Two Days in Memphis: Summer Edition

If you need a 2-day itinerary for a trip to Memphis, you've come to the right place. You'll find plenty of things to do in Memphis from music history to live music, free things to do and fun things to do with kids. Read below for a great two days, whether you're spending a couple of weekdays in the city or a weekend in Memphis.

Day 1

Stay at James Lee House

James Lee House is an iconic bed & breakfast located in an 1800s house. It still boasts the original doors, bath tubs, walls and other finishes. You'll love waking up in light-filled bedrooms and ending the day by slipping into your luxurious bed.

Sunrise Memphis

This cheery, quick-serve diner is a popular spot in Memphis. The rustic plank walls and multicolored furniture of Sunrise Memphis create a fun vibe, and the delicious food will keep you coming back. “The Kitchen Sink” is a favorite, and comes with everything you could ever want in a breakfast meal: bacon, a biscuit, eggs, grits, hash browns and sausage. For a breakfast sandwich with a kick, try The Rooster - crispy fried chicken, house-made pickles and Tabasco honey on a buttermilk biscuit. For a morning kick, check out the bloody Mary bar.

Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum 

Spend a few hours delving into the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum that tells the story of the birth of rock and soul music. Start from the rural hollers of the 1930s to the 70s with Stax, Sun Studio and Hi-Records to the overall music influence rock and soul has had on the world. With video, songs and artifacts, you can fully immerse yourself into Memphis' strong music story. The museum is regarded today as one of Memphis' most prominent museums.

Eat at Cozy Corner Restaurant BBQ

Is there anything more perfect together than barbecue and Memphis? The answer is a resounding no, especially when we're talking about a slab of ribs from Cozy's. You can also order pork and beef natchos, barbecue bologna and whole barbecue chicken with sides like barbecue baked beans, Cole slaw and even barbecue spaghetti.

Tour Elvis Presley's Graceland

It's not every day you get to see how a celebrity lived, much less a king. Memphis' most popular attraction, Elvis Presley's Graceland is also the world's most famous rock and roll residence. Take a tour of Elvis Presley's Graceland to get an inside look into his life and career. Then, spend some time at the Elvis Presley's Memphis entertainment complex to see his vintage cars, dazzling jumpsuits and gold records.

Dinner at Restaurant Iris

The bungalow turned French-Creole restaurant, has been a Memphis staple for years, and for good reason. Restaurant Iris is one of the best places to eat in Memphis with delicious fine dining main courses such as seared scallops, Kvaroy Arctic salmon a la Barigoule, duck confit and pork belly as well as the prime 10-ounce beef filet served with mashed potatoes, honey roasted carrots and house-made Worcestershire sauce.

Live music at the Overton Park Shell

Now that you've seen where Elvis lived, catch a live music performance where he booked his first gig. The Overton Park Shell is an outdoor stage offers free shows all summer long. It's just one of the fun things to do in Memphis with kids as there's plenty of room for them to dance to the music.

Day 2

Go on a Memphis Mojo Tour

Add a Memphis Mojo Tour to your itinerary of things to do in Memphis. It's a music tour led by a musician playing music with passengers playing tambourines and bongos. It's one of the coolest ways to see Memphis and get a great music history lesson of the city. 

Eat at Aldo's Pizza Pies

Aldo's Pizza Pies is some of the best pizza in town, inspired by New York-style pizza with a southern twist. Start off by sharing stuffed peppers filled with basil pesto goat cheese and marinara parmigiano. Then, choose a specialty pizza like The Memphis - Central BBQ sauce topped with Aldo's four-cheese blend, Central BBQ's pulled pork, red onion and Cole slaw. House-made pasta, salads and sandwiches are also on the menu. Save room for dessert with a slice of New York cheesecake or a mini chocolate chip cannoli. 

Shop at Goner Records 

One of the most impressive vinyl collections around, Goner Records is a gem in downtown Memphis. You can find vintage records and today's sounds all in one place.

Grab a snack at Jerry's Sno Cones - Cordova

You can't go wrong with any flavor at Jerry's Sno Cones. Cool off with an arctic treat before getting ready for dinner. It's the perfect summer treat. 

Hog & Hominy

Hog & Hominy, led by Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman, was named one of the top new restaurants by GQ Magazine, Southern Living, and Bon Appetit as well as a semi-finalist for Best New Restaurant from the James Beard Foundation. Make your reservation to dine at Hog & Hominy for lunch or dinner to sample an array of their seasonal dishes including salads, wood-fired pizzas and shareables as well as an extensive list of cocktails and spirits.

Hi-Tone Cafe

Hi-Tone Cafe is a staple of the Memphis music scene. The music venue regularly features popular indie acts and is one of the cheapest places in town to catch a live music show is one of the can't-miss things to do in Memphis.