Good Lifestyle

What isElvis Presley, Barbecue cuisine and Fedex all have in common? For those who do not already tap the back, the answer is Memphis, Tennessee. The city is the place where the music giant has created its beloved Graceland Estate. It also houses more than 100 specialized barbecue restaurants, and yes, this is where "America's Distribution Center" was founded. Of course, the list ofThings to do in Memphis extends far beyond pork, packages and Presley. The city is mainly considered to be the Maison de la Musique Blues and the birthplace of rock 'n' roll. He also has the historic street of Beale, which was electedmost emblematic street in America. Below, we will discuss even more attractions of Memphis who deserve to be visited in town. Continue reading to start.

Read this then:38 impressive things to do in Dallas.

24 Best things to do in Memphis, Tennessee

Consult our list of the best things to do in Memphis before booking your trip. We will cover where to go with children, as a couple or alone!

Take a walk in the city center of Memphis

The city center of Memphis contains some of the most famous attractions in the city, making it an ideal place to launch your trip. The region is also incredibly accessible on foot, so you don't have to worry about navigating by car. The city also contains more than 60 miles of cycle paths for those looking for another alternative.

In addition to retail and hospitality hot spots, the city center of Memphis offers some of the city's best landscapes and natural attractions. The Mississippi river crosses the region, offering picturesque views and different types of water adventures. There are also a lot of urban parks and nearby hiking opportunities.

And of course, there is music. The city center is also located in the emblematic rue Beale, known for its live music scene. Places like Rum Boogie Café, B.B. King's Blues Club, Silky O'Sullivan's, and Hard Rock Café helps to compose neon, a chain of restaurants, clubs and places that have contributed to the musical heritage of the city ​​and continue to work today.

Visit the National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis is considered one of the best heritage and cultural museums in the country. The location was presented on The History Channel and CNN, in USA TODAY, and was even the accent put by the documentary nominated at the OscarsThe witness: from the balcony of the room 306.

The museum was created for the first time in 1991 in former Lorraine Motel, the same placeDr Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. Thanks to a combination of interactive exhibitions, historical collections, specialized teachers and special events, the National Civil Rights Museum documents the difficulties suffered during this period. Just as important, the museum also highlights the progress that the civil rights movement has contributed to achieving.

Take a walk in Shelby Farms Park

Shelby Farms Park is not the largest urban park in Memphis - at 4,500 acres, it also represents one of the largest in the whole country. Located in the heart of the city, the park contains more than 40 miles of trails (cobblestones and not paved), for walking, cycling, jogging and hiking. It also contains the Shelby Farms Greenline, a 10.65 mile paved path that connects to the neighboring community of Cordova. In addition, there are more than 20 bodies of water dispersed in the park.

Now here's something that probably distinguishes Shelby Farms from other parks. The place also houses abuffalo herd. Park supervisorTommy Hill brought back a few in 1998 as part of a conservation effort. Today, the group has increased to around 15 members and claimed around 50 acres from the park for themselves.

Regarding more traditional attractions, the park also contains a playground, a spraying field, a dog park and some different restaurants. If that is not enough to occupy your time, you can always test other adventures, including laser tours and postal visits.

Discover the Stax Museum of American Soul Music

The Stax of American Soul Music museum has declared the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Stax discs and American soul music. Located on the original site of Stax Records studio, the museum pays tribute to the musicians who recorded there with other legends of the American soul.

The museum also offers more in -depth exploration of the genre through interactive exhibitions, films, stage costumes, music instruments and vintage recording equipment. In total, it contains more than 2,000 elements of memories and artifacts in its collection.

Inside, visitors will find a country church, which many initiates consider the "real place of birth" of soul music. There is also the sadly famous sound wall, which is lined with ceiling with albums and singles released by Stax and its subsidiary labels. In addition to other rotary galleries, there is also a dance floor where visitors are encouraged to relax and let music move them.

