Memphis is great for senior visitors, offering a mix of old Southern charm, antebellum mansions, historic sites, music history and fine dining. Average December daytime temperatures are in the mid-50s, and nights in mid-30s. Memphis International Airport is world headquarters of FedEx. Delta, American, Continental and US Airways also serve Memphis.

The venerable Peabody Hotel attracts families for the daily duck parade from the lobby at 11 am. It’s within easy walking distance to Beale Street, Rock N Soul Museum, National Civil Rights Museum and Convention Center. www.peabodymemphis.com

Four Way Restaurant is the place for authentic soul food and traditional Southern cooking. The fried catfish, black-eyed peas and sweet potato pie are outstanding. The Southern-fried chicken is a delight, and you can actually get fried green tomatoes. fourwaymemphis.com

Graceland is a must for Elvis fans. The elegance and memories of how The King of Pop lived in luxury after rising from poverty. The Sun Studio is a Memphis shrine to many famed musicians, including Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis. Elvis recorded his first song there.

Pink Palace Museum portrays the city from Civil War town to today’s business and medical metropolis of half a million residents.

The National Civil Rights Museum was once the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King was assassinated. It has collections of King’s private papers and Civil Rights artifacts. There are tours, educational programs and special events.

Beale Street is where the blues were born a century ago. Daytime, it’s a family touristy place, with souvenir shops, street musicians and a variety of Southern-style restaurants. Nightly, Beale Street is an adult playground, with bars, dance clubs and lots of loud music. www.memphistravel.com