I’ve been dying to go to Memphis and Graceland for a super long time and I finally had the chance to visit during our recent road trip from Toronto to Los Angeles. Actually, I diverted our road trip towards Tennessee just so I could visit 
We ended up renting an airbnb in Nashville for about 4 nights before making the three hour drive to Memphis.
I honestly think this is one of my favourite weekend getaway ideas – and for my Toronto readers, there is now a direct flight running from Toronto to Memphis – making it an even easier destination to get to. I definitely recommend it and suggest you do a combo Memphis + Nashville trip to make the most out of your flight.
I know the Canadian Dollar is super low right now, but I found that the cost of food, drinks, and entertainment were a lot lower in Memphis overall. If you love food, music, and history – you’re going to love Memphis! Here’s what we got up to + suggest for your getaway:
WHERE TO EAT + DRINK
CENTRAL BBQ – Memphis is famous for their BBQ and Central BBQ was suggested to us by friends as a favourite local spot. The star of the show here are the Memphis-style ribs with a dry rib rub that is then smoked to perfection. We ordered the Combo Plate ($20.99) and also got to try their brisket, smoked turkey (a must!) with their mac & cheese, potato salad and coleslaw sides.
I was told by Karyn of Killer Kurves that I cannot miss their Banana Pudding for dessert! OMG – Paul and I ate it ALL in the car, it didn’t make it back to our Airbnb.
We read on Yelp that there sometimes is a wait – but we didn’t have to wait at all. Their outdoor patio was not only heated, it was also dog-friendly which we really appreciated (as did BINGO) because we were driving across the country with our pup.
GUS’ WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN – I had my first taste of Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken when I was in Austin and it was some of the BEST fried chicken I have ever had. So I knew a visit to the original in Memphis, Tennessee was a must.
Not only is the chicken delicious, but the VALUE for pretty much a huge $9 plate with 2 pieces of chicken, 2 sides and a slice bread is incredible. I couldn’t even finish it all! Don’t forget to start with a plate of fried green tomatoes and some sweet tea.
We loved the coleslaw, beans, and the macaroni and cheese. I said to Paul, “My diet will start west of the Mississippi – but not before then!” Show up hungry when you’re in Memphis – the prices are SO reasonable compared to a more expensive city like Toronto or LA.
HIGH COTTON BREWING – After living in Portland, we really started to seek out local breweries whenever we travel. High Cotton Brewing came highly recommended from a few people and we had a great time stopping in with our pup for a tasting flight. This is another fantastic dog-friendly spot.
OLD DOMINICK DISTILLERY – If cocktails are more your thing, book a tour of Old Dominick Distillery for just $12. Tours start every hour and include a guided tasting. You gotta try Tennessee whiskey when you’re in Tennessee! If you don’t have time for a tour, grab a cocktail while you wait for your table to come up at Gus’ Fried Chicken across the street.
WHAT TO SEE + DO
THE NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM – I did not originally have The National Civil Rights Museum on my itinerary, but it came so highly recommended that I made sure we had some time to stop in – and we were so glad that we did.
My wish is that every person would have the opportunity to visit this museum and to learn more about slavery and the civil rights movement. I was so deeply moved by all the exhibits and the museum, I had tears in my eyes by the end. The museum is so incredibly well-done and well laid out in chronological order. It would be a shame to miss it during your visit to Memphis.
I had only taken one class in American History and one class in American Politics during university and we only touched upon these issues for 1-2 weeks. The National Civil Rights Museum gave me the full history lesson.
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on the second floor balcony of The Lorraine Motel, and the museum is built around the building. The motel balcony has been preserved, as is the room Mr. King was staying in.
The museum is a must-visit. Please do give yourself at least 2 hours so you can take your time learning and absorbing an important piece of American history. I think this is one of the BEST museums I have been to.
BEALE STREET – For Memphis nightlife, take a walk down Beale Street to check out all the restaurants, bars and live music. It does get busy here at night and it’s Tennessee’s top tourist attraction for good reason. Congress named it the official ‘Home of the Blues’ and the sound of live music is pouring out on the street. You’ll find buskers, historic shops and street festivals as well.
THE MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES – If the Memphis Grizzlies happen to be in town during your visit, I definitely recommend checking out an NBA game at The FedEx Forum. It’s just adjacent to Beale Street, so you can hit up two things at once! The fans are loyal and it’s a fun way to spend a night cheering for the home team.
THE PEABODY DUCKS – We did not get to witness the ducks (yes, actual ducks) at The Peabody Hotel do their daily parade – but apparently it’s quite a sight to see and a historic tradition that happens daily. Definitely put it in your schedule and take some time to explore this gorgeous hotel or stop by the lobby bar for a drink.
The Bass Pro Pyramid
BASS PRO SHOP PYRAMID – For those of you familiar with Bass Pro Shops and their chain of stores across America – you may not know that a Disney-like pyramid version of the store exists in Memphis! I had no idea and had to see this pro shop, restaurant, and hotel in one.
Even though I’m not really an outdoor sportsmen – this store was super interesting to walk around. There’s also an indoor swamp, an aquarium, an observation deck and a bowling alley in here!
GRACELAND – I’ll have a longer post coming to the blog soon about my visit to Graceland, but it was fascinating to learn about Elvis’ life, to see his house and where he was finally laid to rest. I’m not an Elvis fanatic, but I truly appreciate the contribution he made to music and pop culture.
Make sure to stop by the cafeteria and try a grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich – it’s delicious and Elvis’ fave. For some more flavour – add bacon! The parking and visitors centre is located across the street from Graceland mansion, you check-in here and take a short shuttle bus across the street to the mansion.
via Memphis Travel
We had an awesome time in Memphis! My only regret is that we didn’t stay longer. Two nights was definitely not enough – especially if you end up spending a day at Graceland.
I would go back for at least 4-5 nights and would include time at The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Sun Studio, and The Stax Museum. You might also want to spend some time exploring the Riverfront and a few of the different neighbourhoods as well. Which means a return visit is probably in order for me.
For more ideas for your trip, visit Memphis Travel online.
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