Photo: Fallaner, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Home of Elvis Presley, "The King of Rock and Roll". It's no surprise that this is the number one tourist attraction in Memphis. Think "tacky tourist" trap but don't miss it – you might be pleasantly surprised. Although it is not advisable to venture in the suburbs surrounding the site, there is lots and lots of Elvis stuff to see here - the house itself (the upper floor, with Elvis' bedroom and Lisa Marie's nursery, is not open to the public), customized private airplanes, an automobile collection, gold records, costumes, and more. Elvis Week ("Death Week" to the locals) in early August, culminating in the candlelight vigil on the anniversary of Elvis' death, is a big deal. Check out the bizarre felt-pen scribblings on the fence outside. If you happen to be in Memphis during Birth or Death Week – January and August, respectively – sit downtown for a few hours just to watch the Elvis fans. Not just on Halloween, but at any time of year, dress up like the King (or like Priscilla if you're a girl) and you'll instantly be a star in your own right!
Graceland is a mansion on a 13.8-acre (5.6-hectare) estate in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, where American singer Elvis Presley lived from 1957 until he died there in 1977. He is buried there, as are his parents Vernon and Gladys, paternal grandmother Minnie Mae, grandson Benjamin, and daughter Lisa Marie.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
The promotional material says "no backpacks" but this is not so. In any case, they can keep your backpack at the front desk, as with cameras which are not allowed.
Features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, 4 miles of hiking path along the Mississippi bluffs, and a small nature center. Formerly named the Shelby County Negro State Park, it is now named for African American educator and politician, T.O. Fuller.
This neighborhood of restored homes is centered around the intersection of Cooper Street and Young Avenue, known by some as "the intersection of Memphis." This intersection has several cool bars and restaurants, as well as numerous shops. Be sure to come for the free annual Cooper-Young festival in September.
Check out this great beer producer. You can tour the facility for free on any Saturday, but you must make reservations. Tours start at 1PM.
formerly the National Ornamental Metal Museum
Displays art jewelry, architectural pieces and sculpture. The grounds are full of permanent installations, and the museum boasts one of the best views overlooking the Mississippi River. They also have a working smithy.
Memphis' newest music venue, in Midtown at the former location of Strings 'n' Things.