The post Travel Channel said Memphis is the hottest southern destination of 2019! appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>In a recent article, the Travel Channel stated that Memphis is the hottest southern destination of 2019!
With things like our world-famous barbeque, our impact on the civil rights movement, and our works of art, it’s no wonder why we are on their radar.
Memphis is a cultural melting pot in the South. It’s also an easy destination to travel to, no matter where you might be coming from. Whether you’re flying from New York or driving down from Indianapolis, it’s easy to visit, which is one of the reasons why it is such a hot destination.
Perfect For All Ages
Travel Channel highlighted a number of reasons why Memphis is such an excellent travel destination for this summer. Why? Because there’s something for everyone to do, no matter the age.
Summer is the perfect time for families to get out and travel with school no longer in session. Because of this, the perfect destination needs to have activities for children of all ages. Yes, you’ll find plenty of cultural sights for educational purposes, and what child doesn’t love some sticky, messy BBQ? But beyond all of this, there are fun outing activities that both you and your children will love.
Just Some of the Great Activities
There’s no limit to the activities you and your family can take in. With the hundreds of possible southern locations Travel Channel could have selected as its hottest southern travel destination, the reason it picked Memphis was because of these limitless activities.
You can visit the River Line Trail, which was just recently renovated and finished. With kid-friendly activities along the water, fun tree houses, a 30-acre Tom Lee Park, plus festivals taking place throughout the summer, this is a prime destination when you want to get outside, take in the water, and enjoy your time with your family.
Are you an Elvis fan? Even if you were born after the King of Rock passed on, you’ve likely heard his music and know just how important he was to moving the music scene around the world forward. Well, you owe it to yourself to discover Graceland. While in Memphis you can visit the King’s music room, and a fan favorite “Jungle Room,” which is the literal definition of a Man Cave. Just make sure to pick up the Elvis favorite peanut butter and banana sandwich (which is, naturally, deep friend).
Make Your Own Memphis Memories
We could list out the hundreds of reasons why you should come to visit Memphis. From the food to the music to the culture to the festivals. But that takes some of the fun out of discovering Memphis for yourself. Travel Channel doesn’t just pick destinations on a whim. After all, it has television advertisements to sell, so it won’t make up random spots. It does its research and it puts its best foot forward so you can take advantage of its advice.
All of that is why you shouldn’t just read a list of things to do in Memphis. You need to come, explore, and make your own Memphis memories.
To check out the full article from the Travel Channel, click here!
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]]>Every year, TripSavvy selects a brand-new top destination for the year. To do this, the website combs through everything from the destination’s cultural impact and tours to the food options and potential activities a visitor can take part in. For 2019, TripSavvy selected Memphis as its overall top destination for visitors.
Discovering Memphis
As a local, I have known Memphis to be a beautiful, inspiring city. There’s something to see and experience around every corner. In the last several years, all kinds of exciting constructions and opportunities have breathed new life into the city. Not all of these new opportunities are exclusively for locals though. There are plenty of destinations for visitors, which is exactly why TripSavvy selected Memphis as the top city to discover.
The travel website highlighted Crosstown Concourse as one addition to the city that it found attractive. Built in the old Sears distribution warehouse, the renovated space has over a dozen recently opened restaurants. It basically takes the concept of the classic food court and ratchets it up to a whole new level.
Railgarten received a mention as well, with its 1.5-acre playground for adults. If you haven’t been there before, it includes everything from a classic tiki bar to an ice cream parlor, a ping pong room and a stage for live performances — and it even has a sandbox for adults.
More Than What’s New
It’s more than just the new establishments that attracted TripSavvy to the city of Memphis though. It also mentioned the Memphis Pink Palace Museum. While this destination has received a bit of a renovation in recent years, it is a classic historical museum that plays an important role in the city.
The website brought to light all the outdoor elements that nature lovers can take advantage of in Memphis. There is the city zoo, which has a brand-new hippo exhibit. It also points to the bike paths that connect throughout much of the city. It’s even possible to ride over the Mississippi River.
What Other Cities Did TripSavvy Mention?
Memphis is king of the mountain when it comes to 2019 travel, according to TripSavvy. But what other cities did the travel website highlight (and TripSavvy beat out)? Some of the most notable cities include London, Toronto, Los Angeles, Portland, Tokyo and San Antonio.
