Why Memphis

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OUTDOORS & RECREATION

Memphis is home to one of the nation's largest urban parks, Shelby Farms. At five times the size of New York's Central Park, it offers everything from hiking to kayaking to horseback riding. The centrally located Overton Park offers green space, old forest trails, golfing, a dog park and much more. If you're hanging out downtown, visit Mud Island River Park, which features a unique, walkable replica of the nearby mighty Mississippi, and check out the unbeatable views of the skyline on the Big River Crossing, the country's longest active rail-bicycle-pedestrian bridge.

ATTRACTIONS

Take your pick of the best museums, art galleries and historic sites. The Brooks Museum of Art and Dixon Gallery and Gardens boast world-class collections and engaging changing exhibitions.

The National Civil Rights Museum spotlights Memphis' pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and death place of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memphis is also home to a nationally-recognized zoo and a children's museum, which offers hands-on exhibits and programs. Children also enjoy riverboat tours, trolley rides and watching the daily march of the ducks at world famous Peabody Hotel.

Need more information on what's happening in the Bluff City? Check out Memphis 100, Choose 901 or I Love Memphis.

MUSIC

Music is everywhere in Memphis. Known as the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock n' Roll, the city's iconic music attractions include the STAX Museum, Sun Studio and, of course, Graceland. Visitors and locals alike enjoy catching live local music on Beale Street and concerts at numerous venues from Minglewood Hall to the Levitt Shell, an outdoor amphitheater in the park that offers free concerts.

FOOD

Memphis is world-renowned for its barbeque joints – more than 100 in all. But the city also offers authentic Mexican, Japanese, Indian, Ethiopian and Thai restaurants, to name a few. You will also find a number of restaurants specializing in vegetarian and vegan cuisine.

Memphians love their food trucks! You'll find everything from sushi to tacos to popsicles. Visit numerous farmers markets, and local beers from breweries such as Wiseacre, and High Cotton. Don't forget cupcakes from Muddy's Bakeshop or delicious doughnuts from 24-hour operated Gibson's Donuts.

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

If you're a sports fan, you'll find no shortage of events and activities in Memphis. This is Grizz Nation. Tens of thousands of fans gather at the FedExForum, locally known as The Grindhouse, to support our Memphis Grizzlies. Our University of Memphis Tigers fans also fill the Grindhouse for some exciting college hoops.

This is Hoop City, but if that's not your thing, the Memphis Tigers play college football at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. You can also catch the Memphis Redbirds Triple-A baseball team or catch Memphis 901 FC soccer match at AutoZone Park.

The city also boasts several theaters, including the historic Orpheum, and ballets companies, an opera and symphony. And there are several arts and entertainment districts with nightlife, shopping, restaurants and coffee houses, including South Main Arts District, Broad Avenue Arts District, Cooper-Young Historic District and Overton Square.

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