Tours

While Memphis has had a long and varied history, visitors may get the initial impression that nothing ever happened here that didn't involve Elvis Presley! However, visitors will find museums, historical sites and exhibits, and cultural activities abound.

Peabody Place Tour the historic Peabody Hotel, located on Peabody Place, a strip of downtown that has been rennovated and now houses a museum, theaters and several restaurants, such as the Capriccio Grill. Wander down to the banks of Tom Lee Park, then enjoy the music at B.B. King's Blues Club, owned by the legendary blues man. National Civil Rights Museum Visit the National Civil Rights Museum, where you can learn about Martin Luther King, Jr and others. Catch a concert at the Gibson Beale Street Showcase, then grab a bite to eat at the Hard Rock Cafe. Browse the collection of 17th Century Manchu Dynasty art at the Belz Museum and Gallery, just a few blocks away. Take the trolley to Mud Island, and explore its many attractions.

Beale Street The Orpheum Theater is home to the Symphony Orchestra and the Opera, which put on several productions throughout the year. Walk the gardens and admire the architecture at the Danny Thomas-ALSAC Pavilion, then walk over to have your picture taken with the Statue of Elvis and enjoy a meal at the popular Elvis Presley's Memphis restaurant.

Graceland You'll want to visit Graceland, of course, where you'll see Elvis' preserved home. Pick up some official Elvis souvenirs at Loose Ends. Visit the nearby C.H. Nash Chucalissa Archaeological Museum, which chronicles the history of Memphis' early days, then dine at Interstate BBQ, which has some of the tastiest ribs in the city.

St. Mary's Cathedral Tour the Gothic St. Mary's Cathedral, the oldest Episcopal cathedral in the South, then walk to Overton Park. The Park contains the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the Memphis Zoo and Aquarium and the Memphis College of Art. Have dinner at Cielo in Victorian Village.

Getting around Memphis is easy when you book a professional tour. Enjoy the air conditioning on a bus, go on a crusie or take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

Walking Tours Gibson Beale Street Showcase Tour ( +1 901 544 7998/ http://www.gibson.com/ )

Bus Tours Blues City Tours ( +1 901 522 9229/ http://www.bluescitytours.com/tours.html ) Ride the Ducks of Memphis ( +1 901 521 3825/ http://www.memphisducks.com ) Heritage Tours ( +1 901 527 3427/ http://www.heritagetoursmemphis.com/ ) Backbeat Tours ( +1 800 979 3370/ http://www.backbeattours.com/ ) Memphis Tours ( +1 901 527 2797/ http://www.gomemphistours.com/ )

Trolley Tours Main Street Trolley ( +1 901 543 5333 )

Carriage Tours Carriage Tours of Memphis ( +1 901 527 7542/ http://www.carriagetoursofmemphis.com )

Boat Tours Memphis Queen ( +1 800 221 6197/ http://www.memphisqueen.com/ ) Ride the Ducks of Memphis ( +1 901 521 3825/ http://www.memphisducks.com ) Memphis Riverboats ( +1 901 527 2628/ http://www.memphisriverboats.net )