Headed to Memphis, Tennessee - my place of birth.
In only a few short hours we will be 'Walking in Memphis' - truly still a very groovy place.
My Memphis memories are among some of the best. As a child I remember many awards given to the city...America's Most Beautiful, America's Cleanest (IF my memory serves me correctly!). The citizens were proud and boastful because the landscape by the Mississippi was exquisite, especially at sunset, the Memphis Blues are internationally known, Memphis in May is an entire month of Memphis pride and fun with festivities on the river and I suppose nothing beats the Memphis International Barbecue contest! People visit from all over the world and the atmosphere is electric! IF you haven't visited Memphis in May OR the Barbecue contest - get your butt to Memphis. You will have a blast!
Yes, Memphis has issues. It is not the safe haven it used to be, but most major cities are struggling with crime. We are devastated by the gun violence and the amount of innocent lives taken in our city. People have to change. Parents have to take responsibility and parental guidance has to come into play when kids choose television programs and video games, but...this issue goes far deeper than that. TODAY Memphis will be celebrated by 3 generations and I want to write about the good stuff.
The ride will be here soon to take us to the airport...I will keep you posted during the weekend, hopefully, but WHEN you and your loved ones book your trip to Memphis...keep these sites in mind:
Memphis Peabody Hotel - NOT so much for the 'ducks', but sit in the magnificent lobby and drink in the splendor and grandeur of the hotel, while sipping a nice glass of French Champagne. You will be in awe. The lobby will take your imagination back to the days when this WAS INDEED the South's finest hotel. You will feel it and you won't regret it.
The Lorraine Motel Motel and the Civil Rights Museum - History. Take a walk back into Memphis' history. Not a history we are proud of, but so vital that we never forget. Martin Luther King's life was cut short in Memphis - such a tragedy while he came to Memphis to serve and protect and help the sanitation workers. He spoke magical words to a group of over 15,000 and a coward ended his life. IF you do not know the story of how segregation took the life of 2 sanitation workers...in the MOST horrific way - look it up. Shocking, absolutely disgraceful. The Civil Rights Museum needs to be on your 'Memphis To Do List'.
Sun Studio - OH MY GOODNESS...walk in the steps of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and even stand in the spot where they once recorded. It's a brilliant tour, will give you chills, and taking a look at the old recording equipment...still boggles the mind. Some of the GREATS STILL record here today.
Don't forget STAX Museum - Both of these studios will give you a real, feel for Memphis' music scene. It is operated by Soulsville, USA; that fact alone should be enough to peak your interest! Ha!
Graceland - Yes, literally millions visit Memphis each year to see Elvis' home alone. Now we boast a brand new Graceland Hotel - how about that? Many visitors have commented and scorned the musicians' taste and style of his home, but...you have to remember...the home is set in time, back when plastic plants and a jungle room would be anyone's desire! ??? (I suppose!) Anyway, keep an open mind. Read Elvis' history. There will never be another like him. Enjoy. It's nostalgic.
Okay...our ride rang and he is moments away. I'm going to quickly list other places/sites I adore. Ask any Memphian and you could get a totally different list or view. Memphians LOVE talking about their city. There is, however, a tinge of sadness when speaking with citizens because they/we are fed up with the violence and crime and it doesn't seem to be abating.
Here we go:
Cocktails at sunset on top of The Madison Hotel - exceptional.
The Rendezvous - Downtown Memphis - historical gem of a place...
Central BBQ - Superb barbecue and the owners are outstanding.
Folk's Folly - BEST steak house in Memphis - We call it The Original. Go. You will not be sorry.
The Ornamental Metal Museum - Downtown, quirky, and and all artists or people with an artistic
mindset will appreciate this place.
The Dixon Art Gallery AND GARDENS during Spring.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and while you are there, check out Overton Park and, of course,
The Memphis Zoo, too.
Bass Pro Shop - outrageous, NOT MY CUP OF TEA...however, having said that, stand in the queue and go up to the roof on the elevator which is THE TALLEST FREESTANDING elevator in the nation. That alone is FUN! But, once you reach the top you can have a mean Bloody Mary and walk around the perimeter taking in outstanding, stunning views of the skyline, the mighty Mississippi, and the Memphis Bridge. You don't know how CRAZY this entire place is until you see for yourself.
Botanical Gardens.
Memphis Shell concerts - outdoor amphitheater; has been resurrected - free concerts/Spring and Summer - check them out. Bring your own stuff!
Overton Square. I saw Billy Joel there in my late teens at Layfayette Music Room! YAY~! Happy to say Leon Russell performed one of his last concerts only a few years back and we enjoyed it immensely.
The NEW and VIBRANT Shelby Farms - lush and lovely and GREAT FOR MEMPHIS.
Soooo much more to say. The river walk in downtown Memphis and ALL of downtown Memphis is worth 2 days alone. Yes, of course, Beale Street. The music will take you to a very special place in your heart and mind. Drink. Enjoy. Be. Vigilant. Stay. Safe. We want you to return.
I will be in touch. Memphis, Tennessee lives in my heart eternally.
Posted with pride and nostalgia.
Blanco, typing with a Southern Accent.
'See Ya'll - Ya'll Come Back Now, Ya Hear?'
