Bluesy Vacations and More in Memphis!
May 7, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Memphis
These are rockin’ days in Memphis, and with the summer heat also comes the summer fun! Come on out to everyone’s favorite southern city and experience a vacation you won’t soon forget. Exciting options abound in the city, and you can choose from great hotels, fantastic activities, and more.
Through Vacations Made Easy, we not only offer attractions and lodging, but also vacation packages that give you the best of both worlds. Pre-made packages are available for you to browse and choose from, or you can create your own! Here are two of our favorite packages that we offer, among many that are available to you.
Memphis Family Vacation Package: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/MemphisTN/vacationPackages/TheMemphisFamilyVacationPackage.cfm
With the Memphis Family Vacation Package, you’ll have the perfect trip lined up for you and your family. The package includes 3-night’s lodging at the property of your choice, and tickets to Elvis Presley’s Graceland Platinum Experience. With the Platinum Experience, you’ll get to tour Elvis’ home as the tour takes you from Presley’s humble beginnings through his rise to superstardom. You will see Elvis’ two custom airplanes, the automobile museum, the Sincerely Elvis Memorabilia Museum and more! And with 3 nights of lodging included, you’ll have plenty of extra time to relax at the hotel, eat some local cuisine, and explore the rest of the city.
Blues Music Vacation Package: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/MemphisTN/vacationPackages/BluesMusicVacationPackage.cfm
Enjoy a piece of history with the Blues Music Vacation Package where you will travel to Memphis, Tennessee and enjoy the sweet sound of the smooth Blues music, with a full three nights of lodging, a self-guided tour of the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, and a visit to the infamous Stax Museum of American Soul Music. At the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum you can view and learn the stories of musicians that struck out and changed the world of music during racial and economic hardships. And at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, you’ll learn of its significance and importance to the music genre. Starting out as a tiny record store in an old movie theater, Stax grew to become one of the most important recording studios in the world. Finally spend your three nights in luxury at an amazing local hotel of your choosing. You’ll have everything you could ever want with this great package!
These are just a few of the awesome packages that we offer in Memphis. Check out our webpage and browse other offerings or create your own package to make your vacation exactly what you want it to be: amazing! http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/MemphisTN/vacationPackages.cfm
Fun and Excitement in Memphis, Tennessee!
Memphis is a rockin’ place to visit, and what better time to come to everyone’s favorite southern city than now?! You can experience everything that is Memphis including Graceland, the Gibson Guitar Factory, and all sorts of amazing barbeque. So get started on your tour of Memphis and book an amazing attraction today! Here are just a few of the top sellers that we offer for the city.
National Civil Rights Museum
More than 35 years after the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, this historic landmark in Memphis has turned itself into a tribute to the earth-changing Civil Rights Movement. On April 4, 1968 all eyes in the world turned to a small hotel in Memphis, TN. On a balcony of the Lorraine Hotel, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Today, this landmark has become a tribute to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and has ensured that at least part of Dr. King’s dream would come true. Exhibits featured inside the museum and its expansion cover events from 1619 to the present day and include Little Rock, Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, Booker T. Washington, The Assassination of Dr. King and much more.
Elvis Presley’s Graceland Experience
Get ‘all shook up’ with the Elvis Presley’s Graceland Experience as you walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The tour takes place at Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland Mansion, in Memphis, Tennessee. The full Graceland experience will take you from Elvis’ humble beginnings through his rise to super stardom. See how a rock ‘n’ roll legend lived and relaxed with family and friends. Enjoy video, photos, Elvis’ personal mementos, movie memorabilia, stage costumes and much more. Explore Elvis’ two custom airplanes, the automobile museum, the Sincerely Elvis Memorabilia Museum, the King and Pop Culture Exhibit, the ’68 Special Exhibit and more on your own with a self-guided tour of Graceland. You can see the 1955 pink Cadillac, artifacts from Elvis’ past, special displays highlighting Elvis’ impact on music and the world, the recognizable fashion of the King, and so much more to keep you entertained.
These are just a few of the amazing things that Memphis has to offer, so check us out and see the other great options available to you to make your vacation an unforgettable one!
