Short Vacation Ideas for Memphis

Elvis Presley's Graceland Platinum Experience

Graceland Mansion

Settled on 14 acres, the mansion that the Presleys called home is the second most famous house in America and one of the most visited homes in America today.

If you don't have a long trip planned to Memphis, you may kick yourself when you find out how much there is to entertain you. However, if your time is limited then we recommend the following must-see attractions.

Memphis Museums

• Elvis Presley's Graceland. This was the home of Elvis and is a sight to see. With over 14 acres of grounds and a breathtaking grand mansion you are sure to be impressed. Also on the site is Elvis's motorcar museum and his planes, the Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II. These are the custom designed planes that he used when he traveled and toured. The Lisa Marie is also known as his flying Graceland. There is also a memorabilia museum where you can see all things Elvis. If you can only do one thing in Memphis, go see Graceland. During the Christmas season, the grounds are lit up and sounds of the season fill the air. In January, the museums celebrate "the King's" birthday all month long.
  
• Soulsville USA: Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Topping the charts of Memphis' newest attractions is Soulsville USA. Located on the very site of the original Stax Records, this museum, performance center and community outreach facility pays homage to a label that produced over 500 hit songs in the top 100 R&B charts and makes a great addition to the Memphis music scene. Stax Records, responsible for great hits including "Green Onions," "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay," "Soul Man" and "Theme from Shaft," is the subject of this multi-million dollar museum.
  

Memphis Outdoors

• Race-on Driving Experience. Race-On Driving Experience is a Memphis-based stock car driving experience that offers the racing adventure of a lifetime. Race-On gives race fans the opportunity to burn up the track at the 3/4 mile Memphis Motorsports Park oval. Truly an unforgettable experience of driving or ride along in a NASCAR-style stock car.
  
• Memphis Zoo. Le Le and Ya Ya, Giant Pandas from China, will call the Memphis Zoo their home for the next ten years. The Pandas' home is a part of the revered China exhibition, which also features Asian animals like the Pere David deer, white-napped cranes, small-clawed otters, white-cheeked gibbons and Chinese goldfish. A Chinese teahouse and ornamental trees and flowers further enhance the exhibit. Memphis is one of the only four U.S. cities with Panda residents.
  
• Mud Island River Park. Learn about the Mississippi River at this recreational and educational facility dedicated to showcasing the mighty Mississippi River. The park features an 18-gallery Mississippi River Museum and five-block-long Riverwalk model. You can rent canoes, kayaks, airboats, pedal boats and bicycles.
  

Memphis Nightlife

• Beale Street. This is the most famous street in America for music and fun. The street is located in the heart of downtown Memphis with three blocks of more than 30 nightclubs, restaurants and retail shops. Music includes traditional Blues, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz and Rock 'n' Roll. Catch a concert at Handy Park or attend one of the annual festivals or parades.
  
• Overton Square. A multi-block entertainment district located in the heart of Midtown Memphis. Featuring a variety of restaurants, including the first TGI Friday's franchise and Boscos, Tennessee's original brewpub. The square features an assortment of unique retail shops, multiple live theatre and entertainment venues and Memphis' only independent movie theater.
  

Memphis Shopping

• Peabody Place. Features an exciting variety of entertainment-oriented retailers, unique specialty shops and national favorites like The Gap, Victoria's Secret and Ann-Taylor Loft. Also includes a multi-screen movie theater and themed restaurants.
  
• Belz Factory Outlet Mall. You can find a bargain here everyday. Buy direct from the manufacturer at up to 75% off retail. Stores include Bass Company Store, Old Time Pottery, Nike Factory Store and many more.