World Destination of the Week - Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee, is a legend of a city. Cradle of the Civil Rights movement, birthplace of Blues music, and the town Elvis Presley called home… What a place! From the buzz of Beale Street to the air of calm in the museums, Memphis is a really fascinating city. Add it to your list of places to visit in 2009.
The best times to go are spring and autumn. If you’re there in May, you’ll catch the Beale Street Music Festival, which attracts performers from across the state and the country. Then there’s the spring Powwow, a gathering to celebrate the influence of Native Americans on Memphis’s history. October brings the incredibly popular International Blues Talent Competition. But whatever time of year you decide to visit, there’ll be plenty to do.
Beale Street is Memphis’s heart. Always busy, you may well run into a famous blues musician. Beale Street was once a boulevard of dive bars and music joints; these days it is still a nightlife hub, but has cleaned itself up a little. Look out for the Walk of Fame between 2nd to 3rd Streets, which honours famous musicians both living and dead. The Gibson Guitar Plant is just off Beale Street, where world famous guitars have been crafted for more than 50 years. Inside the plant is the Smithsonian Rock & Soul Museum. If you’re into the Blues, visit WC Handy Park, where there’s a statue of the founder of the genre.
Most people visit Memphis to visit Graceland, where Elvis Presley lived for most of his life. His former home has been transformed into a museum and shrine, with often-gaudy decorations! You can tour the house and see a film about the legend’s life. As well as seeing his car and airplane collections. August 15th, Elvis Presley Day, sees flocks of fans descending on the property, so this date is best avoided. And for some history, you should visit the National Civil Rights Museum, based in the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
Memphis is well-stocked for public transport. There are trolleys, buses, taxis, and rental cars. Taxis are cheap and convenient so we advise you to go with those. If you’re staying for a while, renting a car can be good.
Memphis International Airport is well connected to the city by freeway, so you’ll get to the city quickly by shuttle, taxi, or car. The top-range hotels offer free transportation.
For the cheapest flights to Memphis, visit FlightComparison.co.uk.