From the lively sights and sounds of Beale Street to the home of the King, Elvis Presley, Memphis, Tennessee, is a music lover’s dream. Once an overlooked city, Memphis has rejuvenated itself with plenty of boutique stores, bold new restaurants and microbreweries – all draped in the iconic river-town soul Memphis is renowned for, making it an essential destination for any visit to the American south-west.
Known around the world as the birthplace of rock’n’roll and the home to the blues, Memphis is a musical gold mine. No trip to Memphis is complete without a visit to Graceland. This museum dedicated to the king of rock’n’roll, Elvis, is filled wall-to-wall with priceless memorabilia, including some of his most extravagant outfits. Continue your musical journey with an evening stroll down Beale Street. Lose yourself in the cacophony of blues music spilling out of the many themed bars and the rainbow glow of the neon lights that fill the street.
There are tons of other hidden gems to see in this historical river town. Catch the march of the Peabody ducks at Hotel Peabody. At 11am and 5pm every day, a flock of ducks marches to and from Peabody’s Fountain to a musical accompaniment, a tradition that is 90 years old. Travellers can explore the stunning beauty of Shelby Farms Park, which offers scenic hiking, bike riding and over 4500 acres of lush forests, gorgeous ponds and rolling hills. The park is also home to a herd of bison. Another iconic building that travellers can visit is the Memphis Pyramid. This magnificent piece of architecture is worth viewing on the inside as well, as it features interactive wetlands, aquariums and an underwater bowling alley.
Tourism will return in 2021 and travellers can experience a slice of American history aboard an iconic paddle-wheeler with the American Queen Steamboat Company. Memphis is an essential destination for anyone visiting the American south-west and the American Queen Steamboat Company will have 94 river cruises starting or ending in Memphis in 2021. The cruise line is offering an earlybird discount on all 94 cruises. Prices begin from US$1598 per person, twin share, and guests can save up to US$2000 per couple, if booked before June 30, 2020. With demand from the cancelled 2020 season (due to Covid 19) spilling over into 2021, early bookings are essential.
American Queen Steamboat Company is the most award-winning, authentic, and opulent river cruise line in America, offering the most inclusive cruises with guided shore excursions, nightly Broadway-calibre entertainment and regionally inspired fine dining included in the fare.
To book, consumers or travel agents can call the Australian representative for the American Queen Steamboat Company, Cruise Traveller, on 1300 680 374 or visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au