Read this then:26 things to do in Phoenix: hikes, history and museums.

Take a walk in Beale Street

We know, we have already talked about this attraction, but the location is so famous that we thought it deserved its own slot machine. Beale Street first arrived on the map during the 19ths roaring, when things were a bit wild. Visits to nightclubs, theaters and local stores have often taken place alongside the game, alcohol, voodoo and even murder.

Although things have certainly calmed down over the years, the emblematic street has always released this same "carnival atmosphere" that he did all these years ago. Today, the three -block region contains some of the most popular restaurants, music places and nightclubs in the city.

You will probably also notice that the street is bordered by brass notes. These monuments help immortalize musicians, composers, disc jockeys, promoters and music supporters who helped Beale Street to repair themselves. Keep an eye on famous names likeB.B. King,,JERRY LEWIS,,Johnny Cash, and evenJustin Timberlake.

The region also hosts festivals on the city scale throughout the year, which means that you will have a lot to see and do, even without specific destination.

See Memphis Botanical Garden

The Memphis botanical garden contains more than 96 acres of lush botanical screens. With more than 30 specialized gardens and a level 4 arboretum, visitors are sure to leave with a new knowledge of plants, flowers and trees, and a renewed appreciation of our environment.

Although the Memphis botanical garden was not officially established before 1966, the land was cultivated for the first time in 1819. Today, it contains a wide range of trails, water characteristics and plants . Visitors are invited to explore his butterfly garden, his prehistoric plant path, his Japanese maple grove and much more. There is also a children's garden on site for families visiting young children.

In 2014, the Garden unveiled its new place of show arts, now called the Radians amphitheater, which hosts a series of musical events and live festivals throughout the year.

Nourish animals at the Memphis zoo

With more than 4,500 animals, the Memphis zoo offers a lot to see. Exhibitions range from aquatic species to tropical birds, great mammals of African Veldt, large cats, farm animals and much more. The organization is also a major participant in national conservation efforts.

Educational programs also take place regularly. The options include guided tours, dissection laboratories and evening escapades to observe the night species of the zoo. Animal meetings are also available, depending on the season. There is also a splash park and some different places to eat on the property in case you need to cool and feed.

Sun Studio Tour

Memphis is perhaps known as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, but Sun Studio is really the place where this heritage was born. It is considered to be the location of discovery of musical legends and genres such as blues, gospel, country, rock and soul music.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

A trip to Sun Studio also unlocks certain unique experiences that you will not want to miss. Visitors can be held in the same place that Elvis has recorded for the first time, for example. Guided tours also provide interior details on other famous faces that attended the studio. A studio trip will even grant you access to the release of recording sessions and access to never advanced clips of some of the most famous musicians in the world.

The best part? It always works as a traditional recording studio. If you wish, you can head after carrying out daytime operations for a five -hour block and a chance to save using their signature equipment.

Read this then:34 things to do in Kansas City.

Spend the history of Historic Peabody one night

Known as "Grand Hotel du Sud", the Peabody Memphis is widely celebrated for its charm, its elegance, its hospitality and its rich history. Originally organized in 1869, the hotel obtained a place in the national register of historic places.

It is also world -renowned for its five resident ducks, which you can see daily walks in the hall. This detail is often underlined at the bar, where cocktails are sometimes decorated with pint -size rubber ducks.

If you don't want to spend the night, you can always stop at the Peabody hotel for dinner and drinks. You can choose from classic French cuisine with relaxed meals, or simplyEnjoy a nightclub at the hall bar.

Make a cruise on river boats on the Mississippi river

Enjoy the Mississippi river by boat! Cruises are offered daily and offer a detailed history of the region as well as spectacular views of the city. Different options are available, ranging from traditional tourist visits to river cruises with dinner and drinks. You can even register for thematic excursions like Midnight Booze Cruises or jazz brunches (this option is only available on Sunday).

