Memphis

Just as music is part of Memphis’ royal legacy, BBQ is also king in the “Bluff City.” Determining the best place to eat BBQ in Memphis is a question of where you are and where’s the closest pork shoulder. If visiting in May, you can also kick it up a notch at the World Barbeque Championship Cooking Contest.

Your tastebuds will not be disappointed with the traditional pork BBQ in Memphis cooked over a low, slow fire. With so many to choose from, some of the top BBQ spots in Memphis include the Charlie Vergos Rendezvous, and the renowned Central BBQ. Check the Memphis BBQ Trail map for a full plate of delicious discovery.

Memphis is home to several fantastic events that celebrate the area’s culture, music, and food. The biggest main events include:

• Memphis in May – RiverBeat Music Festival (May) – This music festival features a diverse lineup of artists across multiple genres, all on the iconic Mississippi riverfront of Tom Lee Park.
• World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (May) – Another major event during Memphis in May, it’s a celebration of the city’s love for barbecue, with pitmasters from around the world competing for top honors.
• Cooper-Young Festival (September) – The trendy Cooper-Young neighborhood transforms into an all-out festival with live music, food vendors, maker booths and more.
• Mempho Music Festival (October) – One of the city’s biggest music events, Mempho is three days of national touring acts and local superstars on stage at Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden.
• RiverArts Fest (October) – Make your way Downtown for this annual arts festival where nearly 200 artists from around the U.S. will be showcasing their works along the riverside.

• When you’re looking for live music in Memphis, the home of rock ‘n roll and a breadth of blues up from the Mississippi Delta, well you can follow the beat to just about anywhere.
• Be sure to check live music venues up and down the popular Beale Street in Downtown Memphis. This is home to the likes of B.B. King’s Blues Club and Rum Boogie Cafe, not to mention theatres and the Beale Street Entertainment District.
• Midtown Memphis, east of downtown about 3 miles, is another go to destination for music venues, eclectic bars, walkable streets, and vibrant entertainment. The Cooper-Young neighborhood in Midtown has been named among the top 5 ‘coolest’ in the nation and is inviting for anyone looking for an authentic Memphis experience.
• What would a trip to Memphis for music look like without a stop at Graceland? Check their Events calendar to see whose coming to the Graceland Soundstage.

Memphis is full of rich history and unique attractions. Here are some of the top points of interest:

• Beale Street – Known for its vibrant nightlife and live music, Beale Street is the heart of Memphis’ legendary music scene, especially for blues and jazz lovers.
• Graceland – The home of Elvis Presley, Graceland is a must-see for fans of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and anyone interested in music history.
• National Civil Rights Museum – A powerful museum built around the former Lorraine Motel, offers a deep and moving look into the history of the Civil Rights Movement.
• Sun Studio – Often called the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, this historic recording studio is where artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis made their marks.
• Memphis Zoo – A family-friendly attraction with over 3,500 animals from around the world, it’s a fun and educational experience for all ages.
• Outdoor lovers should check out Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., offering hiking, biking, and paddleboarding on the lake.