Memphis, Tennessee, frequently appears on lists of America's most dangerous cities due to its high crime rate, but a longer stay reveals a city steeped in history and culture. From the iconic Graceland to the recently expanded National Civil Rights Museum, the city offers visitors a unique blend of past and present.
Historic Landmarks and New Attractions
The city is home to historic recording studios where rock 'n' roll legends recorded their greatest hits, nestled between modern takeaways and supermarkets. Family-owned restaurants dating back to the 1900s line the streets, and the city's grandest hotel, the Peabody, first opened its doors in 1860.
The Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King was assassinated, still stands just outside the city centre and now houses the National Civil Rights Museum. The museum was recently expanded, and The Shell, where Elvis Presley performed his first paid concert in 1954, celebrated its 90th birthday with a series of events. Next month, the new Memphis Art Museum opens after relocating from its original site, where it had stood since 1916.
Things to Do in Memphis
Graceland remains the top attraction, offering a detailed look at Elvis Presley's life, from his rhinestone-studded jumpsuits to an invoice for his swimming pool. Tours of the mansion start from $85. Nearby, Sun Studios, where Elvis was discovered alongside legends like Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and B.B. King, offers guided tours for $20, allowing visitors to stand in the same spot as the 'Million Dollar Quartet'.
For newer music, the Grind City Amphitheatre, a 4,500-capacity outdoor venue at the Grind City Brewery Company and Taproom, hosts concerts. Beale Street, declared the 'Home of Blues' by an act of Congress in 1977, is the heart of the city's nightlife, with popular spots like Mr. Handy's Blues Hall, B.B King's Blues Club, and Silly O'Sullivan's. A few blocks away, Earnestine & Hazel's, a former brothel and hotel once frequented by Tina Turner and Ray Charles, is now a dive bar known for its 'Soul Burger' and reportedly haunted history.
For a family-friendly activity, the Peabody Hotel marches its resident ducks along a red carpet to a fountain in the lobby every day at 11am and 5pm, a tradition overseen by a Duckmaster. However, the National Civil Rights Museum is considered a must-see, offering a comprehensive overview of the American Civil Rights Movement from slavery to the present day, ending in the room where Martin Luther King Jr. spent his final moments.
Where to Eat and Stay
Memphis is gaining recognition as one of the best food cities in the US. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, which started as a tavern in the 1950s, serves what GQ has called the finest fried chicken on earth. Central BBQ is a local favourite for classic Memphis barbecue, which traditionally focuses on pork with a dry rub. For a fancier meal, Itta Bena, located above B.B. King's Blues Club, offers generous portions, while Catherine & Mary's serves Tuscan and Sicilian cuisine. Breakfast at Arcade, Elvis Presley's favourite restaurant and the city's oldest, founded by a Greek family in 1919, is recommended for dishes like chocolate mudslide pancakes.
For drinks, Old Dominick has been distilling whiskey in Tennessee since 1866 and offers an Art of the Old Fashioned class. The Slider Inn serves a Jamieson Slushie for those wanting more whiskey. For exploring more of Tennessee, the Vonlane shuttle offers a three-hour journey to Nashville with reclining seats, meals, and drinks, with one-way fares starting from $132.
ARRIVE, a four-star hotel in a former factory, offers trendy and cosy accommodation with a cafe, bar, and fitness centre. It is located across the road from the Civil Rights Museum and within walking distance of several attractions. Rooms start at $161 per night.
