3600 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38116. They have a soda fountain counter where the kids each got a flavored soda. Graceland Malgorzata Litkowska / Shutterstock You can't visit Memphis without visiting Graceland. Memphis was at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement, especially after the assassination of Martin Luther King at a Memphis motel in 1968. Address: 125 N Front St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA. Address:118 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103, United States. But there was a small park the kids checked out. She traveled full time in an RV with her husband and 4 kids for over 8 years before going international for a 3 month backpacking trip with her family. The brasserie-style eatery serves up French cuisine with a southern flair, such as escargots topped with country ham and bone marrow popovers. With its large, square building looming over the downtown area, its one of the most recognizable attractions in Memphis, and its known for its top tier luxury living. Although tickets are an additional $3, its a great addition to the Childrens Museum. The last few days have been alternately strange, confusing and nerve-wracking. Greats like Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, B.B. You can rest in the hotel, eat at the restaurants and shop til you drop in the mall-like labyrinth of stores and boutiques. Trev Ward Academy on Instagram: "What an amazing experience and journey When youre looking to experience all that Memphis has to offer, this condo is it. The Coon Creek Science Center and the Lichterman Nature Center are nature museums filled with fossils, gardens, arboretums and wildlife exhibits. That and a few more questions answered. This is a guided tour, walking you through the house Elvis once lived in, and around the property. Rated 4.3 out of 5 by Guests. More than 11 million people flock to it every year! The Office of Personnel Management on Monday said that most federal employees will receive an extra few hours of paid annual leave in 2023, thanks to a quirk in this year's calendar of pay . 100 North Front Street, Memphis, TN 38103. We drove over and parked in the Mud Island lot. If youre wondering what to do on your Memphis vacation, hit up the Pink Palace Family of Museums! Enough space for the family to spread out and rest before exploring the city, this townhome is located near the Mississippi River and downtown Memphis, in a little town called Mud Island. Not to mention that the landscape will be beautiful too, since this is an incredibly rich and fertile land. The Graceland Mansion tour is the original homeplace of Elvis, and is what people think of when they think of Graceland. Summer gear is welcomed, as are your own lawn chairs. Do you want to challenge yourself with an obstacle course made of rope ladders, net bridges and swinging vines? $120.76. They offer lots of fun weekend activities like brunches, egg hunts, daffodil races and educational nature walks, and these can be great bonding experiences with the little ones. Tours are available every hour for people who want to soak in the history of rock music. Though it only comes around once a year, Memphis in May is one of the biggest events in Tennessee, and its a must do when youre near the city. Before ordering a whole bunch of ribs! To get the best views of Memphis, Tennessee, youll need to venture a little outside of the city limits and look back. At the end of Beale street there is an Elvis statue you can check out and pose in front of. Send her to an excavation where she can dig up fossils and gemstones with real archaeology equipment. Welcome to Memphis, where live music flows fast, and the barbecue is renowned the world over. The hotel looks awesome from the outside, is fairly close to the city centre and has extremely nice and capable staff. Every day at 11 AM and 5PM, the ducks march down the lobby of the hotel while tourists snap photos like theyre celebrities on a red carpet. 1st, how does one get from the airport to downtown w/out renting a car? One of the best features of the museum is that you can listen to old jukeboxes and sing and dance along. Loads of fun! Its also enjoyable even if youre just a casual fan of cute penguins and banana-flinging monkeys. Melia opted for the veggie nachos so they do offer non meat options. After that she takes you down into the actual studio. You can turn up in an Elvis t-shirt, a tracksuit or sequined eveningwear, and no one will raise an eyebrow, so come as you are. What to Do in Memphis: 7 Great Ideas - hofftoseetheworld.com #13. Its a top tier destination for both nature lovers and animal enthusiasts. Everyone will enjoy taking a stroll around the park and seeing the animals. 1. 