Just as in Nashville, music is the heart of Memphis, and many of the city's main attractions are related to Memphis's musical heritage. The blues first gained widespread recognition here on Beale Street, and rock 'n' roll was born at Sun Studio. W. C. Handy, the father of the blues, lived here for many years, and Elvis Presley made his Memphis home -- Graceland -- a household word. You'll find the history of the Memphis sound on exhibit at several museums around the city, including a couple devoted exclusively to music.
Downtown Memphis has experienced a long-awaited renaissance over the last few years, with such renovation projects as Memphis Central Station, a historic 1914 train depot. Also adding vitality is Peabody Place, one of the nation's largest mixed-use development and historic preservation projects. In addition to housing the funky Center for Southern Folklore, it includes a 22-screen Cineplex and IMAX 3-D Theater.
There's more. The Gibson Guitar Plant, a 75,000-square-foot guitar manufacturing facility and showcase lounge, offers visitors the chance not only to hear these instruments performed but also to see them being made.
Especially for Kids -- Many of Memphis's main attractions will appeal to children as well as to adults, but there are also places that are specifically geared toward kids. In addition to the attractions listed here, see also the Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium, the Memphis Zoo and Aquarium, the Chucalissa Archaeological Museum, the Mud Island/Mississippi River Museum, and the Peabody Ducks.
Pyramid or White Elephant? -- On North Riverside Drive at the base of the Hernando-Desoto Bridge to Arkansas you'll see this 32-story, stainless-steel landmark. Built in the early 1990s in honor of Memphis's Egyptian namesake, the long-vacant former concert arena and sports venue is reportedly being eyed as a potential new location for retail giant Bass Pro Shops.
Funny Faithful? -- First Congregational Church (1000 S. Cooper; tel. 901/278-6786; www.firstcongo.com) is widely regarded as an all-inclusive, welcoming church with a progressive view on social issues -- and a sense of humor. Better known to locals as "First Congo," it attracts new worshippers with irreverent ads, including one that mentions its unicyclists and art-house theater connections among its Top 10 Reasons to Visit. In traffic-choked Memphis, where road-rage is rampant, No. 8 on that list holds special appeal: "So much parking you won't even care if the person next to you takes two spaces."
