Mighty, Mighty Memphis

The birthplace of rock n' roll. The pork barbecue capital of the world. The home of the blues. Memphis lives up to all of these nicknames. But beyond its reputation for perfect barbecue and phenomenal music, it is a bustling city with a wide variety of things to do and see. Taking in all that Memphis has to offer would take weeks, but by following this plan, you can experience the flavor of the city in just one day.

Start it off with breakfast at Memphis' oldest and most beloved café, the Arcade Restaurant. Since 1919, this family-run restaurant has been serving its delightfully simple yet delicious fare. Traditional breakfast specials like biscuits and gravy, eggs and bacon, or French toast will equip you for the busy day ahead. Leaving the Arcade, you'll find yourself in the middle of the artsy South Main Historic District. The next stop of the day is just a quarter of a mile up the road but you'll want to take the time to explore the many galleries and boutiques that fill this neighborhood.

When you've finished exploring, head to one of Memphis' most famous historic landmarks, the National Civil Rights Museum and the site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Try to arrive by 11 as you will want to spend at least 2 hours here. The audio tour takes you on an evocative and moving journey through the civil rights movement from the time of slavery to present. Before you leave the museum, walk around back to view the original Lorraine Motel as it was on the fateful day King was assassinated. The deeply moving experience serves as a reminder of the struggle of African Americans and how far both the city of Memphis and the entire nation have come.

After the museum, it is time to leave the South Main District for a more traditional taste of Memphis. The first stop is of course, a barbecue joint. Down a dingy little alleyway, you'll find one of Memphis' most prized possessions, Charlie Vergos Rendezvous. To out-of-towners it doesn't look like much, but Rendezvous has gotten its local reputation for a reason. Be sure to try their most popular dish, dry-rub ribs. After you've gotten your fill, head over to the next stop, Sun Studio. Much of Memphis' reputation as a music city stems from this one studio. Greats like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and B.B. King recorded here.

By the end of the Sun Studio tour, you are most likely going to be in need of a break. It's time to head to Memphis' famous Beale Street for happy hour. Since its heyday in the 20s, Beale Street has been the center of entertainment and nightlife in Memphis. Live music clubs and quirky niche shops line both sides of the street. For a souvenir of the city, step inside Memphis' old-fashioned general store, A. Schwab. If you would rather just sit down and relax, head over to B.B. King's for some live blues and a drink before dinner.

In the center of Memphis' entertainment district the dinner options are endless. Depending on your mood, you can either eat in one of the clubs along Beale or opt for a more upscale trendy restaurant off of Beale, like Automatic Slim's Tonga Room, one of the most popular restaurants in Memphis and a common spot for celebrity spotting! The tropical theme, Caribbean and Southwestern inspired cuisine and excellent cocktail selection provide the perfect backdrop for any special evening. If you have any energy left after dinner, head back to Beale Street where the party will just be getting started. There are countless bars and clubs where you are sure to find a good time. B.B. King's is sure to still be hopping. But if you've had your fill of bright lights and themed décor, the Black Diamond is a popular dive where good music and strong drinks are the sole attraction. Whatever your preference is, take this time to sit back and soak up the easy-going vibe for which Memphis is known.