Your 2023 Guide to Discover Memphis, TN
Vintage Car outside Sun Studio (credit: Alex Shansky)
Can’t Help Falling In Love… with Memphis
By Cynthia Smoot
Memphis is a city on the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee who claims to be the “Home of Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n Roll”. They back it up having birthed such music legends as Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Justin Timberlake, Al Green, Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin and many more. In fact, close to 20 percent of the earliest inductees (24 of the 97) in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame have come from within a 100-mile radius of Memphis. Maybe it’s something in the Mississippi River water?
A short hour and a half flight from Dallas, travelers can expect a shiny new concourse modernization at Memphis International Airport (MEM). The redesigned 23-gate B concourse recently underwent a $245M modernization to upgrade the traveler experience with amenities such as a children’s play area, more seating and charging areas and new vendors and restaurants while keeping the Mid-Century Modern charm of the terminal’s exterior.
Memphis offers a variety of lodging options to suit your personal preferences. If you prefer stately elegance and gracious Southern hospitality, then look no further than The Peabody Memphis which has been made world-famous for its five resident Mallard ducks, who march daily through the Grand Lobby at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Built in 1869, the luxurious downtown hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to carry the distinction as the "South's Grand Hotel."
If you prefer modern boutique hotel, head to Overton Square for a stay at The Memphian, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel, where their curated spaces make you feel right at home. You’ll want to grab drinks at Tiger & Peacock, their rooftop bar which USA Today ranks as one of the nation’s Top Ten hotel bars in America. The space has a mysterious, celestial vibe, perfect for flights of fancy. With great city views, it’s a great place to go for craft cocktails and a globally inspired menu of shared snacks and small plates.
Fun fact: Kemmons Wilson opened the first Holiday Inn in 1952 in his hometown of Memphis.
Memphis is the pork barbecue capital of the world, thanks to Memphis in May's Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and more than 100 barbecue specialty restaurants including Central BBQ. Other recommendations include Chef Tam’s Underground Cafe for homestyle cooking with a Cajun flair. From innovative dishes such as her Peach Cobbler Nachos and Totchoes to plates that are more reminiscent of the soul food you know and love, any tastebud will be more than satisfied at this café. Head up the fire escape above BB King’s Blues Club to find Itta Bena for fine southern dining with a Delta twist.
Dad and daughter outside of the Stax (credit The Traveling Child)
From James Beard Nominated Best Chefs: Southeast Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, offer two outstanding dining options. Catherine & Mary's brings the heart of Tuscan and Sicilian Grandmother cooking to Downtown Memphis and Bishop, located in the new Central Station Hotel. Lastly, Beauty Shop is a hip and trendy restaurant in the Cooper-Young district of midtown Memphis that conjures up images of a ‘50s-style beauty shop, formerly Priscilla Presley’s curl-and-dye spot. It’s a camp wonderland where the façade is Jetsons-era Vitrolite, and choice seating is offered beneath hooded Belvedere hair dryers.
The city still boasts a thriving music scene and historic Beale Street has been voted the second most popular entertainment district in America following Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Check out B.B. King's Blues Club, Rum Boogie Cafe, Blues Hall Juke Joint, or Silky O'Sullivans (don't forget to take a peek at the goats outside!). Beale Street's newest spot is also the street's first brewery - Ghost River.
No trip to Memphis is complete without a visit to Graceland, home of Elvis Presley, and the second most visited private home in the United States next to the White House in Washington, D.C. It’s a fun flashback to the décor and lifestyle of the 1970’s and an interesting comparison to how the rich & famous lived then vs. today’s opulence. Plan to spend a half-day touring the home and adjacent museums dedicated to Elvis’ cars and touring costumes.
A great way to get a city overview is to take the Mojo Tour Bus tour aboard the nation’s only music bus. All of the guides on this tour are professional Beale Street musicians who play and sing selections from the city’s rich musical heritage, while entertaining you with comedy, history, and behind-the-scenes stories of your favorite Memphis personalities. Along the way, you will see famous Memphis sights such as Sun Studio, Beale Street, Stax Studio, The Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot, Historic Central Gardens, and the early homes of Elvis, B. B. King, and Johnny Cash.
Life Books put Memphis on their list of 100 of the World's Best Vacations. Perfect for a weekend getaway or relaxed vacation, the city has a small town feel to it that makes it a comfortable place to explore and enjoy. Relive my adventure through my Instagram Highlights, then head to MemphisTravel.com to plan your visit.