Of course, if you hope to explore the river on Earth, you can still hang out in some of the city's rivers like Greenbelt or Fourth Bluff Park. Visitors must also keep an eye on Tom Lee park. Although currently under construction, the new attraction will soon adapt to spaces for children's games, sports and fitness, private events, concerts, dinners and outdoor education.

Explore the Memphis Music Hall of Fame

The Memphis Music Hall of Fame celebrates some of the greatest musicians of all time. The tribute also contains a museum, where visitors can learn more about the enthronement and how they are selected. Producers, engineers, registration industry professionals, writers, promoters and radio professionals are also taken into account throughout the induction process.

The organization also offers new artists to help pass the word on new and future talents. Visitors can also enjoy memories never seen, video performance and interviews.

Bring the children to the Memphis children's museum

The Children's Museum of Memphis has been active since 1987. The practical environment offers new and exciting means for children to practice language, literacy, fine motor skills and social skills.

In addition to the main attractions such as its large carousel, Splash Park and its climbing wall, the museum has also established designated spaces for role play activities. Whether they fill as a dentist, stores, farmer or chef, these types of exercises will help facilitate creativity, imagination and problem solving skills.

And that's not all. In addition to the 30+ activities and game stations, the museum also hosts different types of programs, creative dance lessons in the weekly tale, scientific experiences, etc.

Read this then:28 fun things to do in Salt Lake City.

Have an idea of ​​the past in the Victorian village

The Victorian village of Memphis was once a popular residential destination among the rich elite. The cotton magnates and the magnate of river boats bought the property in this area to build their houses. Between 1845 and 1890, more than a dozen Victorian style areas of three and four floors were built along the so-called "millionaire row".

Although many of these families have abandoned their homes while the neighborhood has become less exclusive, several residences are standing today. Visitors can launch a visit to the region by visiting the Woodruff Fontaine House Museum or the Mallory Neely House, which contains original furniture, parquet and stained glass.

Of course, home visits are not everyone's idea of ​​a good time, but if scary stuff is, you are still lucky. According to local legend, the Woodruff-Fontaine house houses the ghost ofMollie Fontaine. It is believed that the building is one of the most haunted places in the city. You can register for a visit to the property if you want to get closer to the spirits. The place is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday and can even be rented for private holidays.

Take advantage of certain show arts at the theater orpheum

Speaking of frightening places, the Theater Orpheum is located in downtown Memphis, with operations dating from 1890. We are not enjoying haunted stuff. According to the inhabitants, the place is often visited by a 12 -year -old childGhost named Mary, who was killed by a tram in front of the building when he attended a show with his family.

Of course, this is not the only thing for which the attraction is known. The building was a hot spot for the artists of Vaudeville until it burns in 1923. After having reoped in 1928 like the Orpheum theater, the building became known for its organ performance. Over the next ten years, some of the best artists in the country -Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, andEddie Cantor- was invited on stage.

Today, the building has gone to the national register of historic places and remains a major destination for the theater aficionados located near and far. Regular performance includes a Broadway series, Memphis ballet productions, various concerts and local cultural and community events.

Stop at BB King's Blues Club

BB King's Blues Club has two locations, one in Memphis and one in Montgomery. You can also find club performance at sea all along various cruise ships, but that will have no impact on your trip to the South. Not only does the place offer one of the best live music experiences in the country, but it is also delivered with delicious southern specialties, including boys, shrimp and grain and barbecue chicken.

Of course, there is also a full bar so that you can get involved with a signature cocktail in hand, like a "Memphis Margarita" or "Love on the Delta". Make sure you check the schedule before stopping. In this way, you can get the opportunity to see the house group play and learn more about the other musicians in the city during your visit.

Visit the Memphis Rock 'N' Soul Museum

The Memphis Rock 'N' Soul Museum was created by the Smithsonian Institute to pay tribute to the people who had to overcome racial prejudices and socio-economic barriers to continue their love of music.

