The famed Beale Street was where the blues were born. Musician W.C. Handy wrote what many consider to be the first blues song here in 1909 and many famous artists have played here since. Today, Beale Street is a thriving entertainment district featuring concert halls, nightclubs, restaurants (make sure not to miss out on all the barbeque while in town) and retail shops. Home to Elvis Presley until his death in 1977, Graceland is a must-see for music fans. The King’s home has been painstakingly preserved as it was during his life, right down to the Jungle Room and shag carpet. Take a tour of Graceland to see the home, the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum, a variety of gold and platinum records and his grave site. Elvis fans will find plenty of memorabilia to bring home in the gift shop as well. Located near the mighty Mississippi River, Mud Island River Park is home to the Mississippi River Museum. Here, visitors can learn all about the history of the longest river in the U.S. Mud island’s outdoor amphitheater hosts summer concerts, and also offers canoe and kayak rentals for those looking to navigate the Mississippi first hand. Located at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, the National Civil Rights Museum should not be missed by anyone looking to learn more about American history. The Museum features exhibits and artifacts chronicling key events from the civil rights movement, and also offers educational programs.
The famed Orpheum Theater has been a downtown landmark in Memphis for nearly a century. Today, the theater hosts two seasons of Broadway shows, a wide variety of concerts, as well as the Opera Memphis and Ballet Memphis performance companies. If you're traveling as part of a group, make sure to schedule a tour to learn more about the theater’s rich performing arts history. In addition to these destinations, Memphis visitors should consider checking out the Gibson Guitar Factory and Libertyland Amusement Park.
Featuring plenty of entertainment and southern charm, Memphis is a must-visit destination. If you are looking for hotels in Memphis, be sure to book your stay with Choice Hotels in order to make the most of your trip.