Turn any corner in Memphis, Tennessee, and one will run into the very elements that forged American history and shaped this nation’s culture.

But history has rarely been the sole inspiration for vacationers, longing to get away and lose their cares for a while. The modern traveler might want historical points of interest, but often also seeks a little more excitement, a touch more adventure. For these sojourners, the ideal locale would be a city rich in both history and exhilaration.

Luckily enough, Southland Casino in West Memphis offers the best of both worlds for those who want to experience the “high reward” of that age-old adage that things are “high risk, high reward.” And staying at Southland not only mitigates the risk, but with its proximity to all that Memphis has to offer, the modern and upscale accommodations of the Southland property make the reward of a visit to Memphis immeasurable.

The Thrill (and Luxury) of Las Vegas

The Southland Hotel and Casino stands tall and bright, the newest jewel of a long tradition of gaming. Formerly a bustling heart of greyhound racing, the crowds and activity at Southland once rivaled the likes of the Kentucky Derby. The track that once stood as the center of the dog racing world is still visible nearby – a reminder to visitors of vibrant stands and exuberant fans, cheering their chosen on to victory for both bettor and greyhound.

But times have changed, and kindness toward man’s best friend has prevailed. Southland not only retired the track and the practice of racing dogs but has since funded the establishment of the premier animal shelter in the region and plans still further efforts in the future.

The energy and excitement of Southland, however, has only managed to grow and thrive. In place of the storied track, Southland is now home to a new hotel tower and casino expansion that have transformed it into one of the largest casinos in the region, accompanied by some of the poshest hotel rooms. 

The gaming floor, which now plays host to table games like blackjack, roulette and craps, boasts over 2,300 slot machines. The majority of these games are in the spectacularly modern, smoke-free gaming area that is host to live music on weekend evenings and impeccable service throughout the rest of the week. In keeping with the history of the casino, sports betting is also readily available in the repurposed part of the casino that used to service the track.

Just like Vegas, whatever one wishes to put in play – from one-armed bandits to the high limit room – Southland can accommodate and do so in fine style. Staff are patient and kind and the casino floor, only two-years-old, feels brand new. Everything in the casino exudes the opulence of Las Vegas, and around 800 miles closer than Nevada.

(Fine) Dining In

Southland does have the standard fare a Las Vegas hotel guest might expect, in the way of food and beverage offerings. Like most hotels, they have a café for coffee and breakfast, as well as a burger and fries establishment. But the food and drink options are far beyond standard, even when compared to Vegas.

Luxury buffets, for example, which used to be a hallmark of a trip to Vegas, have mostly been homogenized across brands, offering the same dishes in different settings. Southland, in brilliant contrast, revives and revitalizes the original concept with The Kitchen. The Kitchen offers dishes made-to-order from the impressive buffet stations, showcasing traditional Southern flavors. Sliced steak and turkey share the stage with fried chicken and a variety of pasta dishes. The luxury throwback that steals the show, however, is the crab leg boil, which incorporates a lot of DIY. Add your own spices and accompaniments to a boil bag and crab legs are added and heated to compound and effuse flavors, making the dish truly one’s own.

It is unexpected in any casino, but Southland doesn’t stop showing off with The Kitchen. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the bustling casino floor sits Ignite Steakhouse, a white linen tablecloth affair that serves up prime cuts that would be right at home in any major metropolis. Their elite selection of steaks is in full view of visitors, displayed in a glass-front refrigerator that is climate controlled to get optimal flavor. 

While every presentation at Ignite is impressive (and we can’t recommend the shareables enough), be it of Lamb Lollipops or their Charred Short Rib with its touch of pineapple citrus, the main attraction is a 40-ounce, hand-cut Tomahawk steak, which is flawlessly seared and exists at the intersection of elegant diner and primitive carnivore. It is more than enough to share and delights an entire dinner party to order.

The service and attention to detail at Southland’s dining options is more than enough to ensure that everything one needs can be found within the casino hotel.

But, should one wish to venture, the culturally rich city of Memphis is just across the bridge, and welcomes all who want to explore its many facets.

A Cultural Capital of the United States

There aren’t many cities that have had as much influence on American culture as Memphis, Tennessee. The city boasts a wealth of elements that are essential to defining the modern American experience. Longing to experience the storied Southern hospitality? Memphis retains the old charm of a 1920s cosmopolitan city in the best way. Looking for a great meal? From seafood to Southern classics, Memphis delivers a spectrum of flavors to satisfy nearly any craving. Need some live music? Beale Street is not only legendary as a keystone of Blues and Rock and Roll, but rivals Austin for the number of clubs that have music pouring out of open windows and into the evening’s revelries.

Take in an up-and-coming singer at B.B. King’s or enjoy the live music accompaniment while dining on exceptional Italian fare upstairs at Itta Bena, which has speakeasy access to B.B.’s jumping joint. Music is stitched into the city’s fabric, and is as vibrant and active, year-round, as it is during the city’s famed Beale Street Festival.

