Dave Cornthwaite

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Memphis highlights

Welcome to Memphis; the home of the Grizzlies, some of the most renowned recording studios on the planet, Graceland, the Mississippi River, FedEx HQ, the duck run at the Peabody Hotel and…a giant glass pyramid filled with outdoors gear.

In no particular order, here are my favourite things to do in Memphis, Tennessee.

Mud Island
This island separates Memphis town from the Mississippi and is worth visiting for the scale replica of the river.

The Bass Pro Pyramid
The 9th largest pyramid in the world is in Memphis! Formerly a sports venue the pyramid is now one of the coolest (and weirdest) stores to visit in America. As well as an enormous choice of outdoorsy products, there’s an alligator pond, lots of fish, restaurants and a panoramic deck (this costs) with views over the city and the passing Mississippi. Oh, and if you have a wad of cash in your pocket you can also stay in the famous Cypress Lodge!

Sun Studios and the Stax Museum
For music fans you’ll enjoy visits to both of these. This blog does a decent comparison, if you don’t have time to visit both. To really over simplify things, Sun Studio hosted Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and BB King. Stax oversaw recordings for Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and Carla Thomas.

The Peabody Ducks
Possibly the only place in the world where hundreds of people gather to watch some ducks run through a hotel, at 11am and 5pm the Peabody Hotel is host to such a spectacle. Quackers.

Graceland
You might have heard of Elvis. This was his home and it’s a popular place for tourists to visit. If you’re really an Elvis fan you’ll enjoy this, once upon a time a man dressed as the King and paddled down the river… :)

Sunrise Memphis
If you’re a fan of breakfast, you’ll love the Sunrise.

The Tom Lee River Park
Memphis has always had one of the finest riverfronts with potential in the USA, but as of 2023 the Tom Lee River Park has added huge value to the Mississippi views.

Beale Street

The Trolley

BBQ?

The Arcade