The Best Things to Do in Memphis, Tennessee

Whether you're looking for something to do for a romantic getaway or a weekend of gaming, Memphis is the place to go. This city is known for its many casinos, which offer a wide variety of casino games and betting options on greyhound races. Guests can also find half a dozen restaurants to enjoy a meal or a drink. Live entertainment is a regular feature on the weekends. There's something for every palate in Memphis.

History

The first known settlers of the area were tribes of the Mississippian culture. This culture was notable for the mount buildings they constructed. Later, the Chickasaw Indians migrated to the area, most likely from Mexico. The city's population grew rapidly. In 1826, it was incorporated. The American Civil War left Memphis a center for Confederate military operations. On June 6, 1862, Union forces captured Memphis. They remained in control of the city until the end of the war.

The Civil Rights Movement was born in Memphis. In Memphis, Martin Luther King Jr., an activist and the leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, was shot and killed on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. This prompted riots in the United States. After King's death, the city began to work with sanitation workers' unions and opened the Mason Temple, which now houses the National Civil Rights Museum. In Memphis, the city's history is marked by tragedy and triumph.

In 1879, the city suffered a disastrous yellow fever epidemic. In the early days, half of the city's population fled the city, while the rest of the population remained. About 14,000 were black. Churches became makeshift hospitals and people were dying at a rapid rate. Because of the outbreak, most other towns declared a quarantine on Memphis. The city eventually went bankrupt and lost its charter. The Yellow Fever epidemic had severe consequences for the city and its economy.

The city was the center of cotton marketing in the 19th century. The antebellum South relied on the forced labor of African-American slaves. Thus, Memphis became a major slave market. Before the Civil War, approximately one-fourth of the population in Memphis was made of slaves. Many of the slaves sought freedom through the Underground Railroad. In fact, Jacob Burkle's home was a way-station along the Underground Railroad.

In the mid-nineteenth century, the Mississippian culture settled the Memphis area. Eventually, the Chickasaw indian tribe arrived. The Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto reached the Mississippi River in 1541. French settlements arrived in East Tennessee 70 years later. The Chickasaw indians subsequently ceded the land to the United States government. It is still one of the most important sites in Memphis.

Top Restaurants for Barbecue

Despite being renowned as the "Cuisine Capital of the United States," Memphis is just as famous for its barbecue. While barbecue in Memphis may be considered to be "Southern" in origin, it is actually made with pork shoulder and ribs, and is characterized by rich barbecue sauce and dry-rub seasoning. Here's our list of the Top Restaurants for barbecue in Memphis, Tennessee.

Whether you're looking for a huge portion of meat, a meaty rib, or a tender piece of chicken, there are many ways to satisfy your cravings. Memphis barbecue is famous for its tangy, reddish sauce and its variety of flavors, ranging from mild to spicy. Besides meat, you can also get sides like yellow mustard-laced slaw and sweet but savory beans. You can even get barbecue spaghetti, which is a unique combination of pasta and sauce. While this list could go on, you'll get the idea.

For true Memphis barbecue, head over to Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous. The legendary barbecue place has been serving the city's locals and tourists for nearly three quarters of a century. The restaurant is also the favorite of dignitaries and celebrities. The Rendezvous has been a Memphis tradition for decades and is a popular place for celebratory events. It has a large kids' menu and different unique spaces for celebrations.

Central BBQ is one of the most popular Memphis barbecue joints. This Memphis restaurant uses pecan and hickory woods to smoke its meats. The staff is patient, and they use a dry rub and pecan woods to cook the meat. Their meats are seasoned with a special spice blend to give them a flavorful, smokey sauce. Central BBQ also serves homemade banana pudding.

Payne's Bar-B-Q is another must-visit restaurant. Payne's is run by Mrs. Payne and serves up some of the best barbecue in Memphis. Try the Spicy Jumbo, a meaty barbecue sandwich with neon-yellow slaw and a red barbecue sauce. You'll also want to try the pulled pork sandwich - it's hard to find a comparable pulled pork sandwich anywhere else.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

If you're looking for an exciting family activity or a fun solo outing, parks and outdoor activities in Memphis, Tennessee are just right for you. The city's friendly community and wide range of outdoor activities will make you feel right at home. Memphis has something for everyone, whether you're a baseball fan or a horseback rider. Here are some tips to help you have an unforgettable Memphis experience:

Shelby Farms Park is the city's largest urban park, with over one million visitors each year. The park features water-spray playgrounds, horseback riding, and a one-mile fitness trail. Shelby Farms Park is also conveniently located near Midtown and East Memphis. For a little time out, you can grab a bite to eat at the General Store, where you can enjoy a sandwich and a burger. The General Store, which is like a time-capsule from another century, also hosts live music on weekends.

Memphis is surrounded by great outdoor spaces, from the city's Riverwalk to the greenline trail that crisscrosses the city. A philanthropist developed the park, which offers a diverse range of exhibits on science, transportation, and agricultural development. Unlimited passes are available for $25 for children and $50 for adults. Memphis Zoo is another great place to take the family. And, if you're into art, you can visit the Handson family art gallery, which promotes visual literacy.

The Mississippi River provides a unique backdrop for some of the city's best riverside parks. You can watch the Mississippi River flow by taking a stroll along the riverbank or rent a paddle boat and enjoy the view. Mud Island is an absolutely gorgeous destination and is just a few miles north of Memphis. You can reach it via a suspended monorail or bridge. You can even learn a lot about the history of the area.

If you're looking for an art museum, you can explore the impressive collections of Impressionist paintings at the Memphis Museum of Art. This museum was once one of the city's most luxurious estates. It was donated to Memphis by Margaret and Hugo Dixon. Their original collection of art included French and American Impressionists. Throughout the year, there are special exhibits, concerts, and other activities. And many of these activities are free.

Museums Art Galleries and Theaters

Memphis, Tennessee is the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, blues, and soul. The city was where W.C. Handy composed his first pieces of blues music on Beale Street, and Elvis recorded at Sun Records, which is now a museum. The city is also home to Elvis' second-most-visited home, Graceland. In Memphis, you'll experience southern hospitality and a rich cultural history, and you'll be sure to leave there satisfied.

Memphis is known for its wrought iron decorations, which decorate many of the homes and buildings in Memphis. A visit to the National Ornamental Museum on the banks of the Mississippi River will allow you to witness an artifact from a different time and place. The Brooks Museum, meanwhile, will document the decorative arts of Europe and the United States. In addition to this, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens showcase fine art in a beautiful setting. Memphis is also home to the acclaimed Ballet Memphis company, and its rich culture is evident in the music and style of its local musicians and artists.

Another Memphis attraction is the National Civil Rights Museum, which is housed in the Lorraine Motel. The museum contains a historical overview of the civil rights movement in America, and includes modern themes, such as the GLBT movement. If you have time, you can also check out the National Ornamental Metal Museum, which is the only museum of its kind in North America devoted to fine metalwork. Situated on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, the museum features historic buildings, a working blacksmith's shop, sculpture garden, and a variety of exhibits.

The city also hosts several art events throughout the year. You can visit galleries, museums, and a century-old Sears factory. You can also attend a tulip festival and enjoy an outdoor performance. You can also check out a local theater. If you love music, you'll love the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, which showcases the works of the legendary musician.