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In all honesty, don't set your sights too high with regard to Memphis. The areas around Graceland (with the exception of Graceland)are actually very dangerous. Make sure you know exactly where you are going within in the city before you go there, because the roads are confusing and a wrong turn could get you in deep trouble. Bottomline, this ain't the Memphis Elvis would remember. But as far as BBQ is concerned, Corky's is a Memphis BBQ icon, but I think Topps is probably a little more "authentic". There are several of both within the city.

If you can afford to stay at the Peabody, stay there-- a beautiful Grand Hotel.

Don't stay at a motel near Graceland.

The Memphis Redbirds might have a home baseball game going at AutoZone Park. Or check the events at FedEx Forum, might be a concert or something. Also the Orpheum has events and is a wonderful, majestic sight in itself.

You can ride down the Mississippi River on a big paddleboat cruise.

For something besides BBQ, eat at Stella Restaurant for great food (preferably at night--the interior is a beauty). For really expensive (and delicious) steaks, eat at Folk's Folly.

Corky's has great BBQ, but so does the Commissary (out in the suburb of Germantown).

The Brooks Museum is interesting if you want to see some art. And the Pink Palace Museum gives more the history of Memphis.

Hope y'all have a great time, whatever you do.

I have to ditto the advice you've been given so far. Add in keep your car doors LOCKED at ALL times. Keep alert, there are reports that the parking area of the Peabody that while it is patroled is still a dangerous spot to park or be. The area around Graceland is dangerous so do your mall shopping at the Wolfchase in Germantown. It's the biggest and cleanest mall. There is the tourist shops connected to Graceland that are safe but don't wander to far.

Corky's, Rondevous (sp?) are the best BBQ, the Rondevous is downtown, the area is questionable in my opinion. Corky's has a place on Germantown Parkway, down a few miles from Wolfchase.

There is the Pink Palace, Licterman Nature Center, Beale street if you are into the bar scene and of course the Zoo and the Pandas. But Graceland is the 'Jewel' of Memphis' tourism.

In other words treat Memphis like you would any large city that has a high CRIME problem with a government more intent on racial continuing racial disharmony and graft than on dealing with bad schools, drugs, gangs and high violent crime rates.