FEEL THE LOVE: SIX GREAT REASONS TO VISIT MEMPHIS
If you're yearning for a taste of America's rich history and musical legacy, look no further than the captivating city of Memphis, Tennessee.
Nestled along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, Memphis beckons Australians with its vibrant cultural tapestry, delicious cuisine, and, of course, a deep connection to the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley.
Memphis is a pilgrimage for music enthusiasts, and the aura of Elvis permeates the city. Start your journey on the iconic Beale Street, where the notes of live music spill onto the streets, echoing the influence of legends like Elvis and B.B. King.
Here are six great places to visit in Memphis:
1.Graceland: A must when visiting the city of Memphis is a stop at Graceland, the home of The King, Elvis Presley. Explore the beautiful mansion, tour the aircraft he travelled from show to show on, walk the gardens where he found peace, and encounter Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex for an unforgettable experience.
2. The Peabody Ducks March: The famous Duck March is a daily ritual taking place at 11 am and 5 pm at the historic hotel Peabody Memphis where a group of ducks march down the red carpet to their rooftop penthouse in the lobby fountain led by the Duckmaster. The tip is to arrive early (10:30 for the 11 am march, 4:15 for the 5 pm march) and enjoy a drink in the fabled lounge or saunter up to the mezzanine level, where you can get a bird’s eye view of the march.
3. Beale Street: No trip to Memphis would be complete without visiting Beale Street, one of the USA’s most iconic streets, declared the Home of Blues by an act of Congress. With a rich history of legendary performers, the street is a National Historic Landmark, making it a must-see for music and history buffs alike. A melting pot of rock n roll, jazz, delta blues, gospel, and R&B, the Beale Street Entertainment District is the perfect place to stop for a cold beer and some hot music.
4. National Civil Rights Museum: Historically and internationally significant, the National Civil Rights Museum is a must-do for anyone visiting Memphis. The site of Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s death, the Lorraine Motel, is now a famed and respected educational and cultural institution. A museum that chronicles the American Civil Rights Movement, five centuries of history can be explored through exhibitions that are often multi-touch, and always emotional. Prepare to be moved.
5. Eat your way through the city: From legendary BBQ to discerning distilleries to vegan fare, Memphis’ food scene is as diverse as the city itself and there’s a reason why the city has been named the Barbecue Capital of the World. Ask anyone in Memphis and they’ll tell you that their local BBQ joint is the best, and with more than 100 barbecue restaurants in the city, you can find almost any kind of iteration that takes your fancy.
6. Dixon Pumpkin House:: Founded in 1976 by Hugo and Margaret Dixon, the Dixon Gallery & Gardens is a fine art museum and public garden near Audubon Park in the heart of Memphis. - but probably most popular for its annual pumpkin house, great for selfies! The gallery features diverse and changing exhibitions of fine and decorative arts and a permanent collection of over 2,000 objects, including important French Impressionist paintings and significant holdings of German and English porcelain.
Centred around a Georgian-style residence built in 1942, the Dixon's 17-acre site is a highly regarded public garden and certified arboretum.