That’s a pretty impressive list — which makes Memphis taking the top spot all the more impressive.
All of this highlights what I, as well as most other locals, already know: The city of Memphis is alive and bursting with new activities and historical ventures to experience.
To see the full article from TripSavvy, click here!
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]]>Where to stay
Talbot Heirs Guesthouse: Talbot Heirs Guesthouse is an ideal home-base to park when visiting the Bluff City. It’s a privately owned, smoke-free, guesthouse that’s home away from home, with some oomph. Located downtown, this offbeat inn is an easy walk to Beale Street, AutoZone Park, and the Rock n Soul Museum.
Talbot Heirs Guesthouse has eight suites, or mini apartments, with all the conveniences you could ask for. An on-site convenient market and parking garage are also available.
Where to eat
Majestic Grille: It’s no wonder Majestic Grille is among the premier Memphis tourist attractions. This quirky restaurant will send you back in time to Old Hollywood, literally. It’s located in a refurbished silent film theater that enthralled Memphis audiences for the first 30 years of the entertainment industry. These days, Beaux Arts décor honor that sophisticated time as owner and award-winning chef Patrick Reilly prepares comfort dishes and classic cocktails in an homage to the era. If that’s not enough, you may think you’ve done a little time traveling as you enjoy the silent films and classic movies playing on the silver screen.
Majestic Grille is an unconventional dining experience that’s a fun way to look back at Memphis’ history.
Where to play
The Peabody: You’ll be amazed to find lots of fun things to do at The Peabody. One of the most renowned Memphis tourist attractions, this opulent hotel has been located a half-mile from downtown since the 1940s. While the building’s architecture is simply stunning, the stars of The Peabody are the ducks. They present a daily spectacle, starting at 11 a.m., by leaving their rooftop home, sauntering down the red carpet to the soundtrack of John Phillip Sousa’s “King Cotton March,” and making their way to the Peabody Fountain to spend the day enjoying the water. The tune starts again at 5 p.m. when the ducks depart the fountain and conduct the processional in reverse. This sight is pure Instagram gold and something you won’t soon forget.
But there’s much more. You can also take a one-hour History Tour of the South’s grand hotel with the Peabody Duck Master. These daily tours give you behind-the-scenes insight of the hotel and a glimpse of just how good the Peabody Ducks have it.
We’re not done yet. You can get sustenance in style before heading out for adventure with weekend brunch. Or how about afternoon tea at Chez Phillipe, the elegant on-site restaurant? In the summer, you can also let your hair down at The Peabody Rooftop Parties.
No matter what you’re looking for, The Peabody offers ample opportunity to have an unforgettable Memphis experience.
Where to visit
National Civil Rights Museum: The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel offers a true, historical experience that educates visitors through multi-sensory and multi-media innovations, artifacts and structures, events, speakers and online resources. Here, guests will gain an understanding of the historical milestones of the civil rights movement and learn how to apply this knowledge to current events in the world today. This is a can’t miss stop on any visitor’s trip to Memphis and truly worth experiencing to understand the history of civil rights and how it continues to impact the culture of Memphis.
With such amazing opportunities, you won’t soon forget your trip to Memphis.
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]]>- American music history was made here. Few places in the country have a richer musical heritage than Memphis. Visit the Stax Museum to immerse yourself in the history of soul music, or drop by Sun Studios to see where Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash made the records that would change the course of music forever. You’ll understand why major artists like Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake come here for inspiration.
- The Memphis food scene is exploding right now. Everybody knows we have great barbecue in these parts—a fact we’re happy to confirm—but there’s a lot more here for foodies that you might expect. Bursting with Cajun-influenced soul food, classic American comfort food, adventurous Asian restaurants, farm-to-table eateries and incredible vegan/vegetarian fare, Memphis’ food scene is growing every day, with new restaurants opening up all the time.
- You can walk across one of the largest rivers in North America. Connecting Memphis, Tennessee, to West Memphis, Arkansas, Big River Crossing offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River and the skyline. In addition to being the longest active bicycle/pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi, it connects to 10 miles of multi-use trails on either side.
- Southern hospitality is alive and well. You’re not likely to find a warmer and more welcoming place than Memphis. But don’t just take our word for it—”Travel & Leisure” ranked Memphis among the friendliest cities in America in 2016.
