Memphis got SOUL! A mom-approved itinerary for that family summer trip

Memphis has it ALL – attractions, restaurants (and BBQ), places to stay, upcoming events and things to do. From Beale Street, to the Memphis Pyramid, discover the appeal of Memphis neighborhoods and feel the thrill of its outdoor adventures.

A suggested itinerary:

SUNDAY

Check in Hotel Napoleon

1:30 pm – Central Daylight Time

Back Beat Tours Memphis

The Home of the Blues comes alive on this city tour aboard the nation’s only music bus. All of the guides on this tour are professional Beale Street musicians who play and sing selections from the city’s rich musical heritage, while entertaining you with comedy, history, and behind-the-scenes stories of your favorite Memphis personalities.

Along the way, you will see:

  • Sun Studio
  • Beale Street
  • Stax Studio
  • The Lorraine Motel
  • Cotton Row
  • Peabody Hotel
  • Overton Park
  • Historic Central Gardens
  • St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
  • Early homes of Elvis, B. B. King, and Johnny Cash

Enjoy an exciting introduction to Memphis on this action-packed drive through the city. It’s great fun for all ages! (Note: Admissions to attractions not included on the Memphis Mojo Tour.)

6:00 pm – Central Daylight Time

Central BBQ

It is no easy task to stand out from the crowd in a town as discerning about their barbecue as Memphis, but Central BBQ has managed to do just that, attracting throngs of hungry Memphians with a decadent offering of ribs, hot wings, and most importantly, pulled pork sandwiches (they also have famously delicious side dishes). You’re likely to find a line outside Central BBQ, but it is sure to be worth the wait.

Beale Street

All great places for live music.  Alfred’s On Beale, B.B. King’s Blues Club, Jerry Lee Lewis’ Cafe & Honky Tonk, King’s Palace Café, Lew’s Blue Note Bar & Grill, Rum Boogie Café, Silky O’Sullivan’s.

MONDAY

9:00 am – Central Daylight Time

Breakfast – Arcade

The Arcade has the honor of being Memphis’ oldest restaurant. Speros Zepatos founded the diner in 1919 after immigrating from Cephalonia, Greece. Situated at the corner of South Main Street and G.E. Patterson, the original building was a small, one story, wood framed building. Food was actually cooked on potbelly stoves!

10:00 am – Central Daylight Time

Graceland & Elvis Presley’s Memphis

Lunch Suggestions

2:00 pm – Central Daylight Time

Sun Studio

4:30 pm – Central Daylight Time – 1 hour

Peabody Duck March

 Arrive to the Hotel by 4:30pm to catch the 5pm Duck March!

6:00 pm – Central Daylight Time

Dinner at Curfew Memphis

Curfew is the perfect fusion of a classic tavern feel with Spanish, American and Italian flavors. Unrestrained by conventionality, this elevated dining experience seamlessly blends bold ingredients, a welcoming décor, and a talented team dedicated to culinary excellence.

Celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani brings his passion for hospitality to this incredible concept, combining authentic dishes with handcrafted cocktails and locally-sourced beers. Located on the main floor of Memphis’ Canopy Hotel, Curfew is your new destination to gather for the big game, check out local artist or simply indulge your tastebuds.

TUESDAY

10:00 am – Central Daylight Time

National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the assassination site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., chronicles key episodes in the American civil rights movement and the legacy of this movement to inspire participation in civil and human rights efforts globally

Lunch Suggestions – Downtown

2:00 pm – Central Daylight Time

Stax Museum Of American Soul Music

7:30 pm – Central Daylight Time

Dinner @ Bishop

Located in the new Central Station Hotel, Bishop showcases locally and regionally influenced French cuisine from chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, featuring bold, contemporary flavors in a relaxed, yet attentive environment. Enjoy your meal paired with an extensive wine list that offers a selection of unique wines from smaller, family-owned wineries that deserve a place at your table.

The Central Station Memphis

Checkout the evening music in the lobby of Central Station Hotel. 

There lobby has a 30-foot record wall with Eggleston Works speakers and a 500-album vinyl record collection, all connected to Memphis in some way. There’s a live DJ’s playing music vinyl records every-night of the week. View

WEDNESDAY

10:00 am – Central Daylight Time

Memphis Rock N Soul Museum

Lunch Suggestions – Downtown

2:30 pm – Central Daylight Time

Memphis Riverboat Cruise

Arrive at 2:00pm

The sightseeing cruise is a 90-minute tour that takes you down the Mighty Mississippi with a live historical commentary. This is a great way to see and learn a bit of Mississippi River history while visiting Memphis, Tennessee.View

Explore Big River Crossing

This is the largest pedestrian bridge to cross the Mississippi River. 

If you want to see the bridge lights at night head to the Big River Crossing – Longest pedestrian & biking bridge over the Mississippi River from Memphis to West Memphis. From this bridge or any where along Riverside Drive you can witness nightly light show over the river. 

Mighty Lights – Biggest nightly light show on the Mississippi river. Running at the top and middle of every hour from sundown to the 10:30pm finale.

7:00 pm – Central Daylight Time

Beauty Shop Restaurant – Dinner

THURSDAY

Check out at Hotel Napoleon

IF YOU CAN, MAKE A QUICK STOP TO THE MEMPHIS ZOO. SO WORTH IT TO SEE THAT PANDA!

Many thanks to the Memphis Tourism Board!

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