My husband and I would like to plan a little getaway for President's Day Weekend. We are thinking of visiting either Memphis or Nashville, TN, and have never been to either place? Which would you recommend and why? Thank you in advance.

I'd go for Memphis. Just has a bit more something. I find Nashville kinda bland.

I've been to both. Don't know what your disposition is but I think Memphis is much more enjoyable and has plenty to do. Memphis also has the best pork BBQ on the planet. If you aren't Elvis fans and don't plan on visiting Graceland, there are still plenty of museums, galleries and other attractions. Downtown is really going through a great recovery.

Both cities are fun to visit for a couple of days, but I wouldn't blow any vacation days at either one. If you're an Elvis fan, BBQ lover or into blues music, Memphis is the obvious choice. If you're into country music, Nashville is the obvious choice.
If you're not crazy about any of these things, I'd lean towards Memphis. Visit Mud Island & Graceland during the day. Walk down Beale Street at night. See the ducks at the Peabody. Eat ribs at the Rendezvous.

I have only been to Nashville, but we had a great time. We stayed at the Opryland hotel which is like and enclosed city. We went to the Wild horse saloon and learned how to line dance. It was fun. My husband travels to both frequently on business and says there is nothing in Memphis. (That being said, he is not an elvis fan.) He said Nashville is a much safer city. That is his opinion....

I've never been to Nashville but just spent time in Memphis this spring. I'm not an Elvis fan but thought graceland was interesting. We loved the food, the music and the history of Memphis.

Nothing in Memphis??? girlonthego I think your husband must have been speaking of someplace else?? Surely one of the most moving and important historical museums- The Civil Rights Museum- is SOMETHING! Let me tell you that this was the highlight of Memphis, WOW! It's awesome.

There is plenty going on in Memphis. I'm sure Nashville is fun too- as I said I just haven't been there.

Relatives just visited both towns and unhesitatingly endorse Nashville. Btter restaurants, music scene, night spots by the river, etc. Their take on Memphis: redneck, anti-female.

I found Memphis to be a really interesting, laid back type of city. The bars on Beale St were a lot of fun, with a great vibe. We had some great BBQ while we were there and the Civil Rights Museum is a definite must-see.

I haven't been to Nashville.

girlonthego - Perhaps the reason your husband thinks there is nothing to do in Memphis is because he stays near Germantown, which is a residential area. On a previous thread you advised another poster not to stay in downtown Memphis because your husband said it's dangerous.

As a frequent visitor to Memphis, I respectfully disagree with you. (And I recall that at least one resident of Memphis did, too).

Erica - I haven't been to Nashville in years, but we think downtown Memphis is great fun. It has lots of good hotels, some good restaurants, Beale Street, the Civil Rights Museum, etc. And if you like to gamble, Tunica, Mississippi is only 30 minutes away and it's got 9 casinos.

We also stayed in downtown Memphis- it wasn't dangereous at all! But we're from Seattle so maybe we have different views on the danger stuff??

I live in a suburb of Memphis, and Memphis is no more dangerous than any other big city. Use common sense, stay in well lighted areas where there are people, and you will be fine.

antifemale? I'm wondering where you get that, betteratthebeach?

I think it really depends on what you like and are interested in doing, EricaNYC. It's like asking whether you should go to Rome or Florence. They are quite different.

Memphis has the Peabody, the river, the Civil Rights Museum, Mud Island, the new Stax records, Beale Street, Sun Studios, Graceland and great BBQ.

Nashville has the Opryland Hotel, the downtown bars, Music Row, the Parthenon, Vanderbilt University, Bluebird Cafe (where you can hear up and coming artists), etc. Also good restaurants.