Guest Author - Deborah Crawford

Although visiting Elvis Presley's home, Graceland, is a must-see for most visitors who come to Memphis, Tennessee, there are some great things in Memphis that your family can enjoy for free. Here's twelve things guaranteed to keep you entertained when you visit the “home of the blues and the birthplace of rock & roll”:

A. Schwab's Dry Goods Store
163 Beale, (901) 523-9782
Schwab's Dry Goods Store, in the family since 1876, is the only remaining original business on Beale St. Schwab's fills three floors with voodoo powders, handcuffs, clerical collars, saucepans and the largest collection of hats in town. You will love this store!
Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm.

Center for Southern Folklore
119 S. Main, (901) 525-3655
Houses exhibits and photographs on the arts, music and culture of the area as well as a café and coffee/beer bar. Free live music Mon-Fri from 11:30 to 1:30. Open Mon-Fri, 11am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 12pm-6pm.

Danny Thomas - ALSAC Pavilion
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
332 N. Lauderdale, (901) 495-3508
Learn the history of the hospital and its founder through a self-guided tour. Sun-Fri, 8am-4pm; Sat 10am-4pm.

Memphis Botanical Gardens
A delight for plant lovers, featuring 96 acres and 22 beautiful gardens.
750 Cherry, (901) 685-1566
Free admission on Tues from 12 noon until 6pm.

Memphis Pink Palace Museum
3050 Central Avenue, (901) 320-6320
Museum exhibits are free on Tuesday from 1pm – 4pm.

National Civil Rights Museum
450 Mulberry Street, (901) 521-9699
A history of the Civil Rights Movement.
Free admission Mondays from 3pm-5pm

Peabody Hotel
149 Union, (901) 529-4000
The march of the famous Peabody ducks is free and takes place daily at 11am and 5pm. Afterwards, take the elevator to the roof to see the ducks' home and the wonderful views of Memphis.

Shelby Farms
7161 Mullins Station, (901) 382-0235
Largest park of its kind in an urban setting, the park offers picnic tables, sporting activities, nature trails and a home to a variety of wildlife, including free-roaming bison. Great walking trails.

W.C. Handy Park
Beale Street
Stroll down Beale Street to Handy Park which features free concerts and traveling musicians.

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Various exhibits throughout the year. Close to the Memphis Zoo
1934 Poplar Avenue, (901) 544-6200
Free admission on Wednesdays from 10am-4pm

Martyrs Park
With a majestic view of the Mississippi River, the park is home to a stunning statue commemorating the suffering and courage of citizens who tended the sick and dying during the epidemics that devastated the city in the 1870s.

Heritage Collection Art Exhibit
First Tennessee Bank, downtown.

Check out http://www.memphistravel.com for more free ideas, and for more information on the city’s unique opportunities for fun, education and relaxation.


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Memphis is most famous for Graceland, BBQ and music. You have to visit to taste the BBQ and see Graceland, but you can hear Memphis Musicfrom anywhere!