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Resources & References

Resources & References

USA

Essential Apps & Websites

Travel Apps

  • MATA Bus Tracker

    For real-time public transit information.

  • Uber/Lyft

    For convenient on-demand transportation.

  • Yelp/OpenTable

    For finding restaurants and making reservations.

  • Google Maps/Apple Maps

    For navigation (download offline maps).

  • ESIM

    Consider an eSIM for easy data access upon arrival.

Useful Websites

Social Media & Digital Content

Social Accounts

Follow official Memphis tourism accounts (@memphistravel) for real-time updates and inspiration.

Memphis Podcasts

Seek podcasts on Memphis music history (blues, soul, rock 'n' roll) or civil rights.

Online Forums

TripAdvisor forums or Reddit (r/memphis) present user-generated tips and recent reviews.

TripAdvisor Reddit Memphis

Organizing Digital Resources

Digital Ticket Management

  • Keep all digital tickets in one accessible phone folder.
  • Store reservation confirmations for dining and tours.
  • Save important contact numbers for quick retrieval.
  • Download offline maps for navigation without internet.

Pre-Trip Digital Prep

  • Charge your phone fully before departure.
  • Verify a working internet connection on arrival.
  • Email copies of critical documents to yourself.
  • Consider a VPN for public Wi-Fi security.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

  • Local Memphis maps are often at hotels and visitor centers.
  • Seek general travel guidebooks with Memphis sections.
  • These present detailed historical context.
  • Consider curated itineraries for your trip.

Books About Memphis

  • Elvis and the Memphis Mafia by Billy Smith and Marty Lacker.
  • Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock 'N' Roll by Peter Guralnick.
  • Going to Memphis by Richard B. Ford.
  • The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis.

Local Publications

  • Upon arrival, locate free local newspapers.
  • Memphis Flyer or Memphis Magazine are good choices.
  • These feature current event listings and reviews.
  • Discover local insights from these publications.

Emergency & Medical Information

Critical Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • Dial 911 for Police, Fire, and Ambulance (life-threatening).
  • Non-Emergency Police: (901) 545-2677 (Memphis Police Department).
  • Keep hotel front desk numbers handy.
  • Store contact information for your travel insurance provider.

Hospitals & Clinics

  • Methodist University Hospital: 1265 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38104.
  • Regional One Health: 877 Jefferson Ave, Memphis, TN 38103.
  • Various urgent care clinics operate citywide for minor issues.
  • Confirm clinic hours and services before visiting.

Lost Document Procedures

  • Contact your embassy or consulate immediately if documents are lost.
  • Report loss to Memphis Police Department for a police report.
  • A police report aids in document replacement or insurance claims.
  • Keep digital copies of all essential identification.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries & Films

  • Two Trains Runnin' (2016) focuses on blues in the Mississippi Delta.
  • Respect (2021), the Aretha Franklin biopic, ties to Memphis soul.
  • Walk the Line (2005) showcases Sun Studio and early music.

Music & Art Immersion

  • Listen to Memphis blues, soul, and early rock 'n' roll.
  • Create a Memphis-themed playlist before your trip.
  • Explore works by Memphis-born artists or city-inspired art.

Digital & Community Resources

Online Communities

  • TripAdvisor forums offer user-generated tips.
  • Reddit (r/memphis) presents recent reviews.
  • Seek answers to specific questions from locals.

Language Learning

  • Various online resources support language learning.
  • Understand Southern accents and colloquialisms.
  • Enhance your cultural immersion.

Historical Context

Recommended Reading

  1. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia by Billy Smith and Marty Lacker.
  2. Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock 'N' Roll by Peter Guralnick.
  3. Going to Memphis by Richard B. Ford.
  4. The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis.
  5. These books foster a understanding of Memphis culture.

Essential Films

  1. Two Trains Runnin' (2016): Focuses on blues music.
  2. Respect (2021): Aretha Franklin biopic with Memphis ties.
  3. Walk the Line (2005): Features Sun Studio and early music.
  4. Elvis (2022): Captures Elvis Presley's rise in Memphis.
  5. These films offer visual context to the city's musical history.

Figures & Venues

Elvis Presley

The King of Rock 'n' Roll, whose legacy shapes Graceland.

Sun Studio

The legendary studio where rock 'n' roll was born.

Lorraine Motel

Home to the powerful National Civil Rights Museum.

Emergency Contact

Save the 911 number to your phone. It is the universal emergency contact in the U.S.

Further Reading & Exploration

Dives

Music Inspirations

  • Blues Legends

    Immerse yourself in Memphis blues legends like B.B. King.

  • Soul Greats

    Discover soul greats like Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin.

  • Rock 'n' Roll Pioneers

    Explore early rock 'n' roll from Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

Cinematic Views

  • Music Documentaries

    Watch documentaries portraying Memphis music roots.

  • Biographical Films

    Explore biopics like 'Elvis' for historical context.

  • City Spirit

    Seek films that capture the city's unique spirit.

Community Engagement

Online Discussions

Engage with locals on TripAdvisor forums or Reddit (r/memphis).

Join Forums

User Tips

Gain user-generated tips and recent reviews from fellow travelers.

Specific Queries

Discover specific answers to your questions from community members.

Ask Community

Language & Accent refinements

Southern Colloquialisms

  • While English is spoken, Southern colloquialisms enrich daily conversation.
  • Familiarity with "y'all" and other phrases deepens local interactions.
  • Various online resources support understanding regional speech.
  • A little effort in this area brings smiles and connections.

Accent Familiarity

  • Memphis locals speak with a distinctive Southern accent.
  • Listening to local podcasts or music prior to your trip aids familiarity.
  • This preparation enhances comprehension during conversations.
  • It fosters smoother communication with Memphians.

Music & Art Immersion

Memphis Music Soundtrack

  • Create a Memphis-themed music playlist before your journey.
  • Listen to it during your travels to set the mood.
  • Include blues, soul, and early rock 'n' roll artists.
  • Feel the rhythm of the city through its iconic sounds.

Artistic Exploration

  • Seek works by Memphis-born artists.
  • Discover art inspired by the city's unique culture.
  • Visit local galleries and public art installations.
  • Observe the artistic expressions throughout Memphis.

Memphis Soundtrack

Create a Memphis-themed music playlist. Listen to it before and during your trip to set the mood.

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