Choose from 16 Fun Things to Do in Memphis
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Gibson Guitar Factory
A tour of the Gibson guitar factory offers a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into making guitars by one of the world’s most recognized instrument brands. Visitors get a glimpse at the production process, from buffing to painting, of the 65 or so guitars completed in the factory each day.
The Basics
It seems fitting that the home of the blues would also be the home of an American classic guitar, the Gibson. Tour the Beale Street facility to experience a working factory where luthiers (string-instrument builders) craft some of the world’s best guitars. Learn about binding, neck-fitting, painting, and tuning from a guide.
For a comprehensive look at the Memphis music scene, combine your visit to the Gibson guitar factory with a city sightseeing tour with stops at the blues clubs of Beale Street, the Orpheum Theatre, and the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Gibson guitar factory is a must-visit for music lovers and musicians.
- Factory tours last 45 minutes to an hour.
- Wear close-toed shoes; ear plugs and dust masks are provided.
- The factory tour is wheelchair accessible.
- An on-site shop sells a full line of Gibson guitars and guitar accessories.
How to Get There
If you’re driving to the factory, you’ll find a paid parking lot on MLK Avenue. It’s also possible to take one of the green Memphis Area Transit Authority buses to the Beale Street stop.
When to Get There
The factory offers several tours throughout the day, but it’s a good idea to book ahead of time to get the slot you want. Tours tend to sell out on weekends and holidays, especially during the busy summer months.
Short History of the Gibson Guitar
Gibson has a history dating back to 1902, when it was founded by Orville Gibson in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The company invented the archtop guitar and today produces one of the world’s most famous guitars, the Gibson Les Paul. Introduced in 1952, this guitar has been used across music genres, from rock and blues to country and jazz.
Address: 145 Lt. George W Lee Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 11
Memphis Music Hall of Fame
Arguably America’s musical heart, a cultural melting pot that created the rhythm and blues sound, Memphis has a number of tourist attractions dedicated to the craft. Local favorites—some well-known, some more obscure—are celebrated in the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, a small upstairs Smithsonian-branded museum, which shares a building with the Hard Rock Café Memphis and a retail outlet of Memphis clothier Lansky Bros. The museum is the headquarters for an off-site annual induction ceremony that adds new note-worthy blues, soul, and rock musicians from the city to its ranks—among its honored acts Al Green, Justin Timberlake, Johnny Cash, David Porter, Elvis Presley, and B.B. King.
Visitors can read about the perfect storm that led to a burgeoning music scene in Memphis, and browse interactive displays offering information about inductees’ and their discographies. There’s also videos and large glass cases housing prized possessions including a playbill and guitar used by Johnny Cash; Isaac Hayes’ white, electric organ; Elvis Presley’s briefcase telephone; and one of Al Green’s green suits. There’s also a bevvy of outlandish, shiny and ostentatious costumes worn by inductees (including one ornamented with a stuffed snake), an Oscar from the movie Hustle and Flow, and ½ of Jerry Lee Lewis’ baby blue Cadillac protruding from a wall.
Practical Info
The Memphis Music Hall of Fame is located at 126 Beale Street in downtown Memphis, four blocks from the Mississippi River, and two blocks northwest of the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Several bus routes connect the museum to Central Station.
Exhibits are open daily from 10am to 7pm, and admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children. It’s possible to see the small museum in an hour. Bundled tickets with the similar and nearby Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum are also available. The museum has a small gift shop selling branded mugs, magnets, t-shirts and more, near its entrance.
Address: 126 Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Hours: Open daily from 10am-7pm
Admission: $8 for adults, $6 for children
From $ 8
Peabody Hotel Ducks
Peabody Hotel has some unique permanent guests in the famous "Peabody Ducks," who live on the hotel’s rooftop and perform a march toward the Grand Lobby twice daily. The tradition dates to 1933 when the general manager returned from a hunting trip and placed several live duck decoys in the hotel’s fountain. The guests’ positive response prompted their stay.
