The 2ndannual Audacity fest took place in Memphis Tennessee. I was a speaker at this amazing event. It was my first visit to Memphis Tennessee and I was excited to do some exploring. In this post I will share things to do in Memphis this weekend. If you only have a weekend in Memphis, it will be plenty of time to hit the main tourist attractions.
Memphis is a family friendly city with educational and interesting activities for people of all ages. There are tons of restaurants serving famous Memphis BBQ. And, I had no idea Memphis had so many museums.
This is partly a Memphis bucket list for myself. Because I was so busy at the conference and only spent a weekend in Memphis, I plan to return to do some more of these activities. Luckily, my fellow brown and black travel bloggers and influencers found some cool things to do in Memphis. This blog post gives me the chance to highlight them as well.
1. National Civil Rights Museum at The Lorraine Motel:
I did not know that the museum was adjacent to the hotel in which Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Be prepared for this. The museum pays homage to all the brave men and women who fought for civil rights. It is an educational and humbling experience.
2. Things to do in Memphis this weekend: Peabody Hotel & Peabody Ducks:
You may have heard of the historic Peabody Hotel in Memphis Tennessee. Well the ducks may be just as famous as the hotel. The Peabody ducks live at the Peabody Hotel. Twice a day they march back and forth from the elevator to the fountain on the main floor of the hotel.
Crowds with their cameras gather to catch a glimpse of this. I suggest getting there at least 30 minutes in advance if you would like a good view. It all happened so fast and my view was partially blocked.
Honestly, it was a little anticlimactic for me. But, the hotel is gorgeous. We stuck around for cocktails and appetizers after the duck show.
3. Things to do in Memphis: Memphis BBQ:
My husband is a big fan of BBQ anything and everything (lol). If there is one thing I knew we were doing during our weekend in Memphis, it was eating Memphis BBQ.
With so many lists of best Memphis BBQ restaurants online, we decided to ask our Lyft and Uber drivers.
We went with a local’s suggestion and ended up at a restaurant in Midtown Memphis. “THE BBQ SHOP” had a great menu with choices of dry or wet BBQ rubs. My husband went with a combination for his ribs while I went with the dry rub for mine.
I have to say we were both disappointed. The meat was overcooked and lacked flavor. We did enjoy the sides of baked beans, coleslaw and the Texas toast.
After I posted this online, many people suggested going to Central BBQ. We actually passed Central BBQ several times since it is located right behind the National Civil Rights Museum.
Nicole of Nicky’s Savory Travels enjoyed some great food and BBQ in Memphis Tennessee.
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4. Weekend in Memphis: Visit the Murals:
Memphis has beautiful and colorful murals downtown. If you are traveling with kids or looking for an Insta-worthy pic, add this to your list of things to do in Memphis this weekend.
Francesca from One Girl One World
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5. Explore the Museums:
Stax Museum of American Soul Music: Fun fact: Did you know that Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis Tennessee? But, she is associated with Detroit since she grew up and lived there. If you are a history buff and fan of soul music, make a stop at this museum.
Monet of The Traveling Child in Memphis
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The Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum revisits music from rural sharecroppers in the 30s to the height of the Memphis sound in the 70s. They also offer free rides to Graceland on the Sun Studio shuttle.
Besides the ones mentioned above there is The Children’s Museum of Memphis and The Blues Hall of Fame Museum.
6. Beale Street:
If you went to Memphis Tennessee but did not go to Beale Street, did you really go to Memphis? 🙂 During the day Beale Street is pretty quiet but at night in turns into a party.
It is filled with bars, restaurants and clubs. Part of the street is shut down to cars. Therefore, pediatricians are free to hang out and stroll up and down Beale Street.
One of THE most important things to do in Memphis this weekend is to listen to the Blues. Memphis is home to Blues music. Besides BBKings, make a stop at Blues City Café. The live band was excellent and we really enjoyed the crispy BBQ fries (yum)
7. Bass Pro Shops:
If you love to shop, I was told this should be on your weekend in Memphis to do list. I will definitely check it out next time. It is easy to spot in town since it is shaped like a pyramid.
8. Visit Overtown Park Conservancy:
Overtown Park Conservancy is a public park that spans 342 acres. It includes the Memphis Zoo, a golf course, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Rainbow Lake and Memphis College of Art.
9. Explore Memphis by trolley and by foot:
Memphis has a great trolley system that will take you all over the downtown area. It is also a very walkable city. Make a stop at 409 South Main which contains Puck Food Hall. There are a few food stalls with yummy treats such as seafood, gelato and baked sweets.
10: A weekend in Memphis for Music & Sports Fans:
You can take in a Memphis minor league baseball game at Autozone Park. The stadium is located in downtown Memphis.
Music fans should look into shows at The FedEx Forum. Did you know that FedEx is based in Memphis Tennessee? Upcoming concerts include Carrie Underwood and Elton John.
You can also watch NBA games of the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum.
11. Beale Street Landing:
Beale Street Landing in Memphis Tennessee was the sight of the 2ndannual Audacity Fest. It is located on the waterfront at the end of Beale Street. It has beautiful views of the Mississippi River. There are great outdoor amenities including areas for biking, walking and picnicking.
If you are visiting Memphis with kids, check out “Island Play”. It is a misting park with water fountains, a stone slide and a cool catfish sculpture.
The Dock at Beale Street Landing is also the site for riverboat cruises. American Cruise Line and Memphis Riverboat Tours dock here.
If you are up for some adventure on the river, go kayaking like Annette from Annette with Love.
Annette From Annette with Love
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12: Graceland:
Last but certainly not least is visiting Elvis Presley’s iconic home-Graceland. I did not get a chance to this during my short weekend in Memphis but I will be back. For more information check out their website.
I Love Memphis Blog is a great resource. It has a calendar of events, information on local festivals, Holiday events, music shows and so much more.
Have fun in Memphis Tennessee and pin this post for later!
