Memphis is a city rocking to the rhythm of the blues beat. Its heritage, musical past and culinary delights have all created a unique vibe you're not likely to find anywhere else in the USA.
The King of Rock 'n' Roll
As one of most legendary performers of all time, Memphis has strong connections to the great Elvis Presley. The city's number one attraction is Graceland - the former residence of the singer. The colonial-style two-storey mansion is the second-most visited house in the US, after the White House in Washington D.C., and it's also the site where Presley was laid to rest – you can pay your respect to his gravestone in the garden here. Much of Graceland has been left untouched since Elvis lived there, and there are a host of exhibits displaying 'The Kings' memorabilia and mementos. Highlights include the ‘Jungle Room’ with an indoor waterfall where Elvis recorded some of his top hits, and the ‘Trophy Room’ containing many of his spectacular stage costumes.
The Memphis music scene
As well as Elvis, Memphis has a rich history when it comes to music, with many of America's finest musicians having worked in the city. Visit Beale Street for a taste of the city's musical roots - this two-mile street in downtown Memphis is lined with music venues and clubs. It’s a significant spot in the rise of blues music and has been mentioned in songs from Cab Calloway’s "Beale Street Mama" to Mark Cohn’s "Walking in Memphis". If you’re heading to the city in May, you'll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the annual ‘Memphis in May’, with artists from all background and genres performing across the city.
Just to the north of Beale Street, look out for The Sun Studios. It’s worth taking the guided tour to see the humble dusty birthplace of many blues and rock & roll careers. Country musician Johnny Cash recorded music here, but BB King and Howlin’ Wolf were also regulars at Sam Phillips’ legendary studio.
Further out to the east of the city there’s the site of the Stax Recording Studio, a vital part of America’s soul music heritage. There’s a Stax Museum there now and it’s a great place to hear the stories of stars like Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding.
The legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
During the 1960's, American was undergoing radical changes, with civil rights and equality rising throughout the country, led by Martin Luther King, Jr. However, in 1968 King was assassinated in Memphis – and the city pays homage to him at the Civil Rights Museum. Found on the southern edge of downtown Memphis, it celebrates the story of the civil rights movement in America, with moving exhibits and interactive displays and incorporates the building, the Lorraine Motel, where King was shot.
Explore the banks of the Mississippi River
Memphis stands on the east bank of a big bend in the Mississippi River and you can drive over it in your hire car on one of two road bridges, or walk along the riverbanks for a little piece of tranquil Tennessee. Best of all there are riverboats offering a variety of cruises on what is one of the world’s major river systems - you can take a short trip while eating dinner or set off on a multi-day river cruise. Plus, there’s a fascinating museum all about the world’s fourth longest river. You can find the River Museum on Mud Island in the Harbor Town district, it’s home to 18 different galleries and artefacts covering over 10,000 years of the Mississippi's history.
Whether you're of a fan of Elvis or looking to explore the length of the Mississippi River, hiring a car in Memphis will allow you to take in the very best that Tennessee has to offer.
