Memphis, TN + Add a trip

Take the Trolley around Downtown + aerial tramway to Mud Island

If you've never visited Memphis before, a loop around the old-timey trolley circuit is a great way to get an overview of all the changes and development happening in the city.

The trolley runs reasonably late (until ~11:30p) and there are day passes, but you can't buy them aboard the trolley, only at their office. Kids love the trolley, too, and they ride free.

The Mud Island aerial tramway closes the last day of October until next spring, even if Nov. 1 falls on a weekend, so we didn't get to check that museum out...but we heard good things about it's working scale model of the Mississippi River.

Very interesting place, even if you're not a die-hard Elvis fan. I can't see that's it's worth going to more than once. Let's face it; once you've seen it, it's not gonna change any time soon.

Extensive facility... Has a modest natural history museum, planetarium, IMAX theater (doesn't show Hollywood releases, only educational), a regional history museum, and a local history museum, the latter being inside the actual Pink Palace home itself. Kids will certainly get a lot out of the trip; adults too, depending on their interests. Certainly a good way to spend a half-day or better, and it's all inside, so weather isn't an issue.

One of the best museums I've ever been to. The museum guides were so passionate that the tour felt so personal. Must see if you love the American history.

The Lorraine Motel is now the national civil rights museum. Truly authentic given the color of the motel to the while Lincoln car parked outside. Although, there was a lady around the corner from the museum who was protesting against the museum. She thought the money preserving the museum should actually be spent on helping struggling neighborhoods. Fair enough. I'm sure you'll see her once you get there.

A must visit when crossing the country. I should have stopped by here once as long as I did graceland.