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Memphis is a city that is known for its rich musical history and Southern charm. There are many things to see and experience in this vibrant city that will leave visitors wanting more. From world-renowned barbecue to iconic musical landmarks, you’ll stay entertained and well fed here.
Here are five things you can’t miss on your visit.
5. Sun Studio
Sun Studio is where some of the most iconic musicians of the 1950s recorded some of their most famous songs. Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Lee Lewis are just a few of the greats who recorded here. Visitors can take a guided tour and see where music history was made.
Can’t Miss: If you’re looking to launch your own career, you can request a recording session at Sun Studio.
Address: 706 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103
4. Beale Street
Beale Street is Memphis’ most famous street and the heart of the city’s music scene. Many blues and jazz musicians got their start playing in the clubs along this street. Visitors can attend live music shows, shop for souvenirs and dine in one of the many restaurants.
Can’t Miss: Cue up “Walking in Memphis” and take a stroll through this 1.8-mile stretch of bars and restaurants.
Address: Beale Street runs from the Mississippi River to East Street
3. National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum is located at the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. It is a powerful tribute to the struggle for equal rights and features interactive exhibits, videos, and historical artifacts.
Can’t Miss: See Room 306 (where King was staying when he died), which is frozen in time with the bed made and food tray on the table.
Address: 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103
2. Memphis Barbecue
Memphis is known for its delicious barbecue, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. The best known is Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, which serves up some of the city’s best dry-rub barbecue ribs and has since 1948. Other popular spots include A&R Bar-B-Que, The Bar-B-Q Shop (the home of barbecue spaghetti), Central BBQ, and Cozy Corner Restaurant.
Can’t Miss: Try the barbecue spaghetti at The Bar-B-Q Shop. It sounds odd, but is surprisingly tasty and was one of Elvis’ favorites.
Address: Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous: 52 South 2nd Street, Memphis, TN 38103 | A&R Bar-B-Que: 1802 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38106 | The Bar-B-Q Shop: 1782 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104 | Central BBQ: 147 East Butler Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103 | Cozy Corner Restaurant: 735 North Parkway, Memphis, TN 38105
1. Graceland
You can’t go to Memphis without going to Graceland. It’s the former home of Elvis Presley and is one of the most famous landmarks in Memphis. Visitors can take a tour of the mansion to see the King’s personal possessions and learn more about his life.
Can’t Miss: Pay your respects to Elvis, Vernon and Gladys (his parents), Elvis’ grandmother Minnie Mae, his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley and her son, Benjamin.
Address: 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard Memphis, TN 38116
Whether you are a music fanatic, history buff, or just looking for some southern hospitality and lots of barbecue, Memphis has plenty to offer. These are just a few of the city’s top attractions that are sure to make your trip memorable.
Bonus Hotel Pick: The famous Peabody Memphis Hotel is probably best known for its resident ducks. The mallards that live there, splash around in the lobby’s fountain twice a day. The Peabody is elegant and has been in business for almost 150 years. Try a mint julep in the Lobby Bar and if you’re so inclined and want to spend $400+ for the honor, you can be like Oprah Winfrey and hold the title of Honorary Duckmaster for the day.
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
