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Visitor Information Center
- From I-40 take exit 1 which puts you on Promenade Street. Turn left at Jefferson Avenue, cross the tracks and left again into Riverside. The Tennessee State Welcome Center is at 119 N. Riverside Drive.
Trained counselors are on duty seven days a week: during the summer season (April through October) hours are 9a to 7p; the rest of the year (November through March) hours are 9a to 6p. The lobby is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information phone 1-901-543-5333 or view their web site:
MemphisCVB.
Beale Street
- Within the three blocks, from 2nd Street to 4th Street, you'll find over 30 nightclubs, restaurants and stores plus a very special feel. Beale Street is one of America's most famous musical streets. Here, any time of the day or night, you can hear traditional Blues, R&B, Rock & Roll, or even Jazz.
For more information you can phone 1-901-526-0110. They also have a web site (when it responds) at
BealeStreet.
From I-40 take exit 1 which puts you on Promenade Street. Continue along this street (it becomes Riverside Drive) to Beale Street and turn
left.
Children's Museum of Memphis
- "Children play to learn; Adults learn to play again." While perhaps not their motto, it is about the first thing you see on their web site and it does describe what we observed at the Children's Museum of Memphis. Heavy in hands-on educating exhibits, it is an absolute pleasure watching the kids here. And they cover a very wide range of subjects, many of which you would guess a child younger than age ten
couldn't begin to understand; but they certainly seem to get the messages. Their exhibits are constantly changing and they have a very large of guest presenters. You really have to peruse their web site to get the impact.
Hours, Tuesday through Saturday, are 9a to 5p; Sundays noon to 5p. They're closed Martin Luther King Day,
Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Days and New Year's Day. Admission: $7; children ages 1 through 12 and senior citizens, $6. They accept Discover, MasterCard and Visa. Parking is FREE!
For more information phone 1-901-320-3170 or visit their web site:
CMOM.
If eastbound on I-40 take exit 1-E and merge with the eastbound traffic on I-240. Follow I-240 to exit 23-A.
(skip the next paragraph)
If westbound on I-40 take exit 12-C and merge with I-240 westbound. Follow I-240 to exit 23-A.
From I-240 exit 23-A follow Airways Blvd northbound to Central Avenue. (At South Parkway - about 11 blocks after you cross US-78 - Airway becomes East Parkway S and, also, TN-277). Central Avenue is 8 blocks (counting the streets on your left) from the tracks at Southern Avenue. Turn right on Central to Hollywood. The Museum is located on the corner of Central and Hollywood on the grounds of the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium (at the Mid-South Fairgrounds).
Chucalissa Museum
- Operated by the Department of Anthropology of the University of Memphis, this unique museum is a tribute to, and study of, several ancient Native Americans. Thought to have occupied this site in several waves from 1000 to 1500AD, archeological digs have unearthed artifacts indicated an interesting path of development of their social and economic orders and their communication with other people in the region.
What is though to be a village characteristic of what was occupied
by these Native Americans has been reconstructed. The structures have been 'furnished' as much as possible with artifacts thought to have been used be these people. There is a family dwelling, a medicine man's dwelling and a temple mound all viewable.
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9a to 5p; Sundays from 1 to 5p. (Last admission deadline is at 4:30p. Closed major holidays. Admission: $5; kids 4
through 11, $3.
For more information phone 1-901-785-3160 or visit their web site:
Chucalissa.
From I-40 eastbound in Arkansas take exit 279-B and follow I-55 into Tennessee and to exit 7. Exit and follow US-61 southbound to Mitchell
Road (about 1.7 miles). Turn left and follow Mitchell Road to Plant Road
(about 3.6 miles). Turn left and drive to Chucalissa Parkway and turn left again. The first road on your right is Indian Village Drive and the entrance to the Village.
It is about 7 miles from I-55 exit 7.