The Kings of Memphis

When it comes to music, there is perhaps no city more influential to the nation’s greatest export – rock and roll – as Memphis, Tennessee. The birthplace of Elvis and Soul, the home of Sun Records and Stax/Volt, and an essential hub of Blues and Rock, Memphis stands alone in its multi-faceted effect on American popular music and rich history of chart-topping hits.

Elvis Presley’s opulent estate, Graceland, is one of the region’s most-visited attractions, drawing attendees from all points of the globe. Elvis, one of America’s greatest exports, was a cultural phenomenon that is the metric that all popular artists – whether Taylor Swift or Beyoncé or The Rolling Stones – measure their success against. Presley took his success and poured the proceeds into the house and grounds at Graceland, and a tour of the expansive property displays both the opulence and the whimsy of the enigmatic singer.

His entire history, which spans film, television, politics and philanthropy, as well as the genre-defining music he created, is all carefully detailed in a tour that is not only comprehensive, but infinitely fascinating. From the pictures of his life and career to the cars he owned to the exhaustive wardrobes he wore for his countless concerts, the tour is a testament to a one-of-a-kind pop star, and one can spend hours in Graceland, learning and being captivated by both the scale of his success and the little details that still kept Elvis humble and rooted to Memphis.

Beyond the influence the city has had on pop culture, Memphis has meant infinitely more to the nation and the world, as it served as a nucleus of a movement that still has influence on modern times. The Civil Rights Movement made Memphis a epicenter of its efforts, permanently imprinting immeasurably on so much of the city. 

Memphis is home to the National Civil Rights Museum, housed in the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically killed. The museum endeavors to turn an incredible tragedy into a lasting triumph, chronicling the journey of civil rights leaders across the country and highlighting not only the stories of the struggle for civil rights for all, but the stories of where the battle was won, and history was changed. It is a moving tribute to not only a man, but a triumph of the American spirit, and it is not to be missed when visiting the city.

All in all, travel to Memphis is not only entertaining (and potentially lucky), but it is culturally rich in ways that few cities can match.

The Memphis Moves

Stay:
Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis
The obvious choice for all your Memphis adventures. Close enough to make Memphis shine and full of adventure and dining, all of its own.

Visit:
Graceland
The home of Elvis Presley, whose popularity in music, film, television and culture touched on so many celebrities during and since his time. The grounds show the global and relevant impact of a cultural icon.

National Civil Rights Museum
The epicenter of the civil rights movement is enshrined here, showing the ever-relevant history of the fight for equality and the heroes and founders of the pursuit of the promised land.

Sun Studio
Far more than the birthplace of Elvis Presley’s music career, Sun Studio can claim a share of being the birthplace of Rock and Roll music, and its walls have seen the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash, alongside countless others.

Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Here, Soul was born, given voice by the likes of Isaac Hayes, Wilson Pickett and the incomparable Otis Redding. The museum champions the significance of Soul Music, not only to the evolution of Rock and Roll, but to the evolution of American culture.

Eats:
Ignite Steakhouse (in Southland Casino Hotel)
If you’re dining as a party of four or more, be sure to order the Tomahawk. If you’re dining alone, live it up and order the Tomahawk anyway.

Central Barbecue
A true landmark of barbecue (outside of Texas), this is where the legend of Memphis Ribs calls home. Get them both wet and dry and decide for yourself how you like them.

Catherine & Mary’s
The hands-down best Italian food we’ve had in our travels. Yes, Memphis is home to a culinary wormhole that transports diners to Italy.

Itta Bena (on Beale St.)
If Italy found a bass line and a little Southern drawl, this is what its cuisine would be. Fresh Italian dishes with all the spice and culture the Mississippi can deliver to Memphis, Itta Bena benefits from being right above B.B. King’s epic nightclub. Live music pours in, but never ruffles the refined elegance of this wonderful find that sits above it all on Beale Street.

Sweets & Treats:

17 Berkshire Bakery
Take a trip to Overton Square and discover a French Patisserie in the middle of a vibrant cultural community. Grab some coffee or exquisitely blended herbal teas, pair your beverage with a macaron, and sit on the public square and enjoy the sweet life Memphis has to offer.

City & State
A brilliant and vibrant coffee shop that is attached to a unique gift shop, City & State in Memphis is an absolute delight to visit and get caffeinated, absorb some sweet tunes and inspire your inner creativity to start the day. It’s also the best place to buy a keepsake souvenir to take home from Memphis.

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Cover Photo Courtesy Southland Casino Hotel

Daniel Ramirez is a native Texan, who has written about the life, leisure and legends of the Lone Star State. From music to food to film, he is always looking to remind the world that the cultural epicenter of the U.S. is just as rooted in Texas as it is on either coast. With his own roots firmly established in Houston, Austin and Central Texas, his nomadic pursuits are always grounded in a familiar mantra – Texas Forever.