The Basics
Twice each day, the Peabody Ducks are led by their "Duckmaster" (an official position in the hotel) from their home on the roof, down in an elevator, across a red carpet, and over to the Italian travertine marble fountain. During off hours, travelers can visit the ducks in their marble and glass rooftop “Royal Duck Palace.” Many Memphis city tours include a stop at the Peabody Hotel to see the famous web-footed residents.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Watching the march of the Peabody Ducks is a must for families with kids and first-time visitors to Memphis.
- Bring along your camera for a photo op as the famous fowl waddle by.
- The ducks march through the hotel twice per day.
How to Get There
The Peabody Memphis sits in the heart of downtown, about 15 minutes from Memphis International Airport. It’s within walking distance of several notable attractions, including the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, Gibson Guitar Factory, and FedExForum. A self-parking garage is available a block away. Or, take the 101 bus to Union-Main/Tro NB and walk one block east on Union Avenue.
When to Get There
The Peabody Hotel Ducks march daily at both 11am and 5pm, from the rooftop in the morning and back to it in the evening.
A Bit of Peabody Duck Trivia
Peabody ducks—five North American mallards—are all raised by a local farmer, and each team of ducks only lives at the hotel for three months before returning to the farm to live out their lives in the wild. The hotel’s restaurant, Chez Philippe, might be the only French restaurant in the country that never serves duck on its menu.
Address: 149 Union Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
From $ 25
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Located in Memphis’ Soulsville area in the former Stax Records -- which had also been the old Capitol Theater and closed due to bankruptcy in 1976 -- the Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a recreation of what once was. After the original studio was torn down in 1989, there was a revitalization effort for the area and the institution was rebuilt to its former glory. Today visitors can peruse over 2,000 photos, films, music clips, costumes, original instruments, artifacts, trivia games and exhibits that tell the story of Stax Records and Memphis music history. You’ll learn about Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Ike & Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and other soul legends.
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is one of only a very few soul-focused museums in existence anywhere in the world. Some collection highlights include the dance floor from Soul Train, Isaac Hayes’ flashy gold and blue Cadillac El Dorado, a historical film on Stax Records you watch at the beginning of your visit, Studio A, Tina Turner’s gold sequined dress, a brown suede jacket owned by Otis Redding, the Hall of Records with its showcase of 912 singles and 292 full length albums, and a recreation of the Stax Records Control Room.
Don’t leave without perusing their gift shop for soul music inspired t-shirts, DVDs, CDs and memorabilia. Best of all, each purchase helps benefit the museum as well as the next door Stax Music Academy, which provides music education and arts opportunities to at-risk youth.
Allow about two to three hours to explore the museum.
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is one of only a very few soul-focused museums in existence anywhere in the world. Some collection highlights include the dance floor from Soul Train, Isaac Hayes’ flashy gold and blue Cadillac El Dorado, a historical film on Stax Records you watch at the beginning of your visit, Studio A, Tina Turner’s gold sequined dress, a brown suede jacket owned by Otis Redding, the Hall of Records with its showcase of 912 singles and 292 full length albums, and a recreation of the Stax Records Control Room.
Don’t leave without perusing their gift shop for soul music inspired t-shirts, DVDs, CDs and memorabilia. Best of all, each purchase helps benefit the museum as well as the next door Stax Music Academy, which provides music education and arts opportunities to at-risk youth.
Allow about two to three hours to explore the museum.
Practical Info
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. Admission is $12 for adults; $11 for seniors 62 +, active military and students; $9 for children 9-12; and free for members and children under eight.
Address: 926 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38126, USA
Admission: Adults: $12; Children: $9
From $ 13
Memphis National Civil Rights Museum
Built around the former Lorraine Motel, where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, the National Civil Rights Museum immediately emits its cultural and historical significance to all who visit. Exhibits chronicle some of the most important episodes of the Civil Rights Movement, including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, the Little Rock Nine, Montgomery Bus Boycotts, and the famous sit-ins of the 1960s.
The Basics
Both the historical importance of the place and the material displayed within make the National Civil Rights Museum a must for better understanding this tumultuous part of American history. As one of the most meaningful attractions in Memphis, the museum can be visited a number of ways. Many sightseeing tours, particularly American Civil Rights and history tours, include a stop here, while other tours combine the museum with visits to sites such as the Stax Museum of American Soul Music or the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Travelers who'd rather move at their own pace can visit independently or on a self-guided tour of the city’s many African American heritage sites.
