A Tourist Guide: What to Do in Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee is not the most popular tourist destination in the United States, but it does have its share of tourists. Here are some places to see when you stop through Memphis.

One of the main tourist stops in Memphis is Graceland. Thousands of people flock to Elvis' home every year. At Graceland you can pay to take a tour of Elvis' mansion or even his airplane. There is also a gift shop to buy all kinds of Elvis memorabilia.

Elvis fans will also want to make a trip towards the downtown Memphis area to see Sun Studios. This studio was actually used by Elvis to record. Sun Studios has been shown in several movies, including Hustle and Flow. The studio is still open and, for a fee, you can try your hand at singing and record your own song or album.

While you are downtown, make a trip to Beale Street. This is probably Memphis' second most popular tourist attraction. Beale Street is a long stretch of street lined with bars and clubs. The street is blocked off so no vehicles are allowed entry. Police and security are on hand at the entrances to the street to check IDs. You have to be 21 to get on to the street at night. Once there you can check out Pat O'Brien's, Hard Rock Café, Coyote Ugly, and many many more.

If drinking and partying aren't your style you may want to skip Beale Street. Downtown Memphis has a lot of great restaurants. There are way too many to list. A local favorite is Rendezvous, which specializes in ribs. It's delicious! Texas de Brazil is another favorite.

While you are downtown you will have a great view of the Mississippi River and the M shaped bridge connecting Tennessee and Arkansas. Near the bridge you will see a silver pyramid. It is pretty neat looking, but there is nothing inside of it.

Memphis has a couple of great museums including the Children's museum of Memphis and the Pick Palace museum. The Pink Palace has an IMAX theater and a planetarium. Both museums are pretty close to the midtown Memphis area.

Memphis is also home to NBA team Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies play downtown at the FedEx Forum. Downtown you will also see the stadium for the Memphis Redbirds. The Redbirds are the AAA version of the St. Louis Cardinals. Every once in awhile an injured Cardinal will play in Memphis until they get better.

Memphis is an interesting city with a few interesting tourist stops. Next time you happen to be in Memphis, Tennessee, check out some of these exciting places.