11 Best Places to Visit in Downtown Memphis with Kids, Tips for Visiting the Civil Rights Museum Memphis. What's the best time to visit Memphis? Address:450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103, United States. If youre wondering what to do on a Memphis vacation, the Golf and Games Family Park is one of the top places to visit when youre in or near the city. Youll need several hours to take in everything at the museum, and even that might not be enough. Not only will it provide one of the best experiences that you can have in Memphis, but it might even provide one of the best experiences that you ever have in Tennessee. I got a couple smaller plates including the tamales and chili. One Day in Memphis Itinerary 3.1. Another amazing thing about Graceland is that Elvis was actually laid to rest on the grounds. But locals will tell you that you must try the barbecue spaghetti. Put on those swim clothes and get ready to cool off. Click for Privacy Policy / Disclosure Policy. November 1, 2021 Don't Miss Unique Things To Do In Memphis Tastin Round Town Food Tours Food, Things To Do and Transportation Ideas in Memphis Going on a food tasting tour is one of the fun things to do in Memphis, Tennessee, and that is because the city has lots of restaurants that all serve delicious meals. When we were done we walked across the street to the distillery and saw a sign saying bring your to go chicken in here to eat. Here is a high level look at the top things to do in Memphis, Tennessee. At the end of the self guided tour you walk through the Lorraine Motel to see room 306. 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour. These are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Memphis. Officially, Memphis was founded on May 22, 1819, although the area had been explored by the Spanish, the French and the English from the 16th century. This was a good restaurant with a unique experience attached which we always enjoy! The retro look continues inside of the restaurant. The oldest cafe in Memphis, founded in 1919, Arcade Restaurant is a unique stop you dont want to miss. This home of a millionaire, turned museum, is a unique attraction in Memphis. There you have it our top 23 things to do in Memphis with kids. A few facts about Memphis 3. Theyre some of the best in the business, especially if youre looking for places to visit that will be fun for the whole family. Emerald Thai in Lakeland is one of the Memphis area's Thai gems. What I can share is our experience. Tour guides are available if youd like a lecture, or you can take a self-guided walk of the facilities to examine everything at your leisure. Explore the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and see a statue of Rosa Parks on a replica bus while learning about the Montgomery Bus Boycott. But they do try to direct you where you are going so they can spread the visitors out throughout the museum. Nash Museum at Chucalissa is one of the best places in the region to learn more about the Native Americas that once occupied the lands of Memphis. Even if you don't consider yourself a fan, it's worth a look to see the infamous Jungle Room with its flood of plastic plants and animal prints, waterfall, and green shag carpet on the floor and ceiling. The Garden offers other fun weekend activities include egg hunts, educational nature walks, brunches, and daffodil races. However, the Civil Rights Movement is an important part of our heritage that shouldnt be forgotten, and this Memphis museum is dedicated to the preservation of history and the education of its visitors. Ideal! 17 Fun Things to Do in Memphis, Tennessee Updated May 19, 2023 First up, the King: Whether you're a fan or just curious, you should definitely join the masses to tour Graceland and Elvis'. Stop for lunch3.4. Please read my disclosure for more info. They might only serve one type of burgeryour typical patty topped with cheese, onions, and picklesbut they do it right. Head to Guss World Famous Chicken for some spectacular fried bird and to see why people around here simply adore this kind of food. If youre looking for something more elegant, Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar is a great choice lovely interior and exquisite food guarantee a memorable meal. OK, now that we have all of that information covered lets get into what to do in Memphis, TN! The place is indeed very fascinating, with very special significance for the African-American community. 11 a.m.: Once you've checked in or stored your bags, it's time to eat. Your guide leaves you there to look around on your own before coming up to walk through the displays and give you more context about what you are looking at. The ribs were good and our kids finished a whole half rack each! They also have a Water Play Sprayground for the kids to enjoy in the hot summers. Head over to walk Beale Street during the day. 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour. When you first arrive, you will notice the Grand Carousel at the front entrance. Traveling to other parts of Tennessee soon? Its beautiful by day and eventful at night, so youre guaranteed a good time no matter when you go. No trip to The Childrens Museum of Memphis is complete for the kiddos without a climb through the Skyscrapper. Of course, no trip to the city is complete without sampling Memphis-style barbecue. Maybe you want to know more about the role that it played in the foundation of music, art, culture and politics in America. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Craig opted to sample 5 different whiskeys/bourbons and I sampled 3 different cocktails all made with their Old Dominick products. As for the food, theres plenty to fill your belly at the Arcade. 