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Gape at Gold Pianos, Or Look at Art Instead

WALKING IN MEMPHIS

So you've finally experienced the ultimate in Elvismania--Graceland.

You've gaped in awe at the gold piano, carefully scrutinized the Jungle Room and paid a visit to Sun Studios, where he recorded those famous tunes.

You step outside into the bright sunlight, blink for a second and realize that you have days left in Memphis, Tennessee. What do you do now?

For your information, there's more to Memphis than Elvis and Graceland.

If you've just left Graceland, your first stop should be the Great American Pyramid, Memphis' new sports coliseum on the banks of the Mississippi right nearby. And if it's summer, glide over the river on the monorail and enjoy yourself in the Riverwalk at Mud Island.

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The Mid-America Mall, the world's largest pedestrian mall, is also right in the area for mall rats who need a change of pace.

The famous Peabody Hotel is right around the corner. Check it out at 11 a.m. or 5 p.m. to see a few very well-trained ducks march on a red carpet to the lobby's fountain and swim around.

For museums, get on Poplar Avenue and head toward the Pink Palace Museum--one of the few museums in the world that still has lots of buttons to PUSH. If you visit in late spring, they'll have much-hyped Etruscan exhibit. If not, stop by on a weekend and see the miniature circus.

Don't miss the National Civil Rights Museum, near downtown Memphis. Cybill Shephard and Jesse Jackson aren't there anymore, but it's still a great place to spend an afternoon.

History buffs should also drop by the Chucalissa Indian Reservation and view some real sand paintings.

Tired of the museums? Stop in at just one more, the Brooks Art Gallery in Midtown, on your way to the Memphis Zoo. Enter through a very ostentatious, very Egyptian entrance gate and spend the day gawking at animals.

If you need a break from the touring, try a picnic of just a walk in Overton Park--just watch out for stray golf balls.

You'll probably get hungry at some point during your stay in the city. No problem. Memphis has plenty of fine dining establishments. Just don't leave Memphis without experiencing Memphis barbecue. The downtown Rendezvous, which delivered ribs to the King himself, boasts atmosphere, but Corky's, on the other side of town, has better food.

If you just want a quick bite, hit Huey's on Madison for a burger or get a brownie a la mode at the North End.

You can get terrific Cajun food for a great price at Cafe Roux. If money is no object, get dressed up and head out to Dux or Chez Phillipe in the Peabody Hotel.

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