From the Memphis area, take 240 to the I-55 interchange at exit 25-A and follow I-55 NORTHBOUND to its exit 7. Exit and follow US-61 southbound to Mitchell
Road (about 1.7 miles). Turn left and follow Mitchell Road to Plant Road
(about 3.6 miles). Turn left and drive to Chucalissa Parkway and turn left again. The first road on your right is Indian Village Drive and the entrance to the Village.
It is about 7 miles from I-55 exit 7.
The
Ducks of Memphis - These ducks you ride - not
just watch (see also Peabody Ducks). See Memphis by
land and water aboard one amazing vehicle. Discover the history, humor, and
heroes of this legendary town and cruise the river, too. Entertaining,
informative captains narrate this fascinating and fun expedition of downtown
Memphis. Explore the home of the blues and birthplace of rock and roll aboard an
amphibious D.U.K.W.
Open 7 days a week March through November. Pricing: $17.95 –
adults; $9.95 – children. Discounts available for seniors, military, AAA, and
groups of 20 or more.
Ticketing & Departure: Corner of Third & Beale Streets. More
information, e-mail MemphisDucks or
phone 1-901-521-3825 (DUCK). Visit their web site at
www.memphisducks.com Graceland
- This is a
humpin' complex! It includes the Elvis Presley mansion sited on his 14 acre estate, a couple museums, his special airplane (open for touring at a price), a movie theater (shows a 20 minute Elvis bio), souvenir shops and eateries. If you are an Elvis fan you don't need us to tell you about him and Graceland. If you're not, then you
can 'get educated' by viewing their very well developed web site which
includes the Elvis bio and cites the various tours (each at a price), how you can take them and when. That web site is
ELVIS. You can also get some information by phoning 1-800-238-2000 (toll free).
From I-40 eastbound in Arkansas take exit 279-B and follow I-55 into Tennessee and to exit 5-B. Exit and follow US-51 (this is Elvis Presley Blvd) southbound to Graceland at 3734 Elvis Presley Blvd.
From the Memphis area, take I240 to the I-55 interchange at exit 25-A and follow I-55
SOUTHBOUND to exit 5-B the first exit). Exit and follow US-51 (this is Elvis Presley Blvd) southbound to Graceland at 3734 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Libertyland -
A
theme park featuring an assortment of rides, entertainment areas. Frequent
concerts have made Libertyland very popular. Located at the fairgrounds on East
Parkway. (Admission fee)
For more information, phone
901-274-1776 or visit their web site: Libertyland. Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
- Here you will find encapsulated an excellent history or rock 'n' roll and 'soul' music. Memphis, if not the birthplace of this genre is at the very least where it all came together to be heard by the general public.
Located just a half block south of the Beale Street entertainment district (see above), it is housed on the third floor of the Gibson Guitar factory.
The museum is open 10a to 6p daily (Tours last about 60 minutes; last tour at 5p.) Admission: $8.50; kids 5
through 17, $5.
For more information phone 1-901-543-0800 or visit their web site:
MemphisRocknSoul.
From I-40 take exit 1 which puts you on Promenade Street. Continue along this street (it becomes Riverside Drive) to Beale Street and turn left. Drive up Beale Street to 3rd Street and turn right. Parking is available (usually) next to the factory. (145 Lt George W Lee Avenue).
(continued
in column 2) Come
stay with us;
reserve your room in Memphis |
(continued
from column 1)
Main Street Trolley - Restored
old-timey trolleys carry the sight-seeing tourists as well as transport folks among several entertainment sites, e.g., the Pyramid, Pinch District, Memphis Cook Convention Center, Beale Street, the Orpheum Theatre and the National Civil Rights Museum.
Run (in the summers) Monday through Thursday from 6a to midnight;
Friday run until 1a; Saturday run 9:30a to 1a; Sunday 10a to 6p.
Fare: $0.60; $0.30 for seniors and the disabled.
NOTICE: exact change required. All-day passes are available for $2.50.