77. Although she easily becomes homesick for Croatia, she thinks travel is essential to her happiness. This is another must do while in Memphis that is also totally random! But they did have a mild and hot sauce you could ask for. They are almost too pretty to eat. The Sun Studio isnt really by other things so you will most likely drive here. If you're not particularly in the mood to get spooked, head to Loflin Yard. Here are my favourite things to do in Memphis, Tennessee. It has a good half-dozen restaurants where tonights special can range from cheap burgers to luxurious champagnes, so theres always something tasty on the menu. Address:Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116, United States. The C.H. Top Things to Do in Memphis, Tennessee: See Tripadvisor's 270,328 traveller reviews and photos of 345 things to do when in Memphis. When you turn in a circle, youll be able to see everything from the Memphis Pyramid to the Memphis Bridge, and the glittering skyline of the city will loom even beyond that. 17 Fun Things to Do in Memphis, Tennessee | U.S. News Travel The most spectacular is the butterfly garden where youll be surrounded by hundreds of colorful, ever-fluttering butterflies that might just land on you if you sit still enough. Review: Taylor Mac, 'World's Best' and more streaming options - Los This is a city that has a lot of history and stories to tell. The street is also known as the home of the blues, and you will be able to enjoy a lot of great live music here. Get ready to explore Memphis, Tennesee! Known as the birthplace of rock, no one comes to Memphis without experiencing at least a little of the Memphis music scene. One Day in Honolulu Itinerary Best things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii, One Day in Portland Itinerary Top things to do in Portland, Oregon, CheapOair trip - A trip down the East Coast. We all got the breakfast sampler and the french toast was amazing!!! Shelby Farms Park, 6903 Great View Drive N. Related post: . This movie is a lovingly crafted memento of a remarkable achievement, one that compressed Mac's life and much of modern history into 24 hours of wild stunts and show-stopping show-tunes . But as soon as you make the turn for the street the restaurant is on you are hit by the delicious smell of BBQ. When you are outside you can see the balcony outside of room 306 and they have a variety of outside displays and kiosks where you can learn more about Civil Rights. Tickets start at $42.50. Address:540 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, United States. Everything was delicious. But just know it is a small area you cover. An enlightening experience, especially for kids if you have them along. I would have taken kids of any age through the museum. However, this place is much more than the Kings recording studio many consider it to be the birthplace of rock n roll. The tour starts by bringing you up to a small museum area that is filled with memorabilia. Its one of the biggest points of interest in Tennessee, and it has so much to offer that you might find yourself spending more time inside the pyramid than actually exploring the city outside! perhaps while we have. Our friends recommended here and they have been to Memphis multiple times and have family that lives in the area. Today, Beale Street is home to everything from cheap nightclubs to expensive restaurants, but it hasnt forgotten its roots. There are also tables where you can sit to order food. The rooms are very comfortable and fairly big, with high-speed internet, and the staff is always at your service. Absolutely no complaints! You will head out to the town of Tupelo to see Elvis home, but you will learn so much more about him. and then just continue with Elvis 3.3. Learn more about Malco Summer Drive-In here! It celebrates the achievements of many different Memphis-born or Memphis-living musicians, and with its zany sense of humor, itll provide a rollicking good time for all. The Memphis Zoo has been one of the city's most popular attractions for over 100 years. Have more time? Its a 22-foot tall structure, with 8 different stories for exploring. Before your trip is complete, be sure to visit a gift shop to purchase a memento for the kids. Weekend programs range from storytime to Zumba classes. Nestled on the lush shores of the mighty Mississippi River, Memphis is a quirky urban metropolis bursting with culture, history, and action-packed adventures in nature. Stop at the A Schwab store for a fountain soda and a look around. The city is well known for its vibrant music scene. Free newspapers, free shuttle, free breakfast, free local calls But theres also a great rooftop pool, plus the hotel is located right on the trolley line and is very well connected to all the main attractions in the city. Check out the website to see the scheduled lineup of events. Officially called an urban village, its a cross between an underground neighborhood and a giant indoor shopping complex. If youre looking for cool things to do in Memphis today, consider taking a trip to the Memphis of yesterday. If you want to visit places like Bass Pro Shop, the Zoo, etc. You can feel the history. Its labyrinth-like corridors are packed with bars, gyms, restaurants, boutiques, offices and markets. 