Memphis Excites and Delights Trekkies with Star Trek Live!
Memphis is a great vacation destination for people of a variety of interests, and you will find a variety of exciting events in Memphis this February. If you are a fan of Star Trek, you will delight in the grand production of Star Trek Live which takes place February 15 at the historic Orpheum Theatre. This interactive production will take you on a 60-minute adventure on the U.S.S. Enterprise as a new group of cadets have their first day on the fleet and battle to protect their ship and the planet Earth. With all of the exciting special effects and real space-age technology incorporated into the production, you will fell like you’re aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise yourself with Captain Kirk and Spock! This show is sure to sell out quickly, so be sure not to miss this exciting production!
While you are in Memphis, you may want to visit some of the attractions that celebrate the music that has made Memphis famous. Sun Studios is known for the impressive volume of music it produced in the heyday of country, blues and rock and roll music, and your Memphis vacation won’t be complete without a Sun Studio Guided Tour. At Sun Studios, you will get to see exciting artifacts relevant to Sun Studio’s history and the artists that one recorded there. Since Sun Studio is the only recording studio that is a National Historic Landmark, you are sure to be in awe of the incredible selection of memorabilia that is housed here. Since Sun Studios still records modern musical acts today, you may even have the chance to see one of your favorite musical artists arriving or leaving from Sun Studios during your visit!
After visiting the exciting attractions that Memphis has to offer, you will surely have worked up an appetite. You can enjoy a delicious meal at Memphis’ Hard Rock Café while you get an opportunity to see incredible music memorabilia. Since Memphis is famous for the music that was produced there, the selection of artifacts at the Hard Rock Café is quite impressive. You will see items that belonged to Elvis and memorabilia related to legendary musical artists like Janis Joplin, Bo Diddley and U2. Not only will you enjoy seeing exciting music memorabilia with a visit to the Hard Rock Café, but you will also enjoy the spectacular American food served there, like burgers, fries and delicious desserts!
Come to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge in Early February!
Memphis is most famous for the blues, and you can have the ultimate Memphis blues experience by attending the 2011 International Blues Challenge on February 1-5! Watch as blues musicians from all over the world do their best as they compete for cash and prizes. Since this event takes place in various venues on Beale Street, you are sure to have an exciting time as you attend various performances by the world’s most talented blues musicians including Clover Blue, Danny J. Buck, and The Breeze Kings. If you love the blues, this is an opportunity that you certainly won’t want to miss!
While you are in Memphis, you can learn about the history of the city with a visit to the Pink Palace Museum. This unique attraction chronicles the history of Memphis and features a replica of the first Piggly Wiggly, which is the first self-service grocery store. You can also learn about natural history at this museum with the Pink Palace’s dinosaur exhibits. There is nothing quite like the Pink Palace Museum, and with its various exhibits, people of all ages are sure to find something to enjoy!
Memphis is home to the notorious location of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination, and Memphis pays tribute to the Civil Rights leader with the National Civil Rights Museum. At the museum, which is located at the site where Dr. King was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel, you can learn about various events that took place during the Civil Rights Movement and about the many people who are responsible for various civil rights events, like Rosa Parks and Booker T. Washington. This museum is so detailed that it covers events from the years 1619 to the present day, so you are sure to find a lot of fascinating information!
Memphis’ January Events Offer Fun For Families
Families flock to Memphis each year for its exciting events and attractions, and this January, Memphis has a fantastic show planned for its visitors with Shrek: The Musical! Children and adults alike will love the stage adaptation of the popular Dreamworks movie about the lovable ogre and his chatty donkey sidekick. The show runs from January 18-23 at the Orpheum Theatre. If you love Shrek, be sure to include Shrek: The Musical in your Memphis vacation!
Memphis is known for its delicious barbecue, and your vacation won’t be complete without sampling BBQ ribs and other southern fares at the Blues City Café! This famous establishment has a rich history on Beale Street and was featured in the Tom Cruise film The Firm. Enjoy live entertainment in The Band Box section of the restaurant, or simply enjoy the food and ambiance of Beale Street.
If you are interested in guitars, you will love taking a Gibson Guitar Factory Tour during your vacation in Memphis. You will be amazed at the skills of the factory’s artisans, and you will have a one-of-a-kind experience seeing every step in the production of Gibson’s famous guitars. You will be impressed at the workmanship it takes to produce each instrument.
Celebrate Elvis Presley’s Birthday The Right Way In Memphis
Memphis is famous for being the home of legendary singer Elvis Presley, and there is no better way to celebrate his birthday than by visiting his hometown! While you are in Memphis, be sure to attend Elvis Birthday – Greatest Hits at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts on January 8. This world-renowned annual event features Terry Mike Jeffrey and his band performing Elvis’ best-loved hits. These favorites are sure to keep you on your feet dancing the evening away!
