Did you know that Memphis celebrated the 200th anniversary of the city’s founding on May 22, 2019? If you haven’t visited Memphis in the last 200 years, now’s the time to do so.
Memphis is known all over the world as the “Home of the Blues” and “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll”. It’s a place where you can walk the path of history at various museums and studios while taking bites of some of the most scrumptious flavors of BBQ. You’ll also get a chance to enjoy the nightlife entertainment that the iconic Beale Street has to offer.
Are you ready to find out why everyone loves to visit Memphis? Here are 4 things you should do during your first visit to Memphis, Tennessee.
1. Experience Nature Inside of Big Cypress Lodge
Accommodations can make or break your travel experience and you won’t be disappointed if you settle down at The Big Cypress Lodge. Get ready! You probably haven’t experienced anything like this before!
The Big Cypress Lodge is a pyramid-shaped, picturesque beauty found in the Bass Pro Shops. You’ll walk past slow-moving alligator ponds, spacious water tanks, majestic sea creatures, and an aquatic-themed bowling alley. Surrounded by hundred-foot cypress trees and a Cypress swamp in the middle of the landscape, you’ll feel like you are exploring the wonders of nature but you’re actually just enjoying the coziness of a perfectly-designed lodge.
2. Visit The National Civil Rights Museum At Lorraine Motel
The National Civil Rights Museum at Lorraine Motel is more than just the site where famed civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was fatally shot. It’s a hub of education that perfectly displays the story of black people in America.
Walk through the realities of the civil rights movement in the United States and you’ll relive one of the most monumental moments in history. Going to this museum during your first visit will ignite emotions that will make you look at the present and future in a different way. This museum experience is a necessary part of your growth.
3. Uncover The Music History Of Memphis
When I visited the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, I had the opportunity to read stories and see visuals of black and white musicians coming together to create musical masterpieces. Back in the day when racial tensions were high, music was the symphony that brought everyone on one accord.
Get a chance to hear the story of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash during a guided tour of Sun Studio. What’s really interesting about this studio is that it shuts down at night to become a fully functioning studio to the talented Memphians who live there today.
Don’t forget to check out the Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum if you want to witness the complete Memphis music story.
If you’re limited on time, choose one museum experience during your first trip and save the rest for later.
4. Test The Boundaries Of Your Taste Buds
Memphis is famous for the bodacious BBQ food options that leave your mouth craving for more. If you’re looking for a non-traditional BBQ dish to add to your taste pallet, you have to try the Chicken Barbecue Nachos from Rendezvous Restaurant. What an amazing combination of goodness!
But there’s more to Memphis than bold BBQ food options. Felicia Suzanne’s offers southern charm in a fine dining experience. You must try the famous Deviled Egg appetizers. And if you’re looking for formal fine dining at the highest points in the city, The Lookout has a great view while you feast on the Pan Seared Salmon. Craving dessert? Head on over to Beale Street and try the Fresh Baked Peach Cobbler at B.B. King’s Blues Club & Grill.
Charlene Rhinehart is an award-winning speaker, consultant, and coach who uses digital technologies to share inspiring stories with the world. She helps others live their best life as a Financial Coach at Wealthy Women Daily, Founder of the Career Goddess Academy, and Travel & Lifestyle Writer at BlackCoupleTravels.com.