21 Best Things To Do In Memphis, Tennessee (2023 Guide) - NOMADasaurus The Islands main attraction was a display of the Rivers that run through this part of the country. 25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Memphis (Tennessee) - Busy Tourist Tennessee has strict gambling laws, but as a city on the border of both Arkansas and Mississippi, Memphis has figured out several ways to get around that. If youre looking for the best in Memphis attractions, pull out your map and stick a pin in Tom Lee Park. As a small-time stadium, AutoZone Park isnt as grand as some of the others that you might see near Memphis. Its another great music museum in Memphis. Yup part of the store is a hotel! What To Do in Memphis in a Weekend - Food Travel Blog You could spend a lot of time in here looking through the unique collection of things for sale and go upstairs to where the records and music section is. You should also know that the Orpheum Theatre is haunted! When it isnt hosting baseball games, its rented out for festivals, music events and haunted houses. It draws both locals and visitors looking to relax, explore, picnic, or see where Elvis Presley performed in 1954 in what is considered to be the first ever rock 'n' roll show. 14. We walked the street stopping a few times to listen. There is also a bar/restaurant and a lookout at the top of the Pyramid. Do you want to zip at high speeds until youre breathless with exhilaration? Fortunately, downtown Memphis has quite a few great places to eat, and its also a great place from which to continue this one day itinerary. We did the guided tour the only way to get into the studio. When we got to the museum we still had to wait in line to get in and go through the metal detector. Parenting is one of the most complex and challenging jobs you'll face in your lifetime -- but also the most rewarding. In this exhibit, you can stand under a tornado generator, where mist and air are used to create a replica tornado. Doing a road trip around Tennessee? Minor league games are fun and not as expensive as MLB games. The splash park here has over 40 sprayers and jets for kids to explore. Wander the beautiful gardens of the estate; marvel at the vintage cars and the honest-to-God airplane that Elvis kept near the mansion and named after his daughter. Tours of Sun Studio depart every hour between 10:30 am and 5:30 pm. It was delicious! A trip to Graceland is almost obligatory when you come to visit Memphis, even if for just one day, and since the mansion is not exactly in the city centre, it may be best to come and visit in in the morning, while youre still fresh. You might even recognize it before you go. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Memphis - Tripadvisor The Memphis Zoo is a must see for animal lovers. If you are looking to get a cool picture this made it worth coming over to the Island. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. But also fun to watch and see! I am not a big whiskey or bourbon person but Craig and our friends from 365 Atlanta Traveler are so we stopped in. You can also partake in fun and unusual activities that are offered by Bass Pro Shop, the pyramids biggest sponsor. Well, as far as the places you can go to are concerned, B.B. 10 See The Home Of The King. Blue City Cafe on Beale Street was another recommended stop. Rum Boogie Cafe, Memphis Whimsical and more-often-than-not flamboyant, the second most-visited house in the U.S. cost just $102,500 when the King bought it in 1957. Sip a flight at Old Dominick Distillery. Dive into the history of soul music, walk through a replica of Stax's recording studio, and explore the museum's wealth of memorabilia: Tina Turner's sparkly yellow stage costume, the original Otis Redding record of "Respect," and Isaac Hayes' Cadillacmini-refrigerator, TV, and 24-carat windshield wipers included. Dont leave Memphis without seeing this and plan to get there early to get a spot! For starters, it has an old-fashioned look with a daily trolley winding through brick shopfronts and colonial townhouses. The store is huge and is also a hotel! These are just a few of the best things to see when youre in Memphis, Tennessee. If you are planning a Tennessee road trip be sure to include a top in Memphis on your list! What to do here? The Childrens Museum of Memphis offers programs such as weekly storytime and science experiments. The Memphis Zoo is a must-stop on your trip when visiting Memphis. Husband and I are flying into Memphis the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week and going to Tunica for 4 nights, but our flight gets into Memphis at 10 AM, so I just wondered what there was to do for 3 or 4 hours before we drive into Tunica to check in to our hotel>? They also have a drink menu with mimosas and bloody marys on it. They have a lot of interactive displays including being able to walk through the bus where a replica or Rosa Parks is sitting in the front of the bus with a recording of the bus driver yelling at her and