The Mississippi flows south along the edge of Memphis, but musicians traveled north out of the Mississippi Delta and the South, arriving there in the 20th century. The birthplace of rock ‘n’ soul and the careers of such legends as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King, Memphis has always been a music lover’s mecca. The tradition continues and each night all along the famous Beale Street, live music spills out the open doors of various clubs, bars, and restaurants.
On a long weekend, you can make your home in the heart of downtown. The AAA Four-Diamond Peabody Hotel is an institution in Memphis and should be at the top of your list. Elegant, early 20th-century interiors feel like the bygone days, and the staff will show you the meaning of southern hospitality. Here you are within walking distance of Beale Street but far enough off the path to grant a quiet night’s sleep. The sunset views of the city and the river from the rooftop terrace should not be missed.
