Long live the King! Visit Graceland, the mansion and estate of Rock ‘n Roll legend Elvis Presley. This white columned mansion currently serves as a museum, and offers visitors the chance to get a glimpse of how the King of Rock ‘n Roll lived after his rise to fame. Take a narrated tour as you sneak a peak at the Jungle Room, the Music Room and the car museum/garage. Elvis Week in August is the perfect time to dust off your blue suede shoes, coif your hair and don your best white suit. Located across from Graceland mansion, this festival features recorded music from the legend himself, as well as performances by a variety of Elvis impersonators.
Grab a cup of joe at one of Memphis' oldest and most celebrated coffeehouses. Java Cabana, located in the Cooper-Young neighborhood, serves some of the finest beverages in Memphis. Sip on some organic, fair trade coffee or tea as you share a delicious desert. Let the live music or poetry readings set a romantic background atmosphere.
Children and parents alike will delight in My Big Backyard Children's Garden located in the Memphis Botanic Garden. The huge playground incorporates its structure into nature, stringing up rope bridges between trees and sculpting plants into shapes children can play on. Cool off during the summer months with the new water features, such as the artificial thunderstorm. This attraction has all of the necessary components for some fun in the sun.
Formerly the Memphis Cotton Carnival, Carnival Memphis has been around since 1931. This annual celebration consists of a series of parties and festivals similar to Mardi Gras. During the month of June, the Carnival Memphis Association and its krewes select a King, Queen, and Royal Court to reign over the festivities, including parades and events celebrating local industries.