Path Well Traveled: A Memphis Travel Guide

The information and opinions in the above article are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of Legend Story Studios or the Judge Program.

Welcome to Memphis, Tennessee! If you like experiencing live music and delicious food, you will love Memphis. Memphis hosts the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest every year with good reason: Memphis is renowned for its unique and tasty barbecue.

But food isn’t all Memphis has to offer! Memphis is a historical city in the US that has a rich and vibrant history. From the National Civil Rights Museum to famous Beale Street to the Bass Pro Shops located in Memphis’ iconic Pyramid, there’s a lot to explore when you’re not preparing for a match.

Here are some pointers for visitors who are new to this iconic city on the Mississippi River.

Transportation

Memphis does not have a robust public transportation system. The city covers a large area, and a vast majority of the transportation is car based. There are limited trolley routes in the downtown area and limited bus routes serving the rest of the greater Memphis area. Both the trolleys and the bus system are run by MATA (Memphis Area Transit Authority). Their website is here for you to check schedules & service areas: MATATransit.com

Other forms of transportation include ride-sharing services such as Lyft & Uber, as well as the ability to hire taxis, town cars, and limousines. There are also multiple car rental services, many of which have cars that can be rented directly at Memphis International Airport.

In Memphis, as in other US cities, cars drive on the right-hand side of the road. You can legally turn right during red lights unless there is a street sign stating otherwise. Downtown Memphis has many one way only streets so be sure to pay attention to all posted street signs if you’re driving.

Accommodation

There are many hotels in the Memphis area, particularly downtown Memphis. There is a hotel block available at the Sheraton Memphis Downtown hotel: click here for the room block.

Here are the other hotels within the vicinity of the Renasant Convention Center:

Big Cypress Lodge – Ever wanted to stay in a giant pyramid? If so, Big Cypress Lodge is for you. It’s located in the giant Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid.
Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown – Easy walking distance to the Renasant & free wi-fi.
Moxy Memphis Downtown – If you’re wanting to experience historic Beale Street, this hotel is between it and the convention center.
The Peabody – This historic hotel is rumored to be haunted. It also does a daily parade of the famous Peabody Ducks which is fun to see even if you don’t stay there.
Aloft Memphis Downtown – This hotel is a little further out but has a contemporary vibe.
DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown – If you’re planning to party on Beale Street, this is a great hotel for it.

Arriving in Memphis

By Airplane

You will want to arrive at Memphis International Airport (MEM). MEM participates in the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program and is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.

Terminal/Concourse: There is only one terminal. The concourse here has the check-in kiosks and ticketing. The ground level has baggage claim and ground transportation (ride-share services, taxi services, buses, & hotel shuttles).

Ground Transportation Center: This is where you can rent & pick-up a car. Enterprise, Dollar/Thrifty, Budget, & Avis/Payless are the car rental services.

Getting to Downtown from the Airport

Hotel Shuttle: Many hotels have shuttle services to Memphis International Airport. Call your hotel ahead of time & check to see if this free service is available.
Ride-Sharing Services: Lyft & Uber are available here.
Taxis and Car Services: These can be hired directly from the Ground Transportation area.
Bus: There is one bus route from the airport to the Hudson Transit Center in downtown Memphis. Click here for route & schedules.

By Greyhound Bus

The Greyhound bus station is on Airways Blvd. near Memphis International Airport. From here, you can use the MATA bus system to the Hudson Transit Center.

By Amtrak Train

The Amtrak station is in downtown Memphis. So, you’re already there!

By Car

Memphis has two major US interstates running through it: US 40 & US 55. Both interstates merge into I-240 which is the major loop & interstate system around Memphis. If you’re coming from 40 from the west (Arkansas), take the very first exit immediately after crossing the Hernando DeSoto bridge to get to the convention center & downtown area. Poplar Ave. & Union Ave. are the two major streets. Poplar Ave. can take you all the way to east Memphis, Germantown, & Collierville.

Venue

Formerly known as the Memphis Cook Convention Center, the Renasant Convention Center is in the heart of downtown Memphis. The Bass Pro Shop at the Pyramid and Mud Island Park are both within walking distance. The Skybridge right by the convention center is a foot bridge to Mud Island Park. (Fun fact: there used to be a monorail below the footbridge, but it was permanently closed due to the inability to be repaired in 2022.) Most restaurants & Beale Street are south of the convention center.

