Located on the Mississippi River in Tennessee , Memphis is a special attraction for musicians, music lovers and history buffs. The southern city inspires with its very special atmosphere, because the port city combines the proverbial hospitality of the south with historical features. Not only the music was shaped by Memphis, but also the story of the civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King is closely interwoven with the city. Those who decide to travel to Memphis have the opportunity to explore a unique city that manages to captivate every visitor.

In the footsteps of the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll”

The southern city of Memphis became famous worldwide, not least because of the career of Elvis Presley . The rock ‘n’ roll legend lived in Memphis from 1948. Here he benefited from the diverse musical influences and got to know numerous musical greats from the field of blues and soul. The first recordings were made in the Sun Records recording studio. Today, music fans can tour the studio. Not far from the studio there is also an Elvis statue, which is one of the most popular photo motifs in the city. But the absolute highlight is a visit to Graceland, the residence of the artist, who died in 1977 at the age of only 42.

At the age of only 22, the exceptional artist bought the property for himself and his parents and had a true palace built according to his taste. A tour of Graceland gives insights into the artist’s life and takes visitors back to a time long gone. Today, there is also a restaurant on the estate. Among other things, the famous pink Cadillac can be visited and a separate exhibition has also been dedicated to the star’s aircraft. A special recommendation is a visit to the Arcade Restaurant, a true institution in the city, because Elvis Presley ate here regularly and prefers a peanut butter and banana sandwich.

Today’s music scene in Memphis

Since 1977, Memphis has officially been able to call itself the “home of the blues” and then as now, the city magically attracted the best blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll musicians. Therefore, it is a good idea to follow the sounds of the music and spend one or the other evening in the clubs, cafés and restaurants. Because especially in Beale Street there are locations where fantastic artists are on stage every evening. In addition to good music, you can also enjoy Southern cuisine with all its special features.

But even during the day, Beale Street is one of the places to go. Different shops and music studios are lined up here. If you’ve always wanted to be in the recording studio yourself, you can easily fulfill this dream in Memphis. Music fans can easily expand their collection of sound recordings in the numerous record stores. The artists themselves also like to sell their latest records and CDs.

The Memphis Pyramid – the city’s extraordinary landmark

Memphis is simply a very special city and so it is hardly surprising that the city claims a very special landmark for itself with its pyramid. The complex, which opened in 1991, was once a sports and concert arena – today the pyramid inspires visitors from all over the world with its viewing platform. This guarantees a magnificent view of the Mississippi River. In addition, the interior of the pyramid was extensively rebuilt and an interesting shopping paradise for outdoor fans was created. In addition, ten aquariums with over 1,800 fish can be admired. A highlight is also the hotel located in the pyramid and of course there is also a restaurant in the upper part of the building, as well as the highest glass free-standing elevator in the USA brings the guests.

The museums of the historic city

The southern city presents itself with a high density of sights, so that even a longer stay in the music metropolis will not be boring. There is a lot to discover, because even away from Graceland, Memphis inspires with a unique atmosphere.

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music

On 1,600 square meters, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music offers fascinating insights into the music world of the USA. Over 3,000 exhibits, most of which are interactive, make a visit to the museum a unique experience. The exhibits include original instruments by well-known artists, original video recordings, almost historical stage costumes, unique memorabilia and, of course, lots of records by great soul artists.

The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum

As the only offshoot of the famous Smithsonian Institute, the museum is one of the city’s attractions. The museum tells the story of Rock ́n ́ Soul in detail. Located in the centre of Beale Street, music fans will also find fantastic suggestions on which clubs steeped in history they should not miss.

The National Civil Rights Museum

History was not only made in Memphis on a musical level, but also politically. The National Civil Rights Museum is dedicated to this fact. Housed in the historic rooms of the former Lorraine Motel, the museum is located south of the city center. In the former motel, the civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King was murdered. Today, the building presents itself in a lovingly restored condition, because the civil rights movement created a place of remembrance here that resembles a monument and is still dedicated to relevant topics today.

