This city is the home of the famous rock & roll singer
Elvis Presley and his legacy still influences a way of life
here. The area has a variety of entertainment and attractions
but for those wanting to venture further afield there are
rail connections to Chicago and New Orleans. The city is also
graced by the Memphis Queen Line Riverboats which paddle up
and down the Mississippi River and ofcourse, no visit to Memphis
would be complete without visiting the home of the "King",
Gracelands. From the UK you'll
have to travel via a major US hub, such as New York, Chicago,
Miami, or Boston. Cheap flights to Memphis depend on the
seasonal connection price via these hubs. Book early and
you pay more, wait and usually you'll get a better deal.
Shopping:
Recommended Stores - A. Schwab,
163 Beale Street, Mall of Memphis at Perkins Street have
a range of stores catering for all your everyday needs.
Best Buys - Be12 factory outlet Mall, 3536 Canda
Road, Lakeland sells goods at amazing prices.
Opening Times - 10.00 to 21.30 hrs Mon - Sat, 12.00
- 20.00 Sun.
Shoppers Tips - bring, or buy, an empty suitcase
to bring your goods home. Clothes, even brand names, are
much cheaper in the USA
Sightseeing
Attractions:
Gracelands - home of the the "King", Elvis
Presley. A shrine to the greatest Rock & Roll singer.
Open from 9.30am -6pm. Adults $19.50.
Hunt Phelan Home - once occupied as headquarters for
General Ulysses S.Grant during the American Civil War. Here
General Grant mapped out his battleplans
Sun Studios - a trip down memory lane to visit where
the blues, rock & roll and country and western stars
recorded their musical hits. Open from 9.30am -5.30pm. Adults
$7.85
Pink Palace Museum - a museum tracing the history of
this area from the Mid-South, Spanish explorers, through
the Civil Wars and yellow flu epidemic. The site has a walk
through replica of the first self service grocery store
ever built in America. Adults $7.85.
Mud Island River Park - is a tribute to the Mississipi
River and life which revolved around it. The park has many
indoor & outdoor activities and includes the famous
2nd World War Bomber the "Memphis Belle" which
helped win the Second World war. Open from 9.30am - 5.30pm,
adults $13.50, children $9.95
Memphis Hall of Fame - come hear and celebrate the era
of rock and roll, the blues and country and western music.
Memphis Queen Line River Boats - take a trip and enjoy
the spectacle of the Mississippi River.
Recommended
Entertainment:
Theatre - Circuit Playhouse,
1705 Poplar Ave, is a popular place to enjoy an evening
out.
Opera - Opera Memphis, the University of Memphis South
Campus provides professional and amateur productions.
Night Clubs - a must for blues
music lovers is the BBKing Blues Club on Beales Street.
Relax and tap away to the rhythm of the blues.
Bars - The Black Diamonds, 153 Beale Street, is a favourite
haunt with the finest American beers.
Discos - Kings Palace Cafe, 162 Beale Street, dance
the night away to funky music.
Others - take a stroll and discover the atmosphere of
street bands and artists.
Eating Out -The places to be seen at are Elvis Presley's
Memphis Hard Rock Cafe, The Rendezvous and Rum Boogie Cafe.
Like all fast food chains Burger King and MacDonalds are
favourite eating places for the kids. The Rendezvous is
famous for its spare ribs and barbecues and has been established
since 1948 - so get finger licking!
Gratuities - It's a custom to tip in hotels and restaurants
and you may find that some restaurants will add this to
your bill. For a full listing see the recommended amounts
below: -
Tipping - Baby Sitter 10-15%,
Barber/Beautician 15%, Bartender/ Waiters/Waitress 15%,
Bellman/Skycap 50 Cents-$1 per bag. Chambermid $3-$5 per
week, Cloakroom 50Cents per coat, Delivery/Room Service
$10-15%, Doorman $1 to call for taxi, Golf Cart Attendent
$1 per cart, Masseur/Masseuse 20%, Parking Attendent/Valet
$1, Shoe Shine 50 cents, Taxi Driver 15% (25 cent minimum).
Local Transport :
* Transport here is provided by trolley buses, taxis and
trains only. Greyhound buses offer a comprehensive journey
network connecting to major cities in the US.
* Taxis - need to be pre-booked and charge a flat rate from
$1.25 per mile.
Driving
around town:
Please observed the driving laws which are much as per the
UK. All passengers must wear seatbelts and children under
five should be strapped in car seats. The speed limit varies
from 15-65 mph and you must give way to any police, emergency
vehicle or any vehicle showing a flashing light. Drinking
and driving is strictly prohibited and carries tough penalties.
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