Daytripping: Memphis, Tennessee

Presenting . . . Memphis!

In our quest to provide you with ideas for the perfect family vacation, this week we take a look at Memphis. I had first heard about how cool the city was when I was working at my BKY (Before Kids Years) job at a magazine–our printer was there and all of the “higher ups” in the production department would scramble at the chance to do a “press check.” (Translation: go have fun in Memphis.) Each trip they would come home raving about how insane the city was, with so much to do and a great night life to boot. So, Breezy Mama turned to the expert–Terri Richardson from Memphis City Mommy, who was born and raised in the city, for the best family things to do while visiting. And now a word from Terri . . .

The 10 family things to do in Memphis are in no specific rank or order–there are so many things to do that it’s hard to pick just ten. These attractions, however, are at the top of the list.

10. Children’s Museum of Memphis – Since opening in 1990 in the former National Guard Armory, the museum has been a success. There are so many things for children to do from flying a FedEx jet to getting ready for the game in University of Memphis football gear. There is one rule that the museum does force–anything that is not behind glass is considered touchable and that includes the art collection.  Toddlers will enjoy climbing aboard the fire truck, while pre-schoolers will beg for more time in the drama area and grocery store.

9. Shelby Farms Park – Shelby Farms is the national headquarters of Ducks Unlimited, the wildlife conservation and wetlands preservation group.  Families will enjoy activities such as hiking, bike trails, paddle boats, fishing, trail rides, horseback riding and a shooting range.  There is plenty of room for picnicking and kite-flying.  In selected fields of Shelby Farms, the buffaloes roam for you to watch or even take pictures of.  After Thanksgiving, Shelby Farms presents a holiday light show like no other called “Starry Nights” from end of November to beginning of January.

8. Memphis Zoo – The Memphis Zoo has been one of Memphis’ most popular attractions.  Its numerous renovations over the last several years have made the zoo better than ever.  The zoo now houses more than 3,000 animals on its 70 acres, including lions, bears, elephants and most recently, giant pandas from China. The Memphis Zoo also presents “Zoo Lights” from end of November to beginning of January.

The Pink Palace Museum

7. Pink Palace Museum – If you want a glimpse into Memphis history, this is the place to go. The museum has a wide-ranging collection of historic, educational, and technological attractions maintained by the City of Memphis, Tennessee and Memphis Museums, Inc.  It is one of the largest museums of its kind in the southeast and houses impressive collection of exhibits designed to teach visitors about the cultural and natural history.  The museum also offers a planetarium and a four story IMAX theater.

6. The National Civil Rights Museum – The museum is housed in the renovated Lorraine Motel which is the hotel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968.  The museum is a one of a kind facility that showcases the struggle for civil rights in the United States.  It is the unique focus of this museum that attracts thousands of visitors every year from all over the world.

5. Graceland – The home of Elvis Presley.  Without a doubt, Graceland is one of Memphis’ most poplar tourist attractions for all ages.  When you visit Graceland, you are given the opportunity to tour his mansion, his grave and even view his collection of automobiles and airplanes.  If you are an Elvis fan, there is no doubt that a visit to Graceland in a must see while in Memphis.

Beale Street

4. Beale Street Historic District – The world famous Beale Street is known for being the “Home of the Blues” and “The Birthplace of Rock N Roll”.  During the day it is a wonderful place for the family to find Memphis souvenirs and enjoy authentic Memphis soul food while listening to live music.  However at night, it is the party oasis of Memphis.  Beale Street has everything you need, day or night there is always something going on down on Beale.

3. Stax Museum of American Soul Music – the museum winds and twists through a labyrinth of exhibits that promotes and preserves the legacy of American soul music and its contributions internationally, highlighting musical giants such as Isaac Hayes, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Ike & Tina Turner, and hundreds of others.  Tweens and teens will be the most impressed when they make the connection between Memphis and their favorite music.  The Stax Museum Gallery hosts seasonally-changing exhibits, with internationally acclaimed photography exhibitions celebrating such icons as The Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and virtually every famous blues musician in history.

Mud Island

2. Mud Island River Park – A walk from the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi to its outlet at the Gulf of Mexico would be quite an undertaking, but Mud Island’s walk-along scale model of the Mississippi is a perfectly manageable way to see how the river widens, narrows and even floods.  The museum showcases the importance of the river from the earliest days of human habitation through the Civil War to modern barge transportation.  Ride the monorail made famous in the movie “The Firm” during the summer to beat the heat, but take the pedestrian walkway on cooler spring and fall days.

1. Memphis Riverboat – A cruise on a replica paddle-wheeler provides the best way to see Memphis from the river.  Leaving from a dock near Mud Island, Memphis Riverboats offers sightseeing and dinner cruises.  Sunset is an especially brilliant time to view the city from the water.

About Terri Richardson: Terri is a wife and mother to a beautiful 2 year old daughter, and serves as the Director of Operations for CityMommy Memphis founded by Dayna Landry.  Terri like to take on a lot at once, so she’s also a business owner of Creative Blessings.  In her spare time, she enjoys being with her daughter, traveling and meeting new people.  Terri feels that each day is a new day for her to accomplish another goal.  Her favorite quote is from Dale Carnegie – “Take A Chance!  All life is a chance.  The person who goes the furthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare.”

Every Mommy Should Be A CityMommy! Come Check out CityMommy Memphis!  or visit www.citymommy.com for a city near you.

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