General information about Memphis

Climate

Memphis experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures in summer can often rise above 32°C, while winters are rarely very cold, but occasionally snow falls.

Sights

• Graceland: The former home of Elvis Presley and now a museum that is one of the most visited private residences in America.
• Beale Street: Famous for its vibrant music scene and historical significance in the blues, it offers numerous clubs and restaurants.
• National Civil Rights Museum: Housed in the former Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. It is a central museum dedicated to the history of the American civil rights movement.
• Sun Studio: A recording studio where legendary musicians such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King began their careers.
• Memphis Zoo: One of the oldest zoos in the USA, known for its numerous animals and exhibits.

Activities

• Music events: Attend live music events in the many bars and clubs along Beale Street.
• Cultural Festivals: Memphis hosts the annual Memphis in May Festival, which includes music, culture, and barbecue competitions.
• River Activities: Enjoy boat rides on the Mississippi River or relax in the parks along the river.

Culture

The culture in Memphis is heavily influenced by music, especially blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. The city plays a central role in the history of music and has produced many of the greatest musicians in American history.

Gastronomy

Memphis is famous for its barbecue, especially the slow, smoky ribs and pulled pork. Local specialties also include hot chicken, soul food, and various fusion cuisines.

Journey

Memphis is accessible via Memphis International Airport, which offers many direct flights from major American cities. The city is also easily accessible by car via several major highways.

In the United States of America, every child knows what happened on July 4, 1776 in Pennsylvania’s largest city, Philadelphia . In the “Hall of Independence” there, the Declaration of Independence of the USA, which was largely written by the later US President Thomas Jefferson, was signed on this day.

In it, 13 English colonies on the American continent proclaimed their separation from the British motherland. Pennsylvania is therefore considered the birthplace of the United States of America as we know it today and is also known as the “State of Independence”. Only eleven years later, on September 17, 1787, the new Constitution of the United States was signed in the same place. Today, the Hall of Independence is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also depicted on the back of the US $100 bill.

History, culture, innovation – that’s Philadelphia

But Philadelphia offers much more! Other sights include the famous Liberty Bell, symbol of American democracy, which can be found just a few meters next to the Hall of Independence. Or up what is probably America’s most famous staircase to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, whose 72 steps Sylvester Stallone once stormed as “Rocky”. Once at the top, unlike Rocky back then, you should also visit the museum’s exhibitions. Over 240,000 exhibits from a wide variety of art movements want to be admired. Other museums and galleries, such as the Rodin Museum or the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, are also worth a visit. But in Philadelphia, you don’t have to go to a museum to experience art. The metropolis is also considered the world capital of mural painting, called “Mural Arts”. More than 4000 such murals can be found on house walls and walls throughout the city.

In addition, visitors can expect a rich offer of culture, exceptional food and, of course, (almost) unlimited shopping opportunities. Because in the entire state of Pennsylvania, unlike in the rest of the USA, no taxes are levied on the sale of clothing and shoes. Shopping here is particularly easy on the wallet and makes Philadelphia a true shopping paradise with its many shops and boutiques. If you need a break, you can relax in one of the countless outdoor cafés or visit the Reading Terminal Market. The oldest still operating farmers’ market in the USA offers a huge selection of different specialties from all over the world with its almost one hundred stalls.

Green and pedestrian-friendly: Philadelphia is ahead of its time

The best way to explore all this is on foot. For the car-loving USA, this is certainly unusual. But “Philly,” as Philadelphia is affectionately known by locals, has the largest public city park system in the world, making it not only the greenest city in the U.S., but has also been recognized several times as being particularly pedestrian-friendly.

