There are plenty of places to visit during Spring Break, but none quite like Memphis, Tennessee.
The Bluff City has it all, from amazing music and food to sports, arts and culture. There's history, there's the mighty Mississippi, there's the unique Beale Street. No wonder Elvis Presley loved this city.
Oh, and did we mention you can visit the king's castle?
Memphis is the only city where you can experience the home of the King of Rock 'n' Roll – the man who started it all.
Graceland is everything, really: it's American history, music history and a pop culture icon, just like its owner. It's a must-see for fans who love music of any genre, for those who want a glimpse into the life of the world's biggest rock star.
The mansion itself is amazing, but at Graceland, you can also visit the Meditation Garden where Elvis and his family are buried, as well as his car museum and private jets. A brand new exhibit, "I Shot Elvis," which focuses on iconic photos of Elvis and the photographers who took those pictures, just opened, and soon a new VIP exhibit will open.
Memphis is truly a pilgrimage for music and rock 'n' roll fans. If you want even more music history, check out Sun Studio, where it all started for Elvis, as well as artists like Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash.
You can't miss the Stax Museum, either. The museum was home to the iconic Stax Records, a label that produced hit records by Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, the Staples Singers, Rufus & Carla Thomas, Wilson Pickett and many, many more.
Memphis is home to the National Civil Rights Museum, located in downtown Memphis at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The museum offers a powerful and moving experience as it chronicles the Civil Rights Movement from the 17th century through present day. There are exhibits on topics such as student sit-ins, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, slavery and Freedom Rides.
Take a walk on the wild side at the Memphis Zoo. Explore Penguin Rock, Cat Country, Tropical Birdhouse, Once Upon a Farm, Dragon's Lair, Animals of the Night and much more. This month, the zoo opens a new show, Memphis Zoo Takes Flight, a free flight bird show featuring more than 30 birds from 17 species.
These Grizzlies aren't in any zoo - during your spring break here, check out a Memphis Grizzlies game at FedEx Forum. The team is currently 43-17, and upcoming games in Memphis are against the Trail Blazers, Nuggets and the Cavaliers.
Of course, there's much more to do in Memphis. Take in a show at the gorgeous, historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Memphis. Upcoming events include "So You Think You Can Dance" and "The Color Purple."
Just below the Orpheum lies historic Beale Street, home to the Hard Rock Cafe, BB King's Blues Club, Alfred's Bar & Grill, the New Daisy Theater and much more. Also downtown is the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, which celebrates both soul music and rock 'n' roll.
Memphis has plenty of delicious restaurant options, of course. Marlowe's is just down from Graceland and will satisfy anyone yearning for barbecue. Rendezvous and Gus' World Famous Fried Chicken are both downtown and are Memphis staples.
For even more ideas on what to do and see in Memphis, check out MemphisTravel.com and the I Love Memphis Blog.
And, of course, don't forget to plan your visit to Elvis Presley's Graceland over at Graceland.com!