Music, Museums, & More in Memphis
April 9, 2013 by Shannon Walter
Filed under Memphis, VME
This Thursday, the party starts at the Peabody in Memphis! The Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis hosts rooftops parties every Thursday from April 11 to August 15. Enjoy food and drinks as you listen to music and watch the gorgeous sun set over the Mississippi River from the best lookout place in town! The 17th Floor and Carly Rae Jepsen are kicking off the rooftop party season on April 11 at 6pm. For more information about the Peabody Hotel, visit this link.
After a fun night on the Peabody roof, you’ll want to see the city from the ground. Hop on a vintage tour bus to see the city on the Mojo Tour. Your tour guide is a professional musician who will regale you with tales of the city’s diverse musical heritage. Not only that, your guide will entertain you with songs from famous Memphis musicians. The tour begins in the musical center of Memphis – Beale Street. Drive down Beale Street to see the Blues City Café, the Memphis Rock N Soul Museum, and much more! You’ll also have the chance to see the Stax Museum, which is home to greats Otis Redding, Johnnie Taylor, and Albert King; the Lorraine Motel/National Civil Rights Museum, the historic landmark where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated; and Sun Studio, the studio that launched the careers of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash. Tours begin at 11:30am daily. For more information and ticket prices, visit this link.
After your tour, visit the very unique Pink Palace Museum! This museum has little bit of everything behind its doors including a walk through replica of the first self-service grocery store in the country, Clarence Saunders’ Piggly Wiggly. The museum actually opened its doors because of Clarence Saunders. Saunders began building the Pink Palace as his 36,500 square foot home in 1922. It earned its nickname because the mansion was faced with pink Georgia marble. The home was to have a massive lobby with a pipe organ, a ballroom, an indoor pool, a shooting gallery, and a bowling alley. Unfortunately, Saunders lost his fortune at the Stock Exchange in 1923 so he never finished or lived in the home. However, the city purchased the home and turned it into a museum which opened in 1930. While you’re there, be sure to see the planetarium, the stomping robotic T-Rex named Rollo, Clyde Parke’s Miniature Circus, and much more! For more information about the Pink Palace Musuem, visit this link.
See the Best of Memphis with this 3 Day Itinerary
March 14, 2013 by Shannon Walter
Filed under Memphis, VME
Planning a Spring Break trip for the family? Choose Memphis, Tennessee! The Music City is the perfect place to enjoy warm weather, fun sites, interesting museums, and much more! Don’t worry if you only have a couple of days. Check out this packed 3-day itinerary that the whole family will love!
DAY 1: Arrive in town in the afternoon just in time to check into your hotel around 3 or 4 p.m. Once you’re settled, head over to the Peabody Hotel, unless you’re already staying there, to see the Peabody Ducks. These pampered ducks spend their day in the hotel lobby’s fountain before marching down the red carpet to return to their penthouse on the hotel roof at 5 pm daily. It’s a must-see! After watching the ducks march, grab some dinner on Beale Street. The Blues City Café is famous for its deliciously delectable southern food and amazing entertainment. The BBQ ribs are the focal point of the menu but they also offer steaks, catfish, tamales, and more! While you’re there you’ll enjoy music from the Band Box, which has featured hundreds of different artists throughout the years. After dinner, go on the Dark Side of Memphis Tour! Starting at 8 pm, your tour guide will fill you in on Memphis’ past which is full of murder, con men, voodoo magic, and the paranormal. The tour lasts an hour and leads guests to the Gayoso House to learn about a grisly murder, Howard’s Row which was used as a hospital during the Civil War, and much more! After the tour, head back to the hotel for a night of rest because tomorrow is going to be a big one!
DAY 2: After breakfast and showers at the hotel, get ready for another day full of fun! Start your day with the Historic Memphis Walking Tour at 10:30 a.m. This walking tour covers approximately a mile of town and you’ll see Downtown Memphis, the Court Square Fountain, the Lincoln American Tower, and Calvary Episcopal Church to name a few. The tour lasts around two hours meaning it’s time for a spot of lunch at the end. You’ll be downtown so wander around until you find a yummy lunch joint or ask your guide for a recommendation. After lunch, spend a little time indoors at one of these amazing music museums: Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studio Guided Tour, or Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. If you can’t choose one, then make a stop at all of them! The Pink Palace Museum is the perfect stop for families traveling with kiddos. The eclectic museum chronicles the history of Memphis from dinosaurs to a miniature circus to a replica of the first Piggly Wiggly. While you’re there, enjoy an IMAX film in their theater. After a long day of sightseeing, you’ll want to grab some yummy Memphis grub before crashing back at your hotel.
