Memphis

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Memphis, More than Elvis

A travel journal to Memphis by marciadarnell

Mempis is a good place to visit, even if you are not an Elvis fan. There are museums, a yearly cultural exhibit, theater, zoo and amusement park, and nice places to stay and to eat.

  • 18 reviews
  • 3 stories/tips

Memphis, More than ElvisBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Memphis is well know as the birthplace of the blues and as Elvis Presley's home, but there are other attractions, also. For those interestd in art and archeology, there are frequent exhibits at Brooks Museum and the Dixon Gallery, as well as a Native American village and a yearly traveling exhibit at the Pyramid which is strictly world class. There are also several things the kids will love: Livertyland Amusement Park, the Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium, and the zoo.

Quick Tips:

Downtown is not a good place to be at night, so if you choose to stay in this area, take care.

Best Way To Get Around:

A car is the best option, although there is a trolly along Front Street for many of the tourist sites.

Sleep Inn At Court SquareBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Sleep Inn"

This is a typical budget hotel located right beside the trolly track. For those who want a downtown location, it is a good choice. Walking outside at night is NOT recommended.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

Sleep Inn At Court Square
40 N FRONT STREET Memphis, Tennessee 38103
901-522-9700

Sleep Inn at Horn LakeBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

An easy interstate drive from anywhere in Memphis, and only five miles from Graceland, this motel is in a nice neighborhood close to many chain restaurants and fast food places. It has a nice pool, is clean, and is in a good neighborhood. The included breakfast is tasty. It would be a good place for a family with children. And the room tax is less expensive than in Memphis.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

Sleep Inn at Horn Lake
I-55 and Goodman Road Memphis, Tennessee
(601) 349 2773

Peabody HotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

One of the grand old hotels of the South, the Peabody had been in a decline for many years until a remodeling in the 1970''s brought back is former splendor. It is beautiful to look at, and fun to stay in. The rooms are very expensive, beginning at $165 for a double. It has three restaurants, a bar, some shops, and the famous parade of ducks. On the downside, it is dangerous to walk outside at night. The parking lot is fenced and guarded.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

Peabody Hotel
149 UNION AVE Memphis, Tennessee 38103
901-529-4000

CozymelBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This Mexican Restaurant offers chicken, pork loin, and other such foods in addition to the enchilladas, tacos, and tamales of the typical Tex-Mex restaurant. The fresh fish, coated in pecans, fried, and topped with a cream sauce, is excellent. Other entrees included salmon, coconut shrimp, and paella. There is an extensive menu of frozen drinks. Appetizers and delicious looking desserts are available, but after enjoying the chips and wonderfully hot salsa, followed by an entree, one would need a very large appetite to want either.

The price is less than $20 per person if no alcohol, appetizer, or dessert is included.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

Cozymel
6450 Popular, east of I 240 Memphis, Tennessee
763-4056

Chez PhillippeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This restaurant emphasizes excellent service and extraordinary food, and has prices to match these services. The decor and the fresh flowers shout "France." As with many French restaurants, the new and unusual are always offered. An example is cornmeal croquettes with shrimp provencale. The old favorites are available, also.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

Chez Phillippe
149 Union Ave Memphis, Tennessee 38102
+1 901 529 4188

Paulette's RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Paulettes"

This restaurant has a many repeat customers, due to its long established excellent reputation. I have enjoyed everything I have eaten at this place. It is especially popular for lunch, when you will be able to order egg dishes, crepes, fish, scallop casserole, always accompanied by popovers. The dessert tray has so many scrumptious choices that it is difficult to resist. You will certainly enjoy Paulettes!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

Paulette's Restaurant
2110 Madison Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38104
(901) 726-5128

RendezvousBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Rendezvous"

Although is is a Memphis institution, I cannot fully appreciate the Rendezvous. It is noted for its ribs and other barbequed foods. When I was there, it was hot, the service was slow, and the prices very high for the foods offered. I would go elsewhere for Memphis barbeque.
  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

Rendezvous
52 South Second St Memphis, Tennessee 38102
(901) 523-2746

BrushmarkBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Brushmark"

This restaurant, located inside the art museum, features a very interesting menu. Southern favorites, such as catfish, alongside more exotic choices, like African peanut soup. There are several salads, some soups, and fancy sandwiches. It all sounds so delicious that you want to come back again to try other options.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

Brushmark
Inside Brooks Museum of Art, Overton Park Memphis, Tennessee

Chucalissa Archaeological MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Chucalissa Archeological Museum"

This is a reconstructed Native American village at the south edge of Memphis, close to the Mississippi River. The original village was abandoned in 1500, but rebuilt after city workers found its remains in 1939. It is possible to see artifacts and well as dwellings, and to learn how people lived in this area more than 500 years ago.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

Chucalissa Archaeological Museum
1987 Indian Village Road Memphis, Tennessee 38109
+1 901 785 3160

Dixon Gallery and GardensBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This large mansion, left to the city by a wealthy Memphis businessman and his wife, has a permanent collection of Meissen porcelain, as well as several paintings by such well known artists as Gainesborough and Mary Cassatt. The biggest draw, however, is the presence of a temporary exhibit at all times (except when they are being changed). Since Mr. and Mrs.Dixon were particularly interested in Impressionists, about once a year the exhibition has something to do with Impressionism.

