Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Memphis, Tennessee! It’s definitely one of the coolest cities in the southern United States especially if you like blues music and some good old fashion BBQ. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate on your Memphis vacation.
Hate #1: Memphis Summer Weather
Memphis is hot and humid in the summer. The weather can be oppressive and even dangerous if you let yourself get dehydrated (and those big beers don’t count as hydrating yourself). I recommend planning your Memphis vacation for spring or fall, but summer is still a popular time to visit, with fun music festivals and events. Just make sure you are drinking lots of water and maybe plan some indoor activities for the heat of the day. Luckily, there are several indoor Memphis attractions to explore, too. Though the Memphis in May festival is probably a great time to visit.
Love #1: Memphis Music Scene
Memphis is known as the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock and Roll. The music scene in Memphis is incredible. You can walk around Beale Street and hear tons of different live bands playing the blues. Listening to blues is a quintessential Memphis experience. In addition to seeing live music, some of the best Memphis attractions are music-related. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum are three great spots to learn how music shaped the history of Memphis. Oh, and you have Graceland, Elvis’ home.
Hate #2: Memphis Accommodation
It can be difficult to find affordable but decent accommodation in downtown Memphis. There are some nice hotels on the higher end, but the hotels at the lower price range can be a bit lacking. The best thing you can do is to book ahead and look for deals.
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Love #2: Memphis BBQ
Besides music, Memphis is known for its amazing barbeque. Whether you like pork, ribs or brisket, you’ll love the BBQ in Memphis. Choosing from dozens of Memphis BBQ restaurants can be overwhelming, so we like to ask the locals for their favorite. Along with the BBQ, you’ll experience some pretty fantastic side dishes that embody soul food at its finest. So whether you like the Rendezvous or Central BBQ make sure you try as many as you can to find your favorite BBQ joint. Make sure you leave room for dessert, which just means more BBQ!
Hate #3: Driving & Parking in Memphis
Driving in Memphis can be a bit crazy, whether you’re downtown or out on the interstates around town. When it comes to parking, it can be difficult and expensive to find parking downtown, which is why you really want to stay downtown so you can walk everywhere and not worrying about driving.
Love #3: People in Memphis
People in the South are great, but the folks in Memphis take it up a notch. Everyone I’ve ever met in Memphis is so friendly and welcoming, whether they’re working at the bars or just walking down the street, they love welcoming visitors to their town. They are proud of their city and happy to give you recommendations for your Memphis vacation, especially for their favorite Memphis BBQ restaurants!
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Hate #4: Crime in Memphis
At one time, Memphis was ranked as the 2nd most dangerous city in the United States. It’s now ranked #9 in the US, so it’s improved a bit, but there is still a lot of crime in Memphis. Fortunately for tourists, it’s mostly concentrated in certain neighborhoods which are easily avoided. Tourism is an important industry for Memphis, so the main downtown areas like Beale Street are heavily policed and patrolled. Nevertheless, use your street sense stick to the main areas after dark.
Love #4: Elvis in Memphis
If you love Elvis, you’ll love Memphis. The main attraction is Graceland, Elvis’ home that is open for tours. On the grounds of Graceland, you can also tour the gardens where he is buried, as well as view his car collection and his airplane. In 2017, a new complex opened across the street, featuring several museums and restaurants. There’s also a hotel right on the property if you’re willing to splurge on the experience. Throughout Memphis, you’ll find various monuments and memorials to the King of Rock n’ Roll.
Hate #5: Memphis Panhandlers
Like other countries, in the US. the panhandlers go where the tourists go. There are a lot of guys in the streets of Memphis who will ask you for money. There are also lots of street performers and buskers who are looking for money as well. They are generally pretty friendly and won’t harass you if you just say no and keep walking, but if you’re not used to this, it can be unsettling at first.
Love #5: Beale Street
One of the best Memphis attractions is Beale Street. Running through the heart of downtown Memphis, Beale Street is hopping every night of the week, every day of the year. It’s the Memphis version of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Beale Street is one of the few places in the US where you can walk around with an open drink and not get in trouble. So, you can grab a beer or a drink and just walk around enjoying the live music and the atmosphere.
Memphis is a really cool city with a ton of history and culture, and a Memphis vacation should be on everyone’s bucket list. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to visit Memphis. Want more tips for planning a US vacation? Check out these other blog posts: