Holly Whitfield

As Nashville becomes increasingly popular (read: overcrowded) you don't want to sleep on Memphis. This historic southwestern Tennessee city – known for its fascinating history, lots of live music, and some of the best BBQ in the country (sorry, not sorry, Kansas City) – is ready for its moment in the spotlight.  What’s more, Memphis – which is known as both the “Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock 'n Roll” – is teeming with music and mouthwatering bites. After all, this is the home of the legendary Sun Studio (Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley both recorded albums here), Presley's iconic Graceland estate, and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, which is in the Guinness World Record as the "largest pork barbecue contest in the world" (FYI, it takes place each May!). Not convinced yet? A mere walk around Beale Street – which may seem like an overhyped tourist attraction but, upon second glance, is actually a local favorite as well – will undoubtedly turn Memphis into one of your favorite cities across the US. So, book a room (there are plenty of top-notch hotels in the area) and stay awhile: Here are all the best things to do in Memphis.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in MemphisRECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Memphis

Barbecue is king in these parts, and we aren’t complaining. The best restaurants in Memphis predominantly focus on that magical marriage of meat and heat, with ribs, shoulders, dry-rub wings, smoked sausage, pork shoulders, and the rest everywhere in these parts. If you love barbecue food, you will love Memphis. We’re getting a little peckish just thinking about it, although by ‘a little peckish’, we mean ‘drooling over the keyboard here, watch out.’ That isn’t to say that Memphis is 100 percent BBQ. The city has become a magnet for talented chefs from across the country, and the Home of the Blues may be the home of the most exciting foodie scene in the US. The best things to do in Memphis focus on the city’s trailblazing musical history, but eating isn’t far behind. RECOMMENDED: The best BBQ restaurants in America