Travel

Trip Planning

Planning a trip to Memphis? Make sure to visit Memphis Travel for what to do, where to eat and what to visit while you’re here.

Exploring Tennessee after your visit to Memphis? Check out TN Vacation for help with what to do next.

Each May we strive to bring the world to Memphis to experience one of the largest festivals in North America. We have something for everyone – from lectures and exhibits, to movie screenings and our core events. Attendees come from all 50 states and several foreign countries during the month of May to our city, one that’s rich in history and experience.

We hope you love your time in Memphis this May. One of the organization’s core values is to “promote the rich musical and culinary cultural heritage of Memphis.” If you need some help with what to do, where to eat and what to visit in between our events, scroll through some of the local hotspots and take advantage of all that Memphis has to offer!

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

From 1959 – 1974, a tiny movie-theater-turned-recording-studio in Downtown Memphis produced a string of hits that stirs souls today.

Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton, a brother and sister duo, purchased the old Capitol Theater on McLemore Avenue to relocate their recording equipment. Without knowing, they would soon be part of a worldwide sensation dubbed American soul music. This move placed them in an area rich with talent. Many of the artists and musicians who recorded at Stax were from the surrounding neighborhood, local churches and schools. In a time when racial tension was high, this studio never saw race but rather focused on producing its own sound – a Memphis sound – that would be heard around the world.

Graceland

Walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll at Elvis’ home, Graceland. The full Graceland experience will take you from Elvis’ humble beginnings through his rise to superstardom. See how a rock ’n’ roll legend lived and relaxed with family and friends. The Graceland experience includes an interactive iPad tour of Graceland mansion, plus a self-guided tour through our new entertainment complex, Elvis Presley’s Memphis! The complex houses Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, which is the largest and most comprehensive Elvis museum in the world, and Presley Motors, our new automobile museum. While you’re there, check out Discovery Exhibits that cover everything from Elvis’ service in the U.S. Army to his style to artists who were influenced by him.

National Civil Rights Museum

Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton, a brother and sister duo, purchased the old Capitol Theater on McLemore Avenue to relocate their recording equipment. Without knowing, they would soon be part of a worldwide sensation dubbed A

First open in 1991 with a focus on education of the history of the American civil rights movement, the updated museum design now includes large-format exhibits, more film and interactive media.

Check out exhibits like:

• The “Slavery and a Culture of Resistance” exhibit located in a large round room and illuminated with maps and information about the Atlantic slave trade. Visitors can crouch into the a hull of a slave ship and try to image what humans endured as part of the slave trade in the late 1700s.
• Hear first-person accounts about life under Jim Crow laws. See how “separate but equal” led to economic and social conditions that that tended to be inferior to white Americans. Take in the history of how blacks banded together and slowly chipped away at segregation, one major ruling at a time.
• Step aboard a vintage bus and hear the altercation between a public transit system worker in Montgomery and Rosa Parks.
• The 1963 March on Washington exhibit immerses the user into a life-like setting while an audio excerpt plays from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
• Listening posts highlight personal stories of the 1968 Memphis sanitation strike and events surrounding King’s death.
• A bold new “Join the Movement” area encourages visitors to take lessons from the 20th century movement and apply them to today’s challenges.

Sun Studios

It has been said that “If music was a religion, then Memphis would be Jerusalem and Sun Studio its most holy shrine.”

In 1954, an unknown Elvis Presley, grabbed a mic and sang his heart out making Sun the most famous recording studio in the world. Take a guided tour through the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll where you will experience outtakes from recording sessions, touch Elvis’ first microphone and hear the real story of the studio that launched the careers of not only Elvis Presley, but Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, B.B. King, Roy Orbison, Charlie Rich, and many others that signed with the Sun label.

Sam Phillips opened Sun Studio in 1950 with the goal of capturing the pure, raw energy of Beale Street. It produced the first rock ’n’ roll single: Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats’ version of “Rocket 88” in 1951 and continues as an active recording business for many notable artists including U2, JW-Jones, Hubert Sumlin, Larry Taylor and Richard Innes, John Mellencamp and more.

Memphis Music Hall Of Fame

The only Memphis museum to focus specifically on the heroes of Memphis music – rock, soul, jazz, blues, R&B and more. Meet and pay tribute to the intriguing musical legends who shook the planet, through this new, fun, educational and highly interactive exhibition that’s as outrageous as the inductees themselves.

Southland Casino Racing

Surprise yourself at Southland Casino Racing, just seven minutes from downtown Memphis. With over 2,000 of the hottest slots on the Mid-South’s largest casino floor and over 40 live table games the excitement never stops. Catch all the action and place your sports bets at the closest sportsbook bar & grill with big screens, bets, bites & brews, all in one spot. And, whether you’re looking for a fabulous buffet or fine dining Southland has you covered with some of the area’s best dining options. Southland Casino – Surprise Yourself!

Memphis Riverboats

The only Memphis museum to focus specifically on the heroes of Memphis music – rock, soul, jazz, blues, R&B and more. Meet and pay tribute to the intriguing musical legends who shook the planet, through this new, fun, educational and highly interactive exhibition that’s as outrageous as the inductees themselves.