A digital audio visit is available so that visitors can visit the Museum's seven galleries at their own pace. Things begin with the Rural Hollers and Sharecroppers of the 1930s, transitioning into the rise of the sun, Stax and Hi Records and, ultimately, the musical peak of Memphis in the 70s.

In total, the tour provides more than 300 minutes of information, including more than 100 songs. The museum also includes more than 30 musical instruments, 40 costumes and other "musical treasures".

Read this then:27 things to do in Austin for children, couples and adults.

Take a photo of the Memphis pyramid

Welcome to one of the largest pyramids in the world. And yes, it's in Memphis. The 321 feet structure opened its doors for the first time in 1991 and represents the sixth largest pyramid in the world.

And this is not the only thing to note on the initial unveiling of the building. As confirmed byKevin Kane, CEO and president of Memphis Tourism, there wasA crystal skull Initially welded to its apex, although it was deleted later. He was placed there byIsaac Tgrett, the founder of the Hard Rock Cafe, who thought that his "mystical powers" would offer prosperity and success.

Originally, the Memphis pyramid was initially used to accommodate basketball matches from the University of Memphis throughout the 90s, although the accent has changed when the NBA grizzles arrived at Memphis. Even again, basketball is not responsible for the most famous sporting moment in the arena. This hat goes to the infamous fight betweenLennon Lewis andMike Tyson.

Unfortunately, a few years later, the Grizzlies moved and the arena was left empty, but not for long. Shortly after the move, founder of Bass Pro ShopsJohnny Morris decided to take over. In addition to - yes, you guessed it - a large pro -shop bass, the pyramid now contains a hotel, a bowling alley, two restaurants, an archery range and an interior marsh with more than 1800 Fish, alligator swimming pools and avian duck.

Enjoy a fried country steak at Bryan breakfast

Go to Bryan breakfast for a truly authentic Memphis breakfast. The establishment was opened byJimmy and Jayne Bryant To honor Jimmy's late mother, who was known for her appetizing cookies and her southern breakfast.

Although long and high intensity of labor, each cookie served in the building is handcrafted. Other popular menu articles include country ham, omelets, sauce and grain. The restaurant was even named "Best Memphis cookie" byCommercial call,,theDaily newspaper of Memphis, and was even presented inEsquire magazine andUnited States today.

Today, the establishment is maintained by their children, who can be found working on the counter.

Visit the Memphis Museum of Science & History

The Memphis Museum of Science & History (Mosh) is an excellent destination for individuals of all ages. In addition to its vast collection of permanent and rotating exhibitions, the museum contains other attractions, including a giant screen theater, a center of nature and a planetarium.

While certain pieces detail more modern history, from Stonewall riots to the rise of artificial intelligence, others also contain more traditional screens, including skeletons and skulls of massive apex predators. Other points of interest include a mother coffin, Native American pottery and a rex animatronic tyrannosaurus.

Discover the Pink Palace Museum

Although technically part of the mosh, the Pink Palace Museum provides such an extensive display that we thought that it justified its own place on our list. The 36,500 square feet building was initially built as a residence forClarence Saunders, the father of the self-service grocery store and founder of The Piggly Wiggly.

Construction began in 1922, but in 1923, Saunders was forced to declare bankruptcy and could never move. Finally, the house was sold to the city of Memphis and fell into the hands of Mosh, which claims it as "the largest artifact."

Inside, visitors can explore artifacts and additional specimens collected at the beginning of the 20th century. The manor also contains a complete replica of the Piggly Wiggly store and the Clyde Park Miniature Circus. The idea is to allow visitors to better experience Memphis' culture as it existed in the 1930s.

Read this then:29 things to do in Nashville for children and adults.

Back to Autozone Park

Baseball fans will likely want to sneak in a trip to Autozone Park. Located in downtown Memphis, the minor league baseball stadium is home to Memphis Redbirds. The team has been playing the 10,000 -seat stadium for over 20 years.

