What to do in Memphis while house and pet sitting

Not sure what to do in Memphis? We've got plenty of suggestions. From hiking in lush parks to sampling some of the finest southern cuisine, there's something for everyone in this legendary city. Music and history buffs will be the most impressed.

Memphis played a huge role in the history of blues and rock 'n' roll – with Elvis Presley, B.B. King and Johnny Cash all honing their craft here. When you're house and pet sitting in Memphis, take time out of your busy schedule to discover these sights and sounds.

Memphis attractions

There are lots of things to do and see in Memphis, with interactive museums and historic buildings giving you a glimpse into the city's vibrant history. These are some of our favourites.

1. Stax Museum of American Soul Music: This museum tells the story of Stax Records – the famous studio where Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding and The Delfonics laid down tracks. Exhibits include a reassembled 1900's Mississippi Delta church, a recreation of Studio A and its famous sloped floor, and Isaac Hayes' custom Cadillac Eldorado. Part of his renegotiated deal with Stax, the pimped-up ride includes a 24-carat gold trim and a refrigerated mini-bar. If the music moves you, head to the dance floor and let the vintage episodes of Soul Train provide some inspiration.

2. Victorian Village: This small enclave of 19th Century mansions was once nicknamed "Millionaire's Row", back when its buildings were home to cotton magnates and riverboat tycoons. Today many are open to the public as museums, hotels and eateries. See how the other half lived at the Mallory-Neely House – with its original 1890's furniture – before retiring to the Mollie Fontaine House for a nightcap. This popular bar has live music at the weekend, and is named after the ghost said to haunt the Woodruff-Fontaine House. 

3. Blues Hall of Fame: Opened in 2015, this gem of a museum is dedicated to the genre's biggest names. As well as highlighting its 400+ inductees, the Blues Hall of Fame also aims to educate and entertain visitors with in-depth information about the music and its culture. This multi-sensory experience includes music and video, as well as memorabilia and artefacts. There's also a temporary gallery upstairs, with new exhibits every four months.

Free things to do in Memphis

You don't need to have pockets as deep as Elvis to enjoy your stay in Memphis. These free things to do will help to keep you entertained, no matter how tight a budget you're on.

1. Peabody Ducks: One of the most fun things to do in Memphis is also free. Every day at 11am, crowds gather in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel as five ducks are led from their "Duck Palace" on the roof to the lobby's fountain. The mallards waddle along the red carpet to the tune of John Philip Sousa's King Cotton March, before spending the day wallowing in the fountain. At 5pm, they're led back upstairs. It all started in 1933, when the General Manager at the time had a little too much bourbon and decided it would be funny to let some ducks swim in the fountain. It's been a tradition ever since.

2. Beale Street: Known as the "home of the blues'', Beale Street runs through Downtown Memphis and is the go-to place for evening entertainment. This iconic street has three blocks of bars and restaurants – all with a mix of music blasting out from the neon-lit fronts. For the price of a drink, you can watch jam sessions. It's a great spot for people-watching. Look out for the famous Beale Street Flippers, a street performance group performing eye-popping acrobatic stunts. 

3. Shelby Farms Park: If you need to escape the noise, head east for a stroll, hike or cycle around Shelby Farms Park. This sprawling green space is more than five times bigger than New York City's Central Park. If you're pet sitting, you'll be happy to hear there's a huge 100-acre off-leash area known as The Outback. Four-legged companions can romp freely in the grass and swim in the lake, and there's a wash station to clean them up afterwards.

Fun things to do in Memphis

With its musical history and buzzing atmosphere, there's no doubt that Memphis can be a fun place to visit. These attractions are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

1. Sun Studio: One of the most popular Memphis tourist attractions, Sun Studio is where Elvis Presley first took the microphone back in 1954. This famous studio also launched the careers of legends like Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison. It's no wonder it's known as "the birthplace of rock 'n' roll". Guided tours are available every half hour where you can hear outtakes from recording sessions… and even touch Elvis' first mic!

2. Graceland: One of the most popular things to see in Memphis is, of course, Graceland. The famous mansion was Elvis Presley's Memphis home, and is now a 120 acre museum dedicated to his life and career. As well as his personal memorabilia – like gold records and bejewelled jumpsuits – the museum also has a range of interactive exhibits. Step into Elvis album covers and movie posters, play the interactive LED dance floor quiz, or enjoy an augmented reality serenade from the King himself.

3. Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum: The Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum on Beale Street is a celebration of the artists and bands that put the city on the map. From rural field workers in the 1930's to world-famous names in 1970's, it tells the story of the musical pioneers who broke through race and class barriers to create the famous Memphis sound. This intriguing exhibition particularly looks at how civil rights and music intersect.

What to do in Memphis with pets

Visiting Memphis attractions is even better with a pet by your side. If you're dog sitting in Memphis, you don't need to leave your new buddy at home. The following places will offer a warm welcome to both you and your four-legged friend. 

1. Railgarten: With its tiki bar, ping pong tables and eclectic array of live music and movie screenings, Railgarten is one of the best places to spend a day in Memphis. Best of all, leashed dogs are more than welcome in all of the outdoor areas. Kick back in the hammocks and lounge chairs, cosy up beside the fire pit or get competitive playing lawn games like corn hole. If you get peckish, you'll find vendors offering snacks, tacos and sandwiches.

2. High Cotton Brewing Taproom: Memphis' most dog-friendly bar even has an Instagram account dedicated to its four-legged patrons. For humans, there's a rotating selection of craft beer on tap, brewed by High Cotton themselves. Choose from the likes of Scottish Ale, Mexican Lager, IPA, Chocolate Stout and Pilsner. 

3. Overton Bark: One of the best dog parks in Memphis, Overton Bark has plenty to keep your doggy pal occupied. There are fountains to splash in, obstacles to bound over and plenty of clean-up stations in case things get muddy. There are separate areas for large and small dogs, so if you're looking after a small pooch you don't have to worry about them becoming overwhelmed. Humans can relax on the natural log benches and chat while the pups play.

Best restaurants in Memphis

After music, food and drink is what Memphis does best. Especially if you're a fan of barbeque. There are tonnes of great places to grab a bite, with or without a dog in tow, and these are some of the top destinations.  

1. Felicia Suzanne's: For a fine dining twist on classic southern cuisine, look no further than Felicia Suzanne's. This stylish eatery has been serving a mash-up of Gulf Coast seafood, Creole cuisine and Charleston low-country dishes for more than two decades. The farm-to-fork menu includes market-fresh dishes like bacon and fried green tomato salad, grits served with wild Gulf shrimp, and crispy gulf oysters with New Orleans barbecue sauce.

2. Cozy Corner Restaurant: One of the best places to eat barbeque in Memphis, Cozy Corner has been serving hungry customers since 1977. Choose from ribs, wings, chicken, game hen and rib tips – served with sides like BBQ beans, or on a slaw-slathered sandwich. The real seal of approval? Owner Desiree Robinson was inducted into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2020. 

3. The Beauty Shop: With hooded Belvedere hair dryers suspended above the seating, this eclectic restaurant really leans into its past as Priscilla Presley's go-to beauty salon. Dishes are delightfully different – think espresso honey lamb chops with rosemary pecan crust, or Oaxacan cheese tamales with mole, mango and tomatillo salsa. 

House and pet sitting in Memphis

An unmatched combination of lip-smacking food and body-shaking music makes Memphis one of the south's most fun destinations for a city break. Even if you're not a fan of the blues, there are plenty of outdoorsy attractions to keep you – and your pet sit pals – entertained. Sound like your kind of adventure? Browse house and pet sits in Memphis.