5 Best Things To Do In Memphis

[John Morgan]

Memphis is one of the more famous places in the USA, it's located in the southwest of Tennessee and is both the largest city in the state and the largest city on the mighty Mississippi River. The city was founded in 1819, although there are records of humans having lived in this spot for many hundreds of years prior.

The city has a rich and varied history which is entwined with the Mississippi and its use as a vital link to the commercial world.  Now, the river is not just a commercial asset but also an interesting and exciting place to explore.  There are a host of things which you can do when staying in the city; these are the best five things to do in Memphis:

Graceland

Memphis has a thriving music scene; covering blues, rock ‘n’ roll, gospel and even soul sounds.  It was the home of "the King", Elvis Presley, and his estate Graceland (top) remains the second most visited home in the United States.  A visit to Graceland includes a tour of the house, including the famous jungle room and his pink Cadillac.  It is even possible to see the huge variety of gifts sent to him by the adoring public. Elvis’s grave is also located within the grounds, and can be visited between 7.30 am and 8.30 am every week day for free. The mansion offers an experience which just cannot be missed.

Stax Museum of American Soul

This museum was created to preserve the memory of all the musical greats which have passed through Memphis.  It is a unique experience and offers an amazing insight into the musical legends across the twentieth century.  The museum is situated within the building that once house Stax Records and has a wealth of information on the songs and lives of the most popular musical moments of the century.

Memphis Zoo

For a change of pace, a visit to the Memphis zoo will prove to be both an eye opener and an impressive sight in its own right.  The zoo has three thousand five hundred animals with a five acre primate park, a large nocturnal area and a huge area for big cats.  It is recognized as one of the best zoos in the country and has been laid out to minimize the amount of walking required to ensure it is possible for even the youngest visitor.

Rollin' on the River

Memphis sits right on the banks of the Mississippi river and an essential part of any trip would be to engage in some sort of river adventure.  There are a host of companies offering you the chance to enjoy a gentle boat trip to relax and see the sights from a different perspective. For the more adventurous, it’s possible to use the service’s of companies such as Specifigravity1.com and Gavity Games Edition Wakeboard boat, to ensure you enjoy the thrill of wakeboarding, wakesurfing and tubing on the river.

Unwinding at the Mud Island River Park

This park is dedicated to the influence of the mighty Mississippi and how it will continue to influence the development of Memphis.  Features include a scale model of the lower half of the Mississippi river; which you can walk along; ending with an educational visit to the Mississippi River Museum to learn about how Memphis came to be.  In the summer this site has plenty of concerts to enjoy and you can even rent a kayak or riverboat.  Alternatively simply take a picnic, find a spot and unwind!