The
cotton-trading capital of the Delta, MEMPHIS, perched above
the Mississippi two hundred miles west of Nashville and three
hundred south of St Louis, is one of the great destinations
of the South. Visitors come from all over the world to celebrate
the city that virtually invented blues, soul and rock 'n'
roll, as well as to chow down in the unrivaled barbecue capital
of the nation. A visit to Memphis, the home of the Sun and
Stax record labels, with its frequent festivals and vigorous
nightlife, feels like an invitation to share in a genuine
and enduring local culture.
Culturally and geographically, Memphis has more in common
with the deltalands of Mississippi and Arkansas than with
the rest of Tennessee. Founded in 1819 and named for Egypt's
ancient Nile capital, its fortunes rose and fell with cotton.
The Confederate defeat that ended the slave trade briefly
plunged it into economic chaos, and severe yellow fever epidemics
didn't help, but thanks to its potential for river and rail
transportation Memphis soon bounced back. The nation's second
largest inland port became a major stopping-off point for
black migrants escaping the poverty of the Delta, and many
stayed, significantly shaping the city's identity. |
| Graceland
This
is it—the second most visited house in the United
States—preserved exactly as when Elvis Presley lived
here, complete with the Jungle Room and shag carpeting.
Elvis' grave is also here and can be viewed free 6am-7:30am
daily. Additionally, you can tour the auto museum, see the
Lisa Marie and Jetstar airplanes, and view the Sincerely
Elvis exhibit. On August 16, the anniversary of Elvis' death,
a candlelight vigil draws fans worldwide.
Mud Island
Trace
the twists and turns of the Mississippi River following
the River Walk. Learn about the shipping of cotton on the
river and the musical history made in cities along the river,
from New Orleans Jazz to Memphis Blues and Elvis. See the
Memphis Belle, a historic WWII airplane. The amphitheater
on the island hosts concerts in the summer. To get there,
ride the monorail, featured in the Tom Cruise movie "The
Firm."
Memphis Zoo and Aquarium
The
2,800 animals of over 400 species here are cared for in
environments as close to their native habitats as possible.
From African veldt to Asian temple ruins, Peruvian rain
forests or Jamaican caverns, the animals roam free. Young
children will enjoy the "Once Upon a Farm" exhibit
and the amusement rides. The apes and monkeys in Primate
Canyon will amuse the whole family. Do not miss the lions
and tigers in Cat Country. Trams make getting around the
park easy; wheelchairs and strollers can be rented.
National Civil Rights Museum
While
speaking on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in 1968, Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. You can relive
history here by visiting the balcony and Dr. King's room,
restored as it was when he was here to support the Sanitation
Worker's strike. Through interactive multimedia exhibits
you participate in the civil rights movement and learn its
history from the 1600s through Rosa Parks and the freedom
riders until today.
Peabody Hotel
This
place is a true southern original—perhaps the only
hotel in the world where ducks live on the roof and ride
the elevator to the main floor and promptly march to the
lobby fountain every day at 10am. Restored to its late 19th-century
elegance, the Peabody is the heart that pumps Memphis social
life. On any given weekend, you can sit in the lobby bar
and watch people come and go from charity events, weddings
and high school proms. With its central location two blocks
from Beale Street and its two superb restaurants, Dux and
Chez Phillippe, the Peabody is well worth the cost. Famous
guests that have stayed here include Robert E. Lee and William
Faulkner.
Children's
Museum of Memphis
Not
so much a museum as an educational indoor playground, this
place is full of interactive activities for kids. Youngsters
can climb a skyscraper, explore a fire engine or "ride"
a police motorcycle. Children especially love the miniature
grocery store, where they can push their own carts and "shop"
for staples, and the play bank, where they can write checks.
Special exhibits and activities are also offered every month,
including puppet shows and live music. It is fun for adults,
too.
Libertyland Amusement Park
This
theme park is well known for its 1909 carousel and for the
fact that Elvis loved to entertain friends here, frequently
renting the entire park for whole evenings. There is plenty
to do here, including games ranging from skeeball to videogames,
plus shows and foods such as funnel cakes. Libertyland is
located in the Mid-South Fairgrounds, the site of the Mid-South
Fair each August. General and Thrill Ride admissions is
USD20 for adults and USD10 for children. Seniors older than
55 and children ages three and younger get in free. Libertyland
is open from April until Labor Day, but on weekends only
until June 10. Call for holiday schedules. |
