4-Day Itinerary for Memphis, Tennessee

Day 1: Discovering the Heart of Memphis

Morning:

• Breakfast at Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: Start your day with a classic Southern breakfast. Try their famous fried chicken and waffles.

• National Civil Rights Museum: Dedicate the morning to learning about America’s civil rights history at this poignant museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Central BBQ: Savor some of Memphis’ famous barbecue for lunch. Don’t forget to try the ribs!

• Stax Museum of American Soul Music: Explore the history and influence of soul music, particularly in Memphis, at this unique museum.

Evening:

• Dinner at The Beauty Shop**: Indulge in a unique dining experience in a converted beauty salon. They offer a mix of Southern classics and innovative dishes.**

• Beale Street: End your day by visiting the legendary Beale Street, home to blues clubs like B.B. King’s Blues Club and Rum Boogie Cafe. Enjoy live music, grab a drink, and soak up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Exploring Graceland and Beyond

Morning:

• Breakfast at Mrs. Midtown Cafe: Try some classic American diner food for breakfast before your day trip.

• Graceland: Spend the morning touring Elvis Presley’s iconic home, Graceland. It’s about a 30-minute drive from downtown Memphis.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Arcade Restaurant: Head back to Memphis and have lunch at the Arcade Restaurant, one of the oldest dining establishments in the city.

• Memphis Zoo: Spend the afternoon exploring the Memphis Zoo, home to over 3,500 animals. Don’t miss the Penguin Plaza and the Gorilla Forest.

Evening:

• Dinner at Hog & Hominy: Enjoy some delicious modern Italian-Southern fusion cuisine for dinner.

• Overton Park: Take a leisurely walk in Overton Park, then unwind at the Levitt Shell, where Elvis Presley gave his first public performance. Check out their concert schedule to see if any shows interest you.

Day 3: Memphis’ Cultural Landmarks

Morning:

• Breakfast at Doe’s Eat Place: Start your day with breakfast at Doe’s Eat Place, a classic Southern eatery known for its cathead biscuits and country fried steak.

• Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum: Learn about the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll and soul music at this Smithsonian affiliate museum.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Cozy Corner Restaurant: Try some award-winning barbecued ribs at Cozy Corner Restaurant, a local favorite.

• Memphis Botanic Garden: Spend the afternoon wandering through the beautiful gardens and exhibits at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Don’t miss the Japanese garden and the Children’s Garden.

Evening:

• Dinner at The Second Line**: Enjoy Creole cuisine in a lively, festive atmosphere inspired by New Orleans’ second line parades.**

• Sun Studio: End your day with a visit to Sun Studio, where many iconic artists recorded their music, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King.

Day 4: Memphis’ Natural Wonders

Morning:

• Breakfast at The Blue Plate Cafe: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Blue Plate Café, offering classic American dishes and a cozy atmosphere.

• Mud Island River Park: Spend the morning exploring Mud Island River Park, including the 1.25-mile long Mississippi Riverwalk that offers a scale model of the river from its source to its mouth.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Folk’s Folly**: Have lunch at Folk’s Folly, a unique restaurant located inside a replica of an ancient Greek amphitheater.**

• Memphis Pyramid: Visit the Memphis Pyramid, now home to the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid and the massive Aquarium Restaurant with its underwater viewing areas.

Evening:

• Dinner at Char**: Enjoy a final dinner in Memphis at Char, offering innovative Southern cuisine with beautiful river views.**

• Wrap up the trip: Spend your last evening relaxing and reflecting on your experiences in Memphis. Consider visiting Tom Lee Park for a stunning view of the city skyline or taking a stroll along the Riverfront to conclude your trip.

Getting Around:

Memphis has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trolleys (MATA). However, renting a car will give you the most flexibility for exploring the city and its surroundings.

Tips:

• Weather: Memphis can be quite hot and humid during the summer months, so pack accordingly.
• Cash: Some places, especially bars and smaller restaurants, may only accept cash.
• Graceland: Purchase your Graceland tickets in advance to save time and guarantee entry.
• Live Music: Check out the live music schedules for Beale Street and local clubs like the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in January/February.