Memphis Hotels and City Guide

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Known as the birthplace of rock 'n roll and the blues, Memphis holds claim to music greats like B.B. King and W.C. Handy. Elvis lives on in this fantastic city, as does the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King who was assassinated here. The city has many great tributes to these historic figures as well as great places to enjoy everything else Memphis has to offer. Finding a place to eat isn't too hard considering it hosts the World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest. So you know its got good food. And if you happen to go a little overboard with the shopping, no fear. Memphis is home to FedEx's headquarters so shipping your finds home should be easy as pie. Enjoy the Mississippi River while riding on the paddlewheel riverboat. It's been beautifully restored and provides a choice between day- or hour-long tours. You even have the choice of riding on a weekend moonlight cruise or enjoying a fantastic meal when you're on the dinner cruise.

Although there are many fantastic areas in Memphis, there are two districts that get a lot of attention. The Overton Square Entertainment District is located in the heart of Memphis and offers some of the city's best comedy, music and theater performances. Start your evening at one of the many fine restaurants and after the show, dance the night away at the clubs. The other more famous area in Memphis is the Historic Beale Street District. Although there are great shops and restaurants here as well, most who come to Beale Street are interested in seeing where legends like W.C. Handy, B.B. King and Bobby Bland have left their mark. The evenings still showcase the fantastic music that made this area so famous. Whether its rock and roll, Jazz or Rhythm and Blues, the talent is out of this world. It's a great way to learn the history of music legends all the while enjoying the artists who play today. Catch up on a little history when on Beale Street and walk through the small home of W. C. Handy, more commonly known as the Father of the Blues. After walking down Beale you may be in the mood for a little music history. Make your way to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. There are great exhibits on rock 'n roll, R&B and soul music. Sun Studio is kind of off the beaten path but never the less holds claim as being the most famous recording studio in the world. And they have the right to boast with greats like BB King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and the King Elvis Presley who have all recorded here. Enjoy the vintage audio clips and get a glimpse where these legends sang out their legendary songs.

Memphis has another famous home in its Rolodex of great sites. Second only to the White House as the most visited home in the country, Graceland is a favorite for anyone visiting here. As Elvis' home for 20 years, you'll see how the king lived in style. Whether it's the jewelry and costumes, pink Cadillac or private jet, you'll enjoy seeing how Elvis lived. It also hosts the largest private collection of Elvis' gold records. On a side note, you may want to avoid going on January 8, Elvis Presley Day and August 15, the day Elvis died. The line-ups can get pretty long. And if your stomach starts to rumble while you're here, have no fear - the Graceland property includes a few fantastic restaurants and even a few shops.

The infamous Lorraine Motel has been converted to the National Civil Rights Museum. Once the location where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated, it is now a dedication to the struggle and triumphs of America's fight for equality. There are many educational and interesting exhibits that trace the history of the civil rights movement. For those who love antiques, a visit to the Hunt-Phelan Home is a must. This 160-year old home has been fully restored and contains its original furniture. In fact, it's been in the same family since the day it was built. And you thought you had a lot of visitors in your house. Historically General Ulysses S. Grant used it as his headquarters and later it was used as a school for freed slaves.

Although it would seem strange to see a pyramid in a city more well known for its blue suede shoes, low and behold, you'll find a the third largest pyramid in the world here. Standing as a tribute to the city's Egyptian namesake you'll find a 32-storey stainless steal pyramid that covers six football fields. You won't have too much trouble finding it. It stands taller than the Statue of Liberty and the Taj Mahal. Where would you find four hundred species and three thousand animals? Why the Memphis Zoo of course. Visit the exotic and the endangered as you explore the exhibits. Make time for Ya-Ya and Le-Le, the resident pandas or the polar bears in the new Northwest Passage Exhibit. Where would you find ducks on a red carpet? Ironically, the Memphis Peabody Hotel. It's true. Everyday at 11 a.m. a red carpet is unrolled for these quacky guests as they make their way to the lobby's marble fountain. The fun ends at 5 p.m. when they return to their penthouse. Think it's a bit odd? Its been going on since the 1930s. I don't think these guests are going anywhere soon.

Explore the history of the civil rights movement or the legendary music greats who have graced Memphis' path. Enjoy a true Southern BBQ or cruise along the beautiful Mississippi River. Memphis has something every one will want to explore. The hard part will be deciding what you can all squeeze in on one trip.