Memphis Guide

Say Memphis and two leaders of vastly populist movements come to mind: Elvis Presley and Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Named after the ancient Egyptian capital on the Nile, Memphis was the celebrated birthplace of the Blues, early 20th century. A sunny climate, warm summers and chilly winters characterize this mecca of rock and roll.

The Memphis International Airport is serviced by international and domestic carriers. Taxis, rental car agencies, limousines and the shuttle services along with a cheap public transport ensure you get to your destination conveniently. The Greyhound services the route between Memphis, Nashville and New Orleans while Amtrak connects Memphis to New Orleans and Chicago.

Among the tourist spots are the Gibson Beale Street Showcase, Graceland which was Elvis Presley’s home, the National Civil Rights Museum where Dr Martin Luther King Jr was shot, Sun Studio and the Pink Palace Museum & Planetarium.

Eateries here are mid range and budget with the Blues City Café, Rendezvous, Sleep Out Louie’s and What More Can a Po’ Boy Do? ranking as favorites.

Events in Memphis start from January 8, Elvis Presley Day when Graceland is the center of festivities. January 15, Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday is treated as a national holiday. February, witnesses Beale St’s Zydeco Festival while the Beale St Music Festival, the Spring Pow-Wow, and the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival come up in April. August 16 the death anniversary of Elvis witnesses candlelight vigils across the city while New Year’s Eve parties signal the year end.