The Metal Museum
Nestled along the Mississippi River, the Metal Museum is a one-of-a-kind artistic space dedicated to the art of blacksmithing and metal work. See over 3,500 artifacts in the museum’s permanent collection spanning over 20 countries. Visitors can watch live blacksmithing demonstrations and even take classes themselves. The museum hosts traveling exhibits focusing on jewelry, sculpture, and utilitarian metal work from international artists. The 5-acre grounds also include nature trails winding down to the riverfront, gardens, an event pavilion, and gift shop. For a peaceful artistic escape from the city, make sure to add the Metal Museum to your itinerary.
Address: 374 Metal Museum Dr, Memphis, TN 38106
Phone: (901) 774-6380
Elmwood Cemetery
A Victorian-era garden cemetery, Elmwood Cemetery preserves the resting places of many important figures in Memphis history. The tranquil 80-acre cemetery serves as an open-air museum with striking Egyptian Revival-style monuments. Notable graves include Confederate General James Chalmers and early 20th century African American photographer James Presley Ball. The grounds also provide a peaceful respite from the city with cherry blossom trees, oak alleys, ponds, and songbirds. Your group can take a self-guided tour or book a custom docent-led tour of the cemetery. Elmwood Cemetery makes for a quiet, reflective, and interesting attraction when you need a break from Memphis’ bustling streets.
Address: 824 S Dudley St, Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: (901) 722-3212
Victorian Village
Step back in time to the 1890s in Victorian Village, one of the best preserved 19th century neighborhoods in the South. The residential neighborhood sits adjacent to downtown and Beale Street, yet feels like a trip to another era. Visitors will find 48 colorful Victorian homes lovingly restored to their original grandeur. Strolling down Adams Avenue feels like traveling down a 19th century main street. Your group can book a guided walking tour or self-guided audio tour to explore the historic district and learning about the architecture and history of Victorian Village. Don’t miss the chance for an unconventional look into Memphis’ past.
Address: Between Adams Ave & Jefferson Ave from North Main Street to North Manassas Street
Phone: (901) 526-1469
The Cove
Looking for outdoor adventure within Memphis’ city limits? The Cove is an unexpected natural oasis in the southwestern corner of Shelby Farms Park. The wetlands area surrounds a small lake and marsh perfect for kayaking and canoe adventures. Rentals are available on-site. Beyond paddling, The Cove has over 20 miles of natural surface trails open to hikers and mountain bikers. Observation platforms dotting the trails provide great wildlife viewing opportunities. Experience swimming beaches, zip lines, climbing walls, and even camping at one of Tennessee’s top urban greenspaces. After a day of playing outdoors, your group can grill up dinner in one of the covered pavilions. Book a party bus or shuttle from Memphis Party Bus Company so your crew has a comfortable ride to adventure.
Address: Shelby Farms Park, 6903 Great View Dr N, Memphis, TN 38134
Phone: (901) 767-7275
Arcade Restaurant
The unassuming hole-in-the-wall known as the Arcade Restaurant is one of Memphis’ most legendary and historical eateries. Located on South Main Street in the historic South Main Arts District, the diner has been operating in the same location since 1919. Run by the same family for over 75 years, the Arcade Restaurant retains its old-school counter service and homestyle menu. Their mouthwatering breakfast dishes like sweet potato pancakes, fluffy omelets, and crispy hashbrowns live up to the hype. Be sure to try their famous sweet potato pie and lemon icebox pie. Don’t let its casual appearance fool you – the Arcade Restaurant’s classic Southern flavors will leave you satisfied. Fuel up on a hearty Memphis meal before a day of exploring the city’s lesser-known side.
Address: 540 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: (901) 526-5757
Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum
One of Memphis’ most powerful and moving historical sites sits in an unassuming clapboard house in North Memphis. This building once served as a safe house for runaway slaves along the Underground Railroad in the 1850s. Tour guides dressed in period clothing tell the stories of the brave individuals who passed through this home on their journey to freedom. Artifacts, documents, and exhibits convey the realities of slavery in Memphis and teach about abolitionism in the city. Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum provides an illuminating look into a sobering chapter of local history. No trip to Memphis is complete without paying respects to lives lost and celebrations of lives saved at this emotional museum.
Address: 827 N 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38107
Phone: (901) 527-3427
Big River Crossing
Spanning the mighty Mississippi River, the Big River Crossing connects Tennessee to Arkansas by America’s longest pedestrian/bicycle bridge. Get your group out of their bus seats and onto their feet to stretch legs and take in the breezy river views on the 4,000 foot long Big River Crossing. At the Tennessee entrance, your group will find the Harahan Bridge Visitor Center offering educational exhibits about the bridge’s history and river ecology. The “Chickasaw Bluffs” observation deck on the Arkansas side provides sweeping panoramas stretching into downtown Memphis. Throughout the year, the Big River Crossing hosts fun fitness events and races like the Big River Running’s Half Marathon.
Address: Big River Crossing, Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: (901) 576-7241
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Known internationally as the soul music capital of the world, Memphis plays host to the one and only Stax Museum. This lively museum tells the story of the Stax record label and its prolific artists who recorded here like Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T & the MG’s, and The Staple Singers. Exhibits contain original instruments, costumes, unpublished photographs, and other artifacts to teach about soul music and Stax Records’ cultural impact. Your group can even dance and sing karaoke in the studio or touch and play instruments in the immersive exhibits. For a toe-tapping, hand-clapping good time, bring your crew to the Stax Museum.
Address: 926 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN 38106
Phone: (901) 942-7685
Plan Your Trip With Memphis Party Bus Company
Don’t limit yourself to Memphis’ well-known attractions. Some of the city’s most unique spots lie off the beaten path just waiting to be uncovered. Let Memphis Party Bus Company handle your group’s transportation so you can focus on adventuring through Memphis’ hidden treasures worry-free. Our team handles everything from routing logistics to parking solutions so your outing is hassle-free. Contact us at 901-203-3181 today to start planning your unconventional Memphis getaway!