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Memphis is credited for being the home of the founders and pioneers of various American music genres, including Memphis soul, Memphis blues, gospel and rock n' roll. Musicians, among them Aretha Franklin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Al Green and B.B. King had their start in Memphis in the 1950s and 1960s.
Beale Street, the heart of downtown Memphis, is a national historical landmark. It runs two miles from the Mississippi River to East Street and its significance is immeasurable. From music to civil rights, the events that have taken place here have left an indelible mark of spirit, perseverance and creativity.
There is so much to do in Memphis, we simply don't have enough space to list them all, but here are out top ten things to see and do.
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Visit Sun City Recording Studio
Elvis Presley got his start at this small studio just east of downtown Memphis. Today, you can take a tour to learn all about Memphis’ musical lore from local artists who serve as tour guides. Plus, you can even stand at the microphone where the King of Rock & Roll himself made history while crooning “That’s All Right.”You must visit the Nation Civil Rights Museum
Built on the site of Dr Martin Luther King Jr's 1968 assassination, the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel immerses visitors in the struggles of achieving civil rights from slavery through the 1960s and today. Experience first-hand accounts of events through artifacts, special displays, video presentations, and more.Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the most iconic streets in America. It is three blocks of nightclubs, restaurants and shops in the heart of downtown Memphis, and a melting pot of delta blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll, R&B and gospel.
A must-visit.
The Mississippi River has been the source of music, films, TV and literature since Mark Twain wrote about it. Take a walk or a cycle over the pedestrian Big River Crossing into West Memphis, Arkansas and tick off another US State. Take in the sweeping views of the river and the downtown skyline while enjoying the bridge's seasonal light displays.
For those more adventurous you can hire a kayak and go for a paddle or jump on an authentic paddle steamer and take a leisurely trip up and down the river.
Stax Museum - a must for all music fans
Take a trip to Soulsville in southern Memphis to visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Built on the site of Stax Records, the museum offers a fun- and music-filled look at the origins of Memphis soul, focusing on legends like Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, and Booker T. & the M.G.'s. You can also get a close-up look at Isaac Hayes’ gold-plated, fur-lined Cadillac.Parade of Ducks! Yes you heard us right, see the Parade of Ducks
Each day at 11 am, a small but mighty parade of adorable ducks makes their way from the rooftop of the Peabody Hotel across the lobby to the marble fountain, which is where they spend the day. Led by their red-coated Duckmaster, the feathered friends then return upstairs at 5 p.m. Kids get front-row seats to the march, while adults can enjoy a cocktail from the Lobby Bar.Graceland - home of the King
No trip to Memphis will be complete without going to the home of Elvis Presley - Graceland. Here visitors can learn more about the artist’s origins and see his '70s home décor, including the famous Jungle Room. Across the street—and next to several cafes and other museums dedicated to music—you’ll find a relatively new museum featuring Elvis’ collection of classic cars.One of our Sales Experts visited Memphis and took in all things Elvis, read the blog here.
Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum
The Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, or the Burkle Estate, draws visitors back to the pre-Civil War era. The main house was once used as a shelter for slaves along the Underground Railroad. The home's owner, Jacob Burkle, was a part of the antislavery movement and offered refuge to those trying to escape slavery. The 19th-century home is filled with secret passages and trap doors that were used by runaway slaves attempting to flee north to freedom. The estate also features artifacts portraying the brutal conditions for slaves in the South.Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
If you're a fan of soul music or rock 'n' roll and want to learn more about how Memphis played a part in the roots of these genres, you should consider adding the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum to your itinerary. Exploring Memphis' musical influence, from the rural field hollers and sharecroppers of the 1930s to the emergence of Sun, Stax and Hi Records, this Smithsonian Institution affiliate offers visitors a comprehensive Memphis music experience. With the help of an audio guide, travellers can explore seven galleries featuring more than 30 instruments, 40 costumes and 100 songs.Memphis Heritage Trail
Take a stroll along the Memphis Heritage Trail which will take you to numerous landmarks that illustrate the many ways African Americans have contributed to the city's history. This walking museum spans 20 blocks in the downtown area and features a variety of themed itineraries that allow travellers to tour different areas of the city based on a specific interest.