Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll- Memphis is a shining star all on its own! From music, to history, to some good ole’ fashioned Southern cookin’, you’ll find it here. Here’s how to spend one day in Memphis!
Graceland
No visit to Memphis is complete without a visit to Graceland! Here you can tour Elvis Presley’s home, his property, and get a glimpse of his life off-stage. No matter the package you pick, a tour of the house is included. I really enjoyed the tour because it was self guided and you could spend as much time in each room as you wanted. A complementary audio tour is available and is narrated by none other than John Stamos! The house is very well maintained, and most of the furniture are originals. My personal favorite part of the house? The Jungle Room!
The access into Elvis’ airplanes is also included in every Graceland admission package- and is well worth the visit! You’ll have the ability to tour the insides of his two planes: The Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II. The Lisa Marie was my favorite- it is a mini Graceland in the sky! There is a full bedroom, dining room, and sitting area. I would love to one day know the luxury of laying on a bed while on a plane!
Read More: Chasing Elvis from Memphis to Tupelo
Lunch at The Arcade Restaurant
After a busy morning walking around Graceland, take time to make your way downtown for lunch at the oldest restaurant in Memphis! Elvis Presley himself actually used to frequent eating here (just to keep with the “Elvis” theme of the day). Ask to sit in his booth and order his usual – a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich!
Elvis aside, The Arcade is a great stop to fuel up. You’ll receive generous portions of authentic Southern food at modest prices. I also geeked out a bit because it was featured in one of my favorite movies The Firm!
Visit the National Civil Rights Museum
Always relevant and important to learn about, but especially in today’s age. Located just a short walk from The Arcade, spend a few hours learning about some of our nation’s most important history. The museum itself is not that large, and only took me about 2 hours to see the entire thing. You’ll walk through exhibits that explain the origins of slavery in the United States, all the way through modern movements such as the Selma March and Brown vs Board of Education. You can even walk on a replica bus with a bronzed statue of Rosa Parks seated proudly in the front seat.
Though the most moving in my opinion, was the hotel room that MLK was staying in when he was assassinated. He was staying at the Lorraine Motel (pictured above), which is actually attached to the museum today. They’ve perfectly preserved that day down to every detail in his hotel room and the cars in the parking lot. Certainly not to be missed!
Walk up Beale Street
If you visit Memphis, you have to walk down Beale Street! Just ask Marc Cohn! Beale is home to bars, shops, restaurants, and music clubs that are all just waiting to be explored. Sure, parts of it are a little touristy (like the Hard Rock Cafe right in the middle), but it’s also iconic, historic, and fun! No matter the time or day, you can always find live music somewhere. Start at the Mississippi River and walk up Beale following the sound of jazz or blues. Bop in and out of the little stores, grab a snack or a drink, and take it all in.
Visit the legendary Sun Studio
Just a few steps off of the world-famous Beale Street is the historic Sun Studio. Sun prides itself on being “The Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll” after many artists such as B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and most famously- Elvis, got their starts here. The studio offers behind the scene tours that last about 45 minutes. During the tour you’ll be able to see the studio that these artists and more recorded their first tracks. In fact, it is still a fully operational recording studio by night (after the tours conclude during the day).
Dinner at Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
If you know anything about me, it’s that I take my fried chicken seriously. Any time I visit a new city (especially in the South) I always try to find the best fried chicken. Gus’ in Memphis did not disappoint!
Gus’ has actually turned into a chain over the last few years, with almost 30 locations across 10 states. That doesn’t bother me! I’m interested in a good chicken and nothing else. The food was great, and came out very quickly. I’m all about the breading, and it certainly lived up to expectations. It crunched so perfectly and then continued to dissolve in my mouth like candy. The meat was so juicy that I ate every speck off the bone. The perfect meal, in my opinion!
While Gus’ cooks a damn good bird, my all time favorite fried chicken still goes to Wille Mae’s in New Orleans, LA.
End the night back on Beale Street
To close out your one day in Memphis, make your way back to Beale Street. Take in the glow of the neon signs that line the streets and the sounds of live music coming from each corner. Grab a table, some drinks, and unwind- you deserve it after such a packed day!
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