Memphis Botanic Garden
- Almost 100 acres of exquisitely landscaped display gardens (including the renowned Japanese Garden of tranquility), woodlands, sparkling lakes and great views. There is nothing like a beautiful, quiet garden - especially after a long drive.
They have put a lot of effort - and information - into their web site. When you visit it at
MemphisBotanicGarden, be sure to click on 'Click Here to Browse A Year in the Garden' just below the title 'The Gardens' under the top photo.
For more information, phone 1-901-685-1566.
From I-40 take exit 12-B and follow the Sam Cooper Blvd freeway to exit 9. Turn left at the end of the off-ramp and drive southbound on Perkins Road to Southern Avenue (just after you cross the tracks). Turn right and go to the second street on your left (Cherry Road). Turn left (this is Audubon Park) and the Botanic Gardens parking area is just ahead (750 Cherry Road).
Memphis Pink Palace
- Here, in what was to be a very wealthy man's estate, are his intended home - the Pink Palace Mansion - , the Pink Palace Museum, the Sharpe Planetarium, and the Union Planters IMAX® Theater.
Pink Palace Mansion - This ornate mansion with its ornate pink Georgian marble facade, was to be the residence of Clarence Saunders, multi-millionaire founder of the Piggly Wiggly supermarket and chain. Financial problems forced him into bankruptcy and with that fled his dream home. Now owned by the City of Memphis, it houses the offices of the Pink Palace family of museums.
Pink Palace Museum - Here you can explore the cultural and natural history of Memphis and the Mid-South through exhibits, dioramas and audio-visuals.
Open Monday through Thursday from 9a to 6p (except during the school year - Labor Day to Memorial Day - when they close at 4p). Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Days.
Sharpe Planetarium - See, and learn about, the night sky. During the program, you'll be shown many of the constellations currently viewable, find out how they were defined, and hear stories about the mythological figures for which these constellations were named.
Crew Training Int'l IMAX® Theater - The only IMAX Theater in the Mid-South, it has a screen 4 stories high which, with the 6-channel IMAX DIGITAL surround sound system, will transport you into the ultimate film experience.
For more information, phone 1-901-320-6320 or visit their web site:
PinkPalace.
If eastbound on I-40 take exit 1E. Exit and keep to the right until you get to Poplar Street. Turn left onto Poplar and follow Poplar all the way to Lafayette. To help you recognize the intersection, you will drive by a large park (Overton Park), cross US-64 (East Parkway) at which point Poplar becomes US-72. A few blocks later you will cross several sets of railroad tracks and, about 4 block later you're at Lafayette Street. Turn right (south) on Lafayette and go 3 blocks to Central Avenue. Turn right and right again into the gates of the Pink Palace.
If westbound on I-40 take exit 12-B and follow the Sam Cooper Blvd freeway to its end on Broad Avenue. Turn left onto Malcomb Street (the very first street after the end of the freeway). Turn left onto any one of the next 5 streets and go back 1 block to Holmen Street and turn right on Holmes. Follow Holms to its end at Central Avenue and turn right on Central. Then drive to the gates of the Pink Palace at 3050 Central Avenue.
Memphis Zoo
- A well stocked and maintained facility. Their star feature at the moment is their Chinese Pandas exhibit.
Open March through October from 9a to 6p; November through February from 9a to 5p. Note: Last admission is 1 hour before closing. The museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day. Admission: $10; kids 2 through 11, $6. There is also a $3 per vehicle parking fee.
For more information, phone 1-901-276-WILD or visit their web site:
MemphisZoo.
From I-40 eastbound, take exit 1 (first exit after you cross the bridge into Memphis) and turn right onto Front Street. Go 1 block to Poplar and turn left. Follow Poplar to the 2000 block and at the Kenilworth light turn left into Overton Park. Follow the signs to the Zoo entrance.
From I-40 westbound, take exit 12-B (left lane) and follow the Sam Cooper Blvd freeway to exit 7 (Highland Street). Turn left onto Highland and follow it to Poplar Avenue. Turn right on Poplar and at the Kenilworth light turn right into Overton Park. Follow the signs to the Zoo entrance.
