Year-Round Memphis Vacation Ideas

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.

Memphis has a very limited off-season since tourists head to Memphis all year long. Traditionally, the winter season is considered to be the off-season; however, the winter hosts annual events that draw hundreds of visitors. The same can be said for all the other seasons. The time that logs the fewest visitors can be named in weeks--like the three weeks after Labor Day, and from Thanksgiving until a week before Christmas. Since these weeks are in the fall season we will call it the "off-season". With the cooler weather and many things to see, it is a great time to visit.

Memphis Museums

• Elvis Presley's Graceland. This was the home of Elvis Presley and is a sight to see. With over 14 acres of grounds and a grand mansion, you will be impressed even if you aren't a fan of "The King". Also on the site are the Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II. These custom designed planes were used when Elvis traveled and toured. The Lisa Marie is also known as his flying Graceland. Not to be missed is the motor museum with his impressive collection of cars and motorcycles. This is one of the most comprehensive collections of vehicles owned by Elvis. 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. Just after Thanksgiving, the grounds are lit up for the Christmas season and it is definitely a sight to see.
  
• 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 Outdoor Activities

• 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 a five-block-long Riverwalk model. You can rent canoes, kayaks, airboats, pedal boats and bicycles. During the fall, it is a perfect place to view the awesome colors.
  
• NASCAR Busch Series and NHRA O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals. These outstanding races are usually held mid-September and mid-October. The Nationals feature races in power fuel, funny car, pro stock and pro bike stock.
  
• 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--whether you are driving or just riding along in a NASCAR-style stock car.
  

Memphis Family Activities

• 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 only four U.S. cities with Panda residents. The fall is the perfect time to visit since the cooler weather usually has the animals feeling their oats and acting frisky.
  
• Children's Museum of Memphis. This is a cool museum for the whole family. There are tons of fun sections to explore and learn. Visit the exhibit The Tooth and Nothing but the Tooth and learn about the human mouth and some of our animal friends' mouths as well. See Growing Healthy, where kids can crawl through a large model heart and learn its functions, or where they can listen to their own heart beating.
  
• Mid-South Fair. With fall comes the state fair. The fair features over 50 rides, food vendors, hundreds of exciting and informative exhibits, free concerts, a livestock show, rodeo and much more.
  

Memphis Music & Romance

• Beale Street. The most famous street in America for music and fun. It's 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. During the fall, there are several festivals like the W. C. Handy Birthday Celebration and the W. C. Handy Heritage Awards.
  

Memphis Culture

• Arts in the Park. This event, held each October, is the Mid-South's only comprehensive fine arts festival, featuring the visual and performing arts. Arts in the Park showcases artists from the area and many others who make the trip from all over the world.
  
• Native American Days. This celebration takes place every year in late October, at the Chucalissa Museum at the Reconstructed Indian Village just outside of Memphis. This event is designed especially for children to learn about Native American culture and traditions, however, adults will find it interesting and informative as well.
  

Memphis Shopping

• Subsidium Carrousel of Shoppes. This shopping extravaganza is held each year in mid-October at the Mid-South Coliseum. This is a fund raising effort to support the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf. The event is very successful and has many fun and interesting items from over 140 merchants.
  
• Pink Palace Crafts Fair. This annual event is held early in October at the Audubon Park in Memphis. The Pink Palace Crafts Fair is sponsored by the Friends of the Pink Palace Museum with all proceeds benefiting the Memphis Museum System. This all volunteer event attracts over 30,000 visitors annually with 200+ booths featuring crafts and contemporary arts. Find pottery, furniture, clothing, jewelry and more.
  

With so much to see and do during the "off-season", you can see why it can't be called that.