Stax Museum of American Soul Music 1.
The lesser known of Memphis' major musical attractions, Stax is still one of the richest experiences in the city for music lovers. Home to what became known as the Memphis Sound,... Read more »
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10Best List: The home of Rock 'n' Roll, the birthplace of the blues
Memphis has more than a rich musical heritage - it is THE capital of American music. As the birthplace for both rock and the blues - and the driving force behind the sound of soul, Memphis lays claim to an incredibly rich and deep musical history. But music is just one of Memphis' many cultural offerings, as the city boasts museums dedicated to the civil rights movement and the arts, a world-class zoo, and more.
About Memphis, TN Attractions
The city of Memphis has a rich and colorful history of which its citizens are deeply proud, and world-class attractions that offer something for families, music lovers, outdoorsy types and art afficiandoes.
History is everywhere in Memphis, from the Lorraine Hotel, site of the tragic assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. - now the National Civil Rights Museum - to Sun Studio, where Elvis recorded his first record. The most visited private home outside of the White House is Elvis' former home, Graceland. The list of sites important to our country's musical history is never-ending, but there are a few that can't be missed including Stax, also known as Soulsville, USA, and Beale Street, where the blues found its roots as a true American sound. Music pours out of the clubs along Beale, and even from musicians who set up on the street hoping to be discovered.
For families, the Memphis Zoo is always a hit with its polar, panda and grizzly bears, excellent habitats and easy-to-navigate setting. The Botanic Garden's children's garden called My Big Backyard is a wonderful experience for children and their parents. A must-see for kids is the duck parade at the the Peabody Hotel; since the 1930s, the ducks have marched up and down a red carpet twice daily to frolic in the fountain of the Grand Lobby. During the evening parade - promptly at 5:00 p.m., one child is chosen to be an honorary duckmaster, and leads the ducks into the elevator for a journey to their rooftop home.
- Memphis Expert Sally Walker Davies
