When it comes to vacationing in Tennessee, two cities that come to mind are Memphis and Nashville. Both cities have a unique charm and offer a plethora of attractions to explore.
But which is better for vacation – Memphis or Nashville? Let’s take a closer look at what each city has to offer.
Attractions
Memphis is famous for being the birthplace of blues music and the home of Elvis Presley. Visitors can tour Graceland, Elvis Presley’s mansion, and see where the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll lived and performed. Other must-see attractions in Memphis include Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
Nashville, on the other hand, is known as the Music City and is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Visitors can also enjoy live music performances at venues such as the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium. Other popular attractions in Nashville include the Johnny Cash Museum, The Parthenon replica from Athens in Centennial Park, and Belle Meade Plantation.
Food
When it comes to food, both Memphis and Nashville have their specialties. Memphis is famous for its barbecue – specifically dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork sandwiches.
Some popular barbecue spots include Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, Central BBQ, and Corky’s BBQ. In addition to barbecue, Memphis also offers delicious soul food such as fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens.
Nashville offers a diverse range of cuisine with an emphasis on Southern comfort food. Hot chicken is a local specialty – spicy fried chicken served with pickles on white bread.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is a must-visit for anyone looking to try this dish. Nashville also has some excellent fine dining options like The Catbird Seat which showcases 18-course tasting menus and Husk Restaurant that focuses on locally sourced ingredients.
Nightlife
Both Memphis and Nashville offer a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of options to choose from. Beale Street in Memphis is known for its live music, bars, and clubs – it’s the perfect place to dance the night away. Over in Nashville, visitors can enjoy honky-tonk bars and live music at venues such as Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Robert’s Western World, and The Stage.
Conclusion
So which is better for vacation – Memphis or Nashville? Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re a fan of blues music and want to visit Graceland, then Memphis is the place for you. But if you’re more into country music and want to experience the Music City culture, then Nashville is the way to go. Both cities have their unique charm and offer plenty of attractions, food, and nightlife options that are sure to make your vacation memorable!