Top Rated Attractions in Memphis

The Civic Center Plaza is located in downtown Memphis, surrounded by the city’s main government buildings. A walk through this public square is something that all locals enjoy, especially in the summer, because the several water fountains that line the square provide a great opportunity to cool off. The plaza is also the venue for many community events, including the Memphis Roller Derby and much more. So, while you are out discovering the various attractions of downtown Memphis, do stop by here to take a break and enjoy being a spectator to the city’s vibrant community.

The Fire Museum is located in the first firehouse in Memphis. Kids will love the video games and interactive videos that simulate firefighting, while parents will appreciate the exhibit of unusual firefighting equipment from the last two centuries. If you take the restored trolley from Union or Beale, you can disembark at the museum, then walk up the street to the National Civil Rights Museum, in the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

This historic house is one of the very few oldest surviving homes in Memphis. Constructed by Eugene Magevne, the house has been at its current location since the early 19th Century. An erstwhile clapboard cottage, today the historic structure has been converted into a museum and it is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It displays antiques owned by the Magevney family. The museum is open to the public every first Saturday of the month from 1p to 4p.

St. Peter's Church, was designed by architect Patrick C. Keely. One of his more famous Gothic Revival churches is the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in New York. His other churches can be seen in cities such as Philadelphia and Charleston, South Carolina. His designs are inspired by 13th-century Gothic design using such elements as martello towers, crenelations and pinnacles. Be careful if you park on busy Third Street, the traffic moves fast and the drivers are known for not watching for car doors opening. Ring the church office doorbell for admittance.

Considering how small the population of Memphis was in the 1860s, before the Civil War, there are a remarkable number of existing churches that date from the time. Memphis was not ravaged by the war, as were many other southern towns. So the charming St. Mary's, with its Gothic tower, survived to be completed shortly after the war. The interior of the church, built by German immigrants, features statues, stained glass, an elaborately carved altar and a lovely side chapel and garden. Weekday visitors should knock at the church office door for admittance.

Located in the center of Downtown, Memphis Cook Convention Center is a multi-purpose facility that specializes in hosting trade shows, conventions, conferences, performing arts and art exhibits. The 3,00,000 square feet (27870.912 square meters) event space accommodates two exhibit halls, the Grand Ballroom, 31 meeting rooms, a conference center and the 2,100-seater Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. They also offer banquet catering and beverage service depending on your event needs.