DAY 3: Today is the last day. Grab some breakfast and check out of your hotel before making one last stop in town because no trip to Memphis would be complete without a stop at Elvis Presley’s Graceland! The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s 14 acre estate is filled with artifacts, videos, music, and more! A tour through the house will give you a great view of Presley’s life from his humble beginnings at the Sun Studio to the legend that we all adored. Graceland even added two new exhibits this year chronicling his time performing in Hawaii and Las Vegas. Most people spend about 2-3 hours at the museum. When you’re done, hit the road toward home!
If you need help planning your vacation, give us a call or check out our website.
As Always, Happy Travels!
Take Your Spring Break in Memphis
February 26, 2013 by Shannon Walter
Filed under Memphis, VME
Warm weather is on its way and what better way to celebrate than with a trip to Memphis? Take the hassle out of planning your getaway by selecting one of our Vacation Packages which include lodging and activities. Check out some of our very favorites!
Elvis Presley’s Graceland Memphis Package
No trip to Memphis would be complete without a stop at Elvis Presley’s Graceland. Even if you’ve been before, there is always something new to see and experience at the Rock legend’s massive estate. This package includes a Platinum Tour of the mansion, the Sun Studio Guided Tour, and 4 nights’ lodging at the hotel of your choice. The Graceland Platinum Tour is the perfect way to see it all! It includes a guided tour of the mansion, a special look at both of Elvis’s custom planes, admission to the Presley Automobile Museum, and admission to the Sincerely Elvis Memorabilia Museum. After seeing the history and memorabilia of the King, head to the Sun Studio to take a peek into the lives of Memphis’ many other music legends including Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, and, of course, Mr. Elvis Presley. The final step to booking any of our packages is choosing your hotel. With more than 50 hotels in the area to choose from, you should have no problems finding a hotel with the amenities that you want at the price you desire. Follow this link to begin planning your vacation today!
Memphis Tours Vacation Package
Looking to see a lot on your vacation? Pick up this Memphis Tours Package to see all the hottest spots in town. This package doesn’t include the Graceland tour but it does include the Hound Dog Tour, a tour that showcases all of Elvis’ hometown hang outs aboard a 1950’s vintage bus. Guitar lovers hit the jackpot with a Gibson Guitar Factory Tour where you’ll view the careful step-by-step process of how every Gibson Guitar is made. Finally, for something a little bit spooky, head out on the Memphis Ghost Walking Tour to hear chilling stories of Memphis’ scary past. This package also includes three nights’ accommodations at the hotel of your choosing. For more details, visit this link.
Visit our site for a full list of Memphis, Tennessee Vacation Packages. Can’t find the exact trip that you’re looking for? Build your own using our Custom Package creator. You’ll simply have to choose your dates, add your activities, and choose your lodging. Our custom packages are a great way to build a vacation that you’ll love within your budget! Need any help building a package? Just give us a call. Our customer service representatives are available 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time every single day. Give us a call at 1-800-987-9852.
Memphis, Tennessee: The Birthplace of Rock n’ Roll
February 12, 2013 by Shannon Walter
Filed under Memphis, VME
It’s Mardi Gras time in Memphis! Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday is a holiday celebration for the last day to eat rich or fatty foods before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. In Memphis, Mardi Gras is celebrated with a parade on Beale Street featuring merchants, floats, musicians, and much more! The parade starts at 5pm tonight! Don’t miss out on the Mardi Gras celebration in Memphis!
Known as the birthplace of Rock n’ Roll, Memphis, Tennessee was the place to be in the 1950’s. Fantastic singers, guitarists, and drummers were literally popping out of the woodworks and they all had one thing in common, they were all recording at Sun Studio, then known as the Memphis Recording Service. Sam Phillips opened the studio in 1950. He had dreamed of having his own recording studio since boyhood but he knew that starting a recording studio was no easy task. In the beginning, the studio’s slogan was, “We Record Anything, Anywhere, Anytime.” He even had an open door policy allowing anyone to walk in and record their own record, for a fee of course. In 1951, what is thought to be the first rock n’ roll song was recorded at Sun Studio. It was “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats.