- This site is a must-see for history buffs.
- Give yourself a minimum of two hours to experience the museum exhibits.
- Flash-free photography is permitted.
- Much of the museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to the Memphis National Civil Rights Museum
The museum is situated in the South Main District in downtown Memphis, a short drive from most of the city’s other attractions. Free parking is available in a guest lot off Mulberry Street. It’s also a short walk from the Main Street Trolley line.
When to Get There
The National Civil Rights Museum is closed on Tuesdays and most major U.S. holidays. During the summer season between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, opening hours are extended in the evenings. On weekdays, school groups tend to arrive in the morning, so planning a visit for later in the afternoon can mean shorter lines and fewer crowds.
What to See Beyond the Lorraine
Many visitors tour the portion of the museum housed within the Lorraine Motel and leave, but they’re missing out. Across Mulberry Street from the motel, the Young & Morrow and Boarding House buildings from (where the assassin’s shot was allegedly fired) house the Legacy exhibits, which cover a timeline of the American Civil Rights movement and a look at the movement’s effect on global human rights.
Address: 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103-4214, USA
Hours: Mon, Wed–Sat: 9am–5pm (opens at 1pm on Sun)
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
Pyramid Arena
With seats for 20,000, The Pyramid is an arena that sits on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Memphis. Designed to resemble the Great Pyramids of Giza, it stands tall at 321 feet high and is one of the largest pyramid structures in the world. It is slightly taller than the Statue of Liberty and has become an icon of the Memphis skyline.
The arena was first constructed as the Great American Pyramid in 1991 with an exterior of stainless steel and was originally conceived by a local artist to replicate the Great Pyramid of Memphis in Egypt. A statue of Ramesses II stood at the Pyramid’s entrance until it was moved to the University of Memphis campus in 1991. The interior has nearly half a million square feet of space and was used primarily for sporting events up until 2004.
Practical Info
The Pyramid Arena is located at 1 Auction Avenue in Memphis.
Address: 1 Auction Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
From $ 30
Beale Street Historic District
From 1920 to 1940, artists descended on Beale Street to collaborate, creating a new music style that blended smooth jazz with hard-charging rock 'n' roll. This mix eventually gave birth to the blues, a new and distinctly American genre of music that gradually made its way into the United States' pop culture mainstream. A visit to Beale Street today allows travelers to check out the blues clubs that served as the launching sites for some of the most famous American blues musicians of all time.
The Basics
Music lovers—as well as those just looking for a fun night out in downtown Memphis—will not want to pass up an opportunity to visit the "Home of the Blues." Nearly every sightseeing tour in Memphis makes a stop on this iconic stretch of road, and those who really want to dig into the history can take a walking tour of the street to learn about its musical haunts and legendary performers. After a day spent exploring Memphis, Beale Street sets the scene for a lively, music-fueled night on the town to eat, drink, and dance in the footsteps of legendary greats such as BB King, Louis Armstrong, and WC Handy.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Beale Street is a must-see for music lovers and night owls.
- Don’t forget to bring a valid ID if you want to enter bars and clubs.
- Some bars on Beale Street with live music charge a small cover fee.
- Expect shoulder-to-shoulder crowds at night, especially on weekends.
How to Get to Beale Street Historic District
The most convenient way to reach Beale Street is by road, and there are several parking garages within walking distance. Several Memphis hotels offer free shuttle services to the district, and it’s also accessible via the Main Street Trolley or on a tour that includes roundtrip transport to and from area hotels.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Beale Street depends on what you want out of the experience. By day, the entertainment district has few crowds and is more kid-friendly, ideal for visiting the specialty shops and restaurants. Those expecting Beale Street's legendary party atmosphere should wait until the sun goes down and the neon lights go on. As a top hot spot in one of America’s most musically rich cities, Beale Street features live music and jam sessions pretty much every night of the week. Unlike in the rest of Memphis, some bars here stay open until 5am. Expect the biggest crowds during the Beale Street Music Festival in May.
