Vacation rental choices in Memphis range from luxurious townhomes and condos to Mud Island homes along the Mississippi River. City center rentals are within walking distance (or a trolley ride) to entertaining Beale Street, so you dine, play and return home to your private retreat.

Yes, Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion is the celebrated Memphis attraction; but stroll along Beale Street at night, and you’ll appreciate the genuine pulse of this southern city. The city’s musical heritage runs from Elvis’ rock ‘n’ roll to sultry blues and soul. Take a tour of Sun Studio, where popular 50’s artists recorded their hits. The recording equipment, playbills and photographs resurrect the magical age of rock ‘n’ roll. In a similar vein, you’ll want to visit the “Temple” of soul music at Stax Museum, that pays homage to 60’s stars like Isaac Hayes and Aretha Franklin.

Take to the mighty Mississippi River for a leisurely Riverboat dinner or sightseeing cruise to enjoy cityscape and shoreline sights. Family-friendly Memphis combines culture, education and entertainment across a broad spectrum of activities. Gather the family for a nostalgic ride on a vintage trolley car along the Riverfront Loop or a monorail trip to Mud Island. The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel is a somber, educational stop, a museum that arose from the success of the civil rights movement, as well as the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the motel in 1968.

Folks, you’re in the South now - think soul food - catfish and fried chicken, barbeque and full country breakfasts. You’ll find it all along Beale Street, where music and mealtime go together like fries ‘n catsup. Try Pig on Beale or the Blues City Café for mighty fine pulled pork or dry rub BBQ ribs. Restaurants rival one another to claim the BBQ throne, and live music is around every corner. Gus’s Fried Chicken is another great choice for Southern fried chicken, fried green tomatoes and ice cold beer in a welcoming, laid- back atmosphere.

Whether you choose a condo in the heart of Memphis or a home on Mud Island, you’ll discover the comfort and convenience of returning to your own private sanctuary at day’s end. Plan your excursions over coffee on the terrace, and mix dining out with home-cooked meals to stretch your holiday budget. Home rentals allow you the best of all worlds with more space, privacy and amenities than any hotel could provide.