Destination Road Trip: Memphis, Tennessee
Nestled along the mighty Mississippi River, Memphis, Tennessee thrives as a celebrated destination for visitors who look to be in tune with their senses - from the sounds of soulful music, to the taste of savory cuisines and sights of iconic places in history. Pack your bags and get ready to explore a city ready to please music lovers and foodies alike!
{Must-See Tours for Music Lovers}
Gibson Factory Tour
Take a complete tour of the Gibson Beale Street Showcase in Memphis. This memorable tour of Gibson's Memphis guitar factory consists of an intimate viewing of the facility as Gibson's skilled Luthiers craft some of the finest guitars in the world. An opportunity to witness the intricate process of binding, neck-fitting, painting, buffing, and tuning that creates these incredible musical instruments. See and hear how Gibson has helped shape the world of music for over 100 years and continues to set the pace for the musical innovations of tomorrow.
Sun Studio
Known as "The Birthplace of Rock and Roll," this former studio is Memphis's own Mecca of music. Opened in 1950, the studio was the recording site of what is supposedly the first rock and roll single - Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats' Rocket 88. From there, Sun Studio took off, signing iconic rock and country artists such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis to its label and continuing to serve as the recording site for these superstars.
Today, take a tour of the famous studio's headquarters and see the place where legendary performers laid down their first hit singles. Among the artifacts on display includes the microphone Elvis Presley used in 1954 when he recorded his first song, "That's All Right." After a tour of the studio, enjoy refreshments or pick up a souvenir in the ‘50s-style Sun Studio Soda Shop and Record Store. Sun Studio's musical heritage and collection of one-of-a-kind memorabilia make for an unforgettable stop while you're in Memphis
Graceland Mansion
Explore the personal side of Elvis Presley with an interactive iPad tour of Graceland Mansion, hosted by John Stamos and featuring commentary and stories by Elvis and his daughter, Lisa Marie. The tour of Graceland Mansion includes the living room, his parents’ bedroom, the kitchen, TV room, pool room, the famous Jungle Room, his father’s office, the newly-enhanced Trophy Building, the Racquetball Building – newly-restored to how it looked in 1977, and Meditation Garden.
As you make your way back upstairs, you can explore the famous Jungle Room with its green shagged carpets, Polynesian feel and exotically carved wood. This room was once the exterior access to the basement. In the 1960s, during one of Elvis' home improvement projects, it was added to the back of the house - first as a screened in porch and then closed in as a room a few years later. In 1974, Elvis redecorated with the current furnishings he stumbled upon at a Memphis furniture store. This room became a family favorite and Elvis liked it in part because it was reminiscent of Hawaii, where he enjoyed vacationing, film-making and performing.
{Splurge Worthy Places to Stay}
The Peabody
With a style and tradition befitting one of Memphis' grandest, most legendary hotels, The Peabody Memphis offers a magnificent bridge between the "Blues City's" celebrated past and cosmopolitan present. Nestled in the heart of downtown, our historic Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond hotel offers a one-of-a-kind experience just blocks from Beale Street, the Memphis Rock 'n Soul Museum, the Gibson Guitar Factory, Fed-Ex Forum, Sun Studio, the Orpheum Theatre and the Memphis Cook Convention Center.
Named among the "Top 10 Rooftop Bars" and repeatedly voted "Best Pick Up Joint" by the Memphis Flyer, Peabody Rooftop Parties take place on Thursday nights during the summer. As the most rocking hotel in Memphis, TN, our parties are hosted by Nugget from Q107.5 FM and DJ Mark Anderson, and feature the best live entertainment in the Mid-South. Peabody Rooftop Parties are a 21 and up event.
The Madison
At the Madison, they accommodate dignitaries, rock stars and entertainers, so they understand the need for service that exceeds expectations. Their Memphis boutique hotel has 110 rooms and suites in an intimate hotel setting, allowing them to pay attention to detail and concentrate on authentic personal service. At the Madison, they want you to experience the Rock Star treatment.
Big Cypress Lodge
Big Cypress Lodge offers a unique combination of 103 rooms and suites that bring the spirit of the great outdoors to the Memphis Pyramid. Overlooking the Bass Pro Shops vast cypress and wetlands expanse, the elegant yet rustic accommodations feature fireplaces, handcrafted furniture and screened-in porches.
Tree House rooms are nestled among hundred-foot cypresses while Duck Cabins are appointed like vintage waterfowl hunting cabins with Ducks Unlimited artwork. Ideal for private events, the Governor’s Suite offers vaulted ceilings, a full kitchen, and a private wraparound balcony overlooking spectacular views of the Pyramid.
{Savory Southern Food}
The Rendezvous
The Rendezvous has been a Memphis tradition since 1948. Thousands enjoy our ribs each week. If you want to eat like a local Memphian, start with a pitcher of beer & a cheese/sausage plate and soak in the atmosphere.
Houston's Restaurant
Everything on Houston's diverse menu of American classics is prepared daily from scratch and lovingly presented. Their burgers are made from house-ground chuck and brisket, they carefully select fish and filet in-house each day to ensure quality, they squeeze oranges and grapefruits to order, and bake fresh bread each morning.
Blog By: Jenny Cox Holman
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