Memphis is a stunning city in which to spend a few days.
I spent three full days in Memphis and could very happily have stayed much longer.
I started my tour on the iconic Beale Street. With its lively bars and soulful restaurants juxtaposed against historical stores, Beale Street truly has something for everyone.
From Beale Street it is only a short distance to the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.
The distance from Beale Street is a very easy walk, but I chose to ride the Main Street Trolley, operated with historical trams plying the routes between many of the top sights of Memphis. This is a very economical option at $1 per ride or $2 for a day pass.
The tram also passes by the iconic Peabody Hotel with its famous duck pond.
To round off a day in Memphis, I can recommend two alternatives.
One option is a cruise on the Mississippi River with live music and a simple, but tasty and unlimited barbecue.
If, however, you really want to sample an authentic Tennessee barbecue, The Commissary in Germantown is well worth the half hour drive.
I have to say that Memphis is an extremely interesting and thoroughly enjoyable option for a city break and was one of my favourite cities of my 7,000 mile road trip.