Make Memphis, Tennessee, Your Next Family Trip

Memphis may be the birthplace of rock and roll, but it is also one of the best destinations for family travelers. On a recent visit I quickly learned the city is not only beautiful and full of friendly people, but its charm and personality draw you in and tell its many stories in a way that makes everyone, young and old, fall in love with Memphis. Whether you want to explore the city’s musical roots or learn about the history of civil rights, the family will love exploring the different nuances of this fascinating city.

© Eugenia Lazaris

A great way to start a visit to Memphis is with a stop at legendary Sun Studio, the historic recording studio where a young Elvis Presley recorded his first song. This iconic landmark was founded by industry leader Sam Phillips, who recorded greats like Presley along with Johnny Cash, B.B. King and Roy Orbison, just to name a few who have graced the studio over the years.

The tour, led by one of a number of locals who are clearly passionate and well-informed about their rock and roll, takes you through the history of the studio, home to plenty of priceless rock memorabilia all the way up to the highlight, a visit to the actual recording room where you can take a picture with the iconic microphone Elvis and other legends recorded some of their most famous songs on.

Continue your journey with a visit to Graceland, Presley’s beloved home and final resting place. So much more than just a visit to the legend’s house, Graceland has perfectly preserved the man’s entire life, with his numerous cars, outrageous outfits and even his home office on display in different locations throughout the sprawling grounds. The musician’s life and property has been so well-preserved and expertly curated, it’s impossible to visit Graceland and not come away with a new level of respect for the man and his career, whether an Elvis fan or not.

© Eugenia Lazaris

No visit to Memphis is complete without a visit to National Civil Rights Museum, located downtown at the historic Lorraine Motel, the site of Martin Luther King’s assassination. Built around the hotel, the museum is full of interactive multimedia exhibits telling the story of those who fought for change and broke barriers to create a better world for everyone. A visit to the museum is a powerful experience for anyone who visits, and a great way to teach kids about equality and to empower them to be the changemakers the world still needs.

There is so much for families to do and see in Memphis that no single visit will ever be enough. Thankfully, the city is easy to get to and fun to explore year-round, so each visit will give you a chance to dive deeper into what makes the city so endearing to everyone lucky enough to experience it.