In a lot of ways, I have Memphis to thank for the woman I am today. While my hometown is hands down the house that built me, Memphis is the town that made me an adult. If you want to force yourself to grow up quick after college, move 2,000+ miles from home. I promise, it’ll do the trick. I have learned a lot since moving here (like how to hang curtains and change a tire on my car) and continue to learn new things every day, but that isn’t the only reason I appreciate the city of Memphis as much as I do. Memphis has completely inspired my love for travel and exploring new places. I want to share some of those things with you all. Soooo, today I am talking about my favorite touristy things to do in Memphis!
Sun Studio Tour: If you love music and you love history, then you will be amazed by Sun Studios. The studio was reopened in 1987 as both a recording studio (music is still recorded there today) and offering tours. The tour is an absolute must do in Memphis! Not only do you get to see the recording studio, but you also get to see a cool music history center. The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and you can tell by the way they talk about the studio that they love music and the history behind the studio.
National Civil Rights Museum: This museum is simply amazing, there is no other way to put it. I have already visited the museum three times and still learn something new every time I go. The historical background and detail the museum provides is amazing. There is no guided tour, but it is easy to navigate. Plan to send at least a couple of hours at the museum to make sure you have enough to see everything. Also, do not skip the video at the beginning of the museum; it is a must see.
The Peabody Ducks: Any time someone comes and visits me and tell them about the Peabody ducks, they are always pretty confused. The legend goes, that in the 1930s the general manager of the hotel brought three live ducks back from a hunting trip and put them in the fountain at the center of the hotel. A sort while later, an animal trainer offered to help train the ducks. Now, 80+ years later, there are still ducks in the Peabody and they march their little butts down from the rooftop every morning at 11:00 and back up every evening at 5:00. It’s hilarious and something that you can only see in Memphis!
Bass Pro Pyramid: The first time my parents came to visit and I told them we were going to visit a Bass Pro Shop, they looked at me like I had gone crazy. But, y’all the Bass Pro Pyramid is SO much more than your average, run of the mill Bass Pro Shop. It has two restaurants, a bowling alley, a fudge shop, alligators, guest rooms, the tallest free-standing elevator in the country and all of your normal Bass Pro shopping items. Go grab a bite to eat at the top of the pyramid, watch the alligators and buy some delicious fudge!
Graceland: Last, but not least, the tourist attraction that draws the most people to Memphis… Graceland, the home of the one and only Elvis Presley. This is one of those places, where you would regret not going if you were only able to come to Memphis once. The basic tour is self-guided and only takes about an hour and a half. The part of the tour that walks through the story of his life is actually really cool and I found out so many things that I never knew about Elvis!
In a couple weeks I am going to share some of my favorite brunch spots in Memphis, so look out for that! Until next time… CB
