Memphis
Tennessee
Restaurant Tip: During our visit to Memphis in October 2016, we had a great time at Corkey´s BBQ . Here you can get everything your BBQ heart desires.
Hard Rock Café: 126 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103
Our visits: So far 2 visits in August 1994 and October 2016
Sun Studio
Description: Founded in 1950 by Sam Philips, Sun Studios has been home to many renowned artists to this day. In 1954, Elvis recorded his first record here. Greats like Jonny Cash, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis are just a few of the famous artists who came here to record. They all wanted to record their records here. That hasn't changed to this day, and so the studios are still the first choice among artists like U2 or Maroon 5. You can visit the historic building, thousands of memorabilia and the recording studios as part of a guided tour. If you don't want to book a tour, you can enjoy a drink in a small bar on the first floor or buy a souvenir in the store. There are several tours daily on a first come first serve basis. Tickets are available at the cashier in the bar.
Our rating: We really enjoyed our visit to Sun Studios. The tour was very interesting and entertaining. The building has atmosphere you almost expect Elvis to come around the corner. If you are interested in music, you will not be disappointed. For us, Sun Studios are part of a visit to Memphis.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 14$/person
- Daily from 10 am - 6 pm.
Everything else about the studios and the tours can be found at the offiziellen Homepage.
Für das Navi: 706 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103-3218
Beale Street
Description: This approximately 2mi long street is considered the center and home of the blues. It looks back on a long and eventful history and became a National Historic Landmark in 1966. Today, there are numerous bars and restaurants where you can still listen to the many blues bands based in Memphis.
Our rating: We liked it here extremely well. During our visit there was a pleasant atmosphere and we had great fun wandering through the bars and listening to the great live music.
National Civil Rights Museum
Description: The National Civil Rights Museum is dedicated to the history of the American civil rights movement, from the arrival of the first slaves in 1619 to the present day. It is located in the former Lorraine Motel. It was here, on a balcony on the second floor, that the assassination of Martin Luther King took place on April 4, 1968.
Our rating: We found the museum very interesting. We learned a lot about the history of slavery and the civil rights movement. As often happens in the U.S., museums are interactive and designed to be extremely engaging and interesting. This makes it very easy to absorb the information presented and it was simply captivating and moving to experience these exhibitions. Anyone in Memphis should definitely stop by here, it's well worth it.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 16$/person
- Daily except Tuesdays from 9am - 6pm (Saturdays until 9am).
Everything you need to know about a visit to the museum can also be found on the offiziellen Homepage.
For the GPS: 450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103
Graceland
Description: This is the estate where Elvis Presley stayed in Memphis. Here he lived, together with his family, from 1957 until his death in 1977. To cover the high annual costs, Priscilla Presley, Elvis' widow, opened the estate to the public in 1982. Since then, it has become a pilgrimage town for all Elvis fans, with over 600,000 visitors annually. In addition to the residence and the cemetery, where Elvis and many other family members are buried, you can visit many other exhibitions on the site. There are countless exhibits from the life of the King of Pop, as well as his car collection and two airplanes to admire. Depending on what you want to see during your visit, the entrance fees also vary. There are numerous variants.
Our rating: Graceland is interesting. Especially from the point of view of how such a famous personality lived. We have visited Graceland twice. The first time in 1994, unfortunately, we only had time for the house. Then in October 2016, with more time, we visited all the exhibitions on the grounds. It was fun and we can recommend a visit, however, for us the two visits were also enough. For us as no explicit Elvis fans, there is no real reason to come here a third time.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- ab 41$/person
- Open daily from 9 am - 5 pm.
Everything you need to know about visiting Graceland can also be found on the official webpage.
For the GPS: 3734 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116
