Introduction
Memphis, Tennessee. When I speak the name of this city, it feels as though music dissolves into the very air. Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River, this place embodies the soul of the American South. The birthplace of blues, the cradle of rock and roll, the blossoming ground of soul music—a sacred site. The city that Elvis Presley loved, where B.B. King played, and Al Green sang.
Memphis is more than just music. It has a history of prosperity through the cotton industry and served as an important stage for the civil rights movement. The Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his final speech and was assassinated the following day, continues to leave a profound impression on many hearts.
Walking through the city, from the downtown lined with red brick buildings to the majestic flow of the Mississippi River, you can feel the Southern atmosphere on your skin. On summer nights, blues drift through the humid air, and the smoke of barbecue envelops street corners. I embarked on a two-night, three-day journey to this Memphis.
Day 1: An Evening of Arrival Wrapped in Music
I arrived at Memphis International Airport around 2 PM, via Nashville on a morning flight. The scenery visible through the taxi window as I headed into the city evoked a sense of nostalgia. Residential areas dotting the flat land, and in the distance, a green belt suggesting the presence of the Mississippi River. The driver, apparently a local, called out to me in a friendly Southern drawl, “First time in Memphis?”
My accommodation was the Peabody Memphis Hotel downtown. An established hotel founded in 1925, its substantial exterior tells the story of the city’s history. After checking in and dropping my luggage in the room, I immediately set out to explore the city.
Beale Street in the afternoon sunlight. Even while daylight remained, music leaked from various live houses. In front of B.B. King’s Blues Club, tourists were taking commemorative photos. I too stopped to observe the moment. I could feel music flowing through the city like blood.
As evening approached, the sky gradually turned orange. Walking along the promenade by the Mississippi River, I gazed at the sunset sinking beyond the water. The width of the river was overwhelming. Thinking that this river crosses the American continent, carrying the lives of so many people, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of history.
When night fell, the city’s expression completely changed. Neon lights illuminated, and music resonated more vividly on street corners. For dinner, I went to Central BBQ, a local favorite barbecue restaurant. The place bustled with locals and tourists alike. I ordered Memphis’s specialty, dry ribs. The ribs, rubbed with spices and slowly smoked, had concentrated meat flavor, and with each bite, the taste of the South spread through my mouth. The sides of coleslaw and baked beans were simple yet deeply flavorful.
After dinner, I headed to a live house on Beale Street. Entering the Rum Boogie Cafe, a local blues band was performing on stage. The guitar tones resonated through the space, and the audience surrendered themselves to the music. I ordered a beer at the counter and immersed myself in that wave of music. The music born from the performers’ fingertips was truly the soul of Memphis itself. When the band started playing “Sweet Home Chicago,” the atmosphere in the venue became even more charged.
I returned to the hotel near midnight. Gazing at the city lights visible from the room window, I reflected on the charm of Memphis I had felt throughout the day. In this city where music is rooted as part of life, what discoveries would tomorrow bring? I fell asleep with my heart swelling with anticipation.
Day 2: A Deep Day Touching History and Culture
In the morning, I savored a Southern-style breakfast at the hotel’s dining room. Biscuits with gravy, crispy bacon, and grits. It was my first time eating grits, and the simple taste of ground corn was impressive. While eating breakfast, I organized my plans for the day. In the morning, Graceland; in the afternoon, the National Civil Rights Museum.
Around 9 AM, I took a taxi to Graceland. This place, Elvis Presley’s mansion and now open as a museum, can be called the holy land of rock and roll. Passing through the gate, the first thing that catches your eye is the mansion with beautiful white columns. It has the elegant presence characteristic of a grand Southern estate.
I toured the interior while listening to the audio guide. The living room, dining room, and the famous Jungle Room. The rooms, preserved with their 1970s decor intact, convey Elvis’s personality and the atmosphere of the era. What impressed me most was his recording studio. Thinking that numerous famous songs were born here, I felt as though I was witnessing a scene from music history.
I also visited Elvis’s grave site on the property. Many fans had left flowers, and I realized how his music continues to be loved by so many people. That place, called the Meditation Garden, was wrapped in silence, contrasting with the noisy world outside.
For lunch, I ate at a diner near Graceland. I ordered a fried catfish plate. This too is a famous Southern dish—catfish white meat coated in cornmeal and fried. Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, it was exquisite when eaten with tartar sauce. A local elderly couple at the next table called out to me, “Is it good?” When I answered, “It’s very delicious,” they said with smiles, “That’s good. Enjoy the taste of Memphis.”
In the afternoon, I returned downtown and visited the National Civil Rights Museum. This is a museum centered on the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Inside, the history of America’s civil rights movement is exhibited in detail. From the era of slavery, through the rise of the civil rights movement, to Dr. King’s activities, the history of African Americans’ struggle is carefully introduced.
What remained most vividly in my heart was the recreated exhibit of Room 306, where Dr. King spent his last night. Thinking of his final night here, I felt a tightening in my chest. Standing on the balcony and looking down at the actual site of the assassination, I felt the weight of history on my skin. The event that occurred at this place had a profound impact not only on America but on the entire world, I realized anew.
After leaving the museum, I visited the nearby Sun Studio. At this small studio, called “the birthplace of rock and roll,” legendary musicians like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded. Touring the actual recording booth and thinking that music history was made here, I felt deeply moved.
