Standing on Union Avenue since 1950, this iconic studio has played host to everyone from Jerry Lee Lewis and to B.B King and Johnny Cash, who've all recorded multiple legendary albums here. In 1953, a certain 18-year-old named Elvis Presley walked into the studio and paid to record two songs; the rest is history. Trending even today, the Sun welcomes modern musicians to make records here, many of whom have gone on to join the studio's golden roster of world-famous musical talents. The studio has gradually transformed itself into a historic attraction where numerous artifacts and exhibits relating to its illustrious guests are delicately preserved and displayed for generations to cherish.
Once home to music legend Elvis Presley, Graceland epitomizes the flamboyant style that the unforgettable seventies packed in. Life came a full circle for the King of Rock 'n' Roll when he purchased this Colonial Revival house in Memphis from Stephen Toof, a way of honoring the city that fed his musical ambitions and set him on his way to becoming a rising star. Rumoured to be the second most-visited house in the United States, Graceland is preserved exactly as it was when Elvis lived here. Elvis Presley bought this 13.8 acre (5.6 hectares) estate in 1957 and spent a large part of his life expanding and improving the opulent property. On the boulevard named after the legend himself, a sleek entertainment complex and adjoining visitors centre feed Elvis' fans still-extant frenzy through a wealth of displays and exhibits that revolve around the musician's life. The Elvis Entertainer Career Museum highlights the main aspects of his singing career, and display his most iconic sartorial collections, while the Automobile Museum showcases the stunning fleet of cars that Elvis rode in, from the Cadillac Eldorado to the Stutz Blackhawk. On August 16, the anniversary of Elvis' death, a candlelight vigil draws worldwide fans to this exceptional monument.
Right in the heart of Downtown Memphis lies the legendary Beale Street. Ever since its inception in 1841, Beale Street has always been a major locus of commerce in the city. As the years progressed and the street and the area around it built up, the street snowballed into a thriving commonplace for travelling African-American musicians to perform. With the advent of the Orpheum Theater and the Church Park, nightclubs, restaurants and shops began to brim the area. Through the early 20th Century, legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters and BB King performed on Beale Street and developed the Memphis Blues sound. Today, Beale Street is a major attraction in the city of Memphis, with legendary blues clubs, restaurants and shops that have been around almost as long as the street itself. Come evening, the street and its many lanes are illuminated by myriad neon-signboards of bars and restaurants which merrily beckon tourists and locals alike. The street is also known for hosting the grand Memphis in May International Festival and the Beale Street Music Festival every year.
This 1870s house is part of Victorian Village, where Memphis homes dating from the 1800s have been preserved and restored. In addition to the furniture and decorative arts displayed inside, the house also has an exhibit of clothing from the Victorian era. Look at the cinched waists and layers of velvet and wonder how the Victorian ladies survived the hot Memphis summers. Tours are held every half hour.
This district was one of the loveliest residential areas during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The houses, with their Victorian gingerbread trim, languished in disrepair during the earlier 20th Century, but in the 1970s the area staged a comeback. The restored houses are worth a drive through the neighborhood on their own, but the area has also become a hip entertainment spot, with restaurants, nightclubs, and antique stores. One weekend each fall, the Cooper-Young neighborhood holds the Cooper-Young Festival with crafts, music, and food.
This lovely 80-acre (32-hectare) cemetery is a wonderful place to go on a warm afternoon. Huge, shady trees protect the most interesting collection of graves and gravestones in the city. Elaborate Victorian monuments mark the final resting places of city founders such as Robert Church, the first black millionaire in Memphis, as well as Mayor E.H. "Boss" Crump and 19 generals from the Confederate Army.
The wonderful Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church located at 573 North Highland holds the regular services and programs to spread its teachings but is more popularly known for organizing and hosting the famous Memphis Greek Festival. Through this, people are not only introduced to Greek culture but also are entertained all the same. The church has varied groups and organizations that seek the betterment of the society. If you desire some peace and quiet, you might as well enter this place. Check the website for more information.
Main Street Collierville includes the town's historic town square and its surroundings. It is also the recipient of the Best Main Street in America award in 2014. This quaint area is a shopping hub as well as a major tourist attraction. Shop at unique stores or dine at charming restaurants. Check out the antebellum architecture steeped in history. Other interesting sights include the Train Depot, Morton Museum, Train Museum and Biblical Resource Center Museum.
Located inside the Memorial Park Cemetery, Crystal Shrine Grotto dates back to 1937. It is the product of the imagination and creativity of Mexican sculpture Dionicio Rodriquez. Rodriquez was known to create magic out of mere concrete, and the biblical scenes painted inside these caves are testimony to this talent. After Rodriquez, many other artists also added to the beauty of the caves. A dramatic sculpture marks the entrance of the cave, as you proceed inside you will notice the ceiling which is lined with Arkansas crystals, thus the name of the shrine. The cave illustrates various scenes from the Bible, and wooden and limestone sculptures bring these scenes to life.
This 1870s house is part of Victorian Village, where Memphis homes dating from the 1800s have been preserved and restored. In addition to the furniture and decorative arts displayed inside, the house also has an exhibit of clothing from the Victorian era. Look at the cinched waists and layers of velvet and wonder how the Victorian ladies survived the hot Memphis summers. Tours are held every half hour.
The Gospel music at this historic church is so good, it is broadcast on three local radio stations: WBBP at 7am, WLOK at 8am and WDIA at 10:30a, every Sunday morning. Singers and musicians from around the Memphis area collaborate in creating a worship service that has hundreds of people on their feet singing every week. The location of the church, just off I-240 near the VA Medical Center, makes it easily accessible from any location in Memphis.'
The American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) is the primary governing institution for contract bridge in North America, covering the nations of USA, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda. A key member of the World Bridge Foundation, this organization follows the mission of ensuring the growth, sustenance and promotion of the card game of bridge. Founded in 1937 in NYC, the headquarters of the organization have shifted to multiple other locations within the US till finally settling down in Horn Lake, Mississippi in 2010. This head office also facilitates the ACBL's Hall of Fame, a museum dedicated to the game of bridge and a library within its premises.