You can continue celebrating Elvis’ birthday by taking a tour at Elvis Presley’s Graceland Experience, located at the singer’s beautiful Graceland estate. The Ultimate Graceland Tour takes you inside the mansion and includes an audio companion that features commentary from Elvis himself! The tour features the mansion, two museums, Elvis’ custom airplanes, and his grave in the Meditation Garden.
If you are a last minute shopper, you can give your loved one the wonderful gift of a vacation by purchasing a gift certificate online. You will be happy to know that these gift certificates can be printed out almost instantly, so you won’t have to worry about the hassle of holiday crowds when you do your last minute shopping. Your loved one can use this thoughtful gift to purchase tickets to attractions, accommodations, or vacation packages in San Antonio or another great destination.
Christmas Parades in Memphis Encourage Holiday Cheer!
Christmas is getting closer each day, and Memphis has already provided several holiday parades to spread the holiday cheer to locals and visitors in the area. If you’d still like to see one of these fun parades, there’s still time to view them, and you can get in the spirit with Christmas parades like Horn Lake on December 11, Germantown on December 11 and Whitehaven parade on December 20. Each of these fun seasonal events provides unique floats and music as well as the traditional holiday decorations. Be a part of the Memphis Christmas anticipation by attending one of these parades, and reserve your room at a Memphis hotel.
To get the full experience in Memphis, you’ll want to try some of the local tours and cruises so that you understand the city’s history. Start out with a trip on the Sun Studio Guided Tour, and step foot inside the studio where the music of legendary performers like Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash were recorded. You’ll learn about the Studio’s owner, Sam Phillips, and his impact on the entire genre of Rock ‘n’ Roll. You’ll also see exciting historic pieces such as Elvis’ microphone used to record his first song, “That’s All Right.”
In addition, visitors still have time to book the Holiday Dinner Cruise on Memphis Riverboats Sightseeing and Dinner Cruises. Board one of Memphis’ rustic paddlewheel boats and chug down the famous Mississippi River where Mark Twain received inspiration for some of his novels. Sightsee out on the deck and enjoy a delicious holiday meal inside. You’ll see much of the cityscape while you’re on the cruise, and a live band will be playing music for you to listen and dance to.
Celebrate Christmas Elvis-Style with Christmas at Graceland!
Have a sparkling holiday celebration with Christmas at Graceland this year with Elvis Presley’s Graceland Platinum Experience. The event will take place on the same dates that Elvis traditionally held his holiday celebrations from November 19th through January the 8th. Guests will see many of Elvis’ traditional decorations including a life-size Nativity scene and Santa and his sleigh. Santa Claus will be available for pictures with the kids during the evenings throughout the Christmas celebration.
While you’re in Memphis, take advantage of this last chance to go on one of the Memphis Riverboats Sightseeing and Dinner Cruises. These relaxing cruises are only available on Saturdays and some Sundays through December 18th for the season, and you won’t want to miss your chance to experience one of them. The cruises offer beautiful sights along the Mississippi River, and some of the cruises offer a delicious Southern-style dinner to go along with the views.
Stay warm and learn about some of America’s history during your visit with a trip to the National Civil Rights Museum. This museum offers an in-depth look at what went on behind the scenes and publicly during the Civil Rights movement, and guests will find surprising facts await them at each exhibit. Some of the exhibits even cover the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. to help guests understand the turbulent times. It’s an experience that may change your views and understanding of history.
Memphis Prepares for the Thanksgiving Holiday!
Memphis is jam-packed with great dining opportunities and family-friendly areas to visit during this upcoming Thanksgiving. If you decide to go to Memphis sometime in the next month, make sure you bring as many family members along as possible to get the most out of your fall vacation experience. The tree leaves are changing from greens to reds, oranges and golds, and the cool air is just beginning to bring signs of winter. As you stay in Memphis, you’re welcome to take the family out to one of the many restaurants or eat a delicious homemade meal at the area of your choice. Be sure to book your Memphis lodging before the Thanksgiving rush hits, and check out some of the restaurants to dine at while you’re here.
There’s nothing like the taste of a juicy American burger while you’re spending time in this southern Tennessee city. As you’re eating your fill, you’ll be surrounded by some of the great rock legends of both the past and present, including Janis Joplin, U2, Bo Diddley and much more. The blended genres of rock n’ roll were made popular in Memphis, and you’ll hear some of the greatest rock hits right from your table. On top of the great food, atmosphere and service, you’ll also get the chance to take some Hard Rock Cafe souvenirs back to your home to savor the memories.
Check out this historic restaurant after the sun goes down – the way it’s meant to be experienced. The dining area has live entertainment from The Band Box in one section, and you’ll certainly want to chow down on the tender barbecue ribs featured on the menu. Some of the other all-American cuisine includes zesty chicken, fried catfish, and enormous steaks. The restaurant is part of the historical heart of downtown and just across the street from B.B. King’s.
