Summary
For all of Memphis’s musical wealth and significant cultural impact, this vibrant city is also central to America’s civil rights movement. Memphis was the last stop for Martin Luther King, where his vision for equality took a fateful turn.
It was in Memphis that Martin Luther King was assassinated. While staying in a motel, he was shot from across the street.
Today, the motel where he stayed has been preserved and transformed into the National Civil Rights Museum. This museum serves as a powerful reminder of Martin Luther King’s relentless fight for equality, which remains relevant today. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to reflect on the ongoing journey towards civil rights.
This location, though somber, is crucial for remembering the life and legacy of Martin Luther King and understanding the essential principles he fought for.
The museum’s interior is surprisingly large and engaging, showcasing various exhibits, including a replica of the bus Rosa Parks famously sat on. Touring this museum highlights the ongoing fight for civil rights and provides insight into historical events that continue to shape contemporary society.
After visiting the museum, we continued our Elvis pilgrimage, not to miss Sun Studio, the iconic location where Elvis recorded his first songs. Although initially skeptical about spending time there, the guided tour turned out to be both captivating and thoroughly enjoyable.
Guided by passionate locals, we delved into the richness of music history, seeing firsthand the studio where Elvis and many legendary artists created their greatest hits, including the famous Million Dollar Quartet jam session.
One of the most thrilling aspects followed the tour when visitors get to play on the original instruments used by Elvis and his contemporaries. Sun Studio remains active today, allowing modern artists to create in this historic space.
With that, we transitioned to exploring the vibrant culinary scene of Memphis. Known for its famous fried chicken, Gus’s serves as a must-visit eatery. This restaurant garners long lines but the food is reputedly worth the wait.
After dinner, we embarked on our culinary adventure to Muddy’s Bake Shop, recognized for its freshly baked treats. It was the perfect way to relax, topped off by a delicious dessert.
With full hearts (and stomachs), we hit the road the next morning for a brunch experience, indulging in Tennessee’s famous barbecue at Central BBQ, which garnered fantastic reviews for its deliciousness.
After satisfying our taste buds, we proceeded to Jerry’s Sno Cones, another well-known Memphis tradition. Though a bit off the beaten path, the line wrapped around the block—definitely a good sign of its popularity!
With sno cones in hand, we bid farewell to Memphis and continued our journey towards Knoxville, excited to explore everything this vibrant city had to offer.
However, before arriving in Knoxville, we made a memorable stop at Mas Tacos, where we indulged in tasty tacos on our way to the bright lights of our next destination.
Arriving in Knoxville, I checked into The Tennessean Hotel, my favorite hotel of the trip. Comfy beds made it the perfect place to unwind and recharge.
With luxurious accommodations and a welcoming ambiance, it was an ideal place to rest before venturing out to discover all that Knoxville has to offer over the following days.
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