- Memphis was at the heart of the civil rights movement. Our city’s involvement in the struggle for civil rights is impossible to ignore. Today, as always, Memphis is an oasis of black-owned businesses and features a wide range of historic sites that tell the story of the city’s rich African-American history. Memphis is also home to the National Civil Rights Museum and the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum.
- At Graceland, Elvis lives. An essential pilgrimage for rock ‘n’ roll fans, Graceland offers a chance to visit Elvis’ tomb, explore his fascinating life story and tour the house he lived in for years.
- You can enjoy live music practically any time. Stroll down Beale Street and you’re sure to be greeted by the sounds of blues, soul, R&B and rock ‘n’ roll pouring out of the countless bars, juke joints, music venues and nightclubs. Most nights, you can choose among dozens of live shows, many of them without a cover charge.
- It’s becoming a craft beer capital. Memphis’ growing craft beer scene is a surprise to many visitors, with local brewers like Ghost River Brewing Co., High Cotton Brewing Co. and Wiseacre Brewing Co. producing a steady stream of inventive new brews. Be sure to check out the annual Memphis Brewfest every spring!
- You can explore the outdoors. With ample river frontage and 60 miles of bike trails, Memphis has been named one of the best paddling towns in the U.S., as well as America’s most-improved bike city.
- The Memphis Zoo is high on just about everyone’s list of things to do in Memphis. With animal exhibits that feature creatures from Africa to China, offering a fun, interactive and educational wildlife adventure is what the Memphis Zoo is all about.
- Shelby Farms Park is 4,500 acres of open space with more than 10 miles of urban trail. More than a park, it is an experience and a community treasure.
- Beale Street has been dubbed “America’s most iconic street” and is the home of the blues. Trust us, make time to visit Beale Street.
- The Crystal Shrine Grotto offers visitors the opportunity to take a walk with life and death. Beauty, art and spiritual mysteries might be experienced here on the grounds of Memorial Park. If you are looking for places to visit in Memphis that are a little out of the ordinary, this could fit the bill.
- The National Civil Rights Museum is one of the top Memphis TN attractions, shining a spotlight on a part of history we must never forget.
- Gibson Guitar is legendary to the point that you don’t have to be a musician or even a music lover to have heard of it. Tour the factory and don’t just learn how guitars are made but how some of the most iconic guitars in the world are created.
- AutoZone Park and the Memphis Redbirds always offer a fun time and a real taste of the Memphis community. Come catch a game if you’re visiting during baseball season.
- The Blues Hall of Fame is a must-see for every music fan visiting the home of the blues!
- The Memphis climate may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Memphis, but our city’s annual average highs and lows of 72 degrees and 53 degrees respectively, are certainly attractive to many visitors!
If you are looking for food, fun, entertainment, friends or simply an experience of a lifetime, Memphis is the place to go. We always welcome visitors with Southern charm and a smile, and we’re never surprised when they choose to stay!
There are endless reasons to visit Memphis—seriously, we’ve barely scratched the surface—but the only real way to find out is to come and see for yourself. We hope to see you here soon!
For more Memphis travel tips, visit Memphis Travel!
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]]>Visit Graceland
Although Elvis Presley hasn’t lived in this impressive home for years, you wouldn’t know it—the stately mansion and its grounds have been preserved just the way they were when Elvis was alive. Take a guided tour of the premises to hear a brief history of the rooms and the notable items each contains, and seize this lifetime opportunity to walk on the same ground as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Even if you don’t consider yourself an Elvis fan, we bet you’ll develop a burning love for Graceland.
Explore the history of Memphis
The National Civil Rights Museum in downtown Memphis features a renowned collection of photographs, film, and artifacts that give a comprehensive history of slavery, the civil war and the civil rights movement. Don’t miss the museum’s most iconic, somber offering: the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.
Of course, there’s more than one history museum in Memphis. To learn more about the music legends who have lived and worked here over the years, take your pick of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Don’t forget Sun Studio, which is home to a microphone used by Elvis Presley in addition to an array of other memorabilia.
Get active at Shelby Farms Park
The greenery of Shelby Farms makes this urban park the ideal place to kick back and relax, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that’s all there is to do here. The Go Ape treetop adventure course will have you swinging through trees, zip lining over Pine Lake and navigating a complex obstacle course—all under the watchful eye of your instructors, of course. What’s more, the paved Greenline connecting the park to Midtown Memphis is perfect for cycling, running and walking, and has been voted the best trail in Tennessee.
