Memphis is a city rich in history and culture, including the origins of American music, the tragic events of the civil rights era, and the commerce as well as culture that happened to come from being among the most important cities on a river.
You can explore Memphis on foot, by trolley, riverboat, or even on a Saturday morning team run. There are many options. Some people prefer the Segway Experience because it provides a quick overview of downtown attractions while others prefer Heritage Tours because they provide a more in-depth look at the history as well as contributions of African Americans in city. It’s impossible to top a VIP tour of Graceland for Memphis music.
Memphis Riverboats has made river exploration easier than ever before, with seasonal riverboat cruises as well as airboat excursions of the Mississippi River, which it’s not for the faint of heart, available to visitors. Backbeat as well as American Dream Safari are really the best options for those looking for a fun and funk-tastic tour of Memphis and its musical history; both offer unique but equally enjoyable experiences.
Sun Studio
Sun Studio is a tiny place, but it has hosted some of the most important moments in history of music. Presley’s ‘That’s Alright, Mama’ in 1954 was the most well-known of all, and the Sun label became a household name within a year. In addition to B.B. King, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins were among the artists who recorded at Sun, which became synonymous to rock, country as well as the blues. The iconic Sun facade in Memphis is a popular tourist attraction. Snacks and music memorabilia are available at a 1950s-style diner/gift shop.
Victorian Village
In the city’s first affluent neighbourhood, Victorian Village, only a few of the city’s original Victorian homes are still standing today. Beautiful homes to exquisite French Second Empire as well as Italianate Victorian architecture can be seen in this quiet residential area off Main Street not far from the action. The Mageveny House, the Woodruff Fontaine House, and the Mallory Neely Home are just a few of the village’s historic residences. Tours of the Mallory-Neely home were re-opened in November 2012, and the community is hopeful that this remodel will serve as a model for others in the area. Tours of those residences, along with the Mageveny residence, are currently available, as are a self-guided guided tour and various seasonal events. In addition, the Mollie Fontaine house is a trendy bar.
Memphis has lost many historic buildings, but the grandeur of Victorian Village is a real treasure.
Graceland
In the United States, Graceland is the second most popular historic home, with more than 600,000 visitors each year. As a whole, the mansion is little more than a sprawling family compound stuck in the 1970s as far as architecture is concerned. The private quarters of the Presley family are never open to the public. The mansion tour includes a stop at Elvis’ final resting place in the Meditation Garden. Recorded tour information is well-presented and replete with good Elvis songs; the VIP Tour provides access to exclusive exhibits and includes priority bus access for the most ardent fans of Elvis.
Because it’s Graceland, it’s a great place for a tour or excursion. Elvis is there. On so many levels, it’s a necessity.
Rockin’ Running Tours
Visitors to Memphis have a convenient way seeing the city’s landmarks while still getting in a workout. Running, walking, or a combination of running and walking tours are offered by Rockin’ Running Tours on weekends from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., or by appointment on weekdays. If you’re looking for a fun way to get in some exercise, these tours cost $25 for a 3 run and $5 for every additional mile. One tour takes in the historic homes of Cooper Young and passes by Overton Park’s museum and zoo; another encompasses the historic homes of Midtown Hipster. Tours range from 3 to 6 miles around downtown.
You get a great workout and a great view of the city at the same time if you take a run through it.
The American Dream Safari
Forget the bus – Tad Pierson’s ride is vintage Cadillac, which has a maximum capacity of five passengers. Q&A time is plentiful on a few of Tad’s tours, which range from “Drive By Shooting” to a Delta day trip to Mississippi, because of the small number of participants. Juke Joint Tour, that also begins at 9 p.m., promises to take reader to some of the most authentic and mainstream blues clubs in the area. While on the road, you’ll learn a lot about Memphis from Tad, who’s full of stories, jokes, and interesting facts.
Our favourite thing about American Dream is that you get to ride around in a vintage Caddy as you tour the city.
