Traveling To Memphis?

Question

A couple friends and I will be going to Memphis at the end of tis month and it is my dream come true (Big Elvis fan). We are going to Graceland and shopping etc. But I am really worried about the stories that I have heard about Mempis. I am from Canada and dont know that States very well. What I would like to know are the areas I should stay out of in Memphis and how do I know where they are..If you can help me it would be great thanks.!

Answer 1

There is a lot to do in Memphis, and yes like all major cities there are good areas and bad areas.
First of all the area around Graceland in not very nice, you will not get killed going to Graceland but, it is a rundown area of town, just to let you know. Graceland however is wonderful, they have secure parking lot right on site, and the museums as well as the house are wonderful to see! I recommend doing the complete package, house, car museum, planes, ect. If you are an Elvis Fan you are going to love this!
www.elvis.com

Also on the Graceland Complex Site is the Heartbreak hotel, very nice to see but, I would not recommend staying there because you are far from entertainment, shopping and downtown. Just a helpful hint.

There are several parts of downtown that are nice areas, and we really enjoyed Beale Street, there is a music club for EVERYONE, from rock, jazz to country. You name it you can find something. They also love to have free concerts in the park by Beale Street which is nice. We like to stay in this area, nice safe and you can walk to places.

I know you said you were going shopping here are some good places to go:
If you can go to main street Collierville. They have tons of little unique shops and great restaurants. A nice place to stroll. Located outside of Memphis it does give you a different shopping experience.
http://www.mainstreetcollierville.org/

If you like Vintage clothing you are going to want to check out Flashback! They have everything form the 20's-70's. Clothes, shoes, home furnishings you name it they have it. I love going there!
http://www.flashbackmemphis.com/

If you are looking for places like Macy's and other stores like this then you will want to check out the Hickory Ridge Mall. Wonderful place, they even have a carousel and the food here is just wonderful! You can find everything you need here.
http://www.hickoryridge.com/

I also like to shop at Muse. They have a ton of different stuff for both men and women. Things you can't find in a mall. If you love to dress on the cutting edge and different from everyone else this is the place for you.
http://www.memphismuse.com/

South Main also has some unique places to shop; from galleries to fashion this is a great place to go. They also have several open markets here. You can find all kinds of things here! They also have some really good restaurants in the area.
http://www.southmainmemphis.org/

The Peabody has several "over" priced shops in it but, it is fun to go walk around and look. The hotel and the lobby are just amazing, and hey take a second to see the ducks. Shops there are over rated but a good time anyway.

If you like outlet malls there is also Lakeland Factory Outlet Store. Located outside of Memphis so you will need to drive. They have an Old Time Pottery here which I just love! One of my favorite home stores around! They also have several clothing stores here with wonderful discount prices!
No website but, here is the address:
Address 3536 Canada Road
City/State/Zip Lakeland, TN 38002
Phone [phone]

There is also the Laurelwood Shopping center, again not in Memphis but close. They have a ton of unique stores and this place is set up so cool. Very open and very fun to shop at!
http://www.laurelwoodmemphis.com/about.html

Here are some other things to do in Memphis all are in safe places:

Try to go to Sun Studios. They give a short and sweet tour but, the people that have recorded here are just amazing! If you like music this is a must! Doesn’t matter what kind the “greats” have recorded here and walking in their foot steps is just amazing! Sun Studios is not just about Elvis.
http://www.sunstudio.com

Eat some BBQ! You are in Memphis after all, I would also suggest trying the fried pickles. I know sounds weird but they are true yummyness! Also try the fired green tomatoes. You can get them almost anywhere what a true southern treat! Neely’s Bar-B-Q is wonderful! I highly recommend going there! You can also try Pig on Beale, Alfred’s and Coky’s they all have great que!

Check out the Memphis Rock and Soul Museum this place was cool. They highlight all the musical artist from Ottis Redding to Elvis. You get an audio tour which is well done and the history of Rock and Soul.
http://www.memphisrocknsoul.org

Of course there are the good old Ducks of Memphis (many other cities have these) The ducks are busses/boats so you get a tour on land and in the water. Pretty cool if you have never done anything like this before. I think the tour last about 2 hours here. Great way to see the city.
http://www.memphisducks.com

You can also take a river cruise they have all kinds of them for any budget. Some are just a tour and others are like a dinner cruise. The skyline from the river here is really pretty. Most of the boats have a bar and snack for purchase, and most have coupons on their website or at the visitor’s center to save you some cash.
http://www.memphisriverboats.net

Ride the trolley’s they are a great way to see the sites of the city fast and really are a nice type of public transport. They go all over and you can get to most attractions using them. They are really neat just to be in an old trolley! Be sure you have the correct fair because they do not make change for you.
http://matatransit.com


The Delta Blues Museum I also thought was interesting, if you like music and blues. They have all kinds of stuff here and they really present the information in a great way.
http://www.deltabluesmuseum.org


You will have a great time just like all cities people do make it out worse than it really is, downtown is nice, the riverfront is nice, and well we always have a good time when we go. I would also check out the Memphis Visitors website:

http://www.memphistravel.com/

They will end you a FREE visitor’s packet which includes coupons, maps and attractions info. Also if you have additional questions contact them they will help you plan your trip for free! We use them every time we go and they really are very helpful, they give recommendations for everything and they are locals who know their stuff!

Hope this helps you welcome to the US and have a wonderful trip!!!

Answer 2

I'm not from Memphis- I live near Nashville TN- but I always tell people to go see Graceland if they must and then get the heck out of town. I know there must be nice parts of Memphis, but unless you're sure where they are, I personally wouldn't stay there. Come on over to Nashville- it's only a 3 1/2 hour drive east and it's really a wonderful city with a small town feel. And tons of great things to do- including the studio where Elvis recorded. If you go to the Country Music Hall of Fame, downtown, you can get a package tour that includes the studio. There are also all the cool honk tonks on lower Broadway and 2nd Ave. downtown. Tours of historic homes, great places to hike, beautiful parks and lakes, etc. Have a great trip to the US!!!

Answer 3

i am from memphis!! seeing graceland is fine. DO NOT GET A HOTEL NEAR there high crime area. get a room off of poplar ave or germantown those are your best bets. south memphis is not safe. also if you go to beale street be aware of your surroundings. north memphis not good either. east memphis is okay

Answer 4

Are you using, if you're your high-quality off to stick sixteen miles away in Tunica MS, any of the casinos present affordable rooms . Cheaper than the first-class ones in Memphis. And alot nicer.