Tunica MS/Memphis Info

[jgates]

Well....vacation destination appears to have changed slightly from the original destination of Michigan.

We may now be headed to Tunica/Memphis for a few days at the end of September. (Followed by a couple nights in St. Louis on the way back).

Looking for suggestions for this area. On our previous trip we did the following:

Tunica Riverpark & Museum (currently under repair)
Beale St
Gibson Factory Tour
Rock N Soul Museum
Sun Studios

We have considered doing the Gibson tour again but on a weekday so we can see actual operations. Possibility of doing Graceland, but it's not highest priority on the list. And would like to catch the ducks at Peabody this time (we were so engrossed in the RnS Museum we didn't pay attention to time last trip!). Maybe the Civil Rights site?

Looking for your suggestions for other fun things to do. We REALLY wanted to do the Tunica Riverpark again, but their website said they are still closed for repairs from the flooding. If you are from that area, have you heard any projected reopening date? And has anyone visited the regular Tunica Museum? Is it worth a stop?

Hotel will probably be the Tunica Roadhouse or Horseshoe (mostly comped so its worth the drive down to there).

Also not adverse to driving an hour or two any direction if there is something of note that you think might be worthwhile. Don't need any suggestions for St. Louis as I think our trips there have exceeded the number of fingers & toes I have, lol!!!

 

[C-CMom]

Memphian here...what ages of family members for your trip?

For little kids, I would consider Children's Museum of Memphis and/or the Fire Museum. For older kids and adults - Pink Palace Museum (with planetarium and IMAX). Yes, the Civil Rights Museum is worth some time. The Zoo is really quite nice for all ages.

In the spirit of the Budget Board -
Do you have or know about Entertainment coupon books? The Memphis edition has many coupons for some of the venues you listed (most buy one admit, get one free). They've had some great deals on cheap books from last season with cheap or free shipping lately. Several of those locations have "free days" or "free times" (not all clearly post this on their website - could be worth a call to ask). The Zoo has a free time for TN residents only. The Zoo, Children's Museum, and Pink Palace participate in reciprocal memberships with others in the country (so if you are a member of your own local facility, you may get free or reduced entrance).

 

[jgates]

Hi - Thank you for the info. We will be two adults going (51 & 49). I normally travel alone so usually don't do the entertainment book venue. So many of their items are BOGO.

We currently do not have a membership to any zoos - we live in the middle of rural west central Wisconsin - nothing around us at all. I am not currently subscribing to the Smithsonian, so we don't get the discounts for the Rock N Soul museum.

Depending on the restaurants listed in the EB, it might have potential, as I would expect we would do 3 evening meals, of which one would be at the buffet at Horseshoe & two possibly in downtown Memphis (or one there & one off at another location if we wander). Last trip we ate lunch at a smaller BBQ joint on Beale & supper at BB Kings (which we really enjoyed).

 

[distherapy]

I love the Stax Museum. The Civil Rights Museum is really amazing-I'd add it to your list. The Zoo really is great for all ages, too.

You could explore the Delta and visit Clarksdale or Greenwood...

 

[billa]

Hi,

I was born in Memphis and lived there about 30 years (so that means we have been gone about 30 years too ..grin) We still visit pretty often so I guess I feel semi-qualified to comment.

I agree with the zoo suggestion. For the size city that Memphis is, it's a great zoo.

There is always something to do on Beale Street.

I LOVE Memphis soul music but (unless something has changed) the area of town around the Stax Museum is pretty rough.

The Memphis Museum that people have suggested used to be called the "Pink Palace". It has a very interesting past and the museum itself has some interesting exhibits.

The "Ducks in the Fountain" ceremony at the Peabody Hotel is worth doing just to be able to say that you did it.

Unless you are a big Elvis fan, I'm not sure I would go to Graceland.

Hope this helps.

 

[SnowWhite12]

Children's Museum not worth the money. Most things are usually broken whenever we used to go. I would highly recommend the Pink Palace museum. Very interesting. My kids even like it. Our Memphis Zoo is really nice, also!

 

[horseshowmom]

I concur with most of the suggestions already made. Since it's the Budget board, I'll add that you can find some good options on restaurant.com. Be sure to google for discount codes.