Also suitable for families: Experience Pennsylvania’s beautiful nature

But Pennsylvania is also worth a trip away from the big cities and is a real Eldorado, especially for hikers. Endless forests, rolling hills, waterfalls and lakes characterize rural Pennsylvania. Numerous wilderness trails in different lengths invite you to discover the flora and fauna. They are usually well developed and therefore also ideal for families with children. The extensive deciduous forests are particularly beautiful during the “Indian Summer”.

In the months of September and October, the leaves of the trees change colour and make the forests shine in warm yellow and red tones. By the way, Pennsylvania owes its name to these forests – and to a man named William Penn. In 1681, he was given a larger area in the American wilderness by the English king and was appointed governor there. His name “Penn” and the Latin word for forest “Silva” eventually became Pennsylvania.

Discovering and preserving tradition: the Amish people

William Penn himself was a Quaker and accordingly decreed extensive religious freedom in his new state, which attracted numerous followers of religious minorities who were oppressed or persecuted in their European homelands. The best-known group is certainly the “Amish People”. From 1709 onwards, they emigrated from southern Germany and Switzerland to America and settled mainly in liberal Pennsylvania. Even today, their descendants live there according to the rules of the religious community and are known for their extensive renunciation of modern technology and media. In the villages and farms of the Amish you can learn more about their way of life. Their language has also survived to this day as “Pennsylvania Dutch”. This is not Dutch, but a German dialect that you can understand quite well with a little concentration if you otherwise speak High German.

A special experience: the sound stones from Upper Black Eddy

About 70 kilometers north of Philadelphia lies the small town of Upper Black Eddy. But it’s not the town itself that is an attraction, but the nearby Ringing Rocks County Park. On an area of about three hectares there is a huge boulder field. The special feature: when you hit one of the stones with a hammer, different sounds are heard. However, only about a third of the stones produce sounds that are perceptible to humans. All others produce pitches that are too low for human hearing. Incidentally, it has not yet been possible to fully clarify why the sounds are created at all. If you want, you can bring a hammer with you during your visit and give your own “rock” concert.

Varied Pennsylvania – always worth a trip

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in particular have a huge cultural offer, such as museums, concerts, events and the opportunity to experience American history up close. In addition, there are countless restaurants and the best shopping opportunities. Outside of the centers, 121 state parks are great for family-friendly hiking, kayaking or biking. In Pennsylvania, everyone really gets their money’s worth!

General information about Pennsyvania

Pennsylvania, one of the 13 founding states of the United States, is located in the northeast of the country and borders New Jersey, New York, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. The capital is Harrisburg, but the most famous and largest cities are Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Climate

Pennsylvania has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and can be humid in some parts of the state, while winters are cold, especially in the northern and western regions that experience snowfall. Autumn is known for its vibrant foliage and spring for mild temperatures and blooms.

Sights

• Philadelphia: The city of brotherly love is steeped in American history. Highlights include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
• Pittsburgh: Known for its steel industry history, the city now boasts a vibrant cultural scene and is famous for its unique geography, nestled among three rivers and numerous hills.
• Gettysburg National Military Park: An important site of the American Civil War, where the decisive Battle of Gettysburg took place.
• Amish Country: Lancaster County offers glimpses into the life of the Amish community, known for its simple way of life without modern technology.
• Hershey: The city is famous for its chocolate production and amusement park.

Activities

• Hiking and Outdoor Activities: The Appalachian Trail and numerous state parks offer excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping.
• Cultural events: Attend music festivals, theater performances, and museums like the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh or the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia.
• Historical Exploration: Pennsylvania has a rich history that can be explored in many historic sites and museums.

Culture

Pennsylvania is a melting pot of cultures, with strong influences from German, Irish, Italian, and Polish immigrants, as well as a significant Amish community. This diversity is reflected in the local cuisine, festivals and daily life.

Gastronomy

Pennsylvania is known for its diverse cuisine, including Philadelphia cheesesteak, pretzels, and Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. Pittsburgh offers unique culinary creations such as pierogi and primanti brothers sandwiches.