The Best Places to Hear Beale Street Blues
All sorts of styles of musical acts take to the stages of Beale Street. To feast your ears on authentic blues played by great musicians, head to establishments such as BB King's Blues Club, Rum Boogie Cafe, Mr. Handy's Blues Hall, or Handy Park, where a local rag-tag band sometimes plays in the afternoons.
Address: Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 8
Victorian Village
Victorian Village, an historic neighborhood once known as Millionaire’s Row, is lined with grand mansions dating back to the mid to late 1800s. Some of these Victorian-era estates, including the Mallory Neely House, James Lee House, and Woodruff-Fontaine House, have been converted into museums, inns, and even a nightlife hot spot.
The Basics
Most Memphis city tours pass through Victorian Village, which officially comprises 14 historic properties, a dozen of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Three houses—the Magevney House, Mallory-Neely House, and Woodruff-Fontaine House—are now museums with original period furniture. The James Lee House operates as an upscale bed-and-breakfast, and the Mollie Fontaine Lounge has become a trendy cocktail bar serving modern Southern comfort food. The other homes can only be viewed from the outside.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Victorian Village is a must-see for architecture and history buffs.
- Wear comfortable shoes to for a self-guided walking tour of the neighborhood.
- The Mollie Fontaine Lounge and the first floors of the Mallory-Neely House and Woodruff-Fontaine House are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The homes of Victorian Village run along Adams Avenue on the east side of Downtown Memphis. It’s easy to get there on foot from downtown.
When to Get There
It’s possible to take in the sights of Victorian Village anytime, but you’ll want to visit during daytime hours to tour the museums or in the evening to sip a cocktail at the Mollie Fontaine Lounge, where there’s live music on the weekends.
History of Victorian Village
From 1845 to 1890, when the dozen or so Victorian-style homes along Millionaire’s Row were being built, this stretch of Adams Avenue was on the outskirts of Memphis. As the neighborhood grew in prestige, wealthy riverboat and cotton tycoons scrambled to establish residencies in this trendy area. Eventually Memphis grew past the area, and by the end of World War II, many of the elite families abandoned their Victorian Village mansions.
Address: Victorian Village, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
From $ 25
Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
No trip to Memphis would be complete without learning about its music history, and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is just the place to do this. Originally a Smithsonian Institute research project, it became their first permanent exhibition outside of New York and Washington DC. Inside, you’ll find seven expansive galleries showcasing instruments, costumes, photographs, artifacts and exhibits like “Rural Music,” “Coming to Memphis,” “Sun Records & Youth Culture,” “Soul Music” and “Social Changes” that take you through a timeline and tell the story of Memphis and its music history.
The doesn’t just focus on the music itself or the artists, but the actual socio-economic and racial struggles as well as the successes of the people who overcame prejudice and put Memphis on the map as the “Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” By the time you leave the museum, you’ll have a better understanding of the civil rights movement, historic Beale Street and how the sounds of Memphis inspired its people.
One way to enhance your Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum experience is opting for the audio guide, which features 300 minutes of information including 100 songs. This combined with the exhibits will undoubtedly have you dancing during your visit and on your way out (and probably for the rest of the afternoon!).
Allow a minimum of two hours to explore the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, although you’ll probably want more.
The doesn’t just focus on the music itself or the artists, but the actual socio-economic and racial struggles as well as the successes of the people who overcame prejudice and put Memphis on the map as the “Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” By the time you leave the museum, you’ll have a better understanding of the civil rights movement, historic Beale Street and how the sounds of Memphis inspired its people.
One way to enhance your Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum experience is opting for the audio guide, which features 300 minutes of information including 100 songs. This combined with the exhibits will undoubtedly have you dancing during your visit and on your way out (and probably for the rest of the afternoon!).
Allow a minimum of two hours to explore the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, although you’ll probably want more.
Practical Info
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, with the last tour offered at 6:15pm. Admission is $11 for adults, $8 for children aged 5-17.
Address: 191 Beale St, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
Admission: Adults: $11; Children: $8
From $ 8
Sun Studio
A veritable icon of music and a Memphis landmark, Sun Studio is known as the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll. In fact, the very first rock single, “Rocket 88,” was recorded here in 1951, when it was called the Memphis Recording Service. The former recording studio’s musical heritage—made famous thanks to the superstardom of artists such as Elvis and Johnny Cash—and collection of one-of-a-kind memorabilia makes for an unforgettable stop in Memphis.
