On the banks of the Mississippi, right on the western edge of Tennessee, there is no bigger city to explore for its famous southern charm than Memphis, Tennessee. A three-hour drive from Nashville Memphis is a city not to be forgotten when visiting Tennessee, and of course there are many great restaurants, bars, shops, museums, hotels and much more.
The Memphis Pink Palace Museum houses a planetarium and cultural history exhibits, and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art (1916) is the oldest museum in the state. The city also houses the Rock and Soul Museum of Memphis, which was developed in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution. Meeman Shelby Forest State Park is located north of this city and there are many other parks and recreational areas as well as a number of museums and galleries.
For those who do not know: here was born the late Elvis Presley, who was one of the most famous and influential musicians of all time. It is a multi-purpose building near the city centre and houses a number of museums and galleries as well as a variety of restaurants, bars and hotels.
His son Jefferson Davis Jr. died during the yellow fever epidemic of 1878 in Memphis and his daughter Margaret married Addison Hayes in 1876 at St. Lazarus Episcopal Church. Elvis Presley put Memphis on the map of rock music, but Graceland is home to the King of Rock 'n'Roll itself, which dominated the music scene for many decades, but has been forgotten since its launch in Memphis. Memphis has also made a huge contribution to the development of soul music, as there have been a number of major soul artists who have recorded in Memphis or call it their home. St. Jude's Hospital has made important progress in the fight against catastrophic childhood diseases.
The Memphis Zoo has been open since 1906 and is the oldest zoo in the United States and one of the longest open-air zoos in North America. Cooper, the youngest borough in Memphis, is housed in an old beauty salon still so decorated.
In the course of the next century Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette traded with the Indians, and Hernando de Soto is said to have had a great influence on the development of the city and its economy. Jackson was named after the ancient Egyptian city in honor of its ancient ruler, Egypt's first king Ayman of Egypt.
In 1862, the federal forces won a gunboat battle on the Memphis River, and General Sherman was able to take the city. In August 1864, the death of General Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Army's capture of Memphis raised Confederate morale and had an impact on the war's outcome.
Today, attractions, museums and restaurants in Memphis are starting to reopen and plans are being made with new security protocols in place. As you prepare to travel, check this list to see which must-spots are open - see Memphis spots - and subscribe to our e-newsletter to be updated.
This is honestly one of the best things to do in Memphis on your trip and it is truly a unique - or - friendly experience for those who love a good night out. Meeting Ernestine Hazel's for a few drinks and a few eyebrows - getting people to watch is a real taste of Memphis nightlife.
With all this in mind, I wanted to show you some of the best things to do on your trip to Memphis, and some of my favorite places in town.
Central Barbeque is one of the best restaurants in Memphis City and is considered by its contemporaries to be the Peabody Hotel. This place is a well-known nightspot, so it has a youthful atmosphere. Restaurants include the famous Blue Ridge Grill and some of Memphis' most popular bars and restaurants.
The Memphis City farmers market is located in the heart of the city and offers everything you need: produce, meat, dairy, eggs, fruits and vegetables and other groceries.
Cooper Young has increased its shopping in recent years, and there are a number of unique Memphis options. Noble boutiques and local favourites are located around the city centre, which offers a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and restaurants. South Main has a wide selection of restaurants and bars that are packed with historic buildings, as well as a wide selection of craft beers, wines and spirits. Memphis is uniquely located in the heart of the city with its diverse shopping and dining options, but you will also find some unique shopping on the square, which is located in the heart of the theater district of Memphis.
In many ways, Beale Street feels like the entertainment district of Memphis, and if you haven't visited the main street on one of your trips to Memphis, it would be a shame. When you return from your trip to Memphis, you will have no idea what grilled meat you would eat or what hospitality the Memphis locals in the South would enjoy. Memphis doesn't have public transportation, so there's no Lyft, but you can sing along to a variety of music and dance performances on the streets of downtown as well as in local bars and restaurants.