Memphis Excursions

For a Half Day

Chucalissa Museum: Located on the campus of the University of Memphis, Chucalissa Museum, 1987 Indian Village Drive (tel: (901) 785 3160; website: http://cas.memphis.edu/chucalissa), is an atmospheric reconstruction of a 15th-century Native American village, built on the site of an ancient settlement. The museum features a Shaman's house and exhibits recovered from archaeological digs, such as a water bottle with a rattlesnake motif, cooking pots and dishes. The museum is closed on Mondays. It is best reached via I-55, south of Memphis to exit 7, then right onto Mitchell Road. Admission charge.

Alex Haley House Museum: Tennessee's first state-owned African-American historic site, the childhood home of Alex Haley, is located in the town of Henning, approximately 167km (104 miles) from Memphis. The Alex Haley House Museum, 200 South Church Street (tel: (731) 738 2240), contains memorabilia of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Roots (1976). Haley's burial site is in the garden. Located in Henning, Tennessee, the museum is accessible by car via Highway 51 north, or by arranging a special tour with one of the local tour operators. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 1000 to 1700 and on Sunday from 1300 to 1700 year round. Admission charge.

For a Whole Day

Tupelo: Down in Mississippi, approximately 160km (100 miles) southeast of Memphis, is Tupelo, a place of pilgrimage for Elvis Presley fans. Elvis was born here in 1935. The icon also lived in the town until his early teens. His home, the Elvis Presley Birthplace (tel: (662) 841 1245), presents a striking contrast to the excesses of Graceland. Other sights associated with the singer include Tupelo Hardware, the shop where Elvis' mother bought him his first guitar. Tupelo also has a colourful museum, the Oren Dunn City Museum (tel: (662) 841 6438) which celebrates the history of the city. It includes a comprehensive display of equipment and clothing used by NASA on flights to the moon. These were obtained with the assistance of the local minister, who had once been the minister to some of the astronauts in Houston, Texas. It is also possible for day-trippers to visit Tupelo National Battlefield (tel: (662) 680 4027), the site of the Battle of Tupelo, the last major engagement of the Civil War in Mississippi.

Tupelo is approximately a two-hour drive from Memphis. The tourist office for Tupelo, 399 East Main Street (tel: 1 800 533 0611 or (662) 841 6521; website: www.tupelo.net), provides further information.