The Basics
Die-hard music lover or not, it’s fascinating to take a guided tour of the famous recording studio’s headquarters and see where legendary performers like B.B. King and Roy Orbison laid down their first hit singles. Sun Studios is especially famous for the “Million-Dollar Quartet” recording of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins performing together. You can tour the studios with an advance-purchase ticket, with guided transportation, or in conjunction with other Memphis music-themed sights on a city sightseeing tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Music fans and those interested in Memphis music history will enjoy this spot most.
- Plan on spending one to two hours here for a tour and visit to the exhibition.
- Check out the 1950s-style Sun Studio Soda Shop and Record Store for additional nostalgia or a souvenir to take home.
- Kids ages 5 to 11 years old can visit (with accompanying adult) free of charge. Kids under 5 are not allowed.
- Entrance for guests with limited mobility is free given that half of the tour is not wheelchair-accessible.
- The site’s first-floor cafe and record stare are wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Located right in downtown Memphis, Sun Studio is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. There is a free shuttle that runs between Sun Studio and Graceland, as well as the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, allowing you to visit some of Memphis’s key music-themed sights with ease. Parking is free.
When to Get There
Sun Studio is open daily from 10am to 6pm with guided tours offered every hour on the half hour. Crowds are lightest first thing in the morning.
Music Sites of Memphis
Sun Studio has been called one of the most significant musical history sites in the country, along with nearby Graceland—the former home of Elvis Presley. The Elvis-themed tours of the city are a must for hard-core fans, but for those seeking a more general tour of Memphis music, don’t miss Beale Street, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
Address: 706 Union Avenue, Memphis 38103-3218, USA
Hours: Tours daily from 10am - 6pm
Admission: Adults: US$14, Children (5-11yrs): Free. Kids under 5 years old prohibited
From $ 24
Woodruff-Fontaine House
Built in 1871, this iconic home was a top attraction on what was once known as Millionaire’s Row. Today, it draws visitors from across the country eager to see how the wealthy set once lived.
Visitors who tour the grounds will learn about the life of Amos Woodruff—a famous carriage maker, president of the city council and candidate for mayor who first owned this stunning home. They will also hear about the life and times of Noland Fontaine, who ran the largest cotton business in the US and owned the Woodruff-Fontaine house between 1861 and the late 1920s. Travelers can step back in time as they explore the French Victorian architecture and family heirlooms that line the halls and rooms of this iconic home.
Practical Info
Woodruff-Fontaine House is located at 680 Adams Avenue. Tours take place at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 pm.
Address: 680 Adams Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday from noon-4pm
Admission: $6 for children $10 for adults
From $ 15
Graceland
The second most-visited home in the United States (behind only the White House), Graceland was home to Elvis Presley during the height of his career. Although the rock ’n’ roll singer and pop culture icon died in the white-columned mansion in 1977 at the age of 42, touring the wacky rooms of this 17,552-square-foot (1,630-square-meter) estate offers insight into the mind of The King, who is buried in the estate's Meditation Gardens.
The Basics
For music fans, history buffs, and really any visitor to Tennessee, a Graceland mansion tour is a must-do experience. Travelers wishing to tour the house independently have several ticket options to choose from, including a mansion-only tour (led by John Stamos on an iPad) and a more comprehensive admission ticket that offers access to the Presley Motors Automobile Museum, Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, and the Elvis Discovery Exhibits. Guided tours of Graceland mansion offer the added benefit of roundtrip transportation from Memphis or Nashville, while VIP tour upgrades include skip-the-line access to the mansion.
- This site is a must-see for music lovers and Elvis fans.
- To see everything Graceland has to offer, set aside three to four hours.
- Bring a sharpie so you can sign the famous Graceland wall.
- Tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted on tours inside Graceland.
- Flash-free photography is allowed.
- Most visitor facilities at Graceland are fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to Graceland
Graceland is located in Southern Memphis, just west of the airport. While a guided tour with transport is the most convenient way to visit, it’s also possible to reach the mansion via the free Sun Studio shuttle bus, which runs every hour between Graceland, Sun Studio, and the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum.
