10 Things to Do Before and/or After March Madness in Memphis

Mar 19, 2024, 10:52 AM

1. Walk along the Iconic Beale Street

Take a stroll along one of the most iconic streets in America. Conveniently located just outside of the FedEx Forum, Beale Street boasts more than 20 music venues, blues clubs, juke joints, bars and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in our rich music history and check out live performances before or after a game. Already booked your hotel? Call today and extend your stay for even more fun on Beale Street!

2. Take in the Sunset from one of Memphis’ Rooftop Bars

Memphis features exciting rooftop bars and hangout spaces. Enjoy scenic views of the Mississippi River from hotel rooftops in Downtown Memphis, or dress to the nines and enjoy craft cocktails and appetizers as you overlook the Overton Square Performing Arts District in Midtown. Check out our guide to rooftop fun.

3. Get a Dose of Memphis Music History

Memphis is where some of the world’s most famous music was made and is still home to talented musicians who tap into the roots of soul, rock ‘n’ roll, and so much more. No visit to the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll would be complete without a tour of Graceland, Elvis Presley’s sprawling 14-acre estate, or a tour of Sun Studio, where rock ‘n’ roll was born when pioneering music producer Sam Phillips took a risk by blending musical styles. Also, a must-see for fans of soul music, is the 17,000-square-foot Stax Museum of American Soul Music with more than 2,000 cultural artifacts celebrating the musical contributions of artists including Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, Al Green and Aretha Franklin. You can also take an incredible musical journey through Memphis from the 1930s to today in the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.

4. Visit the National Civil Rights Museum

Get a comprehensive overview of the American Civil Rights Movement from slavery to the present by visiting the National Civil Rights Museum located at the historic Lorraine Motel where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Serving as the new public square, the Museum is steadfast in its mission to chronicle the American Civil Rights Movement, examine today's global civil and human rights issues, provoke thoughtful debate and serve as a catalyst for positive social change.

5. Play a Round of Golf

Play a round of nine or 18 at one of Memphis’ pristine courses. There are several private and semi-private courses in the city and its surrounding suburbs. Load up the sticks and take advantage of our low-cost greens fees, friendly climate and easy access. There are many great choices in Memphis for the ultimate golf getaway.

6. Get Your Grub On at a Few of Memphis’ 100+ BBQ Joints

From smoke shacks to line-out-the-door landmarks to new-generation haunts, Memphis is known as the BBQ capital of the world with more than 100 BBQ restaurants. You’ll find mouthwatering ‘cue creations cooked to perfection by some of the world’s greatest pitmasters. All the spots like to do BBQ in their own special way from dry ribs, to pulled pork, bbq spaghetti, bbq nachos to honey gold wings. Everyone has a different favorite but some of the hot spots include: The Rendezvous, Central BBQ, The Bar-B-Q Shop, Tops BBQ, Payne’s BBQ, or Cozy Corner BBQ. Memphis is also the wing capital of the world with 200+ spots!

7. Drink Like a Local at a Dozen Breweries & Enjoy a Distillery Tour While Tasting Tennessee Whiskey

Craft beer is hoppin’ in Memphis. Our artesian wells produce the crisp water that has been filtered for 2000 years to help create some of the best craft beer in the world. In Memphis, you don’t have to be a beer snob to appreciate locally crafted brews. One sip and you get it: Memphis craft beer tastes good. We have breweries walkable from Beale Street and in eclectic neighborhoods like Overton Square and Cooper-Young. Get your Hops Stops Pass and check in at participating local breweries to enjoy delicious craft beer.

Craft beer isn’t the only beverage Memphis is producing locally. Get a taste of Tennessee Whiskey at Old Dominick Distillery, located in the heart of downtown. Sip on whiskey in their world-class facility – at their massive wrap-around bar or upstairs on their rooftop. Old Dominick also specializes in gins, bourbons, vodkas, and their unique Memphis Toddy. Take a tour to learn more and get an opportunity to taste the spirits of Memphis.

8. Explore the Outdoors & Mississippi River Views

Visit one of the largest pyramids in the world right here in Memphis! Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid in Memphis is one of the most dynamic and immersive retail experiences in the world. It’s more than a store; it’s an adventure. In addition to an incredible assortment of fishing, boating, hunting and outdoor gear, the mega store includes a 103-room hotel with treehouse cabins at Big Cypress Lodge; 600,000 gallons of water teeming with over 1,800 fish; a cypress swamp with alligator pools and duck aviaries; and a breathtaking observation deck at the top of the 32-story steel pyramid. Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid offers something for everyone, from the serious outdoor enthusiast to families looking to have fun.

Walk, run, or bike through the newly renovated Tom Lee Park that has transformed Memphis’ riverfront into one of the best in the country after a $61 million facelift. The riverfront, situated along downtown, connects visitors with a new river-themed playground, fitness zone, nature areas, hammock groves, a large Sunset Canopy, and Point Bar Pavilions where guests can enjoy elevated park fare. Tom Lee Park gets its name from the Memphis hero, a Black man named Tom Lee, who rescued 32 people from a capsized steamboat in 1925, despite not being able to swim. The riverfront provides access to riverboat cruises, canoe trips through Mississippi River Expeditions, and Big River Crossing – the longest public pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River and connects downtown Memphis to Arkansas. In the evening, take in the city’s nightly light show, Mighty Lights, when Big River Crossing and the Hernando de Soto Bridge light up the river.

9. Explore the Wonderful World of Wildlife at the Memphis Zoo

Looking for fun for the kids, the Memphis Zoo, get nose-to-nose with polar bears and splashed by sea lions in Northwest Passage. Explore the sights and sounds of Yellowstone National Park at the Teton Trek exhibit, featuring grizzly bears, elk, timber wolves and trumpeter swans. The Memphis Zoo is an interactive and fun experience for the whole family. Additional family fun activities include the Fire Museum, Children’s Museum, and more!

10. Visit the World’s Most Famous Ducks at the Historic Peabody Hotel

The Peabody Ducks add a unique touch to an already iconic landmark. Every morning and evening visitors can witness the world famous Peabody Ducks march the red carpet in the extravagant lobby of The Peabody Hotel. Kids love sitting along the red carpet as the ducks make their entrance. This is truly something you can’t see anywhere else in the world.

Duck marches are daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. In the morning ducks come down the elevator and at 5 p.m. they return to their rooftop home made of $100K in marble. Head to the rooftop to check out their home and great views of the city. Also, during this special season, The Peabody Hotel is also decorated for the holidays and is the perfect spot for a quick festive photo that will be the envy of your social media feed.

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Memphis is going to be a real disappointment to many. It's still hard to believe they have a professional sports team.

Beale street is cool but it's going to Vegas for the first time back in the day. You stroll a quarter mile and you're like, "that's it"

Up until last couple of years they had a dog track across the river in West Memphis, that was cool. Not it's just a dime a dozen, wal-mart style casino.

There's still some good music on Beale Street and things are relatively cheap compared to most other major cities and tourist towns.

I thought briefly at going as even today game tickets are as low as $15 (with which you get to see two games) but the 9 hour drive is too much, flying isn't worth it and the airport is in Mississippi.

10 Things to Do Before and/or After March Madness in Memphis

Re: 10 Things to Do Before and/or After March Madness in Memphis

Re: 10 Things to Do Before and/or After March Madness in Memphis

Agreed. Memphis is not a great city.***

This is helpful info for the 10 or so people here who will go to the game.***

Re: 10 Things to Do Before and/or After March Madness in Memphis

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