Insights and suggestion for Memphis...

I live in Memphis. We have:

I see someone beat me to it.

Beale Street
Mud Island
Sun Studio
Gibson Guitar Factory
Civil Rights Museum
Pink Palace Museum
Memphis Zoo
Overton Park
Shelby Farms
Botanical Gardens
Lichterman Nature Center

Just a few things that come to mind. We currently have ice/snow on the ground, with more expected tonight/tomorrow.

Memphis Music Hall of Fame traces the roots of music in the area including Elvis and a lot of others of the same era.
Sun Studios where Elvis was "discovered". Still has the 50's sound absorbing tiles on the walls and ceiling.
As others have said, Beale street is a must see, particularly in the evening.
Too many barbeque places to comment on. And there may be a place or ten to sample some bourbon.
Brian

Have to agree with fj12ryder. In addition if you wish, see Graceland (overly touristy) Mud Island may be interesting. Beale street could be fun, but January in Memphis can be very cold, and while they aren't known for a lot of snow, ice storms can be bad. As their own city festival proclaims it's "Memphis in May" that's nice.

As you travel east check out the Kentucky tourism site, they specifically have a bourbon trail which list many of the small batch distilleries.
Personal preference for inexpensive McKenna, for a fine Bourbon Elijah Craig.

While you are waiting for responses do Google searches for `______ tourism' and put in the city or state and read what the specialists have to recommend.

Arrive in the morning, spend a couple hours on Beale Street, visit the Peabody Hotel for the ducks, leave mid-afternoon.