While here, do not forget to stroll through the gardens and grounds.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

Dixon Gallery and Gardens
4339 Park Ave Memphis, Tennessee 38117
+1 901 761 5250; +1

Memphis Brooks Museum of ArtBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Brooks Gallery"

While it has a rather small permanent collection, the Brooks Museum is the site of many interesting temporary exhibits. For those who cannot peruse the galleries and great museums of Europe and Asia, it is possible to get a glimpse of their holdings in this manner.

Remember to go close to lunchtime, so you can eat at the Brushmark Restaurant.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
1934 Poplar Ave Memphis, Tennessee 38104
+1 901 544 6200

GracelandBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Despite the expensive entrance fee, Graceland attracts 600,000 visitors a year. They come to see Elvis' house, his cars, his jet, his clothes, and his photos. The cult fans come in January to celebrate his birthday, or in August to commemorate his death with a vigil.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

Graceland
3734 Elvis Presley Blvd. Memphis, Tennessee 38116
(901) 322-3322

Libertyland Amusement ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Libertyland"

It is not Disney World, but this small amusement park is fun for kids and others who enjoy rides. One of its attractions is a lovely 1909 carousel. There are also some live stage shows which provide a rest for the children and their parents.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

Libertyland Amusement Park
940 Early Maxwell Road Memphis, Tennessee 38104
(901) 274-1776

Pink Palace MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This attraction includes the museum, a planatarium, and an IMAX theater. A separate charge is made for each. The museum sometimes has a temporary exhibit to coordinate with the cultural exhibit offered every summer in the Pyramid. This is best visited June-March, as the place is filled with school children on field trips in April and May.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

Pink Palace Museum
3050 Central Ave (between Goodwyn and Greer) Memphis, Tennessee 38111
(901) 320-6394

Memphis Zoo and AquariumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Memphis Zoo"

The Memphis Zoo has 500 species of animals, so it is possible to spend a day and still not see everything. It is switching over from the old caged animals sort of exhibits to animals in their habitats, so many of the animal are in Cat Country, Monkey Canyon, and Once Upon a Farm. A new habitat featuring China will open in 2002.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

Memphis Zoo and Aquarium
2000 Galloway Memphis, Tennessee 38104
(901) 276-9453

National Civil Rights MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

On the site of the old Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968, this museum is devoted to all aspects of the Civil Rights Movement. Some of the subjects covered are the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Little Rock High School desegegration, and the March on Washington.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

National Civil Rights Museum
450 Mulberry Street Memphis, Tennessee 38103
(901) 521-9699

Peabody Place Museum and GalleryBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Peabody Place Museum"

Mr. and Mrs Beltz, who own many Memphis businesses and are the ones who restored the Peabody Hotel in 1977, have opened a museum to house their collection of Chinese art. It is difficult to see such a collection in other locals in the US outside of California and New York City. Furniture is included. There are many Chinese dynastic periods represented.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marciadarnell on August 19, 2001

Peabody Place Museum and Gallery
119 Main St Memphis, Tennessee 38103
+1 901 523 2787

Tunica CasinosBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

For those who must try the slot machines, Tunica, Mississippi is the South's answer to Las Vegas. Located just 25 miles south of Memphis, it is the glittering site of casinos, showhouses, a golf course, and hotels. Most of the casinos have restaurants which are top of their class. Especially recommended is the Friday evening seafood buffet at Sam's Town.

Memphis in May International FestivalBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Each May, Memphis celebrates a particular country. In 2002 it will be Argentina. There are a multitude of events, both large and small, including kyack races, barbeque cooking contest, and the Beale Street music festival. Call 525 4611 after Christmas for a schedule of that year's events.

Exhibit at the PyramidBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

During the summer months, there is a world-class exhibit at the Pyramid on the riverfront. In the past, exhibits have included Napoleon, Catherine the Great, Ramses the Second, the Nasca markings and other pre-Incan artifacts, and Chinese archeology. Call 521 9675 for information on the current exhibit.

About the Writer

marciadarnell
marciadarnell
Murray, Kentucky

Get the Word Out

Share this travel journal beyond IgoUgo with your favorite sharing tools.