For those who enjoy rock music and wonder how it all begin, look no further than Sun Studio in downtown Memphis. Located north of Beale Street and close to the Mississippi River Museum, a plethora of famous artists, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis, came to this record studio for their early recordings.
Best to go to Sun Studio
There is no bad time to visit this museum. The best advice is to keep an eye out on when temporary exhibits from nearby Graceland Mansion are going to be at the museum. There won't be massive crowds, and you will learn all you ever wanted to know about rock n' roll's early history.
Must see/do at Sun Studio
You absolutely must take the tour. Through the tour, you will hear all about how the record company began, how it recorded artists such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash and at the end you will get to pose with the microphone Elvis used to record many of his early singles.
Admission into Sun Studio
To just walk inside the building, look around the establishment and buy souvenirs is completely free. Now, to enjoy all the museum has to offer and to take the tour, that will cost you between $10-15. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free.
Parking at Sun Studio
Parking can be a little confusing if you are unfamiliar with Memphis. There is some parking behind the building that is available to the guests, or there is the option of taking a free shuttle between there and Graceland. Public Transit is also a viable option as many MATA (Memphis Area Transportation Authority) buses stop near the venue.
Food at Sun Studio
Aside from buying small snacks in the gift shop, the museum does not have a restaurant inside of it. Some nearby options will be along Marshall and Madison Avenues. Kudzus Bar and Grill offers traditional bar food at a reasonable price, and the nearby High Cotton Brewing Company has its homemade craft beers on tap to enjoy on a warm afternoon.
Insider tip for visitors to Sun Studio
If you are debating between Sun Studio and Graceland, pick this one. It's cheaper and you will get a more thorough experience. Also, if you're lucky, a former Sun Studio recording artist just might be the one showing you around the venue.
Author's bio: WIl Petty is a resident of Winston-Salem, N.C. where he works as a journalist at a regional paper. Wil enjoys spontaneous road trips, and trying the cuisines and craft beers those destinations offer. Follow him on Twitter @WilPetty.
The First Center for Visual Arts is a welcoming and charming museum that will keep your attention and break stereotypes. With a dedication to incorporating education into all aspects of the center, The Frist is an excellent destination for visitors of all ages. View Van Gogh on the same day you visit an antique car exhibit at this cultural downtown Nashville destination.
Best and Worst Time To Go To The Frist
Seniors should try to visit on the third Monday of the month, when the center offers discounts and special events. The museum can get crowded on school holidays and rainy days when nearby parks and Broadway are rained out. So if you're looking for an empty getaway, try a sunny day.
Must See/Do at The Frist
If you're visiting with children, be sure to take advantage of the many education and interactive areas of the center, especially the Martin Artquest Gallery. For modern art, visit the main gallery where a contemporary artist is always featured. Other exhibits are constantly rotating, so check the center's calendar for an updated schedule to help you best plan your visit -- although all of them could be deemed a must-see.
Admission to The Frist
Kids and youth visit The Frist for free year-round. Admission costs for seniors, students, and adults varies from $7-$15. But don't let price deter you. The center features free admission on holidays, for special charity donations, and student days.
Parking and Public Transportation to The Frist
Parking is available in the adjacent lot at the south side of the building, via Demonbruen Avenue, at a discounted rate when the front desk, cafe, or gift shop validates your ticket. Other lots are available as well, although not affiliated with The Frist. The bus line makes multiple stops down Broadway St., near the center.
Food at The Frist
The Frist Center Cafe boasts affordable and fresh quality fare for visitors. Located within the building, the cafe has gourmet-style sandwiches, salads, soups, beers, fine wine, and even a dessert happy hour. Cummins Station, within walking distance, provides other dining options, including Mexican and Asian restaurants and delis.
Insider Tips for Visitors at The Frist
Short on time? The main hallway of The Frist showcases art and is free to peruse. You can often find locals congregating there. The cafe and inviting patio are open to the public as well - providing a quaint lunch destination.
Author's bio: Rebecca Cicione has lived in Nashville for four years. She works in the nonprofit and music industries and her favorite place to be is anywhere outdoors.
