Things to Do in Memphis
make a lot of noise in Memphis, literally. Listen to up-and-coming musicians along Beale Street, where B.B. King, Alberta Hunter and Isaac Hayes all got their start. Along the coveted street - much like New Orlean's Bourbon Street - you'll find several popular venues and even a museum called the W.C. Handy House. Audiophiles should be sure to swing by the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, which was once the home of Stax Records where top artists like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding and Earth, Wind & Fire put their tracks to tape.
Continue the trip down music lane at Graceland, which is Elvis Prelsey's home and the second most-visited home in the U.S. behind the White House. A tour will lead you to the King's jungle room, pink Cadillac and record collection. Elvis' grave is also situated on the Graceland grounds. History buffs flock to the National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. If you're traveling with kids, the Memphis Zoo is a great place to go. It has more than 3,500 animals including giant pandas, Ya Ya and Le Le.