With its downtown on the Chickasaw Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Mud Island and Arkansas treeline vistas, Memphis is at the heart of a multi-state area known as the Mid-South. Home to over 1 million people, the Memphis metro area offers distinct blends of activities from diverse cultures.

Downtown Memphis is in the midst of an urban reawakening that is transforming the extended area into an exciting mix of residential, business, and entertainment spaces. And the greater Memphis scene is a technology crossroads – from bio/medical and research to logistics and telecommunications.

The Blues were born in Memphis, WDIA broadcast America's first fulltime African‑American radio from Memphis, historic Beale Street is alive with sound, and concerts are held at The Peabody rooftop, The Madison rooftop, Court Square, Beale Street, Memphis Botanic Garden , and Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Memphis is the fourth largest recording center in the nation. The Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Memphis, Opera Memphis, the historic Orpheum Theatre, the Germantown Performing Arts Center, several excellent museums such as the National Civil Rights Museum, the Pink Palace Museum, and The Children’s Museum of Memphis are all parts of the community. The Memphis Arts Council develops and nurtures the arts for the citizens of Memphis and Shelby County. Diverse festivals such as the Memphis in May International Festival, and a large selection of restaurants and nightspots offer pleasant diversions. And of course, Memphis is known for Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley.

Naturalists enjoy the opportunity to observe undisturbed wildlife in several preserves and parks, and Memphis has a breathtaking zoo. Hunting, fishing, and boating on area lakes are popular pastimes. The cultural crown jewel of the Mid-South, has more than 96 acres of sweeping vistas.

Sports enthusiasts can choose among college basketball and football at the University of Memphis, Memphis Grizzlies professional basketball, Memphis Redbirds professional minor league baseball, the FedEx-St. Jude Classic (a PGA golf tournament), and Memphis Riverkings professional hockey team.