48 Hours in Memphis
Hey fam! I can’t believe we’re almost in the new year. 2020 has been a wild rollercoaster ride (that only seems to drop) but we made it! And I for one am very much looking forward to a fresh start.
One of my biggest hopes for 2021 is being able to travel again. If you’re an avid traveler like me, you know this year has been brutal - I can’t wait to get back to safely and freely exploring new places. One in particular y’all have to check out if you haven’t already is Memphis!
Earlier this fall I had the privilege and pleasure of getting to know this gem of a city and honestly, I’ve been missing out! Just two hours outside of its bigger sister, Nashville, Memphis is a small city with a whole lotta soul - and I mean that in more ways than one! Once it’s safe to travel again, I one million percent recommend checking this place out. Here’s what you can do with 48 hours in Memphis
STAX Museum of American Soul Music
I knew I wanted to do at least one music museum while in Memphis and ended up checking out the STAX because I realized I didn’t know all that much about soul music. Welp - let’s just say I do now! STAX was one of the main recording labels for soul music in its prime and so this building just holds so much history and great vibes. A must visit!
National Civil Rights Museum
This museum is honestly the destination in Memphis. I firmly believe every single American citizen/resident out there needs to visit this museum at least once. So much of our country’s history is centered around the stories told and kept in this sacred place. I have to say, it was definitely hard walking around and taking this in all at once, but I’m so glad I did. Also, there is a lot information here, so plan on taking your time or visiting a few times.
Elvis Presley’s Graceland
If you consider yourself an Elvis fan, Graceland is a must-visit! They’ve kept everything intact from when the Presley family lived here. Definitely some Disney-ish vibes going on here, but we learned a lot about Elvis’ life, career and family from our self-guided tour. We also learned that the Presley family will often times have dinner at Graceland when they’re in town which I thought was pretty neat. I’d say give yourselves a solid two hours to check out ‘The King’s” residence.
Big River Crossing
This is a fun and easy stop while in Memphis - especially if you like being in two states at once! Also, I just had to add this to my list to continue with my grand tour of the Mississippi river this year.
Sun Studio
This place is the birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll, y’all! Sun Studio is where so many greats got their start: from B.B. King, to Johnny Cash and, of course, Elvis. We had the best tour guide - Mark - who knew so much about the place and was so passionate about the stories he was sharing. There’s a tour just about every hour and they last around 45 mins. All around great vibes!
Beale Street
This is undoubtedly the Memphis nighttime destination! With everything happening this year it was pretty chill, which allowed for plenty of social distancing. The live music was still there and a few restaurants were offering dine-in service, including the iconic Blues City Cafe. Be sure to check out any restrictions these establishments might have before heading down there and please be respectful of them!
Honorary Food Mention: The Beauty Shop
A beauty shop turned bomb brunch spot you must check out! Priscilla Presley used to get her hair done here. :)
Hope you guys enjoyed this lil’ city guide. If you have any questions, my DMs are always open!
xo, Chels
*This post is sponsored by the Memphis Tourism Board. All opinions are my own*