Memphis Flights And Sights

Like the Mississippi River it overlooks, Memphis is constantly evolving and changing pace. It is the city of Graceland, Elvis Presley's over-the-top mansion, but it's also the birthplace of blues, rock 'n' roll and soul. Here, W. C. Handy put the first written blues music down on paper, Elvis made his first recording at Sun Studios, and Otis Redding and Al Green expressed the music in their souls, vividly documented at the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Slip on your blue suede shoes and hit the laid-back streets.

Things to Do

Elvis Presley sites are a must-see in Memphis, and if a home is a man's castle, Graceland was The King's. Glimpse the graceful charm of pre-Civil War society at the Hunt-Phelan mansion, and ponder the slave trade at the Auction Square monument. The lush oasis of Overton Park, where the city picnics and plays, is also home to the Memphis Zoo, the Memphis College of Art, and the Brooks Museum of Art.

Shopping

Shopping in Memphis is spread out, but unique discoveries abound, such as antiques and collectibles in the Cooper-Young neighborhood and designer labels in Grove Park. Take home blues CDs from the record shops on Beale Street or rummage through a goldmine of music at Shangra-La Records, a Memphis institution. Pick up a pair of Elvis shades at the Sun Studio gift shop. You'll find paintings and photography by artists from the Mississippi Delta, plus baby gifts and home decor, in South Main Historic District.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Smoky jazz, blues and country bars line famous Beale Street, the home of the blues, especially at B.B. King's, where the legendary guitarist plays several times each year. Away from Beale Street, sip a cocktail and watch the sunset over the Mississippi from the rooftop garden of the Madison Hotel, or take in an opera or Broadway musical at the Orpheum Theatre. Don't overlook the surprisingly lively bar scene in East Memphis steakhouses
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Restaurants and Dining

Eating in Memphis is to experience some serious Southern comfort, and the slow-cooked, pulled-pork sandwiches served at the landmark Corky's Bar-B-Q are a favorite. Try traditional fried chicken, catfish and grits. Downtown, dine al fresco on anything from sushi to tapas in Cooper-Young, or seek out tacos along Summer Avenue. White tablecloth dining -- think steak -- is best in East Memphis, and for something more casual, choose among a cluster of welcoming little eateries around the square in Collierville.

With American Airlines flights to Memphis, it's easy to experience the birthplace of rock and roll -- not to mention the home of the blues! The list of things to do in Memphis is almost endless, from visiting Graceland to indulging in finger-licking-good barbecue. Plan a trip here and get ready for a fun time for the whole family!

For many, one of the first items on the list of activities in Memphis is paying a visit to Graceland. The home of Elvis Presley has been kept much the same as it was when The King lived there, from shag carpet on the walls to an in-home recording studio where many swear they can feel the late singer's presence. The full experience (which we recommend) includes access to the Elvis Automobile Museum, his custom jets and more.

After paying your respects at Graceland (Elvis and his family were laid to rest in the Meditation Garden), you'll want to swing by Sun Studio. You'll be shocked that so many legends of rock and roll shot to stardom from this tiny studio -- in addition to Elvis Presley, others who recorded here include Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis. The Sun Studio Guided Tour takes about an hour and a half and you'll get to hear outtakes from recording sessions.

Add a trip down Beale Street to your list of things to do in Memphis. This is where the blues were born, and today you can still hear the genre being played live inside Beale Street's many clubs. The Memphis Rock 'N Soul Museum, which preserves the legacy of the region's music heritage, is just off Beale Street and it's a great place to end your stroll.

But arguably one of the most enjoyable activities in Memphis happens while you're seated -- at a table in any one of the city's many well-loved barbecue joints. In fact, savoring some good old-fashioned Memphis barbecue is nearly a religious experience. Sound like an exaggeration? Visit Memphis, have a taste and you'll see.

If the little ones in your group are less than impressed by Elvis, blues and barbecue, take them to the Children's Museum of Memphis. Or better yet, arrive early to the Peabody Hotel and snag a front-row seat for the procession of the famous ducks through the lobby and into the fountain (or in reverse, depending on the time of day). There are plenty of things to do in Memphis for the pint-sized set.

Fly to Memphis with American Airlines and you'll see it's easy to have a family trip that will hit the right note for everyone. Take a look at flights and start planning your getaway today.