinois, 954 miles south to the Gulf of Mexico. On your “journey along the river,” you'll revisit historical events and learn about geographical transformations in the river’s path. Stop in at the Mississippi River Museum and learn about the exploration and settlement of the area, as well as early river engineering and transportation on the mighty Mississipp’.
You'll probably notice the shimmering mirage in the distance; it’s actually a huge glass pyramid that has housed museum exhibits, professional sporting events and is the future home of one humongous Bass Pro Shop! Immediately after the pyramid is the bridge (A.S. Wills Avenue) that leads to Harbor Town, a swanky little set-up for riverside living.
This quiet little respite from the music and motion of Memphis offers breathtaking sunset views of the riverfront and the Hernando de Soto Bridge, which carries I-40 over the Mississippi River and into Arkansas.
River Inn of Harbor Town
This upscale inn comes at a price, but visitors will enjoy the southern elegance and rooftop terrace views of the river.
Soak up the magical
Mississippi River mojo from its rooftop terrace retreat. Savor its
sophisticated southern style and swanky suites. This boutique hotel at the
heart of Mud Island’s Harbor Town haven pampers and pleases. Room rate comes
with a gourmet breakfast at Paulette’s Restaurant, a longtime Memphis favorite.
Rates from $245, 901-260-3333
While in Harbor Town, grab cup of coffee (highly recommend the Mayan Cappuccino) at Café Eclectic. Enjoy a soothing,
reasonably priced massage at Harbor Town
Day Spa (901-523-8772).
There’s one last stop that I don’t think you’ll
want to miss.
Although the river views
at Harbor Town are serene and safe, you’ll find the majestic view from the
bluff at historic French Fort point
absolutely breathtaking. This old Army Fort is located just south of the downtown, at Metal Museum Drive. Follow directions to the museum and pay the minimal fee to enter.
You’ll enjoy the fascinating collection of metal works and sculptures, and if you ask, you can even watch a live demonstration of metal forging. Head to the back of the property where flowers and metal artwork coexist with the grandest view you’ll find in Memphis. With a panorama of the river where it makes a mighty bend, you’ll be glad you took the time to find it. Sweeping views of the Mississippi spread out before you and an afternoon visit rewards with spectacular sunset drama.
located next to the Metal Museum at French Fort).
Memphis Museum Musts:
·
National
Civil Rights Museum: located in the
former Lorraine Motel, site of the 1968 assassination of Civil Rights leader
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The museum leads visitors on a moving,
instructional journey through the struggle for Civil Rights. www.civilrightsmuseum.org
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