3-Day Memphis Magic: BBQ, Blues, and History!

Discover the soulful heart of the South in Memphis.

22 April 2023

A trip to Memphis, United States as a tourist promises a rich experience of American culture, music and history. With stops at iconic sites such as Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum and the Memphis Rock n Soul Museum, visitors get to explore music legends and the civil rights movement that shaped America. Be sure to try Memphis-style barbecue, catch a live show on Beale Street and take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Blues, BBQ and Beale Street

  • Check into the Peabody Hotel, where ducks march on red carpets.
  • Enjoy Memphis-style barbecue at Rendezvous, the legendary joint with a secret dry rub recipe.
  • Visit the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum to learn about the city's musical history.
  • Walk down Beale Street, the birthplace of the blues, and soak up the lively atmosphere.
  • Catch a show at the historic Orpheum Theater, which hosted Elvis Presley and B.B. King.
Day 2

Elvis and Civil Rights

  • Have breakfast at The Arcade, a 100-year-old diner where Elvis used to dine.
  • Tour Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion, where the King lived and is buried.
  • Visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
  • Explore the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, which honors the likes of Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes.
  • Stop by Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, where Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded.
Day 3

Riverboats and Art

  • Take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River and see spectacular views of the city.
  • Visit the Brooks Museum of Art, which showcases works by Georgia O'Keeffe and Andy Warhol.
  • Stroll through Overton Park and Memphis Zoo, which features rare animals such as pandas.
  • Enjoy a dinner at Hog and Hominy, a trendy restaurant serving Italian cuisine with a Southern twist.
  • Cap off the night with a drink at the Peabody Hotel's rooftop bar, watching the city lights twinkle.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Memphis by plane is to fly into Memphis International Airport. There are multiple airlines that offer direct flights to Memphis from major cities within the United States.

Car

If you are driving to Memphis, the main highway routes to follow are I-40, I-55, and I-240. Memphis is easily accessible by car and there are multiple public parking options available within the city.

Train

Although there is no direct train to Memphis, you can take Amtrak train to New Orleans and then take a connecting Greyhound bus to Memphis.

Boat

The Mississippi River connects Memphis to various cities along its route, however, traveling to Memphis by boat is not a common mode of transportation. The river is mainly used for cargo transportation.

Bus

Greyhound offers daily bus services to Memphis from various cities within the United States. The main bus station in Memphis is located on Airways Blvd.

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