Last Updated on June 29, 2021 by Kimberly Stroh
Your Complete Memphis Travel Guide
This Memphis Travel Guide is in partnership with Chevrolet. All opinions are my own.
They say that “All roads lead to Memphis” and if you ever find yourself crossing paths with this Tennessee city, plan to pull over for some fun. Known as the birthplace of Rock n’ Roll, Memphis is bustling with nightlife and offers plenty of good eats. We drove from Atlanta to Memphis to celebrate some good old-fashioned American traditions: the Chevrolet Suburban, Southern BBQ and Rock n’ Roll. From planning your road trip to exploring this city, my Memphis Travel Guide is your excuse to book a weekend getaway.
Memphis Travel Guide: Celebrate American Traditions
Planning Your Memphis Trip
While Memphis offers several family-friendly destinations, we opted for a couple’s trip. Atlanta to Memphis is a 6 hour drive through Alabama and Mississippi. We took turns driving the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban. BBQ isn’t the only staple in the South – so are Chevrolet Full-Size SUVs. I was excited to get behind the wheel and test one out.
The Chevy Suburban is perfect for road trips because it offers the comfort of extra space, Apple CarPlay to go hands-free and 4G LTE Wi-Fi for your passengers to enjoy.
I never thought I’d be capable of driving such a large vehicle, but it handles so easily that you forget the size. It has the capability of a truck and the amenities of a luxury car.
Our Chevrolet Suburban took us from Atlanta to Memphis on one tank of fuel with 23 MPG on the highway. There’s no surprise why the Suburban is still one of the best selling SUV’s after all these years.
Where To Stay in Memphis
Hands-down, you have to experience The Peabody Memphis hotel. The historic property offers modern touches that somehow fit in seamlessly with the hotel’s original grandeur. The hotel lobby becomes a social hub for guests that are waiting to see the world famous Peabody ducks.
At 11am and 5pm daily, the Duckmaster orchestrates their arrival (and evening departure) from the beautiful lobby fountain. The legend of the ducks dates back to the 1930’s and involves a little too much Tennessee sippin’ whiskey.
If you’re looking for luxury, a view of the city, a prime location and afternoon tea – then you’ve got to stay at the Peabody Memphis. Read my 5 reasons to stay at the Peabody Memphis.
What to Do in Memphis
Our Memphis in May trip led us to noshing on delicious food at the World BBQ Championship. Restauranteurs from all across the country compete to win different category titles, while guests can enjoy samples at BBQ Alley. Memphis is known for their slow-cooked ribs and they’re finger-licking good.
A trip to Memphis isn’t complete without a stop at Graceland. Tourists can tour the Graceland Mansion, see memorabilia from his career at the museum and even walk amongst Elvis’s personal car collection.
If you like to stay out until the morning hours, you can experience the Beale Street nightlife. It’s lined with bars, music venues and night clubs. The street is blocked off nightly so guests can roam freely and walk around.
While you can explore Memphis on foot, there are several free parking locations near Beale Street. We used the myChevrolet Mobile App to double check our Suburban was locked and even send up a parking reminder.
Where to Eat in Memphis
If you’re looking for a special spot, for a Memphis date night, look no further than Itta Bena Restaurant in Memphis. You could easily pass it’s 3rd floor Beale Street location, but it’s worth the hunt for the delta inspired menu, speakeasy vibe and relaxed atmosphere.
There are three BBQ hot spots that everyone talks about in Memphis: Charlie Vergos Rendezvous which has hosted countless celebrities since opening their doors, Central BBQ which has been top-rated since 2003 and A&R Bar-B-Que for their traditional Memphis ribs. We got to try a taste of Central BBQ at the championship and loved it.
A City With Deep American Roots
There’s a rhythm to Memphis that contrasts to the easy flow of the Mississippi River. It’s a diverse city, with roots in American pop culture, that will keep you coming back for more. Every corner is deep in history while there’s something new each time you visit. It’s the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway and the all-American road trip.
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5 Reasons to Stay at The Peabody Memphis Hotel - Treat Yourself With Grandeur
Tuesday 22nd of May 2018
[…] Husband and I celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary with a road trip to Memphis. I couldn’t resist the invitation to spend a few nights in the world-famous Peabody Memphis […]