Explore Memphis, TN—a city rich in musical heritage, civil rights history, and culinary delights. Discover iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and ongoing innovations along the Mississippi River.
Memphis, Tennessee: A City of Soul, History, and Innovation
Situated along the Mississippi River, Memphis stands as a beacon of cultural richness and historical significance. Founded in 1819 on land once inhabited by the Chickasaw people, the city has evolved into a vibrant metropolis with a 2025 population of approximately 607,581 residents. Memphis’s legacy is deeply intertwined with pivotal moments in American history, from its role in the cotton trade to its profound impact on music and civil rights.
The city’s cultural tapestry is woven with threads of musical innovation. Memphis is renowned as the birthplace of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll, having nurtured legends like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash. Landmarks such as Sun Studio, where these icons recorded their hits, and Graceland, Elvis Presley’s famed residence, attract music enthusiasts from around the globe. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum further celebrate the city’s rich musical heritage.
Memphis also holds a significant place in the narrative of American civil rights. The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, offers a poignant exploration of the struggle for equality. Visitors can delve into exhibits that chronicle the journey from slavery to the modern civil rights movement, providing a comprehensive understanding of the city’s role in shaping social justice.
Beyond its historical and cultural landmarks, Memphis boasts a dynamic culinary scene, famed for its distinctive barbecue. The city hosts the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, drawing pitmasters from around the world to showcase their skills. Local establishments like Central BBQ and Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken offer authentic flavors that reflect the city’s gastronomic traditions.
In recent developments, Memphis has embarked on ambitious economic ventures. A notable project includes a $12 billion investment by Elon Musk’s xAI to build a supercomputer named “Colossus.” While city officials anticipate job creation and technological advancement, the initiative has sparked public discourse regarding environmental concerns and community impact.
Memphis’s commitment to arts and education is evident in institutions like the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the state’s oldest and largest art museum, and the Pink Palace Museum, offering exhibits ranging from natural history to science. These venues, along with the city’s numerous parks and recreational areas, contribute to a vibrant community life that balances tradition with progress.
Experience the 69-mile drive along Interstate 40 from Memphis to Jackson, Tennessee. Follow the route from the edge of the Memphis metro through rural farmland, the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, and into Jackson on this smooth, scenic stretch of I-40.
Drive 65 miles west on U.S. Route 72 from Corinth, Mississippi to Collierville, Tennessee, passing farmland, rural communities, and the expanding suburbs of the Memphis metro. A smooth four-lane corridor connecting the Tennessee Valley to the edge of the city.
Take a 204-mile drive up Interstate 55 from Jackson to Memphis through Mississippi’s heartland. From the capital city to the edge of Tennessee, this route blends Southern charm, forested stretches, and suburban sprawl into one smooth highway journey.
Cruise west along Tennessee Route 385 from Collierville to Memphis on the Bill Morris Parkway. This 15-mile expressway offers smooth access through suburban Memphis, connecting to I-240 with ease.
Experience 20 miles of Interstate 40 through Memphis, Tennessee, including a drive across the Mississippi River, a bypass around downtown, and highlights of urban sights and local attractions. Perfect for travelers looking to explore Memphis from the highway and beyond.
Cruise U.S. Highway 70 for 13 miles from Lakeland into the heart of Memphis, Tennessee. Experience suburban Bartlett, the bustling Wolfchase area, and the vintage charm of Summer Avenue, all the way to the I-40 interchange.
Cruise east for 45 miles on U.S. Highway 64 from Memphis to Bolivar, Tennessee. This drive blends suburban sprawl, small-town stops, and open farmland — a relaxing snapshot of southwest Tennessee.
Cruise 17 miles along Interstate 269 from Millington to Arlington, Tennessee — passing the Naval Support Center, dotted hills, and rural outskirts before connecting to I-40 toward Memphis. A smooth bypass route blending efficiency with gentle countryside scenery.
Cruise Interstate 22 from Byhalia near Memphis to Tupelo, Mississippi. This 76-mile drive rolls through quiet towns, the scenic Holly Springs National Forest, and the welcoming outskirts of Tupelo — blending rural charm with forested beauty.
Cruise southbound along Interstate 269 from Arlington, TN to Hernando, MS for 47 miles of hassle-free travel connecting suburban Memphis to the Mississippi countryside. This outer loop is a modern bypass that saves time and treats drivers to a mix of local charm and ope…
Cruise Northbound Interstate 269 from Hernando, MS to Arlington, TN for 47 miles of bypass convenience, rural scenery, and easy Memphis access. This route blends quiet countryside with suburban interchanges and is a key corridor for travelers skirting Memphis traffic.
Cross the Mississippi River on Interstate 55 from Memphis, TN to West Memphis, AR. Filmed before the Crump Blvd upgrade, this 4-mile stretch captures the aging Memphis-Arkansas Bridge before I-55 shifts to a future new river crossing.