Memphis is a city in the southwest corner of Tennessee. It is situated on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River at the western border of Tennessee. Like its ancient namesake in Egypt, this city lies above the apex of a mighty river delta. It forms a gateway between two radically different regions of the USA. To the south, lie the poverty stricken farms of the delta, the swampy bayous of Louisiana and that great European flavoured port city of New Orleans. To the north and west are the rich farms of the Midwestern plains and the northern industrial cities like Chicago and Detroit.

Due to its river location and its rich delta soil, Memphis grew rather quickly as an agricultural centre, shipping cotton to the Northern states. Unfortunately, the bulk of Memphis economy was built on the back of slave labour, so loyalties were split throughout the city. The city was captured by Northern forces in 1862 and remained under Union control for the rest of the Civil War.

It has a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons. The summer months are persistently hot. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent during some summers, but usually brief, lasting no longer than an hour. Autumn is pleasantly drier and mild and can remain hot until late October. Winter months like December are the third rainiest month of the year. Mild spells are sometimes warm with high temperatures during January and February. Snowfall is not abundant but does occur during most winters. Spring often begins in late February or early March. April is the month with the highest frequency of tornadoes, though tornadoes have occurred every month of the year.

Attractions in Memphis include museums, wonderful shopping, fine dining and entertainment.

Elvis Presleys home for 20 years, Graceland is part shrine, part museum, and all wonderfully tacky. Youll see the all white living room, the jungle den, the peacock stained glass, the 5m couch, the interior waterfall and the green shag carpeting on the ceiling.

The National Civil Rights Museum is housed in the Lorraine Motel, where the Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr was fatally shot on April 4, 1968, this museum brings to light one of the most significant moments in modern American history. Through documentary photos and audio displays, the museum chronicles Kings Contribution to the Civil Rights movement and its indelible impact on American history.

Give it a chance and come and see for yourself.