What is the Biggest Attraction in Memphis, Tennessee?

The “Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock and Roll,” Memphis, Tennessee is a city rich in history and culture. From legendary museums and educational experiences to world-famous attractions, Memphis has a wide variety of activities, no matter what kind of vacation you’re taking. The biggest attraction in Memphis is the National Civil Rights Museum. It is located at the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered in 1968.

The National Civil Rights Museum website details its various exhibits and other educational offerings. The museum spans 15 acres and contains interactive displays to explore. It uses key moments in the Civil Rights movement to tell a story about race, equality, activism, and justice. Visitors can learn about the enduring acts of courage that contributed to the movement from birth to present day. Visitors say the museum is an emotional experience and showcases how grassroots activism shapes history.
The museum’s signature exhibits includes- the Presidential Floor: Situated on the lower level of the museum, the Presidential Floor celebrates significant moments when presidents of the United Stated recognized civil rights in the African American community.
– Beach Within Reach: Beach Within Reach is an interactive exhibit that resembles a beach and explores segregation in the 20th century.- The Sculpture Garden: Multimedia sculptures that shed light on African American identity throughout history.
In addition to the museum, visitors can tour Graceland, Elvis Presley’s famous estate located just outside Memphis. Elvis is one of the biggest legends of rock and roll and what would a trip to Memphis be without honoring his memory? As part of this exhibit you can visit the 16-acre estate grounds, tour the home, and have access to artifacts from Elvis’ career such as clothes, personal items, and his cars.
In terms of music, no trip to Memphis would be complete without exploring both Sun Studio and Stax Music Academy. Sun Studio is a historical recording studio and one of the most important hubs of rock and roll music. It’s credited as being responsible for bringing together “Rockabilly’ music which was Elvis’ style. Stax Record academy is a music academy dedicated to educating youngsters about soul, funk and gospel music genres birthed in Memphis. The academy offers hour-long tours that includes a look at the recording studio from Otis Redding’s times.
Given Memphis’s unique history in music, there are also plenty of opportunities to experience a variety of musical performances across the city. Memphis Travel lists several live music venues across genres such as Beale Street Entertainment District, Hard Rock Café, Broadway Brunch Jazz, The Blues City Band, Rum Boogie Café, B.B. King’s Blues Club together with many more places.
Memphis is also home to the Fairgrounds Speedway which first opened back in 1984 and is famous for housing multiple NASCAR races. Seasonal events typically take place from March till October with a variety of cars featured such as Late Model Stock Cars, NASCAR Whelen All American Series inspired by UARA-STARS cars and Pronto Paints & Coatings Micros as well as USAC Midgets Dirt & Open Wheel series cars.
If you’re looking for something more outdoorsy, you can make a stop at Shelby Farms Park, which has over 4500 acres of open land. It’s perfect for fishing and wildlife viewing or you can take a three-mile nature loop past ponds, woodlands and meadows teeming with birds and other wildlife. Shelby Farms Park also offers opportunities to camp, canoe or rent kayaks or paddle boats on the lake.
In conclusion, Memphis offers something for just about everyone– there’s plenty of family-friendly activities, historical Museums pay respect to African American Roots, live music venues all across town honor legends like Elvis and plenty to enjoy outdoors such as Shelby Farms Park or Fair Grounds Speedway with Motorsports events seasonally available.

An Insider’s Guide to Memphis, Tennessee

Are you planning a trip to Memphis, Tennessee and wondering what to do? Memphis is a city that embodies the soul and rhythm of southern culture. It’s famous for its music, food, and history. However, if you’re looking to go beyond the typical tourist spots and discover the city like a local, this insider’s guide is for you.

Local attractions

While Graceland, Beale Street, and the National Civil Rights Museum are all must-visit attractions, there is so much more to Memphis. If you’re looking for a more local experience, head to Overton Square, a vibrant entertainment district filled with live music, restaurants, and boutique shops. Cynthia Daniels & Co. produces free outdoor concerts and food truck festivals there during the summer. Other hidden gems include the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Elmwood Cemetery, and the Lichterman Nature Center.

Dining spots

Memphis is known for its barbeque and soul food. For an authentic experience, visit Payne’s BBQ. Locals swear by their hot pork and mild sauce. Other must-visit places include The Arcade Restaurant, where Elvis often ate, and Cozy Corner for their Cornish hen. Sweet Magnolia tours offer a culinary walking tour, showcasing the city’s famous barbecue, soul food, and craft beer.

Cultural experiences

Memphis is a city filled with music history. Visit Stax Museum of American Soul Music to learn about the legendary soul music that originated from Memphis. For a live music experience, head to the Hi Tone Café or The Levitt Shell. Additionally, The Memphis Black Arts Alliance promotes visual art, music, dance, and theater from African American artists, while the Hattiloo Theater, Memphis’s only black repertory theater showcases plays written by African American playwrights.

Local history

Memphis is a city filled with fascinating history. One lesser-known story is that of Robert Church, the first black millionaire in the South, who helped rebuild Memphis after the yellow fever epidemic of 1878. Check out the Pink Palace Museum for an in-depth look into Memphis’s history. Also, The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum chronicles the city’s rich music legacy.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

If you want to explore the less conventional side of Memphis, try Crystal Shrine Grotto, an underground cave with lost treasures. Also, the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum recounts the stories of slaves escaping to freedom. Another exciting site is The Metal Museum, which features contemporary metalwork and has a beautiful sculpture garden.

In conclusion, Memphis is a city that is rich in history, culture, and food. By exploring some of the local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions highlighted above, you’ll get a chance to explore the city like a local and experience its true essence. Make sure to add these insider’s tips to your travel itinerary, and experience Memphis like never before.