Memphis, what to see for a city tour


    A tour in the city of Memphis, between Graceland and Elvis Presley, Lorraine Motel and the National Civil Rights Museum by Martin Luther King, read the post and discover your trip to Memphis.

    located in Tennessee and bathed by the immense Mississippi River that draws the border with the neighboring state of Arkansas, Memphis it has been the protagonist of some events that have marked its history. This is where the king of rock, Elvis Presley, built his house, and made the city the capital of music. But that's always where Martin Luther King he was assassinated in 1968 in the midst of the fight against racial segregation. If you are heading to the south of the United States, Memphis is a must to experience these two souls in a city that is gradually rebuilding its identity after years of decline. Visitable in one day, here are the main attractions not to be missed.





    Memphis, what to see for a city tour

    Memphis, what to see for a city tour

    Start the day with i pancake of sweet potatoes fromArcade Restaurant, the historic restaurant where Elvis Presley used to have lunch with the whole family. A sandwich in his honor could not be missing from the menu. The restaurant fully retains the vintage charm of the time from the sign to the counter, but don't expect anything striking about its cuisine: the only dish that deserves a mention is the sweet potato pancakes.

    Graceland, at the gates of the city, is the sumptuous home where Elvis lived. The visit is not exactly cheap,
    you can book your ticket online by choosing between the formula "home only, or house + car museum and private plane".
    From the welcome center, a shuttle will take you directly to the entrance from which a predetermined route starts between the different rooms and sections of the villa. The part that can be visited is only the first floor: in the upper part it is said that from time to time the daughter still stays there. From the rooms you will pass to his personal gallery with the dozens and dozens of gold and platinum records, various memorabilia and those excessive costumes that only The king of rock'n'roll could wear in his unforgettable concerts. The tour of the house will end by passing right in front of the tomb of the king of rock and his parents, a way to pay homage to him by leaving a flower. Back at the welcome center you can continue with the view of the cars and the plane with which he moved from one city to another during his tours.


    Memphis, what to see for a city tour

    Memphis, what to see for a city tour

    Memphis, what to see for a city tour

    The complete path lasts at least two hours. Don't forget to sign the boundary wall surrounding the house and to take the inevitable photo in front of the Graceland sign. In 2017 we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of his death on August 16, 1977 and therefore those days could be a bit overcrowded.


    Visit the Lorraine Motel which on 4 April 1968 was the theater of dramatic murder by Martin Luther King. To preserve this place of memory, the Lorraine Motel has been integrated into the modern structure of the National Civil Rights Museum. The visit unfolds in a long journey through documents of the time, video installations such as the films of the last moments of Reverend King's life or the images of his historic speech which ended with the very famous "I have a dream". There are also reconstructions of episodes that became the symbol of the struggle for the emancipation of black rights, such as the bus in which Mrs Rose, a black lady, dared to sit in one of the seats reserved for whites.


    Memphis, what to see for a city tour

    Memphis, what to see for a city tour

    Continuing along the path you will arrive right in the room where Martin Luther King died and despite being so long, seeing the crime scene is truly touching. The entrance ticket also includes access to the place (located in the opposite building) from which it is presumed he left shot of the sniper. The visit of the whole museum (closed only on Tuesdays) lasts over two hours.

    Return to the world of music with the Sun Studio, the famous recording studio founded in 1950 where many of the best known artists of the world of blues, rock, country and rockabilly they made their own records. With 14 dollars, you can go back in time, the visit takes place only with the guide who will reveal many of the secrets of artists such as BB King, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison who owe much of their career to this place. Elvis Presley recorded his first album here and even U2 could not resist the myth of Sun Studio and in 1987 they recorded some pieces of their album Rattle & Hum. The visit will close with the inevitable

    Memphis, what to see for a city tour


    Memphis, what to see for a city tour

    Finally enjoy the evening in the very famous Beale Street, the real beating heart of Memphis. The small street is a succession of clubs (25) that come alive from the early hours of the evening thanks to the numerous live performances of bands, singers and musicians. Have fun entering and exiting the numerous souvenir shops, you will not be able to resist buying the cheap imitation of the famous Elvis sunglasses, to feel a bit King of rock'n'roll too. End the day at BB King Blues Club, the place founded by the master of blues: excellent live music with one of the best burgers in Tennessee.

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