When to Get There
It’s best to visit Graceland on weekday afternoons during the shoulder season (September to April) when lines are shorter and the mansion is less crowded. Expect long lines on holidays, summer weekends, on Elvis’ birthday (January 8), and during Elvis Week.
An Airplane Fit for The King
In 1975, Elvis bought a 1958 Convair 880, which he named Lisa Marie after his daughter. For an extra fee, Graceland visitors can climb aboard the fully remodeled jet, complete with gold-plated seat belts, gold-flecked sinks, and suede chairs, and get a look at how The King traveled in style.
Address: 3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee 38116, USA
Hours: Vary seasonally
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
Handy Park
Handy Park is a large public park known for its wide, open fields and stage, making it a great outdoor concert and event space in Memphis. The park was named for W.C. Handy, the “Father of Blues.” A large statue of W.C. Handy stands tall in the park.
Events that take place in Handy Park are always free and open to the public, often attracting large crowds. With an outdoor amphitheater that seats 2,000, it is a favorite local spot to enjoy a cold beverage and the great outdoors. There is also a small stage that often is home to impromptu blues performances on afternoons! The park is right off of the famous Beale Street, also home to a vibrant music culture and known as the “home of the Blues.” The local Memphis music scene often comes to life in Handy Park.
Practical Info
Handy Park is located at the corner of Beale and Third Streets in Memphis.
Address: 200 Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
From $ 15
A. Schwab
A. Schwab is a dry goods store that has become a local landmark and Memphis institution. Since being opened in 1876, the store has transformed from a men’s clothing and goods shop to a collection of seemingly every item imaginable. It is the only remaining original business on Beale Street.
With two floors of displays filled with everything from regional arts and crafts to historic books, records, and artifacts, it is only fitting that the Beale Street Museum, located on a small balcony above the first floor, is also housed here. A. Schwab even has quirky memorabilia such as love potions and corn cob pipes. The store’s creaky wooden floors, dim lighting and original architectural details keep the building’s historic feel, making a visit feel like a step back in time. Their motto is “if you can’t find it at Schwab’s, you’re better off without it.”
Practical Info
A. Schwab’s Dry Goods Store is located at 163 Beale Street and is open Monday to Thursday from 12 to 8 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 10 pm, and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays. It is closed on major holidays.
Address: 163 Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
Hours: Monday-Thursday 12pm-8pm
Friday-Saturday 10am-10pm
Sunday 11am-6pm
From $ 30
Orpheum Theater
Built in 1928, the Orpheum Theater is a historic theater and one of America’s few remaining “movie palaces” from the 1920s era. Before it was the Orpheum, it was the site of the Grand Opera House and home to vaudeville performances for nearly two decades. Since then it has withstood the threat of bankruptcy, demolition and being burnt to the ground to become known as the “South’s Finest Theater.”
Decorated with ornate crystal chandeliers, luxe draperies, carved moldings, and a large pipe organ, the theater was restored in 1996 to its former glory along with an expansion of the stage and backstage areas. Today, the theater hosts top Broadway shows, concerts, comedy shows, and special events year-round. Many famous faces have graced the Orpheum stage, and it continues to be a center for arts and entertainment and culture of Memphis.
Practical Info
The Orpheum Theater is located on South Main Street at Beale Street in Memphis. It is open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm. Parking is available at several public lots near the theater.
Address: 203 S Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm
From $ 20
Court Square
The park at Court Square is a beautifully landscaped open space offering a change from the urban structures of the city. With a large fountain, gazebo, and benches, it is a popular spot for locals to enjoy a lunch break or a relaxing afternoon. In the summer months the park is home to outdoor concerts, food truck gatherings, karaoke contests, and other community events.
Situated right at the center of downtown Memphis, it is considered by many to be the heart of the city and thus is also a frequent meeting place. The square is surrounded by some of the most architecturally significant buildings in Memphis, and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a great place to sit and relax in the shade while taking in some of the sights of Memphis, as the antique trolleys roll by.
Practical Info
Court Square sits in the middle of downtown Memphis, adjacent to the trolley line and Main Street.
Address: 62 N Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Saturday 10am-5pm
Sunday 1pm-5pm
From $ 25