In the evening, I walked along the Mississippi River again. The wind blowing from the river was pleasant, healing the day’s fatigue. The sight of the sunset reflecting on the water’s surface and sparkling was like a painting. I sat on a bench and gazed at that scenery for a while.
For dinner, I went to a rib specialty restaurant called The Rendezvous. An established place founded in 1948, the interior features decorations that evoke its long history. I ordered a half rack of dry ribs. Though a different restaurant from last night, each had its own character, which was interesting. The ribs here were more spicy, with a distinctive aroma. Watching what appeared to be local regulars relaxing as if in their own homes, I felt I understood why this restaurant has been beloved by the community.
At night, I visited the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum. The history of music labels born in Memphis, like Stax Records and Hi Records, is exhibited. Tracing the footsteps of soul music giants like Otis Redding, Al Green, and Isaac Hayes, I learned how Memphis developed as a music city.
On my way back to the hotel, I walked Beale Street once more. Tonight too, music flowed from various places. I entered a different live house from last night, and this time listened to a soul band’s performance. Enveloped in powerful vocals and rhythms, I once again felt Memphis’s musical richness. Throughout the day, I was able to touch the depth of this city’s history and the richness of its culture.
Day 3: A Morning of Farewell and Lasting Memories
On the final morning, I woke up a bit early to watch the sunrise over the Mississippi River. On the riverside promenade, there were locals enjoying their morning jog. The eastern sky gradually brightened, and eventually the sun showed its face from beyond the river. The morning sun reflecting on the water’s surface created golden glimmers. In this moment, I felt a special connection between myself and this city called Memphis.
For breakfast, I went to Brother Juniper’s, a cafe beloved by locals. Having heard it was famous for pancakes, I ordered blueberry pancakes. The fluffy batter topped with plenty of blueberries was truly exquisite. When I poured maple syrup over them, gentle sweetness spread through my mouth. At the next table, a local elderly gentleman was reading the newspaper while drinking coffee. These casual morning scenes remain in my heart as travel memories.
In the morning, I visited the Memphis Zoo. Though famous for its pandas, what particularly impressed me was the area recreating the nature of the Mississippi River Delta. The ecosystem of this region and the relationship between the river and people’s lives are carefully exhibited. Watching alligators swim leisurely, I felt the richness of Southern nature.
After the zoo, I headed to the Memphis Botanic Garden. Various plants are planted across the vast 96-acre grounds. Particularly beautiful was the Japanese garden area. The garden, with its bamboo grove, small pond, and stone lanterns, reminded me of my distant homeland. Sitting on a bench and gazing at the garden, I felt my heart quietly settling.
For lunch, I returned to downtown and ate at Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken. A famous restaurant as Memphis soul food, with over 50 years of history. The fried chicken I ordered was crispy on the outside and juicy inside, with an exquisite spicy flavor. The sides of mac and cheese and green beans also had a homey, gentle taste that warmed my heart.
In the afternoon, I visited the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Though famous for its ancient Egyptian collection, it also has a substantial collection of American Southern artworks. What particularly impressed me was the contemporary art exhibit themed around the civil rights movement. I could see how artists express historical events and attempt to convey them to future generations.
After the museum, I walked Beale Street one more time. This time during the bright daytime hours, it showed yet another expression. I browsed souvenir shops, listened to street musicians’ performances, and spent a leisurely time. At an old general store called A. Schwab, I purchased Memphis-like souvenirs.
As evening approached, I walked along the Mississippi River once more. This time it was a farewell walk. Gazing at the river, I reflected on what I had experienced over these three days. Music, history, food, encounters with people. I was able to fully savor the multifaceted charm of this city called Memphis, despite the brief stay.
For my final dinner, I ate at a casual restaurant called Fork and Knife near the hotel. I ordered a simple hamburger and french fries, which were again excellent. The thick patty, fresh vegetables, and homemade bun woven together a flavor that made me once again appreciate the excellence of American food culture.
At night, while packing, I reflected on the journey. Memphis is famous as a music city, but beyond that, it was a place where people’s lives and culture are deeply rooted. I felt profound emotion at the city’s attitude of continuing to move forward while bearing the weight of history. Though I would leave this city tomorrow morning, the memories of Memphis are firmly engraved in my heart.
What Felt Real Despite Being Imaginary
This two-night, three-day journey to Memphis, though an imaginary experience, remains in my heart as vivid memory, as if I had actually experienced it. The scenery of music echoing on street corners, the majestic flow of the Mississippi River, the savory aroma of barbecue, and the warm smiles of people I met. All of these, even in imagination, felt with a certain tangible quality.
The charm of travel is not only in having new experiences in new places. By touching the culture and history of a land and glimpsing the lives of its people, our own horizons expand. Through this city called Memphis, I was able to feel the depth of American Southern culture, the power that music holds, and the will of people trying to move forward beyond history.
Even in an imaginary journey, if you open your heart and face that land, there may be emotions and discoveries no different from a real journey. The cityscape of Memphis, the resonating music, and the memories of people I met will continue to live within my heart. If I ever truly visit this city, I would like to confirm how close to reality this imaginary journey was.
This imaginary journey to Memphis taught me that travel is possible not only through physical movement but also within the heart. If we spread the wings of imagination, we can travel anywhere in the world. And the experiences gained on that journey, even if imaginary, certainly enrich our lives.
