Four Fun Days of Memphis Music and BBQ

Explore the soulful charm of Memphis without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

A trip to Memphis on a limited budget can be both fun and wallet-friendly. Start by visiting the iconic Beale Street for live music and delicious Southern cuisine. Catch a glimpse of Elvis Presley’s legendary estate, Graceland, by visiting during off-peak hours and opting for a self-guided tour. Lastly, explore the city’s art and history scene at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the National Civil Rights Museum.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Blues & Brews

Check into Best Western Plus Executive Residency with free breakfast & shuttle to Beale Street
Start the day with a cup of java from City & State, try their honey vanilla latte
Take a tour of Sun Studio, where legends like Elvis Presley got their start
Visit Blues City Cafe for some Memphis-style BBQ ribs & live blues music
End the night at Ghost River Brewing Tap Room for a cold beer and live music

Day 2

Historic South Main

Enjoy breakfast at Arcade Restaurant, a diner that's been around since 1919
Walk along South Main Street, known for its art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants
Visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated
Have lunch at Central BBQ, a popular spot for barbecue lovers
Take a stroll through Tom Lee Park, a scenic spot along the Mississippi River

Day 3

Grit & Grind

Start the day with breakfast at Brother Juniper's, a cozy diner with a cult following
Visit Graceland, Elvis Presley's former home, now a museum
Have lunch at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, a Memphis institution
Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, a tribute to the soul music that originated in Memphis
Catch a Memphis Grizzlies game at the FedExForum, known for its passionate fans

Day 4

Artsy Cooper-Young

Have breakfast at Cooper Street Bakery, a cozy neighborhood spot with delicious pastries
Visit the Pink Palace Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Memphis
Have lunch at Paynes Bar-B-Que, a hole-in-the-wall spot with some of the best BBQ in Memphis
Take a stroll through the Cooper-Young neighborhood, known for its colorful murals and artsy vibe
End the day with a live performance at the historic Orpheum Theatre.
Memphis is a unique and vibrant city with so much to offer. With this itinerary, you'll be able to experience some of the best food, music, and culture it has to offer on a budget.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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