Step back in time with this tour through historic Memphis

Start your adventure back in time with the Native tribes who originally called Memphis’ land home. The Chucalissa Archaeological Park and Museum encompasses a Mississippian mound complex that was built between 1000 and 1500 AD, along with a hands-on archaeology lab and museum. Learn about the people who built these mounds, why they built them, and how the mounds are being studied. It's also a great place to learn about the tribes that descended from the Mississippians who built the earthworks, like the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Quapaw and Cherokee, some of whom still live in the area today.

The pre-Civil War era was also an important time in Memphis history. As cotton production boomed in the area, slaves were used to supply the goods under poor, often abusive conditions. Not everyone in the South was in favor of the practice of slavery, and this is where the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum comes in. It's located in a home that was used as a stop on the Underground Railroad (the network of people and places who helped slaves escape to freedom in the North). You can tour the dark cellar and twisting passageways where slaves were hidden as they made their way out of the South, and learn a ton about the antislavery movement in America, along with the man, Jacob Burkle, who operated this “station” on the Railroad.

While you're at it, stop and grab a bite to eat at the oldest restaurant in Memphis: the Arcade Restaurant. It opened in 1919, moved to its current building in the 1920s, and completed the classic renovations you’ll experience today in the 1950s. They serve a killer Southern breakfast, an awesome burger, a classic catfish sandwich, and, of course, Elvis Presley's favorite: a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich (served with or without bacon). Presley was a regular back in his day, so you know it's bound to be delicious.

You can't take a tour through Memphis' past without exploring the Beale Street Historic District. The blues, the first truly American style of music, was born in the fields of the South and came of age in the juke joints and clubs on Beale. It didn't take long for the blues to become the country's favorite music. Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, B.B. King and more got their start in clubs on Beale, riffing on traditional styles and playing their hearts out. To this day, a visit to Beale is an experience unlike any other. Stroll Beale at night and you'll hear the soulful sounds of the blues pouring out of the bars lining the street. Enjoy a few drinks and some dancing while you soak in the truly captivating experience. If you're here during the day, stop by the W.C. Handy Museum to learn about the Father of the Blues, and how he took influences from across the South and turned them into the distinctive style of music we know today. Then head to Mr. Handy's Blues Hall, Blues City Cafe, or B.B. King's to grab a cold beer and get groovin’.

Memphis is more than just the official Home of the Blues – it's the birthplace of rock 'n' roll. The iconic sound was born in Midtown Memphis’ Sun Studio, with the recording of "Rocket 88" by Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats in 1951. During the early days of rock, Sun Records was the pioneering label for the sound, and legends like B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, Johnny Cash, Elvis, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and more all made sweet music at the acclaimed studio. You can visit and see the spots where these icons stood as they recorded some of the most popular tunes of the era. Plus, get the inside scoop on what these performers were like while you're at it. They offer tours at the bottom half of every hour between 10:30 A.M. and 5:30 P.M. Oh, and it helps to reserve a ticket in advance!