Fun in Memphis

Memphis is a bustling city with something for everybody. This is a very small sampling of the sites and sounds you'll find around town.  Click here for more information about, hotels, restaurants, and other Memphis attractions.

Eternal Egypt Eternal Egypt: Masterworks of Ancient Art from The British Museum is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in a culture marked by beauty and artistry. Even our gift shop, Lotus and Papyrus, takes you into a grand Egyptian bazaar. In the tradition of Ramesses the Great, Catherine the Great, and Titanic, this new WONDERS exhibition spanning 35 centuries of Egyptian art will leave you in awe. Intrigued. Amazed. And fully entertained. Eternal Egypt is your chance to step into a pyramid and experience life in a time of gods, goddesses, mummies, Pharaohs, and legends. Guest curator, Edna R. Russmann, has selected approximately 144 objects for this presentation from The British Museum, which offers one of the most comprehensive Egyptian art collections outside of Cairo. Many of these art works have never been shown in the United States, and this exhibition has never before left The British Museum. Plan a day, weekend, or extended vacation around this fascinating and fun experience. Open daily 9:00 am - last entry 8:00 pm Tickets are sold for a specific date and entry time. Individual tickets will go on sale March, 2001. Prices: Adult - $14; Sr. (60+) $13; Military/University $10; Youth (5-17) $6;Ticket price includes exhibition admission, orientation video and audio guide.

At no other casino can you experience the action and excitement of Las Vegas style gaming surrounded by some of the most famous movie memorabilia on earth! The Hollywood Casino in Tunica is set in the atmosphere of an authentic hollywood movie studio.  With so many gaming tables and slot machines, The Hollywood Casino in Tunica guarantees you'll have the time of your life.

Peabody Hotel
The Peabody is Memphis' hotel showplace and appeared prominently in the film The Firm with Tom Cruise.  In the 1930s, Peabody Hotel general manager Frank Schutt placed his live hunting decoys in his lobby fountain and started a tradition. Today the Peabody Ducks have become a world-famous symbol for The Peabody and for Memphis hospitality. Every day at precisely 11 a.m., the ducks arrive marching on their own red carpet to John Philip Sousa's "King Cotton March." The fanfare repeats at 5 p.m. when they retire to their penthouse pond. Throngs of spectators gather daily in the mornings and evenings to witness this charming tradition in the spectacular Grand Lobby of The Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis. Don't miss it. No admission charge.

Graceland, Home of Elvis Presley
A trip to Memphis isn't complete without a visit to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. The new audio tour of Graceland Mansion is full of music and interesting stories about how Elvis lived in the home he loved so much. You will see the largest privately-owned collection of gold records in the world and Elvis' elaborate stage costumes and jewelry. The mansion tour ends with a quiet visit to Meditation Garden where Elvis and members of his family are buried. You can also see Elvis' famous 1955 pink Cadillac in the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum and climb aboard his custom jet the "Lisa Marie." Graceland plaza also offers fabulous shopping and restaurants. Open seven days 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Memorial Day-Labor Day and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. the remainder of the year. Mansion tour is closed on Tuesdays November-February. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Mansion tour admission for adults $10, seniors $9, children 7-12 $5, and under seven free. Package including all main attractions $18.50, seniors $16.65, and children 7-12 $11. Prices subject to change. Group rates available for 15 or more.

Beale Street Historic District
One of America's most famous streets where W.C. Handy first penned the Blues music of the Mississippi Delta. Located downtown stretching several blocks east of the river bluffs. Nightclubs and restaurants offer a variety of food and live music including traditional Blues, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, and Rock'n'Roll. Shops and boutiques throughout the district provide visitors with the opportunity to purchase souvenirs, t-shirts, memorabilia, and novelties. The world-famous street also features a statue of W.C. Handy, a musical "Walk of Fame," and Church Park, built by the South's first Black millionaire, Robert Church. Visit A. Schwab's Dry Goods Store at 163 Beale. A mainstay on the street since 1876, Schwab's stocks everything from voodoo potions to 99-cent neckties. Also check out the Beale Street Police Substation and Museum to see relics from old time police days.

Mud Island & Mempis Belle Featuring a scenic Monorail ride to the fascinating Mississippi River Museum, 18 galleries dedicated to the river's history and culture, the inspiring River Walk and much more. Admission: Adult $8, Senior (60+), youth (5-17), Disabled $6 Hours: 10-8 daily (summer), 10-5, closed Mondays (spring/fall). The Belle is World War II's most famous airplane. Self guided tour included with admission to Mud Island River Park. During Park closing, access to Memphis Belle Pavilion available via North Gate Entrance.

Fire Museum of Memphis
An extraordinary and interactive museum for all ages. Slide down the Fire House pole and climb on a brand-new fire engine. See fully restored antique fire apparatus and experience the explosive excitement of the Fire Show. A visit to the Fire Safety House could save your life!

Memphis Music Hall of Fame
Over 7,000 square feet of exhibits containing thousands of photos, rare recordings, and 20 video and six continuous audio presentations! Biographies of all Memphis legends displayed with original instruments and personal effects. A re-creation of the control room at Sun Record Company with the original recording equipment. A re-creation of P. Wee Saloon on Beale Street where W.C. Handy wrote his world famous "St. Louis Blues." The largest collection of W.C. Handy memorabilia in the world. The largest collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia outside of Graceland. Complete collection of personal memorabilia of Charlie Rich. An extensive exhibit of STAX and HI record labels memorabilia including very rare video tapes by major STAX and HI artists. Adults $7.50, children 6-12 $2.50, and five and under free. Open Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday 12-6 p.m.

The Pyramid
A stunning 32-story stainless steel tribute to Memphis' Egyptian heritage featuring a 22,500-seat, multi-purpose arena and located on the banks of the Mississippi. Tours available year-round; group discounts available.

Rendezvous
52 South Second Street, Rear
This famous restuarant is right around the corner from The Peabody Hotel.  It features a great atmosphere and outstanding food with charbroiled ribs as their specialty. Open Tuesday-Thursday 4:30 p.m.-12 a.m., Friday 11:30-12 a.m., and Saturday 12 p.m.-12 a.m.