Published 19th Aug. 2022
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The soulful city of Memphis, in southwestern Tennessee, is the beating heart of the south. This is a city that has risen from the shores of the Mississippi River, one of the most famous bodies of water in the US, bringing with it a wealth of influential strains of music and food and people from all walks of life. For deep south enthusiasts, discovering things to do Memphis-style has become a must, from jumping and jiving in the footsteps of Graceland King Elvis to singing on the microphone used by Johhny Cash, in the legendary Sun Studios, to lay down tracks. There is much to be sung about on USA holidays here, as you feel the warmth and deep-rooted sense of community and unity which has shaped this soulful spot into the must-see destination that it has quickly become.
No Memphis moment would be complete without a musical pilgrimage to the famous Sun Studios. Nestled among the hustle and bustle of Union Avenue, building 706 is steeped in history but blink and you might miss it. The brick exterior may be unassuming, but this shouldn’t deter music buffs, as inside there is a treasure trove of booths, a cool bar and a collection of records from Sun Studio stars lining the walls, creating an eclectic musical time capsule. From the hip swinging King Elvis to the legendary Johnny Cash, many music legends found a home here before they found fame, earning this musical spot worldwide recognition. And these days, the Sun’s fire continues to burn bright.
The southern sun warms the soul and those brave enough to pound the streets in the midday heat. It makes many welcome the excuse to cool off and it’s why countless Memphians find themselves snaking their way around the block of 1657 Wells Station Road, aka Jerry’s Snow cones. The fast moving but long lines reassure the patient queuers that this frozen dessert spot is a must when it comes to things to do in Memphis especially as it offers dozens of flavourful combinations to tantalise the tastebuds. There’s everything from root beer to the electric slide and even a snow cone topped with creamy soft serve ice cream (giving you the best of both worlds!) - just don’t forget your dollars as Jerry’s is cash only.
The iconic flickering neon lights pave the three blocks of uber cool clubs, restaurants and vintage shops that make up Beale Street. All roads appear to lead to this hub in downtown Memphis, where delta blues, rock ‘n’ roll, gospel and jazz spill into the streets and find their way into the hearts of all that walk its paths. Find your beat at B.B. King’s Blues Club and The Rum Boogie Café (where staff insist you eat, drink, boogie, repeat) where bands jam deep into the night and act as the dawn chorus for those able to pull an all-nighter in the name of music.
Follow in the footsteps of the 400 years' worth of African American history that has shaped this nation on a tour of the National Civil Rights Museum. Found at the historic Lorraine Motel, where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, the museum gives an informative and interactive overview of the American Civil Rights Movement from slavery to the present day. The contemporary exhibits explore everything from slavery to Black Power, as they tackle voting rights, immigration and more with nods to the iconic figures that have played pivotal roles in pioneering for change. The grounds offer countless moments of reflection and contemplation and are a must for travellers seeking to truly understand Memphis.
The kitsch and slick Beauty Shop Restaurant offers visitors a dining experience unlike any other, complete with 50s hairdryers and an interior bathed in baby pink hues and flecks of mint green. This former beauty shop styled the likes of Priscilla Presley and her iconic beehive and while the menu no longer offers perms, cuts, washes and blow-dries, it still feels reflective of an age gone by. Now it boasts hearty meals in true southern style, with some unlikely pairings...like watermelon and wings and pork and peach (but it works!).
The latest biopic by director Baz Luhrmann offered a new kaleidoscopic portrait of Elvis Presley, aka the King of rock’n’roll, as it hit screens around the world and reignited that universally-felt interest in the life of one of the biggest musical legends. Even now, thousands continue to flock to the stars’ private retreat and home which is just 15 minutes outside of Memphis, as they seek to understand the inner workings of the icon. Visitors can explore the grand mansion, walk through the peaceful gardens that provided Presley with pockets of solitude and even tour the aircraft (named after his daughter Lisa Marie) that he travelled on from show to show. This tour is one of the top things to do in Memphis and the mansion is loaded with history, garish costumes, artefacts and personal mementos from Elvis and his family, all of which confirms why so many fell and continue to fall in love with the southern spot that is Memphis.
From New York to California and all the states in between, our team knows the USA's hotspots incredibly well. What we really excel at, though, is the under-the-radar regions, thanks to our in-depth experience and the hand-picked guides we work with on the ground. Whether you’re travelling as a family or à deux, road trips are the ultimate way to explore the USA, and we're brimming with suggestions to improve journeys, from scenic route options to photogenic stop-off points (all based on our own experiences, of course). And if that's not enough, you'll have our in-country Concierge team on hand at all times for extra help and advice.
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