Mud Island River Park and the
Mississippi River Museum - You can see Mud Island when you cross the Mississippi River bridge eastbound on I-40. Access to Mud Island Park, however, is via a Swiss-built,
under slung monorail
(see
photos).
A unique feature in the Park is the scale model of the lower Mississippi River (yes, real water). You can view how it twists and turns, read about significant events along the way and then ride in a
pedal boat in the created-to-scale Gulf of Mexico.
The Mississippi River Museum has many exhibits relating to the Mississippi River, its history and major events. Also in the museum is a reproduction of part of a 1870 vintage Mississippi River steamboat, part of a Civil War vintage Union gunboat, a tugboat and, in an adjacent pavilion, the World War II B-17, Mississippi Belle.
For hours of operation and admission fees (general admission to the park is FREE) please see the current information posted at
Schedule.
For more information, phone 1-901-576-7230 or view their web site:
MississippiRiverPark.
From I-40 eastbound, take exit 1 (first exit after you cross the bridge into Memphis) and turn left onto Fulton Street. Drive up Fulton to Auction Street, turn left, cross the bridge to Mud Island and continue to the end of Auction at Island Drive. Turn left on Island Drive and follow it to its end.
From I-40 westbound, take exit 1 and turn right on Main Street (or, if you missed it, Front Street will do). Go to Auction Street, turn left, cross the bridge to Mud Island and continue to the end of Auction at Island Drive. Turn left on Island Drive and follow it to its end.
Note. To ride the monorail you have to go to the offices at 125 N. Front Street. If eastbound on I-40, take exit 1 and turn right on Front Street. If
westbound, take exit 1 and turn left on Front Street.
Peabody Ducks (Peabody Hotel) - The world famous Peabody Hotel in Memphis has an attraction no other hotel shares. Everyday, at 11a, the Peabody Ducks march from their "Duck Palace" on the roof of the hotel to the Italian Travertine marble fountain in the Peabody Lobby. A red carpet is unrolled as the ducks,
strutting to a John Philip Sousa march, pass through crowds of admiring spectators. The fanfare is repeated at 5p, when the ducks retire to their palace. (Viewing of the spectacle is FREE!)
Peabody Hotel
- Of course, there is far more to the Peabody Memphis, a 14-story, Italian Renaissance Revival architecture, luxury hotel. The hotel, located just four blocks from Beale Street, recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation that included all guest rooms and public spaces. You get
classical splendor, modern comfort and old-fashioned personal service.
From I-40 take exit 1 which puts you on Promenade Street. Continue along this street (it becomes Riverside Drive) to Union Avenue and turn left. The Peabody Memphis is at 149 Union (about a half block after 2nd Street).
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The Pyramid - The 32 story, stainless steel Pyramid, third largest pyramid in the world, is 21,000 seat sports arena and entertainment facility. Conceived and built to symbolically relate Memphis Tennessee to its sister city in Egypt, it has become a major tourist attraction.
Tours of the Pyramid are available Monday through Friday on non-event days. The tour is a 30 to 40 minute guided walking tour through the Gallery of Stars (featuring super-size photos of the biggest stars in sports and entertainment), the Riverside Club, the backstage areas, the dressing rooms, the locker rooms, the arena and a typical luxury suite.
For specifics, phone 1-901-521-9675, extension 340.
From I-40 eastbound, take exit 1 (first exit after you cross the bridge into Memphis) and turn left onto Fulton Street. Drive up Fulton to Auction Street, turn left, cross the bridge to Mud Island and continue to the Pyramid at One Auction Avenue.
From I-40 westbound, take exit 1 and turn right on Main Street (or, if you missed it, Front Street will do). Go to Auction Street, turn left and drive to the Pyramid at One Auction Avenue.
(The Pyramid is also a
trolley stop.)
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