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Fun Things to do in Memphis
Tennessee
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city guide
This city is one of our favorites. We moved here March 2021, that's how much we loved it. It's a city that feels like home. The city is friendly and welcoming, true southern hospitality. Dont listen to everything you see online about this amazing city. It is so reasonable with its offerings. We never felt like we overpaid and the quality of everything from food to the accommodations was A+. Memphis is a great city, you should definitely give it a try. Our nightly walks with out dogs Ace and Axe are usually met with random music being played. The longer we are here there fun things we discover and we will be adding more to this list. Feel free to suggest something to do or eat we are always looking.
Best time to go
Busy season April and May
Get a deal from June - August (low season but its can get above 90 degrees)
Best time to go mid September - mid November.
Fun city facts and activities
- Discover the Memphis botanical Gardens
Admire the historic homes in the garden district (from the outside)
Check out the local art
Check out #choose901, They have the pulse of the city.
Walk around and in Overton Park
Follow the sound of the music. Someone is always playing somewhere in Memphis.
Bike the green line
Neighborhoods to explore
- Cooper Young nice walking and cute bars and restaurants
Downtown/South main arts district near Gus's
The Garden District has tons of historic homes
Midtown is where a lot of the action is. Corner of Cooper st. and Madison.
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- Southern mom and pops like Soul fish cafe ( fried catfish, side of beans and coconut cake)
BBQ like Paynes pull pork sandwich
Diverse culinary options like Pho Binh
Fried Chicken at Gus's or Hattie B's
Quirky like the The Beauty Shop shop
Breakfast at Sunrise cafe bryants
Memphis Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Take a tour of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the world of soul music and the legacy of Stax Records, the Memphis label that helped launch the careers of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and the Staple Singers.
2. Visit the National Civil Rights Museum: This museum commemorates the civil rights struggle in Memphis and the United States, with exhibits on the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the lunch counter sit-ins, and more.
3. Get a taste of Memphis at the Memphis Farmers Market: Experience the culture of the city with fresh-grown fruits and vegetables, seafood, artisanal cheeses, and more.
4. Take a tour of the Beale Street Historic District: Experience the vibrant culture of Beale Street, from music to nightlife and more.
5. Tour the historic Elmwood Cemetery: Explore the more than 150-year-
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. Fire Museum of Memphis Downtown Memphis
The Fire Museum of Memphis is a non-profit organization dedicated in promoting education to everyone about fires, disaster risk prevention and ultimately preserving the heritage of the fire service and its contribution to the community.
2. Sun Studio Medical District
Famously known as a recording studio opened by rock-and-roll pioneer Sam Phillips, the Sun Studio takes you on a musical journey down memory lane.
3. Americas Incredible Pizza Company East Memphis
Pizza, snacks, and arcade games?
Sounds like a plan!
Have an amazing family-bonding experience with Americas Incredible Pizza Company.
4. Memphis Zoo Overton Park
The Memphis Zoo is one of the citys best attractions for kids looking for a close and live encounter with the beautiful and intelligent animals that inhabit the area.
5. Memphis Music Hall of Fame Beale Street Entertainment
The Memphis Hall of Fame honors Memphis musicians for their lifetime hard-earned achievements and contributions in music.
6. Museum of Science & History Pink Palace Chickasaw Gardens
Wade through Memphis tedious journey from the time of Spanish explorers through the Civil War and the yellow fever epidemics.
7. Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park Shelby Farms Park
Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park is a thrilling, heart racing and adrenaline-inducing experience deep in the wilderness.
8. American Queen Steamboat Company One Commerce Square
Built all the way back in 1995, the American Queen Steamboat is a six-deck recreation of a classic Mississippi riverboat that offers loads of amusing and entertaining activities for the whole family.
9. Stax Museum of American Soul Music South Memphis
Searching for some specific family activities in Memphis thatll satisfy your cravings for an authentic experience?
10. The Peabody Memphis Downtown Memphis
The Peabody Memphis is one of the most famous landmarks in the city for its amazing interior and infrastructure in all its 13-storey glory.
City data and FAQ
What is Memphis known for?
Well my answer starts with b, b, b, B's...!! As in Beale Street, Bar-b-q, blues music, aannddd B. B. King !! Man you got me re writing the ole bucket list !! Never been to Memphis.. and I do like the afore mentioned B's ! And let's not forget Graceland where the King used to reside. That's plenty enough for yours truly to make the trip!
K.C. - Lives in Georgia (1961 Present)
Memphis is known for a lot of things. Theres Graceland where Elvis Presley lived and people come to see from all over. Memphis is big into music-especially the blues. Its also the site of some historic civil rights marches. There is a civil rights museum. Theres a big zoo. There is the Riverfront that features food and shopping.
Cathy Romanczuk - Lives in North Carolina (2013 Present)
Is Memphis a walkable city?
It depends on what part of the city your are in, what shape you are in, and how far you want to walk.
Jim Studenic - Lives in The United States of America
Is Memphis worth visiting?
I suppose it depends on what you are looking to see! I was there about 60 years ago when Elvis was popular. His home is there. Im from the other end of the state of Tennessee. Years ago we were transferred to D.C. Two other couples were also transferred, one from Nevada, one from California. I was surprised at what they loved about Tennessee__.TREES. I guess I never thought about it, I always lived where many trees did, just took them for granted. When I visited Nevada, I understood. It was different. As was California. Its wonderful that we can see all the wonders of the world and to some, trees are wonderful. Im sorry I cannot be helpful with what Memphis has to offer.
Diane Hinkle Lives in Tennessee
Yes, for Beale Street. It rocks.
Sandi Goodell _ Lived in Memphis, TN (2011 2015)
Absolutely! And for many reasons. Theres the Civil Rights Museum in the former Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Theres Memphis barbecue. I recommend Corkys Ribs & BBQ, their apple bbq sauce is amazing on pork. Cant forget Beale Street and some of the best live music, especially blues, that youll find anywhere. Theres the Blues Hall of Fame Museum and the Stax Museum of Soul Music in the old Stax Music studios, as well as the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. Music is a huge part of Memphis identity. Theres Graceland, of course. Ive never been because I feel its ridiculously overpriced, but for diehard Elvis fans, Im sure its worth it.
Ken Carriker Lives In San Antonio (2014 Present)
Yes, theres a lot to see in Memphis and the surrounding areas. An Internet search will bring up all sorts of places to visit and restaurants to dine in. The people are generally very nice, but there is a lot of crime, so take precautions and use your common sense.
Charles Matlock Lives in Memphis, TN (1975 Present)
Are two days enough to visit Memphis?
Depending upon your interests, and what you want to see, Id say no. Doing Beale Street, the Memphis Zoo, Graceland, Sun Studios, the Pyramid, the Riverfront, and other such venues would definitely take more than two days. There really is so much to see. There are tours one can take at a relatively reasonable price.
Charles Matlock Lives in Memphis, TN (1975 Present)
