If music, food, and history is on your mind, you want to come to Memphis.
The first place you need to see is the Memphis Bridge. The bridge was opened on December 17, 1949. The bridge leads into Memphis from Arkansas and is the number two attraction. Be sure to check it out at night when all the lights are on. You can learn more about the bridge at Mud Island River Park (www.mudisland.com). The Mississippi river museum will tell you more about the history of the lower Mississippi river valley. The exhibit includes two full size boat replicas’s you can aboard and explore.
Speaking of history, Memphis has a lot of it. Did you know Martin Luther King Jr. was shot in Memphis? It is a tragedy and we have a museum in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr . The Civil Rights Museum (www.civilrightsmuseum.org/) is the site of the Loraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. died. You can stand on the very spot on the balcony where he was shot.
What really makes Memphis roll is the blues music. Looking for more info on the blues and other types of music stop by Sun Studio. Sun Studio (www.sunstudio.com/) was started on January 3, 1950. Many famous artist recorded there including Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
There are many interesting things to do in Memphis. The Memphis Zoo (memphiszoo.org/) was ranked number 1 zoo in America in 2009. Be sure to check out the newest addition to the zoo, “Teton Trek”. The Pink Palace (www.memphismuseums.org/) is a mansion converted into a museum. It has various travelling exhibits. There is also an IMAX theatre and a planetarium. There is also a children museum (www.cmom.com/) in town. It has lots of fun activities for younger children.
In Memphis, Elvis is in town. People come from all over the country to visit Graceland (www.elvis.com/graceland). The front gate is a main attraction shaped as a music sheet with Elvis on it. It has come to symbolize Graceland. Elvis actually died on the estate. It is the only house not owned by the government to have hosted a joint-visit by the president and a head of a foreign government. Elvis even has a private jet named after his daughter on the estate. So in a way the King of Rock and Roll lives on.
Now to everyone’s favorite subject, food. Memphis is best known for its barbeque. The best barbeque in town is at Corky’s (https://www.corkysbbq.com/) and Rendezvous (www.hogsfly.com/). Corky’s has the best barbeque while Rendezvous has the best ribs. If you are a fried chicken lover, stop at Guses (phone number: (901) 527-4877) for some world class chicken. If you just want a burger, go to Huey’s (hueyburger.com/) to have the world famous Huey Burger.
Another thing that is world famous is in May. Come in May and you will have a blast. The festival is called Memphis in May (www.memphisinmay.org/). There is a world barbeque championship where everyone can compete and enjoy. Stop by Beale Street for some amazing music. Last, enjoy an evening listening to the Sunset Symphony on the Mighty Mississippi.
Before your day is over don’t forget to walk along the Mississippi River, the number one attraction in Memphis.
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