Journey

Pennsylvania is easily accessible through major airports such as Philadelphia International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport. In addition, the state is easily accessible via a well-developed network of highways and rail services, which makes it easier to travel within the USA.

A visit to Nashville is an Elvis and country fan’s dream. The city has always been a stomping ground for up-and-coming bands, promising country starlets and music producers with the right nose – a place of dreams, the Hollywood of the American music scene. There’s even a joke about the city’s real estate ads: In other cities, expect “two bedrooms plus office.” In the capital of Tennessee , the bonus room is a music studio hidden behind the garage… and your favorite album was probably recorded there.

Music City in a nutshell: The best neighborhoods in Nashville are full of hidden gems and surprising features. From exceptional restaurants and bars to live music venues and kid-friendly activities, the city is waiting to be discovered by you.

The following five districts are the most visitor-friendly and surprise with unexpected sights. And the best part? If you stay here, you don’t need to rent a car, because you can reach everything on foot.

1. Downtown Nashville

Downtown is Nashville’s economic and tourist center, as well as the city’s geographic center. This is where the heart of Music City beats. Some say that Broadway has become a kind of bourbon street of New Orleans, and it’s true that the Lower Broad is lined with so-called “honkytonks” who belt out Western swing music almost at any time of the day. But this area doesn’t just attract partygoers. In addition to some of the city’s biggest attractions, Downtown is also home to glamorous hotels, restaurants, and great views of the Cumberland River. This location is particularly interesting for tourists who want to explore Music City on foot and without a car.

Tip: Gray & Dudley’s seasonal menu satisfies appetites, while the location at the 21c Museum Hotel energizes the soul with its sophisticated, innovative (and free) art exhibits.

2. East Nashville

East Nashville has a love-hate relationship with the “hip” nickname it’s earned over the years. This gentrified neighborhood east of downtown is home to stylish vintage boutiques and vendors of handmade goods, not to mention many of the city’s tastiest restaurants and best pubs. On its shores is Nissan Stadium, which hosts NFL football games and concerts. Neighboring Inglewood isn’t quite as densely populated, but it’s increasingly home to the same quirky restaurants and vintage shops.

Tip: Wood-fired pizza with edible flowers – that’s the kind of variety you’ll find at Folk, a seasonally focused restaurant in an old grocery store. The basement of The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club is also a great place to linger: a speakeasy that’s especially popular with vegans.

3. The Gulch

“Gulch” means “gorge” and the district was named after it: in this gorge are the railroad tracks that ran through this area. It’s perhaps Nashville’s most modern neighborhood when it comes to construction, with high-rises, hectic city life combined with retail space. The Gulch is within walking distance of Downtown, SoBro, and Midtown, but packed with attractions of its own, mostly focused on shopping, food, and drink (what else do you need?).

Tip: Gertie’s Bar is one of the few pubs in Nashville that takes its cue from the West Coast, with an impressive collection of spirits and an appealing design. Shop at Two Old Hippies, a shop selling souvenirs, guitars, clothing, and more. And because we’re here in Nashville, the store also serves as a venue for live music five nights a week (as seen in the Nashville TV series).

4. SoBro

The epithet means “south of Broadway” and this downtown neighborhood has changed dramatically in recent years. It houses the ice hockey arena, the symphony, the convention center and much more. Like its northern neighbor, it is a neighborhood very accessible to tourists, but with a slightly more unusual vibe.

Tip: No trip to Tennessee is complete without a delicious barbecue. Get your portion at Martin’s Bar-B-Que. Follow the neon sign to indulge in buttery meat.

Afterward, enjoy an amazing collection of contemporary art (all for sale) that is just as good as the specialty cocktails on the menu of this gem called Bar Sovereign. In SoBro, those interested can also learn about the history of country music. Both the Johnny Cash Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will give you an in-depth look at the genre’s roots. Whether you’re a self-confessed country music fan or not, you’ll love these cultural destinations.

