Blogs from Memphis, Tennessee, United States, North America

Day one had us driving through Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi on our way to Memphis, Tennessee. Lunch was courtesy of Buccee's because that is the only way to start a road trip! The drive was easy and we had great weather until we hit Memphis. Due to some sportsball game being on, Scott stayed at the hotel with Millie (our dog) while James and I went on an adventure. About 15 minutes away, in Bellevue, is Bellevue Baptist Church. It is HUGE and not easily missed. They offer a large, indoor playground that is free for anyone to come play. It was a great way for James to run off some energy. All in all a successful, albeit not super exciting day. ... read more

Here are three dying or dead tourist sites: Graceland, the mansion-museum where Elvis Presley lived for 20 years, is facing financial troubles after the pandemic. The estate has welcomed over 20 million fans since it began its second life as a museum, giving a glimpse into the life of the musical legend. However, post-COVID, revenue has reduced, and it has defaulted on its bonds. It may not be a death sentence for the famous tourist attraction—travel has picked up considerably this year, and the new movie Elvis is generating new interest in the King—but it’s a sign of the times. If you have been there, it is quite a spectacle, even if you are... read more

The Memphis BBQ Food Scene is very much a large part of The River City. A BBQ joint is seemingly on every corner and fills every nook and cranny of Memphis. Although larger cities probably have more BBQ places, Memphis certainly has the largest rib joint to per capita percentage in the nation. With just under one million residents in Memphis and surrounding suburbs, that is a bold statement, just like some of the sauces we tasted! Just thinking about it can make your mouth water….superbly slow-cooked meat with a sauce that is just this side of heaven. Meat that literally falls off the bone, having been subjected to several hours of magical heat made possible utilizing the finest wood available. Such is the artistry of preparing barbequed ribs. With great pride many states claim to ... read more

We had an extra half day in Memphis which was very welcome as there is so much to see and do. The bad news is that we can’t get up to Red Wing and Minneapolis because of the flooding. A number of the docks in the towns we were scheduled to stop at are under water. The good news is that we have an alternative - shortly we will be changing course and sailing up the Ohio River and finishing on the same date in Cincinnati. The riverboat company will just change our flight from Minneapolis to Chicago to Cincinnati to Chicago. I have to say I am not surprised as the river has risen a few inches as we have been sailing north instead of receding as expected. So a new adventure awaits us. One ... read more

Today we drove to Memphis. We left, as usual, 3 hours past the time we thought we would, but the drive was beautiful. It was sunny and 71 degrees. Once we got through the Arkansas mountains, it was all flat cotton fields as far as the eye could see. The cotton looked ready to be picked with the full, fluffy branches. Neither of us had been down this way in years so it was neat to see again. We drove most of the way with the windows half down. We stopped in Jonesboro, Arkansas (population around 67,000) at a small Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market so Kamie could use the bathroom and he grabbed a hot dog at the deli. He’s a cheap date - $1 hot dog with free mustard. ? We sorta fell in love with ... read more