Things To Do In Memphis
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Memphis, known as the “home of the blues” and “birthplace of rock and roll”, attracts many tourists each year. Its also famous for being the BBQ capital of the world and infamous for being the place Martin Luther King, Jr was assassinated. Some historical attractions, like the Civil Rights Museum and Sun Studios, are must-dos. According to our Memphis Moms, here are some other things to do in Memphis as well.
AutoZone Park
Memphis hosts the St. Louis Cardinals’ AAA division team, the Memphis Redbirds. Construction of the stadium reportedly cost more than any other minor league stadium in the US, and it shows. AutoZone Park sits right on Union, smack dab in the middle of the city surrounded by high-rising office buildings and luxury apartments. The central location makes it easy to walk to from numerous parking garages, shops, bars, and hotels.
Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo has become one of the most popular zoos in the country. That might be because of two giant Pandas named YaYa and LeLe. Apparently, Pandas are rare. Even in zoos. Memphis has two and they’re super proud of that. Panda paraphenilia is everywhere, but you don’t mind, because pandas are freakin’ cute. Of course there are other regular and exotic animals and exhibits to enjoy as well.
Beale Street
Beale Street is like Bourbon Street, but without the puke and urine. Sure, it’s a touristy party street, but it’s a great spot to people watch and have a cold one with some BBQ. Cops perform bag and body searches at each entrance to the street to make sure no one has any guns or machetes or whatever. There are quite a bit of bars and restaurants to spend time in.
If you really want to party, look for a line of people forming outside unmarked elevators and you’ll know where the ‘secret’ posh upstairs clubs are. And since most bars and clubs on Beale stay open until 5 or 6 am, you can literally spend an entire night here before staggering back to your hotel.
Things NOT To Do In Memphis
Memphis has a relatively high crime rate when compared to other US cities. It’s mostly concentrated in a few areas of town, but there are definitely parts of Memphis that tourists should avoid. The downtown area, particularly around Beale Street, is extremely crowded and heavily policed. However, common sense should prevail, which means that you should not walk around alone at night or venture too far away from busy tourist areas. Don’t leave valuables visible in your vehicle, and don’t flaunt money.
Graceland
I’ll probably catch a lot of heat for this one. But the fact is, unless you’re a die-hard Elvis fan, Graceland is a major money trap. Graceland became famous as being the majestic home to the King himself, Elvis Presley. Elvis had the place decorated with all kinds of lavish furnishings (the Jungle Room is perhaps the most well-known in the house), and he currently rests in peace in a small cemetery/shrine on the grounds.
The neighborhood isn’t really the most-tourist friendly, and is definitely not within walking distance of downtown. Tours are self-guided audio tours (check the office for a specific language disc). Ticket prices start at about $30.00 and go up to $70.00 per person. So for a family of 4, you could spend anywhere from $120.00 – $280.00 to stay behind the velvet ropes and look at furniture and framed gold records. Oh, and upstairs is off-limits.
NOTE: Even if you do decide to visit Graceland, DO NOT get tricked into staying in one of the local motels. Sure, they have cute names like the Heartbreak Hotel…but they’re rundown ripoffs.
Peabody Hotel
Ok, you can go here, just don’t stay here. Rooms are way overpriced. I stayed in a room that was about the size of a walk-in closet for $300 a night before I promptly switched to stay in a suite at Hampton Inn at the corner of Beale Street for half the price.
The Peabody is a good visit for those that like history, grand Southern architecture, swanky lounges, and fancy French food. But you can get all that just by walking in and visiting a few hours, no need to shell out the extra cash for a tiny room. Check out the top floor for a gorgeous art-deco ballroom and rooftop parties outside overlooking the city and river.
Tip: Arrive a good 30 minutes before the scheduled “Peabody Duck March”. The lobby fills up quickly and those little guys are hard to see behind groups of people.
Riverboat Cruise
Unless you’re going on an actual cruise to St. Louis or New Orleans, stay away from the tourist trap riverboats. The Mississippi river was once the major highway of transportation from the southern states to the northern states, but the riverboats that dot the city’s port are mostly just replicas that take gullible tourists out a few hundred yards from land for dinner cruises and ‘sightseeing’ tours. Sure, the guide over the speaker may say a historical fact or two about the Mississippi river or quote Mark Twain, but you’ll mostly get a pretty city view, a dark river view, and an overpriced dinner.
What attractions did you enjoy visiting in Memphis, Tennessee? Is there any attraction you’d recommend skipping?
