Memphis is definitely underrated and mostly known for its exceptional barbecue. While Graceland, the Memphis Zoo, and Beale Street are the most popular attractions, there are many off-the-beaten track hidden treasures that add to this city’s allure. Many of the city’s real goodies stay tucked away in alleyways and little side streets. Find Memphis hotels and charming bed and breakfast inns nestled close to the city’s hidden gems with Hipmunk.
Step Back in Time
Step back in time to the 1960s at the Malco Summer Drive-In. It’s one of the nation’s last operating drive-in movie theaters. Set up a lawn chair and watch the movie on an enormous outdoor screen while munching on some hot dogs and perfectly fried Pronto Pups while sipping an old-fashioned Barq’s root beer. At just $7 a per person with free admission for children under 11, it’s a great drive-in movie theater experience.
Malco Summer Drive-In
Image by duluoz cats via Flickr
Take in a show at the Daisy Theater. This circa 1936 venue features rock and blues concerts. Few know about this early cinema with its surviving Nickelodeon architecture. It features a grand half-dome and its screen and stage are on the sidewalk end that lead into small vestibules.
Daisy Theater
Image by Natalie Curtiss via Flickr
Ditch the Car
Ditch the car and hop aboard the city’s vintage trolley car to experience the slow-Southern charm of the historic downtown area. With hand-carved corbels, antique lighting fixtures, and the clickety-clack of the track, it’s a unique way to view the mighty Mississippi River and downtown landmarks. Base trolley fares are just $1 for this breathtaking experience.
Mississippi River
Image by Thomas Hawk via Flickr
Take a bus tour to explore the region’s hidden treasures like the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, National Civil Rights Museum, and the W.C. Handy Memphis Home and Museum. These are unique attractions that helped shaped American history.
Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum
Image by Adam Jones via Flickr
W.C. Handy Memphis Home and Museum
Image by Tom Bastin via Flickr
Pass on the Barbecue
Discover the secret culinary delights of Memphis. Dine at the Serendipity Team Room in the Antique Gallery, where you can dine with old china pieces and old-fashioned fare like Italian meatball soup or authentic shepherd’s pie. Even enjoy high tea in the afternoon. At Carnival Food, you can forget about the calories and indulge on huge smoked turkey legs, funnel cake covered with powdered sugar, mustard covered corn dogs, and some cold home-brewed lemonade.
Image by duluoz cats via Flickr
Find Deals on Memphis Hotels
Use Hipmunk to search for deals on Memphis hotels. From budget to luxe, hotels of all types are available to search and find what best suits your needs. The Residence Inn by Marriot is ideally located in the historic downtown area. Get one night free by joining its rewards program. Offering affordable accommodations with a range of amenities, the Holiday Inn Memphis Airport has a new restaurant and lounge, outdoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and free Wi-Fi.
Image by Brandon Bartoszek via Flickr
Author Bio
Deb Vanden Heuvel is a globetrotter and loves to write about her travel experiences. As a relocated Yankee, she currently resides in the southern town of Cary in North Carolina.
