We stayed at the famous Peabody, a very good thing to do, since Memphis is pretty sketchy.
Yes, the elegant hotel in downtown Memphis, a true oasis. And of course what it is most famous for these days is the ducks.
At first the hotel was known for the fountain itself, carved out of one block of marble. But then in the 20s’ the manager and friends went duck hunting, they brought back some live ones and put them in the fountain. A few years later a tradition grew of the march of the ducks. They live in a lovely home up on the roof, and each morning they come down in the elevator and march along a red carpet to the fountain, every afternoon they go back up.
Of course it is a fun lovely production, any kids around are brought into the action. Oh, and the French restaurant on premises does not serve duck!
Then there was nearby Beale st.
We went in the late afternoon, it had a sort of forced feel to it. Two blocks, blocked off to traffic and security abounds. Unlike Lower Broadway in Nashville, it sort of felt like Memphis was really trying to keep this going.
Every city has their emblem, many do use the guitar. Not mad about Jonny Cash, although he is more country than blues.
I did find Elvis’ music note on the sidewalk.
There are cool murals around.
There definitely are many of the old buildings and may are restaurants with music. We were able to get into BB Kings’ Cafe without much wait. The food was very good, so was the music – even if it was a little loud. By the time we left the line was down the street. At least Beale St is using it’s real history, unlike City Walk at Universal Studio that has created a complete fake street. Although, after 20 some year, even city walk street is a real destination with a lot of people wandering around. They too have a BB King Cafe.
Exit through the gift shop – always and forever.
Sure, it is fun and bright at night on Beale street. I’m not upset about the security at all. And I wish for Memphis that this area would grow, but it probably won’t
Kudos to the horse and carriages. The city isn’t dying, it just feels depressed.
We went to Graceland, this was our one rainy day. No, didn’t see the home, we would have had to wait 2.5 hours – no thank you. So we walked through the museums and gift shops instead. A lot of fun paraphernalia, beautiful cars, and crazy outfits. I may have mentioned this before, Elvis’ later costumes were not at all to the standard of Nudie, but they worked well on stages in Las Vegas.
I really wanted to see the nicer neighborhoods of Memphis, not the suburbs, actual Memphis and I found some. Lovely old homes, many decorated for Halloween.
This of course was my favorite! A rainbow skeleton Unicorn!! And an American flag. I also found a nearby Middle eastern restaurant. The owner was Palestinian – and boy did he make wonderful food. One waiter was a local girl and the guy was Haitian. Have I told you how much I love America???
I understand how walking around any downtown has a grungy feel, even Nashville did. But it was more pronounced here. We then took a long walk and ended up at that Bass Pro Shop Pyramid. Here I am looking back at the bridge we walked over. There were plenty of good things to see, like a street fair with all kinds of booths – every city has these. There was a group of people who had an Alice in wonderland gathering – I know cuz I asked them what it was about. And everyone was proud to tell me who they were. So there are definite positive vibes in Memphis, but I wasn’t sorry to leave.
Finally, the cotton museum. In the old cotton exchange, that is not a real person up there – although it used to be. These days the trading of cotton futures happens online. Of course I loved this – I love textiles and learning more about the history. It’s not all bad and I love working with cotton, in my crafts and in the clothes I wear.
And interesting tidbit I learned, Delta airlines started as a cropdusting company in the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta. I mentioned that to friends who’s son works for the airline – they are going to ask him if he knew that.
From here, we go on to the Mississippi Delta itself.
Leah