Some of the best things to do in Memphis are centred on music, specifically blues, soul, plus rock ‘n’ roll. Located along on the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, the city has plenty of music-dedicated museums, such as Sun Studio, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, plus the Blues Hall of Fame. Be sure to make a trip to Graceland, where you can visit Elvis Presley’s mansion plus grave.
There are also plenty of family-friendly sites in plus around Memphis, including a 4,500-acre park with cycling plus horse trails, an open-air amphitheatre, plus even a shopping mall shaped like a pyramid. Foodies can santai delectable barbecues at hundreds of restaurants around Memphis. If you plan your holiday around May, you’ll be able to experience the locals’ love for this regional speciality at the world’s largest pork barbecue contest.
1
Graceland
Explore dozens of exhibitions dedicated to Elvis Presley: Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, displays the iconic musician’s record collection, accolades, plus personal items. The estate is around 9 miles south of downtown Memphis but attracts thousands of visitors looking to learn more about the rock ‘n’ roll artist. You’re provided with an iPad plus headphones to guide you through Graceland’s many rooms on the tour, including the famous Jungle Room.
It’s a good idea to plan your visit in the early morning as it can get very crowded later in the day. The estate is busiest during Memphis’ Elvis Week festival, which usually takes place in August. If you’re feeling peckish, check out Elvis Presley’s Memphis – this 200,000-sq-ft entertainment complex has plenty of bars plus restaurants, as well as gift shops selling Elvis Presley memorabilia.
2
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Watch a live show by students of Stax Music Academy: Stax Museum of American Soul Music showcases Memphis’ roots in soul music, paying tribute to local legends such as Otis Redding plus Carla Thomas. Occupying the site of Stax Records Studio, the museum displays stage costumes, musical instruments, vintage recording equipment, plus interactive exhibits – there’s even an Express Yourself dancefloor, where you can show off your moves with vintage episodes of Soul Train playing on floor-to-ceiling screens.
One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the Wall of Sound gallery, which has floor-to-ceiling cases containing records plus singles dating back from between 1957 plus 1975. Stax Museum of American Soul Music often hosts live music events by young plus aspiring students of Stax Music Academy, along with panel discussions plus community outreach programmes.