The Roaming Stevens
- EXCUSE ALL TYPOS - will fix later.
My Memphis memories are among some of the best. As a child I remember many awards given to the city...America's Most Beautiful, America's Cleanest (IF my memory serves me correctly!). The citizens were proud and boastful because the landscape by the Mississippi was exquisite, especially at sunset, the Memphis Blues are internationally known, Memphis in May is an entire month of Memphis pride and fun with festivities on the river and I suppose nothing beats the Memphis International Barbecue contest! People visit from all over the world and the atmosphere is electric! IF you haven't visited Memphis in May OR the Barbecue contest - get your butt to Memphis. You will have a blast!
Yes, Memphis has issues. It is not the safe haven it used to be, but most major cities are struggling with crime. We are devastated by the gun violence and the amount of innocent lives taken in our city. People have to change. Parents have to take responsibility and parental guidance has to come into play when kids choose television programs and video games, but...this issue goes far deeper than that. TODAY Memphis will be celebrated by 3 generations and I want to write about the good stuff.
The ride will be here soon to take us to the airport...I will keep you posted during the weekend, hopefully, but WHEN you and your loved ones book your trip to Memphis...keep these sites in mind:
Memphis Peabody Hotel - NOT so much for the 'ducks', but sit in the magnificent lobby and drink in the splendor and grandeur of the hotel, while sipping a nice glass of French Champagne. You will be in awe. The lobby will take your imagination back to the days when this WAS INDEED the South's finest hotel. You will feel it and you won't regret it.
The Lorraine Motel Motel and the Civil Rights Museum - History. Take a walk back into Memphis' history. Not a history we are proud of, but so vital that we never forget. Martin Luther King's life was cut short in Memphis - such a tragedy while he came to Memphis to serve and protect and help the sanitation workers. He spoke magical words to a group of over 15,000 and a coward ended his life. IF you do not know the story of how segregation took the life of 2 sanitation workers...in the MOST horrific way - look it up. Shocking, absolutely disgraceful. The Civil Rights Museum needs to be on your 'Memphis To Do List'.
Sun Studio - OH MY GOODNESS...walk in the steps of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and even stand in the spot where they once recorded. It's a brilliant tour, will give you chills, and taking a look at the old recording equipment...still boggles the mind. Some of the GREATS STILL record here today.
Don't forget STAX Museum - Both of these studios will give you a real, feel for Memphis' music scene. It is operated by Soulsville, USA; that fact alone should be enough to peak your interest! Ha!
Graceland - Yes, literally millions visit Memphis each year to see Elvis' home alone. Now we boast a brand new Graceland Hotel - how about that? Many visitors have commented and scorned the musicians' taste and style of his home, but...you have to remember...the home is set in time, back when plastic plants and a jungle room would be anyone's desire! ??? (I suppose!) Anyway, keep an open mind. Read Elvis' history. There will never be another like him. Enjoy. It's nostalgic.
Okay...our ride rang and he is moments away. I'm going to quickly list other places/sites I adore. Ask any Memphian and you could get a totally different list or view. Memphians LOVE talking about their city. There is, however, a tinge of sadness when speaking with citizens because they/we are fed up with the violence and crime and it doesn't seem to be abating.
Here we go:
Cocktails at sunset on top of The Madison Hotel - exceptional.
The Rendezvous - Downtown Memphis - historical gem of a place...
Central BBQ - Superb barbecue and the owners are outstanding.
Folk's Folly - BEST steak house in Memphis - We call it The Original. Go. You will not be sorry.
The Ornamental Metal Museum - Downtown, quirky, and and all artists or people with an artistic
mindset will appreciate this place.
The Dixon Art Gallery AND GARDENS during Spring.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and while you are there, check out Overton Park and, of course,
The Memphis Zoo, too.
Bass Pro Shop - outrageous, NOT MY CUP OF TEA...however, having said that, stand in the queue and go up to the roof on the elevator which is THE TALLEST FREESTANDING elevator in the nation. That alone is FUN! But, once you reach the top you can have a mean Bloody Mary and walk around the perimeter taking in outstanding, stunning views of the skyline, the mighty Mississippi, and the Memphis Bridge. You don't know how CRAZY this entire place is until you see for yourself.
Botanical Gardens.
Memphis Shell concerts - outdoor amphitheater; has been resurrected - free concerts/Spring and Summer - check them out. Bring your own stuff!
Overton Square. I saw Billy Joel there in my late teens at Layfayette Music Room! YAY~! Happy to say Leon Russell performed one of his last concerts only a few years back and we enjoyed it immensely.
The NEW and VIBRANT Shelby Farms - lush and lovely and GREAT FOR MEMPHIS.
Soooo much more to say. The river walk in downtown Memphis and ALL of downtown Memphis is worth 2 days alone. Yes, of course, Beale Street. The music will take you to a very special place in your heart and mind. Drink. Enjoy. Be. Vigilant. Stay. Safe. We want you to return.
I will be in touch. Memphis, Tennessee lives in my heart eternally.
Posted with pride and nostalgia.
Blanco, typing with a Southern Accent.
'See Ya'll - Ya'll Come Back Now, Ya Hear?'
The Roaming Stevens
- EXCUSE ALL TYPOS - will fix later.
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