Memphis, Tennessee is a city that lives life to the fullest. The joy of music and food fills the air. The roots of rock-n-roll run deep here and you will find no shortage of spectacular museums to visit celebrating its love of song.  Yet there is still so much more history to explore in this city that lives life to the fullest:

 

Graceland

The home to home-town hero and music legend Elvis Presley. Not the grand mansion one might expect from one of the world’s most recognizable personalities of all time, but more of a home that seemed to stop in time when he passed away in 1977 at the age of 42.

the Graceland Home of Elvis Presley sign

The Lorraine Motel and Civil Rights Museum

See the spot where American history was changed forever. The Lorraine Motel is where Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and across the street is now home to the Civil Rights Museum. In the museum you have exhibits including the actual lunch counter from the sit-ins, displays of Rosa Parks on the bus, the Freedom riders, and much more detailing the fight for Civil Rights in America.

The Lorraine Motel in Memphis

Mud Island Park

The 52 acre riverfront park is highlighted by a replica of the Mississippi River built in to a water-filled rill that is a piece of artwork built right into what would otherwise be a boring paved surface. The Island also is home to a unique monorail, fantastic museum, and great views of the city.

the Mud Island Park sky tram in Memphis
Photo: Tom Reading/flickr

Woodruff-Fontaine House

A step back in time to examine the well-to-do life during Victorian times in a well preserved and well furnished French Victorian house. They have rotating exhibits with different focuses, special events, and beautiful gardens. The entire neighborhood has several historic homes if you are up for a stroll to look at the architecture.

Woodruff Fontaine House
Photo: Eric Allix Rogers/flickr

Music Museums

Memphis is home to so many fantastic museums, and the city honors many different styles of American music with their wide array of choices. Explore your passion for music at one of the many great options:

• The Stax Museum of American Soul
• Sun Studios
• Rock’n’Soul Museum
• Memphis Music Hall of Fame
• Beale Street Blues Museum
• Blues Hall of Fame Museum
• Withers Collection Museum and Gallery

Image of guitars and memorabilia at the Memphis Blues Hall of Fame
Photo: Memphis CVB/flickr

Music Cities Cruise-American Melody

Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN

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