Enjoy your new perspective
Whether you spend your days off visiting local landmarks for the first time, exploring the history that surrounds you or communing with nature, it’s easy to have an enjoyable staycation in Memphis without breaking the bank. And while the suggestions above are a good place to start, we haven’t even scratched the surface.
For more amazing Memphis content, check out Choose901!
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Sun Studio Tour
This small recording studio may not look like much at first glance, but its place in music history is incomparable. Elvis Presley recorded “That’s Alright Mama” right here in 1954, and the studio was frequented by B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash to boot. On a tour at Sun Studio, you’ll get the chance to see the equipment these legends used with your very own eyes!
Graceland Tour
You simply cannot visit Memphis without going to Graceland. After all, it’s one of the most-visited houses in the United States, second only to the White House. Be sure to swing by The King’s famous Jungle Room while you’re on the premises! What’s more, the VIP tour includes access to the car museum that houses Elvis’ iconic pink Cadillac, as well as the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of his most recognizable stage costumes.
Memphis Riverboat Tours
Old-fashioned riverboats serve as the perfect vehicle to explore the Mississippi River in style. And why not spring for a themed excursion that includes dinner and fireworks? There’s no better way to learn about the history of Ol’ Man River.
Beale Street Tour
This major tourist attraction is lined with blues clubs, bars and restaurants, gift shops and live music everywhere you turn. Needless to say, there’s never a dull moment on Beale Street. Music fans might want to consider timing their visit to coincide with the annual Beale Street Music Festival, which brings together artists from different genres against the backdrop of this iconic landmark.
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
Memphis has no shortage of pioneers who overcame social barriers to create music that changed the world, and this museum celebrates them all in one place. The audio tour is positively overflowing with more than 300 minutes of information, including snippets from over 100 songs. Don’t forget to check out the galleries of stage costumes and instruments!
National Civil Rights Museum
This history of our country’s civil rights movement dates all the way back to the 17th century. The National Civil Rights Museum is the place to go for audio, images and films that will open both your eyes and your heart.
Whether you’re moving to Memphis or just dropping by for a visit don’t miss these essential and informative tours.
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]]>Although the river is a fixture of everyday life in Memphis, that does nothing to diminish its power. Why not head to Big River Crossing and experience the allure of the mighty Mississippi for yourself?
Crossing the Big River
At nearly a mile in length, Big River Crossing is the longest public pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi, as well as America’s longest active rail, bicycle and pedestrian crossing. The bridge connects Main Street in Memphis, Tennessee, with Main Street in West Memphis, Arkansas, tying together a 10-mile corridor of both cities’ walking and biking routes. Like the river itself, Big River Crossing is at the heart of Memphis’ great urban playground.
Big River Crossing opened in 2016, and untold thousands have enjoyed this free attraction since then. It offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River and the Memphis skyline up past South Bluffs and Beale Street Landing, with ships passing underneath throughout the day and trains regularly rolling along the adjoining railway bridge.
Memphis on the Mississippi
Step off the Tennessee side of Big River Crossing and you’re practically in the middle of downtown Memphis. The Memphis Riverfront is mere footsteps away, with urban walking trails and sweeping bluff-top views from Martyrs Park. What’s more, bike lanes on Front Street make it easy for cyclists to get just about anywhere in the downtown area, including countless local shops and eateries.
Grab a snack and a hot cup of joe at Bluff City Coffee & Bakery, try a local craft beer or two at Ghost River Brewery, browse the Memphis Farmers Market or head to Central BBQ to find out for yourself why Memphis is so famous for its ribs. These establishments and many more are within about a mile of Big River Crossing, and you don’t have to go much farther to hit the Beale Street Historic District—home of the blues and endless possibilities.
As for the other side of the river, there’s some cool stuff in West Memphis, too. Be sure to make time for Big River Trail, which connects to Big River Crossing and offers a chance to explore the beautiful riverside landscape. The trail follows the levee alongside the Mississippi River, and its construction is an ongoing project. Once completed, it will stretch along more than 1,600 river miles.
Big River Crossing is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and it is available to cyclists and pedestrians free of charge. Check out the bridge around sunrise, sunset, holidays and other special events to see it sparkle with more than 100,000 Philips LED lights, creating a truly brilliant display.
For more stories about Memphis, check this out!
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