VISIT
Beale Street in downtown Memphis is a must-see destination for young groups hoping to hear live music and explore rock ‘n’ roll history. Take your students to the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum for a comprehensive and interactive review of Memphis music history. Visitors can listen to the museum’s self-paced digital audio tour, which features more than 100 songs. While strolling down Beale Street, your group might also catch a glimpse of the Beale Street Flippers, a group of renowned acrobats who perform down the center of the street. Young travelers will be thrilled to end the day at B.B. King’s Blues Club, which offers top-notch barbecue and live family-friendly performances in the afternoon and early evening. Important tip: Sneak in all of your group’s Beale Street stops before 8 p.m., as businesses start enforcing curfews for visitors under 21 at that time.
EXPLORE
To kick off an outdoor adventure, consider taking your group to the Memphis Zoo, where students can spot more than 3,500 animals from around the globe. Students can get up close to wildlife for giraffe feedings and sea lion performances. Expand your group’s journey through the natural world by booking a Memphis Riverboats tour on the Mississippi River. The 90-minute sightseeing cruise presents views of downtown Memphis, President’s Island, and the Wolf River confluence—with the boat’s captain pointing out landmarks along the way. Memphis also is home to one of America’s largest urban green spaces: Shelby Farms Park. At 4,500 acres, the park offers activities for bikers, hikers, and paddlers alike. Adventurous students also might enjoy the Shelby Farms ropes course that ends with zip lines over Pine Lake.
EAT
Memphis is home to more than 100 barbecue restaurants, making these saucy dishes a staple for your group’s trip to the city. At Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, your students can savor a rack of ribs rubbed with dry spices. At the Germantown Commissary, they can devour a pulled pork sandwich. Memphis might be just as famous for the chicken wings found at local favorites like Ching’s Hot Wings and Riko’s Kickin’ Chicken. For dessert, stop at Margie’s 901 Homemade Ice Cream for cones and cakes that overflow with creamy goodness or Mempops for frozen treats with unique flavors like Banana Nutella and Avocado Lime.
LEARN MORE
Memphis Tourism
memphistravel.com
Main Image: Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum; Credit: Alex Shansky
