Memphis Cheat Sheet: Must See, Do, Eat

1. GET A DOSE OF MEMPHIS MUSIC HISTORY

Whether or not you’re an Elvis fan a pilgrimage to Graceland is the perfect choice. To really understand the full scope of how Memphis became the birthplace of Americana music, you'll have to visit:
• Sun Studio
• Stax Museum of American Soul Music
• Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
• Memphis Music Hall of Fame
• The Blues Foundation's Blues Hall of Fame

2. EAT BBQ

Note: While many Memphis restaurants have reopened for dine-in service, others are offering exclusive patio and take-out dining options. Please call or check a restaurant's social media before you go.

• Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous for ribs or the sausage and cheese plate
• Central BBQ for a pulled pork sandwich or barbecue nachos
• The Bar-B-Q Shop for ribs and a side of barbecue spaghetti
• Corky's BBQ for ribs dry or wet and banana pudding for dessert 
• Payne's BBQ for the barbecue bologna sandwich 

For non-barbecue dining recommendations, keep reading.

3. LIVE MUSIC

Live music is everywhere in Memphis, from Beale Street to spring, summer, and fall concerts at the Levitt Shell. While some live music events are being presented virtually at present, follow these venues for updates (and a healthy dose of virtual concerts):
• B.B. King's Blues Club
• Alfred's
• Silky O'Sullivan's
• Rum Boogie
• Earnestine & Hazel's
• Loflin Yard
• Mollie Fountaine Lounge
• The Bluff
• Goner Records
• Young Avenue Deli
• Lafayette’s Music Room 
• Hi-Tone Cafe
• Minglewood Hall
• Bar DKDC​
• The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
• Railgarten

4. PHOTO OPS

5. ANNUAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Note: Due to the ongoing health crisis, many annual festivals and events have been cancelled or postponed. Please be sure to check festival websites or social media pages before planning your visit around these events.

Food: 
• Memphis Brewfest (April)
• Overton Square Crawfish Festival (April)
• Wolrd Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival (April)
• Wold Championship BBQ Cooking Competition (May) 
• Cooper-Young Beerfest (October)
• Memphis Food & Wine Festival (October)
• Carribean Jerk Festival (July)

Music:
• International Blues Competition (January)
• Elvis Week (August)
• Beale Street Music Festival (May)
• Gonerfest (September)
• Mempho Music Fest (October)

Cultural:
• Africa in April (April)
• Memphis in May International Festival (May)
• Memphis Music & Heritage Festival (September)
• RiverArts Fest (October)
• Indie Memphis Film Festival (October)

Sports/Outdoors:
• Liberty Bowl (January)
• Outdoors Inc. Canoe and Kayak Race (June)
• WGC FedEx St. Invitational golf tournament  (July)
• Southern Heritage Classic (September)
• 70.3 Ironman Memphis triathlon (October)
• St. Jude Marathon Weekend (December)
 

6. ATTRACTIONS AND TOURS

• Memphis Zoo, consistently rated #1 in the country and one of 4 zoos with pandas
• The National Civil Rights Museum, an interactive museum focused on the Civil Rights movement
• NBA team the Memphis Grizzlies play home games at FedExForum, adjacent to Beale Street in downtown Memphis
• Crosstown Concourse, Memphis' vertical urban village, features live music, art exhibits, fantastic eats and so much more
• Backbeat Tours: musical sightseeing bus tours, walking ghost tours
• Memphis Hop: hop-on, hop-off shuttle with 10 stops
• Historical Haunts ghost tours
• A Tour Of Possibilities and Heritage Tours focuses on Civil Rights and African American history
• Ride in style in vintage cars and your personal tour guide with Rock N' Rides Tours and American Dream Safari 
• City Tasting Tours will satisfy your taste buds

7. PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK IN MEMPHIS

Note: While many Memphis restaurants have reopened for dine-in service, others are offering exclusive patio and take-out dining options. Please call or check a restaurant's social media before you go.

Most restaurants in Memphis offer vegetarian options, and there are quite a few that cater to those looking for healthier choices. If you’re looking for choices by neighborhood, read on: