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Things to Do in Memphis

Things to Do in Memphis

Memphis Tennessee, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Memphis provides diverse outdoor activities, from serene park trails to thrilling adventure courses and animal watching.

Hiking & Cycling Routes

Shelby Farms Park & Overton Park

Over 40 vast stretches of trails in Shelby Farms (easy paved to moderate unpaved). Overton Park holds paved and unpaved trails through old-growth forest (generally easy).

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

More challenging hiking trails with varied terrain and elevation changes, suitable for experienced hikers.

Cycling Routes

Shelby Farms Greenline (10.6-mile paved trail), dedicated mountain bike trails in Shelby Farms Park, and Big River Crossing (pedestrian/bike bridge with panoramic views).

Water Sports & Adrenaline

  • Kayaking/Canoeing: Rent at Hyde Lake within Shelby Farms Park.
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding: Also rent at Hyde Lake.
  • Fishing: Lakes within Shelby Farms Park and local ponds (check for permits).
  • Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course: Ziplines, rope ladders, obstacle courses in Shelby Farms Park.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Memphis Zoo: Diverse animal collection.
  • Bison Herd: View American Bison in Shelby Farms Park.
  • Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park: Diverse wildlife viewing.

Walks & Trails

  • Shelby Farms Park: 40+ kilometers of trails.
  • Overton Park: Paved and unpaved forest trails.
  • Meeman-Shelby Forest: Challenging routes.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

  • Shelby Farms Greenline: Paved 10.6-mile trail.
  • Shelby Farms Park: Dedicated mountain bike trails.
  • Big River Crossing: Unique cycling over Mississippi.

Important Note on Permits

Some outdoor activities, like fishing, may call for specific permits or licenses. Always check local regulations before participating.

Cultural Immersion

Workshops & Classes

  • Stax Music Academy: Check for public performances or workshops on soul music.
  • Memphis Glass Works: Glassblowing seminars to create your own glass art.
  • Local Art Centers: One-off workshops in painting, pottery, or other crafts.

Cultural Performances

Levitt Shell

Historic outdoor amphitheater hosting free concerts of various musical genres (spring/fall).

Orpheum Theatre & Playhouse on the Square

Orpheum for Broadway shows, concerts. Playhouse for contemporary and classic plays.

Beale Street Blues Clubs

Immerse in authentic live blues music every night. Heart of Memphis's musical legacy.

Community Tourism Initiatives

Local non-profits and community organizations may deliver walking tours focused on neighborhood history, community development, and local arts scenes, presenting a personal interaction.

Language Learning

No specific tourist-focused language learning opportunities are usually provideed, as English is the primary language spoken in Memphis.

Cultural Festivals

Memphis in May International Festival, Cooper-Young Festival (Fall), Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival, Southern Heritage Classic.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities for rest and rejuvenation in Memphis, from luxurious spa treatments to peaceful outdoor spaces.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Spas In hotels: Many luxury hotels (e.g., The Peabody, Marriott properties) hold full-service spas.
  • Independent Day Spas: Various independent day spas stand throughout the city (East Memphis, Midtown).

Natural Therapy & Retreats

Hot Springs

No natural hot springs are located in the immediate Memphis area.

Natural Therapy Options

Consider peaceful walks in parks or meditation for natural therapeutic experiences.

Yoga & Meditation

Several yoga studios operate in Midtown and East Memphis, featuring drop-in classes. No prominent multi-day retreats are typically held in the metropolitan area.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Hotel Pools

Many hotels, specifically mid-range to luxury categories, feature swimming facilities for guests. The Peabody Hotel is a well-regarded rooftop pool.

Splash Parks

During summer, places like Mud Island River Park may feature splash pad areas for cooling off.

Traditional Healing

Traditional healing practices are not a focus for tourist offerings in Memphis. Access to healthcare is mainly through Western medicine.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Memphis truly comes alive after dark, specifically with its legendary music scene, offering live performances, bars, and diverse entertainment options.

Live Music Venues

  • Beale Street: Epicenter of nightlife. Clubs like B.B. King's Blues Club, Rum Boogie Cafe, Silky O'Sullivan's.
  • Lafayette's Music Room: Popular Midtown venue offering live music across genres.
  • Young Avenue Deli: Deli, bar, and stage for live music in Cooper-Young.
  • Hernando's Hide-A-Way: Historic juke joint for authentic live music.

Theater & Performances

Orpheum Theatre

Historic and elegant venue for Broadway touring productions, concerts, and comedy shows.

Playhouse on the Square & Hattiloo Theatre

Playhouse offers contemporary and classic plays. Hattiloo is dedicated to African American theatre.

FedExForum

Hosts major concert tours and large-scale entertainment events.

Nightclubs & Dancing

Many clubs on Beale Street feature live music that transitions into dancing. Anticipate a lively, energetic atmosphere. Some Midtown bars feature DJs and dance floors, presenting a different vibe.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

Beale Street is the main bar district. Cooper-Young in Midtown boasts several popular bars for a local scene. Downtown (Main Street & South Main Arts And culture area) is a growing number of bars and speakeasies.

Late-Night Entertainment

Beale Street clubs typically stay open until the early morning hours on weekends, delivering entertainment well into the night. Other bars in Midtown and downtown may hold later closing times, with a focus on weekends.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets & Artisan Crafts
  • Memphis Farmers Market: Seasonal (Sat, April-Oct) for produce, crafts, food.
  • Broad Avenue Arts District: Hub for local artists, galleries, handcrafted goods.
  • Metal Museum Gift Shop: Unique metal art pieces and jewelry by artisans.
Souvenirs & Luxury Shopping
  • Gift Ideas: Memphis-themed apparel, local BBQ sauces/rubs, music memorabilia.
  • Luxury Shopping: Laurelwood Shopping Center (East Memphis), Saddle Creek (Germantown).
  • Ethical Shopping: Prioritize local businesses and fair trade. Inquire about product origin.

Shipping & Customs

If purchasing large or numerous items, inquire with the vendor about international shipping services. Be aware of your home country's customs regulations regarding duties, taxes, and restrictions on bringing certain items back. Keep receipts for purchases.

Activity Planning Summary

Top Recommendations

  • Plan iconic landmark visits (Graceland, Civil Rights Museum) for mornings or off-peak days.
  • Indulge in Memphis BBQ and Soul Food, trying dry-rub ribs and fried catfish.
  • Experience live blues on Beale Street for nightlife.
  • Consider outdoor pastimes at Shelby Farms Park for recreation.

Practical Advice

  • A vehicle or rideshare assists for areas outside downtown and Midtown.
  • Check attraction hours and book accommodations in advance, specifically during peak season.
  • Inform restaurant staff of any dietary restrictions.
  • Be aware of seasonal weather (hot summers) and dress accordingly.
Things to Do in Memphis. Activities, Experiences, Adventures