Au Pair Travel: Memphis, Tennessee

Whether it's your 30-day grace period, or you have some vacation time, there are lots of ways to experience the United States during your au pair year in America. This series will give you a head start of things to do and things to see in some of the most popular cities in the U.S. Add Denver, Charleston, Austin, and more cities to your to-do list.

Known to be the birthplace of blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll, Memphis, Tennessee is a great place to live in and visit. Music landmarks dot the city, along with a strong food and art scene. Many AuPairCare host families live here and the city makes a great spot to either visit friends or meet your perfect host family match!

When to visit:

To make the most of this Southern hotspot, try to arrive in Memphis in either spring or autumn. The summer season is long and filled with tourists visiting, so you'll want to enjoy Memphis when it's less crowded in the off-season with temperate weather. Not to mention, Memphis is full of music festivals and outdoor activities! Take advantage by visiting in April-May and October-November.

Things to do and see:

• A must-see? The music scene. Make this your first stop by checking out Memphis' many music attractions. See where some of the USA's most talented musicians play, like Levitt Shell and the many venues on Beale Street, or embark on a historical tour of the most important venues in rock n roll history, such as Graceland or Sun Studio.
• You can't visit Memphis without experiencing Southern hospitality barbecue! As the Barbecue Capital of the World, you'll have to try out a few of the best BBQ restaurants in the Bluff City, including The Bar-B-Q Shop, Pig on Beale, or Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous.
• Steep yourself in the rich culture and history of Bluff City. From learning about the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement at the Civil Rights Museum to checking out its long music history at the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy!

Nearest Airport:

Memphis is best accessed by arriving at Memphis International Airport (MEM). The airport is serviced by taxis, rideshare services, and a local bus route. You can also connect to Amtrak via the Memphis Area Transit Authority. Once you're settled downtown, the MATA has a great trolley route that runs from Main Street to many local attractions, with fares at $1 each way. You can also consider a bike share, and prices start at $12 for weekly use.