Money

As with all other US cities, the currency is the US dollar. While most places in downtown Memphis take credit cards, some of the more eclectic shops will only take cash. Contactless support varies by location. There is no longer a currency conversion kiosk at Memphis International Airport so exchange any cash to USD before you leave (and you’ll likely get a better conversion rate outside of the US).

There is a Regions Bank ATM on the first floor of the Bass Pro Shop.

Weather Advisories

Tornados

Weather watches, warnings, and advisories are provided by the National Weather Service Memphis office (MEG). Memphis weather can vary wildly at any time in the year. Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, snowstorms, & ice storms are all possible this time of year.

If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, stay away from windows & stay indoors. Severe thunderstorms in Memphis are often accompanied by frequent, dangerous lightning. If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately indoors. Take shelter on the lowest level of the building you’re in or in the designed tornado shelter area (usually near or in the bathrooms). Stay away from windows & doors. Cover your head. If you’re in a car, pull over and seek shelter in a building. DO NOT attempt to seek shelter under an overpass or bridge as this is extremely dangerous. DO NOT leave the shelter area until the All Clear is called by the National Weather Service. Tornadoes in Memphis can stay on the ground for extended periods of time.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes that can be felt by humans are rare here, but Memphis is located in the New Madrid Seismic Zone. This fault is still active and caused the devastating earthquakes between 1811 & 1812. If an earthquake does occur, seek shelter inside a building. Many of the buildings in downtown Memphis have been retrofitted to withstand an earthquake.

City of Memphis

Memphis was founded in 1819 and is named after Memphis, Egypt as they are both prominent river cities. It is in Shelby County. Memphis was the capital of Tennessee until the capital was moved to Nashville in 1862. Memphis was a strategic location and the site of multiple battles in the US Civil War. It was an important site for the US Civil Rights Movement & the place where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. The Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was assassinated, is now the site of the National Civil Rights Museum. In addition to Beale Street, Sun Studios, and multiple music-related museums, Memphis’ musical legacy also includes Elvis Presley’s former home, Graceland, & WC Handy’s former home.

Sightseeing

Downtown

National Civil Rights Museum – This museum is located at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. It’s a Smithsonian Affiliate museum, a World Peace Flame Monument Site, and a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. It’s located near the Blues Hall of Fame Museum in south downtown Memphis.
Mud Island Park – Located immediately across the river from the convention center, it’s an easy way to get in some beautiful sightseeing. While the river museum is closed, the epic Mississippi Riverwalk is worth the trip. It is a topographically correct, interactive map of the Mississippi River from where it starts in Minnesota to where it ends at the Gulf of Mexico.
Bass Pro Shops at The Pyramid – In addition to being a huge Bass Pro Shop, there’s also an archery range, a bowling alley, a laser arcade, the Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling Heritage Center, a huge aquarium, a pistol range with the Beretta Fine Gun Center, restaurants, and the tallest free-standing elevator in the US that takes visitors to the stunning observation deck. The Pyramid itself is the 10th tallest pyramid in the world & the 3rd tallest pyramid in the US.
Beale Street – This iconic street is one of the oldest in Memphis & is a must-see for anyone who likes music. It features the historic Orpheum theatre, multiple restaurants with live music, A. Schwab Dry Goods Store that’s been open since 1876 & contains some of the coolest stuff you’ll ever see, the Memphis Rock n’ Soul Museum, & the WC Handy Home and Museum.
Fire Museum of Memphis – One of the HOTTEST interactive museums you’ll ever visit. It’s located in former fire engine house #1 & houses many historical artifacts. It also has a fire safety arcade, an escape maze, and several other exhibits.
The Cotton Museum – This unique museum tells the story of not only cotton but slavery and the Blues music genre. It contains stunning historical artifacts & is within easy walking distance of Beale Street.
Victorian Village – On the edge of downtown Memphis is Victorian Village which contains some of the oldest houses in Memphis. The stunning Mallory-Neely house has most of its original furnishings & the Woodruff-Fontaine house is reportedly one of the most haunted places in Memphis.