5. Germantown

Historic Germantown is crammed with boutiques, chef-run restaurants, and bars that locals love to visit. The adjacent Buchanan Street is an up-and-coming neighborhood with restaurants, artists’ studios, galleries and shops. The leafy streets are perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Tip: Browse the market stalls selling locally grown goods, then feast at the Nashville Farmers’ Market.

Wood-fired pizzas and barbecues are among the favourites. The Patio Bar at 5th and Taylor is a cozy, clubby place to sip craft cocktails and make new friends. The city’s baseball team, the Nashville Sounds, play in a stadium with a guitar-shaped scoreboard and a miniature golf course just off Jefferson Street. And if you’re in the mood for shopping, Germantown is home to pretty boutiques, including Wilder, where you’ll find a variety of hip homewares.

Nashville is definitely worth a visit and convinces even non-music fans with countless curiosities and sights that will make your stay very entertaining.

Important information about Nashville

Climate

Nashville experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Average summer temperatures are often above 30°C, while winter temperatures usually fluctuate between -1°C and 10°C.

Sights

• Grand Ole Opry: A famous stage and radio show that is considered the heart of country music. The Opry offers regular concerts and is a must-see for music lovers.
• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: This museum houses an extensive collection of memorabilia associated with the history and stars of country music.
• Ryman Auditorium: A historic venue known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” which is also appreciated for its exceptional acoustics.
• The Parthenon: A complete replica of the Parthenon in Athens, located in Centennial Park, is both an art museum and a popular photo opportunity.

Activities

• Music events: In addition to the well-known venues such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, there are numerous smaller venues where live music is played daily.
• Dining experience: Nashville is known for its specific twist on Southern comfort food, including hot chicken, a spicy deep-fried chicken that’s a local culinary highlight.
• Shopping: The city offers a variety of shopping options, from trendy boutiques to large shopping malls.

Culture

Nashville has a vibrant arts and culture scene that goes far beyond music. There are numerous galleries, theatre productions and an active nightlife.

Gastronomy

Nashville’s cuisine is heavily influenced by the Southern culinary tradition, with a special focus on barbecue, soul food, and innovative fusion cuisine. Restaurants and street stalls offer a wide range of taste experiences.

Journey

Nashville is accessible through Nashville International Airport, which offers direct flights from many major cities in the U.S. and some international destinations. It is also possible to travel by car or train, as the city is well connected to the national transport network.

The USA is still one of the most popular travel destinations for Germans. The “Land of the free” has a magical attraction and attracts tourists from all over the world every year who want to discover and experience the American way of life, the endless expanse of the country and the great history of this continent. In addition to the colonial-inspired east coast, the sunny west coast and the many natural wonders in between, the south of the country also has a lot to offer. This post will introduce Houston, which is located in the southernmost state of Texas , for you.

Historical and interesting facts

Behind the giants New York, Los Angeles and Chicago , Houston is the fourth largest city in the USA and the largest city in the state of Texas. Around 7 million people live in the metropolitan region, which is equivalent to a double Berlin . However, since Texas is the second largest state in the USA in terms of area (behind Alaska), this crowd is spread out over enough space.

In August 1836, two real estate entrepreneurs from New York acquired the land and founded the city, which was finally registered on June 5, 1837. They named the city after Texas General Sam Houston, who rose to fame at the Battle of San Jacinto.

When oil was discovered in the area at the beginning of the 20th century, the city’s economic rise began and by 1930 the population had grown so much that Houston became the most populous city in Texas even before the start of World War II. Oil production is still the most important economic sector of the city today and the port is an important hub. The city also has three airports, the largest international and named after former President George Bush.

