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Activities & Experiences

Activities & Experiences

USA

Outdoor Adventures

Memphis has opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, from extensive park systems to river activities.

Hiking & Cycling

Shelby Farms Park Trails

This expansive urban park has over 40 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, and running.

Overton Park Old Forest

Within Overton Park, this old-growth forest has walking trails, a serene natural escape within the city.

Big River Crossing Cycling

A pedestrian and cycling bridge across the Mississippi River, a scenic cycling route with stunning views.

Water Activities & Wildlife

  • Mississippi Riverboat Cruises: Enjoy scenic cruises on paddlewheel boats along the Mississippi River. These cruises are mainly for sightseeing.
  • Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Available on lakes within Shelby Farms Park. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards at the park.
  • Recreational Fishing: Lakes within Shelby Farms Park and other local ponds have opportunities for recreational fishing.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Shelby Farms Park has a herd of American bison. The Memphis Zoo has diverse wildlife.

Park Activities

  • Over 40 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
  • Lakes for fishing and paddle sports.
  • A herd of American bison present.
  • Various recreational amenities.

Forest & Nature Escapes

  • Overton Park Old Forest: network of walking trails.
  • Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park: rugged hiking options.
  • Opportunities for birdwatching.
  • Natural forest settings a short drive north.

River & Water Fun

  • Mississippi Riverboat Cruises for sightseeing.
  • Kayaking and paddleboarding on Shelby Farms lakes.
  • Recreational fishing in local ponds.
  • Mississippi Riverwalk for scenic views.

Safety Advisory

Always review weather conditions before outdoor activities. Stay hydrated during warmer months.

Cultural Immersion

Memphis offers various ways to immerse yourself in its cultural scene and unique traditions.

Local Traditions

  • Levitt Shell Concerts: Free outdoor concerts especially during spring and fall. These concerts often feature local and national artists.
  • Orpheum Theatre: A historic and grand theater that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts.
  • Beale Street Blues Clubs: Immerse yourself in live blues music at iconic venues like B.B. King's Blues Club, Rum Boogie Cafe, or Silky O'Sullivan's.
  • Local Workshops: Check with local art centers or music venues for occasional workshops on blues guitar or art.

Festivals & Community

Memphis in May Festival

A month-long celebration including the Beale Street Music Festival and World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. A major global event.

Elvis Week August

An annual commemoration of Elvis Presley's life and career, drawing fans globally to Graceland and events.

Other Festivals

Various smaller community food events and farmers' markets occur throughout the year.

Community Initiatives

Support local businesses in historic neighborhoods like Cooper-Young or Broad Avenue. These businesses contribute to the local economy and preservation.

Language & Phrases

English is the main language, but a diverse community is present. Learning a few Southern phrases makes the experience more rich.

Event Calendar

Check local event calendars for dates of various neighborhood and ethnic festivals throughout the year.

Relaxation & Wellness

Memphis offers avenues for relaxation and wellness, whether through a spa visit or a peaceful park stroll.

Mind & Body

  • Spa & Wellness Centers: Various day spas and wellness centers operate throughout Memphis, notably in East Memphis. They have services like massages and facials.
  • Natural Therapy: No natural hot springs are directly within Memphis. For such experiences, consider day trips to more distant areas.
  • Yoga & Meditation: Many independent yoga studios operate in Midtown and East Memphis, having drop-in classes for various styles.
  • Traditional Healing: While not a main tourist focus, practitioners of various alternative or traditional healing methods are present within the city.

Hotels & Pools

Hotel Pools

Some hotels, especially larger ones, have outdoor or indoor pools for guests.

Public Pools

Public pools are available, but typically not 'clubs' in the resort sense.

Summer Refreshment

If visiting in summer, confirm if your accommodation has a pool for a refreshing break from the heat.

Spa Treatment Recommendation

After Sightseeing

Book a spa treatment after a day of extensive sightseeing.

Relaxing Recharge

This makes a relaxing way to recharge.

Wellness Benefit

A spa visit enhances your overall well-being during your trip.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Memphis comes alive after dark, especially with its world-famous music scene and various entertainment options.

