Places I Want to Visit in Memphis
We're making a trip to Memphis for the 3 B's: Blues, Barbecue, & Beer.
Well be leaving for Memphis in a few days. This will be my first time there, but I've been wanting to go for years. Here's my list of places I want to visit:
Updated: July 15, 2006 - There wasn't enough time to go to every place listed, so I'll have to make them a priority next time I go (definitely going back!)
Graceland - Didn't Visit
No trip to Memphis would be complete without stopping at Graceland. I saw on the Elvis website that President Bush, Inc. will be there today. If you live in Memphis and saw him today, I hope you gave him the finger.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music - Visited
Pays homage to some of the most influential musical artists like Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Aretha, Ike & Tina, James Brown, and Isaac Hayes. They also have a tribute to Richard Pryor.
Sun Studio - Visited
Sam Philip's recording studio is one of the major birth places of rock 'n' roll. B.B. King, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ike Turner, and Carl Perkins all got their start here, making it one of the most important eras in music history. Check out the website and click on "Free Tour" or go here for a video of some early footage. It's about 13 minutes long.
B.B. King's Blues Club - Didn't Visit
I hope I get lucky and he'll be there. B.B. is a living legend and I would love to see him perform.
Blues City Cafe - Visited
Across the street from B.B.'s club, on historic Beale Street. It's famous for its barbecue and they have an impressive list of past visitors.
National Civil Rights Museum - Didn't Visit
Dedicated to those who fought (and died) for civil rights. There are many people I've never heard of before. Nat Turner, Dred Scott, John Brown, or Sarah Roberts. They never appeared in my school's history books. The Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, is part of the National Civil Rights Museum.
The Gibson Lounge & Factory - Didn't Visit
Not really my thing, but I'd go anyway. Gibson still contructs handmade guitars and The Lounge has food, drink, and entertainment.
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TravelPost.com is a good resource for lodging. The ratings & reviews were submitted by people who stayed at them, so they're not as biased as the ones you find in travel books and on websites.
