What things are there to do in Memphis? Memphis is well known for its cultural contributions to the identity of the American south. Obviously, Elvis is a huge Memphis attraction. People from as far away as Japan recognize and flock to Graceland to walk in the footsteps of this music legend. Sun Studio was where Elvis first recorded "My Happiness" and "That's When Your Heartaches Begin". Other famous musicians who got their start at Sun include Johnny Cash, Rufus Thomas, Charlie Rich, Howlin' Wolf, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis |
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But besides that, what attractions does Memphis have to offer. We have the best barbecue in the world. And we’ll argue anybody to the ground about it, too. Corky’s, Rendezvous, Central, Neely’s Interstate, Three Little Pigs, Gridley’s, the Bar-B-Q Shop, B.B. Kings, and many many others – try some and you’ll soon understand the flurry – and consensus – of opinions. This is why we host the world’s largest pork barbecue contest every May. Anything else to do? Among the other attractions and things to do in Memphis is the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, constructed on and around the same Stax Record Company grounds that brought the world such era-defining music as Sam and Dave, Booker T & the MGs, Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, Johnnie Taylor, and the Bar-Kays. It features standing and visiting exhibits featuring everything from the Beatles to Ike and Tina. There’s also the National Civil Rights Museum, on the grounds of the historic Lorraine Motel, Dr. Martin Luther King’s final stop on a road to equality in human rights. And the Pink Palace Museum, the Mid-South's major science and historical museum, featuring exhibits ranging from archeology to chemistry, America's third largest planetarium, and an IMAX Theatre. |
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Other attractions include the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, founded in 1916, is the oldest and largest fine art museum in the state of Tennessee. The Brooks' permanent collection includes works from the Italian Renaissance and Baroque eras to British, French Impressionists, and 20th-century artists. Don’t forget Mud Island River Park, with a scale walkthrough model of the mighty Mississippi River, and the Memphis Children’s Museum. And the world renowned Memphis Zoo and Aquarium, one of the few zoos in the U.S. to feature white tigers and giant pandas. And the Memphis Botanic Garden – over 96 acres of sweeping vistas, lakes and woodlands, display gardens and the renowned Japanese Garden of Tranquility, the Sensory Garden and much more. We haven’t even gotten to Memphis sports! Memphis is home to the Grizzlies NBA franchise, Redbirds baseball, and the River Kings hockey team. Had enough yet!? |