Old Dominick Distillery

Just steps away from our original building, Old Dominick’s 100-year-old story is back and ready to be shared. Our tour lets you see firsthand the dedication–and passion–put into every bottle. Experience our spirits for yourself and even learn recipes from our experts. See our state-of-the-art distillery and learn about what makes Old Dominick and turn-of-the-century Memphis so special. The Old Dominick Distillery tour is a 45-minute sensory journey that begins with the history of Old Dominick and our founder Domenico Canale, an up-close view of our extensive grain to glass craft distilling facility, and ends with a curated tasting of Old Dominick’s portfolio of spirits. After the tour, pull up a barstool at The Bar and enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail, made entirely from Old Dominick spirits.

Each May we strive to bring the world to Memphis to experience one of the largest festivals in North America. We have something for everyone – from lectures and exhibits, to movie screenings and our core events. Attendees come from all 50 states and several foreign countries during the month of May to our city, one that’s rich in history and experience.

We hope you love your time in Memphis this May. One of the organization’s core values is to “promote the rich musical and culinary cultural heritage of Memphis.” If you need some help with what to do, where to eat and what to visit in between our events, scroll through some of the local hotspots and take advantage of all that Memphis has to offer!

Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous

“Not since Adam has a rib been this famous” – Charlie Vergos (owner)

In a town with over 100 barbecue shacks, you can expect Memphians to be bbq snobs. But when you ask locals where to go for great ribs, you can expect to hear, “Rendezvous.” The Rendezvous has been serving up its unique style of barbecue since 1948 when the owner discovered a coal chute in the basement of his restaurant and decided to put his grilling skills to work. The rest is history.

Rendezvous is famous for its dry rub seasoning which makes them unique amongst other restaurants who serve ribs mopped with barbecue sauce. The atmosphere also makes it stand out from the crowd.

Their history is plastered on the walls and the red and white checkered table cloths invite you in. The wait staff is also part of the package deal. These guys are staples having served diners for generations.

Gibson’s Donuts

There are donuts and then there’s Gibson’s Donuts. These light and fluffy pillows of fried dough goodness are exceptionally tasty. They have cake and yeast donuts a plenty plus fritters, donut holes, cinnamon rolls, and éclairs. Among the local’s favorites are red velvet cake, blueberry, New Orleans buttermilk donut and, of course, glazed donuts.

The old-school neon sign never shuts down as Gibson’s is open 24 hours a day. So, if you need a late-night sugar fix or want to grab your laptop and get some work done, you know where to go. This is a very popular place, so if the line (sometimes out the door) makes you want to keep driving – don’t. The lines move quickly and the slight wait is definitely worth it.

Central BBQ

Central BBQ is often voted #1 barbecue in Memphis. This Midtown restaurant offers not only a full range of barbecue options (pulled pork, brisket, ribs), but also large, meaty wings, smoked sausage and their famous barbecue nachos. The homemade potato chips make an excellent accompaniment to any entree. Most sandwiches come in large and small sizes and are served with coleslaw by default.

Huey’s

For “Blues, Brews and Burgers,” Huey’s is a great option. This Downtown Memphis mainstay is often voted as having the best burger in the city. Some of the most popular options are the Senior Huey, the Madison Avenue and the Bluez 57. But, if burgers are not your thing, check out the veggie burger, mahi mahi plate or the Thai chicken salad.

Huey’s offers reasonably priced pub grub with generous portions. This local favorite also boasts a great beer selection, full bar and live music on the weekend.

Kooky Canuck

Kooky Canuck offers great food in a very relaxed atmosphere. Its comfortable lodge setting comes complete with hunting trophies and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace. All the food is made fresh and comes with a bit of a twist. Try their BBQ egg rolls, fried (yes, fried) Ham & Cheese sandwich, Asian egg roll salad or the deep-fried Cornish hen. They also have great prime rib, catfish, and tasty soups and salads.

Take the Kookamonga challenge! The burger is 4 pounds of meat, two pounds of hamburger bun and a half pound of lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions and cheese – a total of seven and a half pounds of goodness. If you can eat the burgers (fries are optional) in under an hour, you get the burger for free plus a spot in the Hall of Fame.

The portions are satisfying and so are the prices. Make sure to save room for dessert. They serve hot cookies cooked in skillets and top it off with ice cream. The kids will love the S’mores that you make at your table. And if you have a group of people, share the Avalanche which is 18 scoops of ice cream with all the toppings.

Hard Rock Cafe

Located in the historic Lansky Bros. building (the clothier to Elvis Presley), Hard Rock serves up classic all-American chow from burgers to brownies, 5,000 sq. ft. of rock ’n’ roll memorabilia, retail shop and an awesome view of Beale Street. Hear great live music on one stage from two levels of dining or either of the bars. Valet parking available. Bring a group and save. Semi-private event space for up to 200 people makes Hard Rock perfect for your corporate or private events.