Outside of Downtown

Overton Park – Overton Park is why US 40 stops & restarts in Memphis. The park contains the Memphis Zoo & the Brooks Museum of Art.
Memphis Zoo – In addition to housing 3500+ animals, the Memphis Zoo is a dedicated center of education & animal conservation. The folks at the Memphis Zoo truly love animals and are passionate about preserving animal habitats, as well as returning native animal populations to the wild.
Pink Palace Mansion & Museum – Not far from downtown Memphis, this former mansion is home to a replica of the first Piggly-Wiggly grocery store as well as numerous other fascinating exhibits.
Overton Square – Restaurants, eclectic shops, and theatres abound in this open-air mall. This will give you a real taste of Memphis. Playhouse on the Square is performing the show Parade if you want to take in some local, incredibly talented professional theatre.
Drus Bar – Not far from downtown Memphis, this hosts some of the best comedy nights, karaoke nights, and drag shows. A wonderful gathering place for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Graceland – Elvis Presley’s former home & museum. There are self-guided walking tours of his estate and his planes. NOTE: DO NOT GO AT NIGHT as this is gang-controlled territory. Only visit during the day & you’ll be fine.
Tunica, Mississippi – For the adventurous, you can drive about an hour south of Memphis to Tunica, MS where there are multiple casinos. It’s known as the Las Vegas of the Mid-South due to the heavy concentration of casinos there.

Food & Drinks

Earnestine & Hazel’s – Reportedly the most haunted place in Memphis, this restaurant also has ghost tours in addition to its excellent, authentic Southern food. It’s located in south downtown Memphis near the National Civil Rights Museum & the Blues Hall of Fame Museum. It’s also open until 3 am!
Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous – A must-go restaurant for anyone who loves barbecue. It’s been the gold standard of world-famous Memphis barbecue since 1948. A bit expensive but worth it.
Westy’s – Authentic Memphis soul food near the convention center. They’re open until 2 am & have some of the most delicious southern American food. Try the fried green tomatoes!
The Pumping Station – Not far from downtown Memphis, it was rated Memphis’ #1 gay bar. 21 and over only. Enjoy darts, wonderful cocktails, appetizers, & socializing with Memphis’ LGBTQIA+ community.
Beale Street – Multiple restaurants & live music. Too many to list here! Try the fried pickles.

Local Game Store

901 Games – Currently the only store in Memphis that sells Flesh & Blood. Great space to game! You will need to take a car there as it’s in midtown Memphis.

General Tips

Electrical Sockets

Like other US cities, it primarily uses Type B plugs. The voltage is 120 V at a frequency of 60 Hz. Surge protectors are recommended in case there are thunderstorms.

Language

As with other US cities, the official language is English. Translation services are rare except at museums.

Clothing

Memphis weather can vary, even in the winter. Bring layers of clothing. Temperatures at this time of year can range from 32 F / 0 C to 50 F / 10 C.

Some restaurants & venues have dress codes. Be sure to check the website to see if there’s one.

Safety Tips

Memphis has a considerable amount of crime, though tourist-heavy areas like Beale Street will sometimes have private security. Nighttime in general is the most dangerous time. Sunday morning is almost completely safe as there are many churches in Memphis & there are many Christians in Memphis. This also means that after church (around 12 pm on Sundays), most restaurants are very crowded.

If you travel outside of the downtown area, stick to Poplar Ave. This is the main thoroughfare in Memphis & is very well lit in most places.
Pickpockets are common in downtown Memphis. You might want to keep your money, passports, etc. in a pouch underneath your shirt. Don’t wear expensive or flashy jewelry—that’s an invitation for someone to mug you.
There are lots of guns & gun violence. Be exceptionally polite to everyone and mind your own business. If gunfire breaks out, drop to the ground immediately. Don’t run or you’re more likely to be shot. Stay as close to the ground as possible.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Public drunkenness is illegal in Memphis. It’s a class C misdemeanor & can land you up to 30 days in jail as well as a fine. Usually this is only enforced if you’re in a fight or cause trouble.
Marijuana & cannabis products are illegal in Memphis & all of Tennessee. Don’t bring it as even small amounts will land you in jail. There are no exceptions, even if you have a medical marijuana card from another state or country.
Don’t give money to panhandlers as most of them are professional thieves. More than one empathetic tourist has been robbed at gunpoint after giving money to one.

Author

Helen Zbihlyj

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