Iconic Live Music

  • Beale Street Clubs: The undisputed heart of Memphis nightlife. Clubs like B.B. King's Blues Club have live blues, rock, and R&B music every night.
  • Lafayette's Music Room: A popular spot in Midtown for live music, with a more relaxed setting than Beale Street but with a diverse lineup.
  • Levitt Shell Concerts: Has free outdoor concerts seasonally, a family-friendly live music experience.
  • Hernando's Hide-A-Way: A historic dive bar with a rich musical past, an authentic, gritty live music experience.

Theater & Nightlife

Orpheum Theatre

Hosts a range of performances, including touring Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts.

Playhouse on the Square

Memphis's premier professional resident theater, presenting a diverse season of plays and musicals.

Bar Districts

Beale Street is the main bar district. Midtown (Cooper-Young and Overton Square) also has bars and pubs, from craft beer spots to cocktail lounges.

Late-Night Entertainment

Beyond music clubs, some restaurants and diners remain open late. Check local listings for comedy clubs or other late-night shows.

Dancing Venues

Mainly on Beale Street, where various clubs have dancing to blues, rock, and contemporary music. Look for places with DJs or live bands.

Nightlife Photography

The neon signs of Beale Street and energetic crowd moments make great photo opportunities.

Experience Beale Street

Walk down Beale Street in the evening. Even if you do not enter a club, the music filling from the doorways creates an unforgettable atmosphere.

Shopping & Markets

Memphis has many shopping experiences, from traditional markets to unique boutiques and souvenir shops.

Markets & Crafts

  • Memphis Farmers Market: Operates seasonally (Saturdays, spring through fall) in downtown Memphis. A good place for local specialties.
  • Artisan Workshops & Crafts: Explore galleries and shops in the Broad Avenue Arts District and Cooper-Young for unique artisan crafts, local art, and handmade jewelry.
  • Independent Artists: These districts support independent artists and have distinct finds.
  • Ethical Shopping: Support local artists, independent businesses, and fair-trade options. Look for products made in Memphis or Tennessee.

Souvenirs & Specialty

Music Merchandise

The most popular souvenirs include items from Graceland, Sun Studio, Stax Museum, and Beale Street shops. Look for t-shirts, CDs, vinyl records, and memorabilia.

BBQ Flavors

Take home the flavor of Memphis with locally made barbecue sauces and dry rubs.

Local Crafts

Support local artists by purchasing their unique creations. They are an unique memory of your trip.

Luxury Shopping

  • Laurelwood Shopping Center (East Memphis): upscale boutiques.
  • Saddle Creek (Germantown): outdoor lifestyle center.
  • High-end boutiques and well-known brands.
  • Downtown Memphis has independent boutique shops.

Shopping Districts

  • Broad Avenue Arts District: murals, galleries, shops.
  • Cooper-Young: eclectic neighborhood with boutiques.
  • Main Street, South Main Arts District.
  • Diverse shopping experiences.

Shipping Information

  • Inquire about shipping options for large or valuable items.
  • FedEx, headquartered in Memphis, has extensive shipping services.
  • For international travelers, know your home country's customs regulations.
  • Be aware of duty-free limits to avoid issues upon return.

Souvenir Advice

Local Artisan Gifts
  • Look for local artisan crafts as souvenirs. They are an unique memory of your trip.
  • Purchases support Memphis artists and the local economy directly.
  • These items have unique character and are not mass-produced.
Music Memorabilia
  • Music-related merchandise from Graceland, Sun Studio, and Beale Street is popular.
  • T-shirts, CDs, and vinyl records related to blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll are common.
  • These items embody the musical legacy of Memphis.

Shopping Planning

Plan your shopping time around specific districts. Mornings are often quieter for browsing boutiques.

Activity Planning Summary

Essential Planning Points

  • Review Memphis neighborhoods to match your travel style and interests for accommodation.
  • Book accommodation and popular attraction tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons or events.
  • Clearly communicate any dietary needs or allergies to restaurant staff when ordering.
  • Check local event calendars for festivals, concerts, or markets that coincide with your visit.

Experience Notes

  • Sample Memphis-style dry rub ribs and pulled pork, the city's signature dishes.
  • Experience Beale Street in the evening for live blues music and atmosphere.
  • Visit iconic sites like Graceland and the National Civil Rights Museum for profound historical insight.
  • Explore Shelby Farms Park for hiking, biking, and water activities.