Sitting on a bluff high above the Mississippi River, Memphis developed as a flood-free trade route. With the advent of the Memphis-to-Charleston railroad, it became a major supplier of cotton to England – cotton plantations, worked by African slaves, were plentiful on the outskirts of the city. In the 1950s and 60s, musicians flocked to the city, and the careers of icons such as Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and BB King were born.
Memphis isn't just known for its musical history, though. Yearly, thousands of visitors descend on the city to fill their bellies at barbecue joints all over town. Hickory-smoked ribs, chicken, brisket and delicious sides such as potato salad and baked beans keep locals' and visitors' mouths watering.
Six hours behind the UK, Memphis International Airport (MEM) is where flights from London and Manchester arrive. Conveniently, the airport is just a 20-minute drive to the downtown area. The preferred method of getting around Memphis is by car, as there is no metro system. A flight to Memphis from any major airport in the UK will typically take just over ten hours. Once you're at the airport, you can exchange your pounds for US dollars, the only accepted currency. The official language is English, and UK citizens will likely not have to arrange for a visa when booking a flight to and hotel in Memphis.
It rarely gets very cold in Memphis. It does, however, have four distinct seasons. The average temperature in January is 5°C. The most temperate months are April, May, September and October. While autumns are dry and pleasant, summers are hot and humid, with lows around 22°C, highs around 32°C and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. When planning your weekend in Memphis, it's advised to schedule around popular events. Some favourites to consider when booking a flight to and hotel in Memphis:
When planning, you'll find that package holidays in Memphis are the most convenient way to book a trip. That said, why not take a bus tour during your stay? On Memphis Mojo bus tours, local musicians guide you around town, highlighting the early homes of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, the National Civil Rights Museum, Cotton Row and more.
If package holidays with family are your thing, then you'll likely want the kids to burn off some energy. Pay a visit to the Memphis Sky Zone, where kids can jump from a trampoline into a sea of foam or play trampoline dodgeball!
City breaks in Memphis wouldn't be complete without visiting the home of the King of Rock n' Roll. Stop in at Graceland, the estate Elvis Presley purchased in 1957.
Another mandatory Memphis destination is Beale Street. This popular thoroughfare is replete with honky tonks and clubs that stay open late into the night. For even more music nostalgia, visit Sun Studio. Located in the heart of the city, it's where stars such as Johnny Cash, Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded throughout the 1950s.
If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Memphis.
As mentioned before, Memphis is a hotbed for barbecue. Here are some of the best spots in town:
Visitors spending the weekend in Memphis won't have to search long for souvenirs to bring home to friends. There's an abundance of gift shops in the city, with loads of calendars and trinkets related to local music icons.
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