Top 10 Must-dos in Memphis

Ask any local: Elvis has never left the building. That building is Graceland Mansion, the perfectly preserved home of the king of rock 'n' roll in all its 1970s glory.

THE LIST

1 GRACELAND
Ask any local: Elvis has never left the building. That building is Graceland Mansion, the perfectly preserved home of the king of rock 'n' roll in all its 1970s glory. www.elvis.com

2 Mud Island River Park
Get a taste of what life on the Mighty Mississippi was like back during the era of steamboat travel by walking along a five-block scale model of the river. There's also the Mississippi River Museum; kayak and canoe rentals; and a monorail ride. www.mudisland.com

3 The National Civil Rights Museum
The historic Lorraine Motel, where American icon and civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King Jr. lost his life, has been transformed from scarred to sacred ground with the creation of this museum. www.civilrightsmuseum.org

4 The Peabody Memphis
This historic hotel has hosted everyone from presidents to celebrities since it opened in 1925. Don't miss the Peabody's resident ducks, which march across the lobby to the fountain daily at 11am and 5pm. www.peabodymemphis.com

5 Sun Studio
This one-room studio where the King cut his first records in 1954 packs a lot of history into a small package. Stand at the mic where Elvis crooned, and even make your own recording on vinyl. www.sunstudio.com

6 Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
This is hands down the best fried bird in the city - even GQ included this little chicken shack in its list of 10 US eateries worth flying to. 901-527-4877

7 Joseph
This is the only shop in town where Prada, Gucci and Christian Louboutin can be found side by side. The upscale boutique also features a Bobbi Brown makeover counter, jewelry and accessories. www.josephstores.com

8 The Rendezvous
Since 1948, the Vergos family has been serving up their world-famous dry ribs in a tucked-away downtown alley. With some of the juiciest pork in town, it's a favorite of everyone from Justin Timberlake to Bill Clinton. www.hogsfly.com

9 Wild Bill's
Of course, you'll want to hit Beale Street, but if it's barrelhouse blues you're looking for, don't miss one of the last authentic juke joints in town. Expect a set from the Memphis Soul Survivors and a bumping dance floor that stays packed till the wee hours. 901-726-5473

10 Cooper-Young Entertainment District
First stop: Goner Records (www.goner-records.com), chock-full of vinyl, CDs and lots of local music. Browse rare books at Burke's (www.burkesbooks.com), grab a margarita at Cafe Ole (www.cafeolememphis.com) and satisfy your sweet tooth with a cupcake from Sweet Desserterie (www.sweetbistromemphis.com).

- Mary Helen Tibbs