Graceland
Memphis is noted for having developed one of the 4 styles of barbecue. (Kansas City, Texas, and Carolina are the other styles.) Memphis style is focused on pork slow cooked in a pit. Beef and other meats are usually readily available at most restaurants as well.
Corky’s has been delivering great food since the early 1980’s. With 4 locations in the Memphis metro area, a visitor is never far from slow cooked barbecue over hickory wood and charcoal. Corky’s locations have a 50’s vibe. The pork shoulder is hand pulled… no machines for this delicate process to ensure the meat remains tender and moist.
http://www.corkysmemphis.com
No trip to Memphis is complete without a visit to the home of “The King”, Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley. Well worth the time to see how Rock royalty from another era lived. Elvis surprises as a well-read individual who tried to feed his brain and I would guess make some sense out the life that he was thrust into. What a trip that must be for any individual to go from such a normal simple life to one of world-wide fame and adulation.
http://www.graceland.com/
One place Elvis frequented with his friends was Leonard’s Pit Barbecue. To avoid the crush of fans, Elvis scheduled after hours get togethers at Leonard’s and would hang out until dawn. Established in 1922, Dan Brown, a longtime employee purchased the business in the early 1990’s and has continued the tradition. Sunday through Friday they also have a Barbecue buffet with the usual barbecue treats and other southern specialties such as fried catfish or country fried steak.
http://www.leonardsbarbecue.com/
BB King’s
Beale Street
Beale Street is home of the blues. Walk over to BB King’s Blues Club and see the history on the walls as you listen to Memphis Blues. If you are not into the Blues music, just stop by during the daytime and enjoy the vibe of a fun place.
Gibson Guitar Factory
Take the time to walk over to the Gibson Guitar factory and enjoy a factory tour, just one block south of Beale Street. Craftsmen show the intricate steps such as neck-fitting and buffing that create a guitar out of a piece of wood. BB King’s famous Lucille guitar was created here.
http://www.bealestreet.com/