And if baseball is not your thing, don't worry. The stadium is also doubled from the concert hall. Festivals and other sporting events also take place throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit.

Have a bite with Jerry snow cones

What started as a Sinclair service station has become one of the most delicious destinations in all Memphis. Jerry's Snow Cones has been active since the 1960s, although the word has not been released until it is presented in the filmLarge fire balls. After that, famous people began to introduce themselves, and that interested the city dwellers.

Although they cannot attribute the merit of having invented the snow cone, they presented the "supreme snow cone", which includes a ball of additional ice cream on the top. If you are in a mood for something more salty, the place also offers a full menu of hot dishes - we are talking about burgers, corn dogs, queso dip, corn chips, etc.

Explore the Belz Museum

Jack and Marlyn Belz Begun in investing in Asian art in 1968. In 1995, the couple's collection had developed considerably, so they decided that he could not do any harm to give some pieces. What started with a few articles going to a temporary exhibition turned into an entire collection housed in what we now know under the name of Belz Museum.

While the couple is often celebrated for their Asian and Judaic collection, the museum is also recognized for their gallery of holocaust memorials. Educational programs are also offered throughout the year, especially for children from kindergarten to 12th year. Guided tours are also available. If you wish, you can even rent the place for a private event. Just be sure to find out about their event schedule before starting to make arrangements.

Take a walk in Mud Island Park

It is not an island and it is barely made of mud (in fact, most are composed of silt, gravel and sand), but it is always worth visiting. Mud Island Park is just on the Mississippi river and near the city center. In addition to its incredible views, the area offers a lot of green space for sunbathing, picnics and lawn games.

It also presents the new 50 -foot "Memphis" panel, which quickly became one of the most photographed attractions in the city. There is also the Mississippi River Museum on "the island", which contains thousands of artifacts linked to the history of the river. Although the park's largest attraction is its amphitheater. Keep an eye on the events planned before your trip, as the Big River made a festival which takes place here every year.

Wrap

It is an envelopment on the best things to do in Memphis, but be sure to come back with us soon!Travel, supported byBetter life, is committed to helping you find your next adventure.Subscribe to our newsletter To take advantage of advice supported by experts to navigate our favorite American destinations!

Faq

What is Memphis for?

Memphis is known as the Maison de la Musique Blues and the birthplace of rock 'n' roll. Many musical pioneers have flocked to the city over the years to record. Some of the most famous names include Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Chuck Berry.

What are the best things to do in Memphis for couples?

Memphis is an ideal place to explore with your significant other. Not only is the city full of interesting attractions, but there are also many opportunities to sneak in a little romance. Some of our favorite activities for couples include:

• Reserve one night at the Peabody hotel
• Take a cruise on river boats on the Mississippi river
• Explore the city center of Memphis on foot
• Enjoy live music on Beale Street
• Do a Sun Studio tour
• Have a picnic at Shelby Farms Park
• See a show at orpheum Theater

What are the things to do in Memphis with children?

Memphis receives10 million visitors Each year, many of them are families. If you are part of this growing demography, then you are lucky. There are a lot to do in Memphis with children. We have listed some of our favorites below.

• Nourish animals at the Memphis zoo
• Explore the Mud river park
• Discover the marsh in the pyramid of Memphis
• Visit the Memphis children's museum
• Go to Memphis Museum of Science and History
• Take advantage of a treat at Jerry's Snow Connes
• Visit the Fire Museum of Memphis

What are the best attractions of Memphis for adults?

Although there is a lot to do for children and couples, Memphis is a big city for adults to explore. Between international jazz festivals, blues clubs and other forms of entertainment on Beale Street, you are sure to stay entertained. Here are some of our favorite stops.

• The National Museum of Civil Rights
• BB King's Blues Club
• The Memphis Rock 'museum' n 'soul
• The Stax Museum of American Soul Music
• Graceland Domaine
• Alex's Tavern
• Memphis Music Hall of Fame