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The birthplace of the blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis, Tennessee is a must-see for anyone with an interest in the classics. The largest city in the state, with its claim to fame being Graceland, where Elvis Presley lived in the last years of his career. Memphis has more than one million people in the city alone, being one of the largest downtown cities in the United States. The combination of southern tradition, hospitality, and modern amenities, Memphis caters to visitors from around the globe wanting to experience “Graceland”.

Memphis Pictures

Things to do in Memphis

The first thing you need to do when you arrive in Memphis is go to Beale Street, which is technically “Home of the Blues”. On this street, W.C. Handy wrote the first blues music and Elvis, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash all recorded tracks at Sun Records. Another must-see when traveling to Memphis is Graceland, the home of “The King”. Mud Island River Park is a popular and exciting attraction where you can experience a scaled model of the Mississippi River and a great view of the city. Check out the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, which is sponsored by the Smithsonian, and you might catch a glimpse of a celebrity, as they occasionally stop by.

Nightlife in Memphis

If you are looking for a great time, go out for an amazing night in Memphis! Featured on many “Best pubs” lists, it is a necessity to check out Bosco’s in Overton Square, with great pub food and atmosphere. If you are in college and are near the University of Memphis, Newby’s is the spot for you. Playboy magazine recently rated this nightclub the “Best place to party like a Rock Star!”The Buccaneer in Midtown, a house converted into a bar, is the place to go if a variety of music is your thing. Also, head down to Otherlands, the social hub of Memphis’ art and music community, to get a true feel for the rhythm and blues culture.

Dining in Memphis

Having one of the lowest costs of living in the United States, Memphis is not only a great and cheap place to visit, but you’ll want to eat out every night! When dining in Memphis, you must get the local barbeque to fully experience the local cuisine. If you are looking for more of a quick bite, stop in on the Kwik Shop where you can get big delicious burgers and excellent gyros. Ellen’s Soul Food and Bar-B-Q has a long list of “down home cookin” as they say, including okra, cornbread, chicken, and catfish. The Rendezvous in downtown is a very popular local joint with true Memphis barbeque, so be sure to get there early to avoid the lines!

Shopping in Memphis

When you leave Memphis, be sure to purchase an authentic Elvis souvenir from Graceland to always remind you of this city’s musical spirit. A. Schwab located on Beale Street is the place to go for anything and everything, their motto being: “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it”. Peabody Place is an interesting shopping mall with psychedelic mini golf and a train movie theater. Head to Collierville Town Center and experience the cute, quaint, and unique shops that are very pretty during the holidays. The Midtown Artist Market is a great place to visit to check out the local artists and some of the fabulous work they do.

Memphis travel tips

• The summertime in Memphis is extremely hot and humid, so be prepared if you are going anytime between July and August!
• A resident of Memphis is known as a Memphian and the Memphis region is known as the Mid-South.
• Be aware of homeless begging for money and pick pocketing on the more secluded streets.