Join in with Memphis residents to celebrate the city’s history and family-friendly events. The Thanksgiving holiday memories will be some of the best you’ll ever have!
Discover Memphis in a New Light at “Haunted Happenings”
As you prepare for the spooky Halloween holiday, you can combine your Memphis vacation with fun, historic adventures at “Haunted Happenings,” an event inside the Memphis’ Victorian Village on October 29 and 30. Once you’re here, you can walk around the famous neighborhood viewing the tall, slender architecture that was the dwelling of some of the richest Memphis locals in the nation. You can take a special ghost tour around the area, including the haunted Woodruff-Fontaine house, which carries a legendary history behind it that your guide will provide you with. Bring your Halloween costume with you to Memphis this year, and don’t forget to book your Memphis lodging ahead of time.
Along with this Halloween tour, you’ll also have the chance to try the Memphis Ghost Walking Tour, which goes deep into the heart of the Orpheum Theater, where the ghost of a little mischievious girl lives on to trick the stage performers. You’ll also walk by the dark Cotton Row, WC Handy Park and many other historic locations that have a little-known supernatural history. Trust your guide to lead you from one area to another and discover a new side to Memphis.
As long as you’re learning some of the city’s history, you’ll want to make reservations for the Mud Island River Park, which dives into the history of the Mississippi River via Swiss monorail transportation that you’ll get to travel on. On the way, you’ll also receive a guided tour of a five-block replica of the lower Mississippi River, named the River Walk. Once you’re done with this tour, you can walk over to the nearby gift shop and restaurant for some extra goodies.
Bring along friends and family as you learn about the dark history of Memphis this year. It will be a Halloween vacation to remember always!
Say Farewell to Summer with Sleep Out on the Mississippi in Memphis
Hey campers, it’s time to head out to Memphis for the exciting Sleep Out on the Mississippi event at Mud Island River Park. October 8th, bring yourself and a sleeping bag to the park where 12′x12′ tents, dinner, live entertainment, marshmallows, and breakfast are provided for you and other guests. Several activities are planned in addition to the marshmallow roast and live entertainment to help you enjoy yourself overnight. Advance reservations to this event are required to ensure that you get a spot at this event since space is limited. With the Mississippi River beside you and the stars above you, this is the perfect way to say goodbye to summer and greet fall.
After camping out at Mud Island Park, get yourself some nice lodging in town, and head out to see some of Memphis’ most popular attractions with the Memphis Mojo Tour. A vintage tour bus will take you around town to see the sights with a stop at either Sun Studio or Stax Museum along the way. Your admission to either the studio or the museum is provided, so get ready for an exciting tour of places that chronicle some of music’s biggest changes and stars.
You can’t visit Memphis without paying tribute to The King. As the place where Elvis lived and began creating his legendary hits, Memphis has a lot of Elvis’ history to share. Elvis Presley’s Graceland Platinum Experience can give you the highlights with a tour that features Elvis’ mansion, his customer planes, and Meditation Garden where Elvis was laid to rest. This tour will give you some insight into the man behind the music. You can see how he lived and learn fascinating facts about him with the audio tour that accompanies your visit to his mansion.
Memphis Bring Historical Meaning to Its Former Music Artists
The last rays of summer are almost gone, but there are still plenty of visitors in Memphis that will be coming up during the month of September. Visit all the area attractions, including some the museums showcasing the Memphis spirit dating back to some of the most famous stars. The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Children’s Museum of Memphis and Stax Museum of American Soul Music all possess unique characteristics that tell a little about the city and its most famous artifacts. You may browse through the following activities and book ones that suit you and your family:
Complete with seven major galleries and the D.C. Smithsonian Institution’s first exhibit, “Social Crossroads,” this area museum is packed full of influential American Music from the 1930s to the 1970s, covering issues like the depression, war, the American spirit and social justice. You’ll be able to see pictures of some of the great artists that sang each of the songs. If you’d like, the museum has transportation by trolley, transporting you to an older world.
The museum is different every time with rotating traveling exhibits that pass through, but some of the most famous activities, such as the Growing Healthy exhibit and City Friends are here to stay. Kids can learn about the wonders of the human body along with a examination of every community’s aid – the police and firefighter force. For an interactive experience, you can let your child sculpt and brush paint at the Art Smart center. The opportunities are almost endless, and you can pack a picnic lunch to eat on the grounds while you’re there.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Walk into the past with over 2,000 artifacts of the soul music genre. The museum is only about three miles away from Beale Street, and the music labels the museum features are some of the most popular of their time. As you’re browsing, you’ll begin to learn the fascinating story of an old neighborhood that expanded into what is now known as Soulsville, USA. Look for photographs and samples of your favorite soul artists!
The historical insight that Memphis possesses will keep you busy for as long as you have in the city. Take the chance to spend the last days of your 2010 summer in Memphis.
