Memphis 4 Day Itinerary

Memphis Music & Soul: A 4-Day Itinerary

Welcome to Memphis! This vibrant city pulsates with music history, Southern charm, and delicious food. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll and blues.

Where to Stay:

  • The Peabody Memphis: Historic hotel known for its famous duck march.
  • Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton: Stylish option with a rooftop bar offering panoramic views.
  • Airbnb: Find unique apartments or houses in vibrant neighborhoods like Midtown or Cooper-Young.

Transportation:

  • Downtown Trolley: Free and convenient way to explore the downtown area.
  • Ride-sharing apps (Uber/Lyft): Easily accessible for getting around the city.
  • Bike rentals: Explore Memphis at your own pace on two wheels.

Things to Know:

  • Weather: Memphis experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters.
  • Safety: Exercise caution in certain areas, especially at night. Stick to well-lit and populated streets.

Day 1: Elvis & Beale Street

  • Morning: Visit Graceland, Elvis Presley’s iconic mansion, for a tour of his home, car collection, and museum.
  • Afternoon: Explore Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, where legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their hits.
  • Evening: Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Beale Street, Memphis’s entertainment district. Enjoy live music at blues clubs like B.B. King’s Blues Club or Rum Boogie Cafe.

Where to Eat:

  • Lunch: Rendezvous for famous Memphis-style barbecue ribs.
  • Dinner: Blues City Cafe on Beale Street for Southern comfort food and live music.

Day 2: Civil Rights History & Artistic Exploration

  • Morning: Reflect at the National Civil Rights Museum, housed in the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Learn about the struggle for racial equality in America.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant murals and art scene of the Cooper-Young neighborhood. Visit Overton Square for unique shops and restaurants.

Where to Eat:

  • Lunch: The Arcade Restaurant, Memphis’s oldest cafe, for classic diner fare.
  • Dinner: Enjoy modern Southern cuisine at Erling Jensen: The Restaurant in Midtown.

Day 3: Music & Museums

  • Morning: Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music to learn about the legendary record label and its impact on soul music history.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, showcasing the city’s musical heritage through interactive exhibits and artifacts.

  • Evening: Catch a live performance at the Orpheum Theatre, a beautifully restored historic venue hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and ballets.

Where to Eat:

  • Lunch: Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken for crispy, juicy fried chicken.
  • Dinner: Enjoy upscale Southern cuisine with a modern twist at The Gray Canary in Overton Square.

Day 4: Outdoor Adventures & Departure

  • Morning: Visit Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Hike or bike the trails, rent a kayak on Hyde Lake, or explore the nature center.
  • Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, enjoy some last-minute shopping at the Peabody Place mall or visit the Memphis Zoo for encounters with exotic animals.

Where to Eat:

  • Lunch: Enjoy a casual meal at Huey’s, a local favorite known for its burgers and milkshakes.

Tips:

  • Purchase a Memphis CityPASS for discounted admission to major attractions.
  • Check online event calendars for live music schedules and festivals.
  • Be prepared for hot weather in the summer months.

Enjoy your time in Memphis!