Travel Guides > Memphis, TN

Memphis Travel

Real music lovers know that Memphis has a rich musical heritage and is an innovator of sounds that have turned the music world upside down.

It was here that famous blues artist W.C. Handy composed many song and it was here that Sam Phillips, owner of Sun Studios, began to record the first rock and roll tunes. And, of course, it was in Memphis that the King chose to build his home.

The majority of visitors that make their way to Memphis come here for one reason only... to see Graceland, home of Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of rock and roll. Guests can take a digital audio tour of the 14-acre estate, with commentary by Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie. You'll enjoy such sights as the Jungle Room, Trophy Room, and portions of the private living quarters.

When you're through touring Elvis' opulent home, take time to learn more about soul music at Soulsville: The Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Once the site of Stax Records, this 17,000 square foot building contains memorabilia and video footage from some of the genre's most famous recording artists, like Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin.

Memphis, however, isn't just about music. Visitors will find a number of other fine attractions here that have nothing to do with soul, blues, or rock and roll. The National Civil Rights Museum was erected in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., who was gunned down in this city on the balcony of the Lorraine Hotel. Since that fateful day, the hotel has been turned into a museum that outlines the struggles of the African-American community.

The city also hosts its share of more unique and quirky museums as well. Make a stop at the Pink Palace Museum, once the home of supermarket magnate Clarence Saunders. This museum has a bit of everything, from early supermarket memorabilia to a medical history exhibit to a planetarium.

For a fascinating look at the beauty of ornamental wrought-iron, visit the National Ornamental Metal Museum. Jewelry and sculptural metal pieces are the most prominent things in this museum and kids and adults alike will enjoy watching the "smith" at work in the blacksmith shop.

When its time to end your sightseeing excursions and settle down for the evening, you can choose from dozens and dozens of venues that offer the best in live music. Head to historic Beale Street for the best selection of clubs, where you can hear blues, jazz, rock, soul, and just about everything in between.