Soulful blues, finger-licking barbeque, music legends…Memphis is steeped in culture. The biggest city on the Mississippi River, the sights are as beautiful as the history is plentiful. More world-class musicians have gotten their start in Memphis that most people even realize. It is an intoxicating mix of nature, music, and cuisine that always draws people in. Elvis said it best when he declared, “I’ll stay in Memphis.” Check out these top activities in downtown Memphis and it is easy to see the appeal.
Mojo Bus Tour
There is a multitude of ways to tour the great city of Memphis. The Mojo Bus Tour allows tourists to see the city through the eyes of a local musician. Learn how some of the greats like Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis made a name for themselves in this music town. For an extra dose of history, upgrade your ticket to include a tour of Sun Studio. Johnny Cash recorded his first demo there in 1954. Seize the moment to see where the magic began.
Graceland
Located on Elvis Presley Boulevard, Graceland was once home to the King of Rock and Roll himself. These days, it is a tourist-filled National Historic Landmark. Known for its lavish touches, Graceland is the second most visited home in the United States. To this day, most of the home remains in the condition Elvis last saw it in. There have been a few updates in the way of displays and even a graffiti memorial wall. Much of the residence may be toured, but the second floor remains off-limits. This is primarily to keep the focus away from the bathroom he passed away in.
Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour
More interested in the tastes of Memphis? Take the Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour. This walking tour gives you the rundown about the city and plenty of tasty samples in between. A professional chef will guide you through the city, stopping for seven tasting sessions. While it is a leisurely walk, you can feel unashamed of the uber snacking because of the calories you will burn along the way.
Beale Street
Wondering why Memphis is known for the blues? If you ask any local, they will tell you Beale Street is the place to see the story unfold. It is steeped in a rich musical history. In fact, it inspired many tunes including “Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn. Congress even named Beale Street the “Home of the Blues” in 1977. Blues clubs and restaurants line the nearly two-mile stretch of soul. There are over 30 attractions to check out on this notable street.
The surroundings have changed a lot over the decades. There used to be a time when it was the place to go to find prostitutes and booze. That wasn’t uncommon in big cities in the 1920s, though. Tourists who plan their vacation right can catch the Beale Street Music Festival which brings three days of music celebration.
Downtown Memphis Night Bike Tour
The Downtown Memphis Night Bike Tour offers tourists are a truly unique experience. The tour departs at 7:00 PM and offers a beautiful glance at Memphis evenings. This 90-minute ride takes you through six notable landmarks, stopping briefly at each for pictures and rest. One of the best moments of this experience is getting to see the beautiful bridge lights.
Without question, Memphis is truly an amazing city. The sights and the nightlife have kept people coming back year after year. If you are looking to move to the Memphis area, contact us right away. The experienced team at Reedy & Company are eager to help you on your journey.