Sun Studio began its historic rise in 1953 when a young, fresh out of high school Elvis Presley waltzed into the studio. He asked to record two songs, “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin,” as a gift for his mother. Phillips liked his sound but he was hoping to hit it big with a black musician. But he liked Presley’s bluesy voice so he came back in to record more. Nothing was hitting a chord until Presley began singing Arthur Crudup’s “That’s All Right.” Elvis was jumping up and down, singing, and acting like a fool and Phillips loved the sound. He taped it, played it on a local station, and people began eagerly calling in. The rest is history.
Throughout the years, Sun Studios recorded for several artists including Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B King, and many more! It is certainly the birthplace of Rock n’ Roll and should not be missed on a trip to Memphis! The full-length tour showcases the history, popular songs recorded at the studio, and memorabilia at the studio. For more information about the studio or the tour, visit this link.
Before planning your Memphis vacation you’ll want to find a place to stay. Vacations Made Easy offers a large range of hotels for every price range. Looking for a specific amenity such as an indoor pool or hot breakfast? Narrow your search by selecting only the amenities that you want.
Music & Museums in Memphis
November 20, 2012 by Shannon Walter
Filed under Memphis, VME
Memphis is famous for its musical culture and its role in shaping the South. Visit this lovely Southern city where the roots of blues, gospel, soul, and rock music can all be traced, and stroll along Beale Street where you can hear just about anything you’d like. While you’re there, check out these great attractions to delve deeper into the music and history of Memphis:
Memphis Rock’ n’ Soul Museum
Get the full Memphis music experience at the Rock ‘n ‘Soul Museum on Beale Street. Seven galleries plus special exhibits curated by the Smithsonian Institute trace the history of American music from the early musical pioneers of the 1930s and the hardships they overcame, to the later sounds of soul and rock in the 1970s.
Gibson Guitar Factory Tour
After you’ve learned about the musical giants of Memphis, get a look at the technical side of rock ‘n’ roll at the Gibson Guitar Factory. Expert guides will show you around the factory, where you’ll see every step of the process that creates a legendary Gibson guitar. You’ll see the different types of guitars made in the factory, hear the behind them, and learn a bit about the rock stars who play them.
National Civil Rights Museum
When you’ve got your fill of music, it’s time to learn about Memphis’ role in the Civil Rights Movement. The Lorraine Hotel, the site of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination, has been transformed into a museum to honor those who fought for equality and to educate visitors about the Civil Rights movement, from the 17th century to the Montgomery bus boycotts and Dr. King’s vision.
You’ll need a place to stay during your Memphis vacation, so be sure to check out our selection of great Memphis hotels.
Listen to the Music in Memphis
There’s no better place than Memphis to take a look at musical history. Memphis has a long musical history as a place where many of the greatest rock’n'roll and soul artists got their start, and you can see some of American music’s most revered landmarks in this lovely Southern city.
Elvis Presley’s Graceland Experience
Elvis Presley, Memphis’ most famous resident, made his home at Graceland. Elvis fans from all over the world visit the estate to pay their respects and learn about The King. Graceland now serves as a muesum dedicated to the life and music of Elvis Presley, where fans can tour the home and see Elvis’ stage costumes, instruments, cars and private planes, as well as special exhibits about Elvis’ life and musical impact.
Sun Studio Guided Tour
Sun Studio began as a small, insignificant recording studio and became the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Johnny Lee Lewis all got their start in this little studio in downtown Memphis. The Sun Studio Guided Tour lets you glimpse into the studio’s amazing past as you knowledgeable guide points out important artifacts and shares stories about the musical greats that once walked its halls.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Stax Records became a hit factory, launching the careers of America’s greatest soul artists like Wilson Pickett, Isaac Hayes, Johnny Taylor, Otis Redding, and many, many more. The Stax Museum, at the original site of Stax Records, is the only permanent museum dedicated to soul music. Films, artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits make this museum a must-see for any fan of soul or musical history.
There are plenty of great hotels to choose from for your next trip to Memphis. Click here to browse our selection.
