How I Spent A Weekend in Memphis, Tennessee

Visited Elvis Presley Attractions in Memphis, Tennessee

Before I get into all the Elvis-related things we were able to do, I have to say upfront that we did not go to the Graceland Museum. We tried, but as a few college students, we decided it wasn’t worth it to us to pay $50 for entry. However, I imagine it is a great family attraction, especially for those who love Elvis Presley.

We did get to see Graceland itself from the street, though, which is completely free. It is also a popular place for fans to sign the wall that surrounds his property. This is a tradition that has been ongoing since he was still alive, so it is cool when you start to spot the signatures that have been around for decades.

To add to our Elvis experience, we ate at a diner called The Arcade, where you can sit in Elvis’ favorite booth and eat like The King himself.

Experienced the Bass Pro Shop in Memphis, Tennessee

A rather unique place in Memphis happens to be a massive pyramid-shaped Bass Pro Shop. This is definitely not your typical tourist attraction (or your typical Bass Pro Shop), but I guess Tennessee just does it different.

This Bass Pro Shop is located in a giant shiny pyramid, making it very hard to miss. Once inside, it is easy to see that they really tried to make it seem more like an outdoor adventure with some merchandise mixed in rather than your typical store.

There are live fish swimming around, places to eat, and a bar to get drinks at. However, it doesn’t stop there. You can even stay in the Bass Pro Shop, and I’m not kidding. The rooms have a cabin feel and even a little porch equipped with rocking chairs because why would you not want to rock in your chair while you overlook the inside of a Bass Pro Shop?

To top it all off, this store has the tallest free-standing elevator in the world, and it is only $8 to ride. If you dare to ride the elevator up to the top, you are gifted with a great view of the city of Memphis. Overall, the Bass Pro Shop is something you HAVE to experience if you go to Memphis. 

Witnessed the Peabody Duck Parade!

To go along with all the weird Memphis attractions, there is a small duck march that happens every morning and night at the Peabody Hotel. In between this time, the ducks swim around in the lobby fountain.

At 11 am and 5 pm every day, the little ducks walk their own red carpet to and from the elevator and fountain in front of all of those who wish to cheer them on.

It is such a wholesome experience and was easily one of the highlights of our trip. My roommate and I still randomly think about it to this day. 

Walked Around Downtown Memphis / Beale Street

I always love a good downtown area, and Memphis had a pretty great one to explore! There were so many cute shops and yummy places to eat, just like most downtowns have, but there were a few things that made Memphis unique. For instance, Memphis has Beale Street, which is a street lined with several bars, musical talent, and neon signs. It is easily the most iconic and lively street in Memphis.

Another quirky little thing that Memphis has is a giant pair of overalls. If you are like my roommate and me, then you love finding the weird stuff in cities that people don’t come for but should still make time for. For us, this was a comedically humongous pair of overalls hanging in a store called A.Schwab’s. There isn’t much to say for them other than that they are giant, but it is such a funny little anecdote to be able to say you stood next to them. 

Visited The Lorraine Motel

You might be wondering why a motel would be on this list, but it is actually an essential and infamous historical location.

This motel is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated back in 1968. It has since been renovated but still looks like a motel frozen in time.

It is actually part of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. I would recommend taking the time to visit this location because not only is it an educational experience, but it is an excellent reminder of how far we have come and how far we still have to go.