telling her to move. 1. The Stax Museum, located at the original site of Stax Records, pays tribute to the iconic record label and its legendary artists: Otis Redding, Booker T. and The MGs, Carla Thomas, and more. from . Then, after thinking about his medical situation he has a history of injuries, including a partially torn elbow ligament in the . Play laser tag with your kids or strap into the hologate virtual reality simulation. The Memphis Zoo is a must-stop on your trip when visiting Memphis. Give yourself a few hours if you're going to try to do a few things there. You can also participate in fun events and activities at Tom Lee Park. So get ready to explore Memphis with our top family friendly attractions of things to do in Memphis with kids. If that is the case you can stay in the Bass Pro Shop. It was a 10 minute drive to Beale street from our vacation rental. The museum is housed in a series of huts made of mud, straw and other natural materials. Take a tour of the bedrooms, basements and billiard rooms that are filled with rock n roll memorabilia. But where to go? Taking you high into the trees of Tennessees natural scenery, its sure to get your blood pumping as you climb, swing, jump and zip through the canopies of Shelby Forest. However, music plays a huge role in this citys life too, so you can be sure youll never be bored here. It throws out the usual museum experience and trades it for fun, hands-on interaction thats sure to delight your little ones. We ended up heading back to Beale Street to eat one night at the Blue City Cafe. That said, it's best to get there at least a few hours ahead of time so you get to pick an ideal parking spot! Spend the evening on Beale Street 4. Located on Cherry Road, the Memphis Botanic Garden is just as sweet as it sounds. Most of them have a Tennessee twist, including sauce wrestling, a fun but messy event where participants wrestle each other in 40 gallons of barbecue sauce. If youre looking for prodigious Tennessee attractions, it doesnt get much better than Elviss hot spots. We spent 3 days exploring Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis is a laidback city, with a dress code to match. Having played such a unique role in music history, its definitely one of the top 10 places to visit in the city, and music lovers wont want to miss out. You will be driving to get to these places since they are outside of downtown. Food - $10 Deals on demand . Learn what the hype is all about and get a taste of that famous Tennessee whiskey. Once the tour is done she brings out a microphone. A real-life Willy Wonka, Chef Ashley's gourmet sweets have delighted the likes of celebrities at Grammys and Academy Awards after-parties with their delectable taste and artful design. The interior is great, the rooms are nice and comfortable, so you can rest assured you will enjoy your stay here. Located a few miles west of downtown Memphis, Tom Lee Park sits at the heart of multiple walking, jogging, biking and dog-walking trails. Unique Things To Do In Memphis - TravelProGuide.net Things to Do in Memphis - The Tourist Checklist They even have his peanut butter banana sandwich on the menu. The zoo is one of the best things to do in Memphis with kids and is home to over 4,500 animals for you to visit up close and personal. Theres an off-leash area where your fluffy companions can run in circles and sneeze in flowers to their hearts content. Today, it can serve as a central hub for all of your vacation needs. . from . Walk down to the Riverfront stop by the Elvis Statue for a picture. In its heyday, the studio saw music legends like Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. Are you looking for somewhere to lay your head? Souvenirs are available if youd like to take anything home, and every bracelet and windchime is made by local Native Americans. It is an incredible and very moving museum which will tell you all about the civil rights movement and show you less known stories of the people who participated. Plus it is attached to the Lorrain Hotel where Martin Luther King Jr was shot. Many of the Vineyard's beaches are restricted to town residents with parking and walk-on passes during the summer months; others are privately owned . Beale Street is the perfect place for that because not only is it close to downtown Memphis but it also has loads of bars, clubs and restaurants you can visit. Theres also golf, of course. It was an interesting display that was all in the ground and covered a large area. From where to find the best barbecue in the city (spoiler alert: there isn't one) to must-do studio tours, here's how to make the most of two days in Memphis. Eric and I were also both history majors in college, with a focus on U.S. history. The latest location there are now five, and the company is based in Middle Tennessee opened in Memphis last week at 4546 Poplar Ave., in the Poplar Commons shopping center. Memphis is Memphis and definitely has some grit to it. The same one that Elvis sung into! This Westin is in downtown Memphis, across from FedEx Forum and the Gibson Guitar Factory; legendary Beale Street, with its blues and rock clubs, restaurants, pubs, and shops, is 1 block away.