Dubbed the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock n' Roll, Memphis is an amazing destination for any group interested in music, history, and delicious barbecue! While there are dozens of fun things to do, taste and see in Memphis, we picked eight of our personal favorites.
Every day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., something magical happens in the lobby of the grand Peabody Hotel. A man donning an old-fashioned top hat leads a flock of live-in ducks from the massive lobby fountain up to the top floor via elevator. Have you ever seen a man lead six ducks in a perfectly straight line, ignoring the distractions of hundreds of bystanders? Probably not. You don't want to miss it.
For fans of the King, Graceland should be your first stop. Here you can walk where Elvis grew up and lived for a large part of his life while viewing incredible artifacts and memorabilia he left behind. And if you're visiting in August, be sure to catch Elvis Week, the largest gathering of Elvis fans in the world!
For a step back into one of the most pivotal moments in U.S. history, the Civil Rights Museum is the place to be. Located at the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, this massive museum is filled with interactive media, film, live accounts and historical items detailing the struggles black Americans had up through and during the Civil Rights movement.
Memphis Zoo
One of the best zoos in the Midwest, the Memphis Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals from 500 different species. Experience exhibits like Cat Country, Herpetarium, Animals of the Night, Northwest Passage, African Veldt and more.
The first home of the "Million Dollar Quartet" - Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins, any music lover on your tour will faint with delight at the importance of Sun Studios to the future of rock n' roll. Take a guided tour through the back of the studio where the magic happened, and enjoy a snack while you purchase iconic memorabilia.
Your Memphis trip wouldn't be complete without strolling down one of America's most iconic streets. Because this street is blocked off to drivers, patrons are encouraged to walk carelessly from store to store, while enjoying the daily street performances and getting a little souvenir shopping in. Choose from more than 25 amazing restaurants and explore traditional record shops and specialty stores.
AutoZone Park
For a Major League game at a Minor League cost, your group will love AutoZone ball park, home of the Memphis Redbirds. With the most expensive seats being only $20, you can take the whole group to a day at the ballpark for a reasonable price, and every seat in the house has a great view due to the unique architecture of the stadium. If you feel like lounging during the game, buy a ticket on the green and watch from a picnic blanket!
Gibson Guitar Factory
*Now permanently closed*
Another music-themed attraction for the rock n' rollers in your group is the awesome Gibson Guitar Factory. Here, you can take a tour to see just how much love and work goes into creating one of the most iconic guitars of all time.
