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Memphis is home to some of the greatest music ever created. From the history of the town to the delicious food and great music – this is a city that needs to be on your bucket list.
Where to Stay
When choosing a place to stay for your trip, location and comfort are the top priorities. Located right next to Beale Street, Caption by Hyatt Beale Street is the perfect place to stay. Attached to another Hyatt hotel, guests are allowed to use both bars and restaurants while only staying in one place.
Guests are welcomed with a luxurious experience once arriving to their room. If you really want to splurge, the River View Suite room has an excellent view of the Mississippi River. Not only that, but it includes a living room, closed off bathroom, two TV’s and a king size bed.
To add to the experience, guests are invited to eat and grab coffee at the downstairs restaurant Talk Shop. Enjoy a build-your-own breakfast bar in the morning, and a wood oven pizza bar for dinner.
Downtown Memphis & Beale Street
Memphis is home to some of the greatest music and civil rights history in the world. From Elvis and B.B King, to Martin Luther King Jr, some of the best to ever live have walked the streets of Memphis. If you want to jump back into time and feel like you are right there with them, here are some important places to visit.
If you want to dive into the musical world that is Memphis, this 90-minute bus tour is the way to do it. From the moment you get on the bus, you feel like you took a step back into time. Led by a blues singer, guests will drive past the most important places in Elvis’ life (such as his childhood home and the stage he first performed on. Think of the pink suite from the movie). While driving all around the city, the singer tells stories of how certain songs were created. Be sure to sing along with him! While Elvis is certainly a Memphis icon, guests will also learn more about B.B King, Johnny Cash and Al Green. If you are a music lover, this tour must be on your list.
Keeping the music theme going, Sun Studios is a must see while in town. Home to where many artists (including Elvis) recorded some of their most famous songs, guests are welcome to take a guided tour of the studio. During the tour, you are able to take a trip down memory lane and see the history of artists that have recorded there throughout the years. After, guests are able to stand in the exact room Elvis recorded his music. Nothing has changed in the room throughout the years and you are even allowed to take a photo on the piano the famous picture of the “Million Dollar Quartet” was taken at.
One of the most moving experiences in Memphis can be found by visiting the Civil Rights Museum. Located at what used to be the Lorraine Motel (where MLK was assassinated), guests can experience firsthand the hardships African Americans endured.
The museum is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wednesday through Monday.
Fun for all ages, the Bass Pro Shop Pyramid is a site you have to see while in Memphis. While you do not have to stay there, there is a hotel inside the store for all the hunting lovers. Guests can take an elevator ride up to the top of the pyramid where there is an observation deck to get all the good views of the city.
Orpheum Theatre
Catch a play at this historic theater. I was lucky enough to see a viewing of Pretty Woman during my visit, and the vibes were incredible. The decor is beautiful and every seat in the house is a good one. Check out the schedule to see what is playing during your own trip.
Eat & Drink
Now, it is a known fact that Texas has the best barbeque; however, when visiting Memphis trying their barbeque is a must, and Rendezvous is the place to do it. The cheese and meat plate is a must for the starter, and then the ribs are a popular entrée.
The seasoning they use is so popular, you can even buy it in the airport!
Featured on the Food Network, this diner has one of the best burgers I have ever tried. Cooked to perfection, this is a must for lunch. Located on the heart of Beale Street, pop in while walking around. You will not regret it.
For drinks, go to the Peabody Hotel and sip on a cocktail while watching the ducks march in. That is right, this hotel is famous for the Ducks that live in the penthouse of the hotel. Everyday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., the red carpet is rolled out for the ducks to march in and out of the elevator and hangout in the fountain. Plus, the drinks come with a rubber duck as a souvenir.
There is always something to do in Memphis. Whether you catch a play, get drinks on Beale Street, or even try to find Elvis in Graceland – there is fun for all ages.
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Cover Photo by Heidi Kaden on Unsplash
Emily Hord is the Assistant Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine and a native Texan. She graduated from Texas A&M University and in her free time, she enjoys going to see live music and spending time with her friends and family.
