Memphis was founded in 1819 and is the youngest of Tennessee’s major cities. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff south of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers. Its nicknames include: The Bluff City, The Blues City and it best known for being the Birthplace of Rock and Roll. Residents of Memphis are referred as a Memphians. So for today you are a bona fide Memphian, even if you are just visiting during your Mississippi River cruise.
Since we are Memphians we know that Brother Juniper’s offers the best breakfast around. Food, Family and Community are the key ingredients to Brother Juniper’s award-winning, nationally acclaimed restaurant. The Food Network’s very own Rachael Ray loves this home town breakfast spot with the San Diegan being her favorite meal.
Civil Rights
Our bellies are full so let’s hit the town and see what this great city has offer. Coming to the south you instinctively know that Memphis was one of the cities deeply rooted in the civil right struggle. So we head off to The National Civil Rights Museum. This institution examines the civil rights struggles faced fellow resident’s and the nation. Today, The National Civil Rights Museum is partially located in the Lorraine Motel, the very motel in which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.
If you want more history but have a passion for music, you must go to Graceland. Graceland was Elvis’ final home in Memphis and it’ where he died in 1977. The mansion tour is audio guided and takes visitors through the living room, music room, Elvis’s parents’ bedroom, the dining room, kitchen, TV room, poolroom, the famous Jungle Room, as well as the annex of the main house.
On a warm and sunny day, The Memphis Zoo is one of best attractions to visit. With over 3,500 animals housed on its 70 acres, the zoo offers hours of entertainment for children and adults alike.
Memphis Facts
The Memphis Zoo’s first resident was a black bear named Natch, a retired baseball mascot.
The Memphis Zoo was home to the world’s longest living hippopotamus, “Adonis,” who died in 1965 at the age of 54. The male hippo sired approximately 25 offspring in his lifetime giving the Zoo claim to being the “hippo capital of the world.”
Now that we have done some sight-seeing it’s time to do some shopping. With Memphis being steeped in history and culture I’m sure you’ll find something for everyone.
Museums
Our first stop is the Lansky at the Peabody. While musicians like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and B.B. King provided the sound of Memphis, Lansky Brothers provided their fashion sense. Most well-known for Elvis’s Hi-boy collars, peg-legged pants, and pink/black combinations, they have been bringing the funkiest and hottest looks to Memphis for more than 50 years.
If you love to read, then Burke’s Book Store is the place for you. Burke’s is one of the country’s oldest bookstores and likely one of Memphis’s oldest operating businesses having open in 1875. In keeping with finding those one of kind pieces Palladio Antiques gives you more to see. With an array of antiques and collectibles, and random vintage finds, Palladio offers some of the highest-end antiques in the city, as well as a fantastic collection of works from local and regional artists. With 75 different booths you’ll have tons to browse so plan your time wisely.
As our fun-filled day winds down it’s time to explores Memphis’s night life and where else to hit the town the Beale Street. Beale street is immersed is history with USA Today calling it America’s Most Iconic Street, Tennessee’s top attraction and The Official Home of Blues. With more than 25 clubs and shops lining the street it’s no wonder Beale Street attracts both locals and visitors alike.
Activities
Memphis, Tennessee is known for its rich musical history and delicious barbecue. If you only have one day to spend in Memphis, here are some top things to do:
Visit Graceland. Graceland is the former home of Elvis Presley and is now a museum dedicated to his life and career.
Explore Beale Street. Beale Street is a historic street that’s known for its music clubs, restaurants, and shops. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Memphis.
Visit the National Civil Rights Museum. The National Civil Rights Museum is located at the site of the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It’s a powerful museum that tells the story of the civil rights movement in America.
Try some Memphis-style barbecue. Memphis-style barbecue is famous for its dry rubs and slow cooking. There are many great barbecue restaurants to choose from in Memphis, so be sure to try some while you’re there.
Take a stroll along the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River runs through Memphis, and there’s a beautiful riverfront park that’s perfect for a stroll. You’ll also find great views of the city skyline.
Visit Beale Street
Hard Rock Café:
The world-famous Hard Rock Cafe serves up great food and music as well as a merchandise store full of Hard Rock souvenirs. In addition, music lovers will enjoy the music memorabilia filling the walls of the cafe.
B B King’s Blues Club:
The Memphis location of B.B. King’s Blues Club was the first of this national chain of clubs. They always have great blues and delicious food and a good sized crowd almost every night of the week.
Coyote Ugly Saloon:
If you’ve seen the movie, then you know what this bar is all about. Though a relative newbie to Beale Street, there are other locations across the U.S.
The Pig on Beale:
The Pig is all about Memphis-style barbecue. Whether you want BBQ sandwiches, ribs, or smoked turkey, you can get it at The Pig along with great blues music all weekend long.
We have reached the end of our one-day travel journey in Memphis, Tennessee. Travel on down the great Mississippi and see more of what they to offer.
Travel Locations to check out:
Brother Juniper’s
3519 Walker Ave,
Memphis, TN 38111
(901)324-0144
Menu: http://brotherjunipers.com/breakfast.html
The National Civil Rights Museum is located in downtown at:
450 Mulberry Street
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 521-9699
or contact@civilrightsmuseum.org
The Memphis Zoo
2000 Galloway Ave.
Memphis, TN 38112
Visiting Graceland:
3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard
Memphis, TN 38186
901-332-3322 (local)
800-238-2000 (toll free)
www.elvis.com
Lansky at the Peabody
149 Union Ave
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: 901-529-9070
Burke’s Book Store
936 S. Cooper
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: 901-278-7484
www.burkesbooks.com
Palladio Antiques
2169 Central Ave
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: 901-276-3808
http://palladiomemphis.com/
Beale Street