Attitude to life and atmosphere in H-Town

The Texans are a very special people within the USA and give the visitor a completely different view of the country and the world. Shaped by history and struggles for independence, the Texans have a certain pride, but without seeming arrogant. This outpost in front of the border with Mexico is characterized by robust and hard-working people, but they have not lost their friendliness and warmth. Towards strangers and visitors, a rough cordiality is displayed that has a very special charm.

After all, Texas is still known today as the land of tough guys, the state is still associated with the cattle-driving cowboys and real men. It is not for nothing that Texas has the most liberal gun law and you should not be bothered by it if you meet men in the streets who carry a gun on their belt. However, this creates a Wild West feeling that you can probably feel as alive in no other area in America as here, all nostalgia fans’ hearts will beat faster.

Attractions in Houston

The sights in Houston are unique and every visitor should definitely take enough time to get to know the facets of the city and to be able to see everything important.

Houston is home to the “Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC)”, which no tourist should miss. This is also the headquarters of NASA’s Mission Control Center, which has been coordinating the U.S. manned space program since 1961. It became world-famous through the phrase “Houston, we have a problem”, which has been often quoted and parodied since then. These facilities have also given the city the nickname “Space City” and continue to attract aerospace fans from all over the world to this day.

The downtown of the city, the city center, offers breathtaking skyscrapers as popular photo motifs and should definitely be experienced. As in any major American city, it is an incredible feeling to go shopping or eat an ice cream in the street canyons between the huge houses. In addition, downtown offers a lot of restaurants, theaters and museums, such as the “Museum of Fine Arts”, which is the largest Texas art museum.

The mall “The Galleria” is suitable for shopping, which leaves nothing to be desired, whether it’s fashion or culinary delights. Here you can shop and consume as you like a real American and experience the feeling of the big shopping malls up close.

The historic Rice University is also worth a visit, as is the bustling and bustling harbor of the city. Here you will experience the feeling of being in a metropolis that offers all the gateways to the world and is well connected.

Hotspot for all sports fans

If you love American sports, you will get your money’s worth in Houston. The city is represented in four of the five major sports leagues in the country and has one team each in the NFL (American football), MLB (baseball), NBA (basketball), and MLS (soccer). Attending a sporting event in the USA is an unforgettable experience and will get you excited about American sports. The best known are the basketball players around the Houston Rockets, who play their home games at the Toyota Center.

Key Facts about Houston

1. Overview and History: Houston is the fourth-largest city in the U.S. and is known for its significant role in the space industry, which has earned it the nickname “Space City.” The city was founded in 1836 and has a rich history that is closely linked to the oil industry.
2. Cultural diversity: Houston is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States. This diversity is reflected in the neighborhoods, gastronomy and cultural festivals. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food from around the world and attend cultural events ranging from rodeos to traditional festivals.
3. Culinary offer: The city is famous for its excellent cuisine, especially barbecue, tex-mex and seafood. Houston is also known for its innovative dining options and has been referred to by some as the “new culinary capital of America.”
4. Attractions: Top attractions include the Houston Space Center, which features a variety of space-themed exhibits and attractions, as well as the Museum District, which includes 19 museums, including the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts.
5. Leisure and Nature: Houston offers many parks and green spaces, including Hermann Park and Memorial Park. Buffalo Bayou Park offers hiking and biking trails, paddle boarding the bayou, and beautiful views of the city skyline.
6. Shopping: The city is a paradise for shopaholics with numerous shopping malls and districts. The highlight is the Galleria, one of the largest shopping centers in Texas, which offers a huge selection of high-end boutiques and retail stores.
7. Events: Houston plays host to many major events, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest rodeo in the world that attracts millions of visitors annually.
8. Transportation: Information about public transport, especially about the METRORail and METROBus system, which facilitates navigation in the city, is especially important for tourists.
9. Climate: Houston has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. This can be particularly attractive for visitors from colder regions.
10. Economic importance: In addition to space travel, Houston is a center for energy, especially oil and natural gas, biotechnology, and healthcare, which also attracts business travelers.