Memphis

Copyright: Philip Parker/Memphis CVB

Memphis

Experience the authentic soulful blend of past and present in Memphis, where landmarks such as Graceland, Sun Studio, STAX, Beale Street, and the National Civil Rights Museum await your visit. Local musicians draw inspiration from legendary icons such as Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and Al Green, creating original and soulful music that captures the true essence of Memphis. In addition to the sounds, feast your senses on the culinary delights of the city. Memphis offers a truly unique experience that will leave you feeling inspired and satisfied.

The City

Memphis, located in the southwestern corner of Tennessee, sits atop a bluff just across the river from Arkansas and a few miles away from the Mississippi state line. Like most places in the Mississippi Delta, it's brimming with traditional Southern charm and hospitality. Walk into any Memphis attraction (there are many!) and you’ll be greeted as though you were family. Memphis is where blues music grew up, where rock ‘n’ roll was born and where important strides were made in the struggle for civil rights. This living history hits visitors right away during a stroll through Graceland, Elvis Presley’s final home, or on a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the site where Martin Luther King Jr. lost his life. The one-of-a-kind attractions and landmarks that give character and identity to the Bluff City now mingle with new residential and commercial developments, and restored historic buildings. Learn more at: www.visittheusa.se/destination/memphis

Events

Do & See

The largest city in Tennessee, Memphis is a must-see destination for lovers of Elvis, music, history and barbecue. This vibrant and colorful destination offers everything from museums and galleries, to theater and nightlife, and it is super easy to navigate by riverboat, bus or on foot. From Beale Street with the best live blues to B.B. King's and many more restaurants and bars – Memphis continues to seduce travelers with its culinary specialties and, of course, its rhythm! Learn more at: www.visittheusa.se/experience/memphis-tennessee-music-history-and-food-birthplace-rock-n-roll

Dining

Memphis’ acclaimed chefs take the cuisine of the Southern USA to a new level. Memphis boasts 100-plus barbecue joints, and at least as many preparation styles. But it's not just about barbecue here: Memphis is also a hot spot for cuisine from all over the world. At Memphis restaurants and bars, request local microbrews Ghost River, High Cotton, Memphis Made and Wiseacre. (On weekends, the latter three open tap rooms. Sample one of Memphis Made’s seasonal brews.) Learn more at: www.visittheusa.se/experience/tasty-guide-whats-cooking-memphis

Cafés

Start your day with Brother Juniper’s cheesy grits and an omelet layered with grilled meats, cheeses and vegetables. Indulge in sweet potato pancakes at The Arcade. On Sunday, do brunch at The Beauty Shop for creative dishes — maybe ham with coffee-infused red-eye gravy. For scratch-made pie and irresistible cupcakes, hit one of Muddy’s bakeries. For chocolates (almost) too pretty to eat — some infused with Tennessee’s own Prichard’s Distillery spirits — visit Phillip Ashley Chocolates. Or, make a selection from the rich dessert cart in the famed Peabody Hotel lobby.

Bars & Nightlife

The neon-lit Beale Street is where greats like Louis Armstrong and B.B. King performed and helped create the music style known as Memphis Blues. In 1977, the U.S. Congress officially recognized Beale Street as “Home of the Blues.” For a quintessential dose of Beale Street, head to Rum Boogie or B.B. King’s Blues Club. Like most attractions that draw folks to Memphis, the Blues reflect the soulfulness and grit that's so deeply rooted in the city’s history. Learn more at: www.visittheusa.se/destination/memphis

Shopping

In case you haven't noticed by now, music is kind of a big deal in Memphis, and this applies to the city's shopping scene, as well. Browse through classic albums at the numerous record shops found just about anywhere, or visit a legendary blues guitar workshop. But Memphis shopping also includes a wealth of antique shops and markets, the one-of-a-kind Bass Pro Shop at the Pyramid, and an unforgettably unique peanut shop, among many others.

Tourist Information