Justin Bieber Hits Memphis on November 1
October 23, 2012 by Shannon Walter
Filed under Memphis, VME
Platinum-selling pop sensation Justin Bieber is making a stop in Memphis on November 1. The “Believe” Tour kicked off in September with special guest Carly Rae Jepsen. Bieber will be on the FedExForum stage on November 1 at 7 pm. Justin Bieber got his big break in 2008 when his YouTube videos racked up over 10,000,000 views. In October 2008, he signed a deal with Island Records at the insistence of superstar Usher and he has been a sensation ever since.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
What began as a small record store in an old movie theater miraculously grew to become one of the world’s most famous recording studios. In 1959, when the Capitol Theater was transformed into Stax Records it launched the careers of musicians that would become icons such as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Albert King, and Wilson Pickett to name a few. Today, the building hosts the Stax Museum of American Soul Music which pays tribute to all the magnificent artists who recorded there. With a rare collection of more than 2,000 interactive exhibits, films, artifacts, and memorabilia, visitors will be able to spend hours upon hours in the museum. Stax is actually the only soul music museum in the world so the museum also takes the time to pay tribute to the famous soul musicians who didn’t make their start in the tiny theater including Ike and Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, The Jackson 5, Sam Cooke, and many others. For ticket information, click on this link.
A trip to Memphis wouldn’t be complete without an Elvis related activity! First take a trip the rock n’ roll king’s Graceland then hop aboard the Hound Dog Vintage Bus Tour. The 90-minute tour aboard a 1950s bus takes visitors to sights all over town related to Elvis Presley’s life. The tour takes you past Humes High School where Elvis spent his adolescent years, Lauderdale Courts apartments where his family lived while he was in high school, and Overtown Park Shell where he gave his first paid concert on July 30, 1954. Each and every stop will give the tour guests a deeper look into the life of the King of Rock n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. Follow this link for more information on ticket prices.
With a plethora of hotel options in the area, visitors are sure to find the perfect lodging with the amenities necessary for an amazing vacation!
Celebrate the Spooky Season at Zoo Boo in Memphis
October 9, 2012 by Shannon Walter
Filed under Memphis, VME
October is upon us and that can only mean one thing: Halloween! The Memphis Zoo is celebrating with their spooktacular Zoo Boo event on October 19, 20, 26, 27, and 28. All zoo visitors are invited to don their costumes for a night of not-so-spooky fun at the zoo. Fun events will be spread throughout the park including a not-so haunted tour of Primate Canyon, Fred’s trick-or-treat stations, fortune tellers, magic shows, camel rides, and Zoo Boo photos. Everyone, young and old, is sure enjoy this beloved Memphis event.
After enjoying the spooky zoo fun, head over to the famous Beale Street to the Gibson Guitar Factory. The legendary guitar brand has produced magical licks for famous musicians like Elvis, Pete Townsend, and Slash. Their 45 minute tour will give you a chance to see Gibson’s skilled Luthiers craft the finest guitars in the world. The work is very intricate to create the beautiful instrument that leads almost every band in the world. You’ll have a chance to watch the process of binding, neck-fitting, painting, buffing, and tuning to create each instrument. Gibson guitars have been shaping music for over 100 years, so visitors will also have the chance to learn about the history of the instrument and the history of those who have made their career playing this guitar. Specifically, learn how Les Paul designed the guitar that brought him so much success. For more information about the tour and ticket prices, follow this link.
Head outside before the weather is too cold to explore the Mud Island River Park. The five-block river model gives visitors the chance to learn all about life on the Mississippi. The fun river replica recreates the lower Mississippi River as it stretches between Cairo, IL to New Orleans, LA. Walk 30 inches along the model, and you’ve walked a mile! After trekking along the river, head over to the Mississippi River Museum to learn all about the history and culture that surrounds the largest river system in the country. You’d be surprised how interesting one river can be! Finally, before you leave, take a ride on the Swiss-built monorail system past the real Mississippi River. For more information about the park, follow this link.
Memphis has an abundance of fun lodging to offer. Spend the night with Elvis Presley in the Heartbreak Hotel or choose a comfy room in an awesome hotel with a pool. Whatever your heart desires, you’re sure to find it in Memphis, TN.
