Flickr cc: Carl Wycoff, adapted by Wandering Educators

From Graceland to the hip and iconic Beale Street to fun family attractions and parks, the city of Memphis, Tennessee is always grooving. If you're traveling on a budget, there are a variety of strategies and tricks to keep more dollars in your wallet.

Beale Street. Wikimedia Commons: H. Michael Miley

Purchase the Memphis Entertainment Book

The Memphis Entertainment Book is chock full of coupons for entertainment venues, restaurants, and city stores. Don't worry. This coupon book isn't penny wise and pound foolish. You'll find substantial savings like buy-one-get-one-free: it doesn't get any better than that! The Memphis Entertainment Book is the ideal way to stretch your travel dollar.

Graceland (Memphis, Tennessee) by Alberto Cabello, on Flickr cc

Take Advantage of the City's Free Attractions

The Peabody ducks have been a marching Memphis tradition since the 1930s. Every day, a procession of handsome mallard ducks makes its way from the Peabody Hotel rooftop to the lobby and to the ornate fountain. Throughout the procession, a red carpet is rolled out and the King Cotton March melody is played. It's a delightful sight.

Peabody Duck March 28 by Britt Reints, on Flickr cc

Stroll the South Main Historic District for an afternoon or evening. There are plenty of boutiques and art galleries for browsing. On the last Friday of every month, there's a free trolley tour if you'd rather not walk the downtown streets. Take in the free art at the Art Museum of the University of Memphis. There are permanent collections featuring Egyptian antiquities and African art. .

Wikimedia Commons: Thomas R Machnitzki

Pay Nothing on Free Days

Several of the city's area attractions offer free admission on specific days of the week. If you're a Tennessee resident, you can walk on the wild side for free on Tuesdays at the Memphis Zoo. Admission to the Dixon Gallery & Gardens is free on Saturday mornings and Tuesdays. View a nice collection of Impressionistic art along with the beautiful gardens.

See the city's largest collection of archeological, cultural, and historical exhibits at the Pink Palace for free on Tuesdays. Have a picnic or visit a nature center at the T.O. Fuller State Park or Meeman-Shelby Forest, where admission is free on Wednesdays.

Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium. Wikimedia Commons: Thomas R Machnitzki

Stay at a Budget-Friendly Hotel

The Hyatt Place Memphis Primacy Parkway hotel offers great rates with plenty of amenities. Take a swim in the outdoor pool, savor a free morning breakfast, and work out in the gym. This hotel is a great value for the dollar. Save money with discount prices at the Comfort Inn's downtown Memphis location. Nestled along the Mud Island River Park and Mississippi River, there are awesome water views. Discover old south charm and budget-friendly prices at the River Inn of Harbor Town. Start the day with a complimentary gourmet breakfast and then head out to the nearby attractions, such as Mud Island River Park and the Memphis Zoo.

Pedal Boats at Mud Island River Park, Memphis Skyline in background. Wikimedia Commons: Thomas R Machnitzki

Have you been to Memphis? If so, go ahead and share your experience in the comments section below.

Author Bio: Deb Vanden Heuvel is a freelance writer for hotels, travel agencies, and travel websites. In addition, she herself is a globetrotter.