I spent a few short days in Memphis back in May of 2011, and while I don't have enough material for an overly comprehensive entry, I really just want an excuse to talk about Elvis. The biggest highlight was easily Graceland, but for a well-rounded blog post I'll count down some other Memphis sights.
#5 Rhodes College
I was in Memphis to meet up with my best friends from my semester in Ireland, Lauren and Leah. Leah is from Memphis and it worked out best for us all to convene there. On one hot, sunny day, she took us to see her college campus at Rhodes. It was what I'd expect a nice, southern university campus to look like, and there was even a pool where we enjoyed laying out in the sun and swimming.
#4 Beale Street
To be fair, we were only in Memphis on weekdays, so while I imagine the street is usually packed full, it was fairly empty during the nights we went out. It's a great little bar area though. My favorites were the Coyote Ugly bar where we were able to climb on the bar itself for a photo and the Irish pub, Silky O'Sullivan's. They had a great back patio area with neon palm trees, an outdoor bar, and fountain, and there was a classic rock cover band on one night. However, don't bother ordering the big "Diver" bucket. It says it's "guaranteed to make you go down", but after splitting it with Lauren all I had was a stomach ache from all that liquid.
I'd also like to mention, while possibly not located on Beale Street, if you're into beer then the bar Flying Saucer is well worth checking out. They had hundreds of beers on offer and it's a cozy little place to drink.
#3 Redbirds Game
Memphis doesn't have a major league team, but going to see their minor league baseball team, the Memphis Redbirds, is a cheap and fun activity.
The stadium is visible from either bleachers or grass seats, and we brought a blanket and opted for grass seats at only $5. We got hot dogs/veggie burgers and sat on the hill to watch.
We got photos with the Redbirds mascot who came wandering around and even were put up on the big screen. The stands were fairly empty so for the ninth inning we went down to sit in the bleachers and had no issues. It was a nice American way to enjoy the night, and Beale Street isn't far to walk to afterwards.
#2 Peabody's Rooftop Party
It kind of pains me to put this at #2 because it was easily a night deserving of a number 1 spot, but unfortunately it's competing with the home of the King so there's not much I can do about it. On our last night in Memphis, we had seen that an expensive hotel, Peabody's, was throwing a rooftop party, and there was free admission for ladies before 7. We got dressed up, had some jumbo margaritas at a rundown Mexican joint down the road first, and then showed up to the hotel in time to get in free.
It was the best night! It was warm outside with a nice breeze, it was my first rooftop party, there was free food inside, and they were serving some of the best whiskey sours I've ever had.
We danced outside to the cover band that was playing, and then after dark Owl City came on! We had no idea they were playing that night, and we had spots just feet from the stage. They only played for a short while, but yelling along to "Fireflies" in the warm Memphis night was unforgettable.
The cover band came back on afterwards and we had a blast dancing until 11 before we headed out and went to Beale Street. I couldn't have imagined a more perfect way to end our reunion.
#1 Graceland
There is, of course, one reason to go to Memphis that outweighs all other reasons, and that is to visit the home of Elvis Presley. We had a beautiful, warm day at 75 degrees and sunny. Upon arrival, we each got an audio guide, then we were off to explore the brownstone, white-pillared mansion.
It was tacky and glorious and everything I would ask for in a home. I can't decide which room was my favorite. There was the living room done in white with blue and gold glass with a fifteen foot couch and baby grand piano...
Or the purple and yellow basement with fireplace, bar, wraparound couch, multiple televisions, mirrored ceilings, and white monkey statue...
The cool multi-colored pool room...
And of course the Jungle Room done all in green with wooden detailing, plants, a bar, and a fountain trickling down the far wall.
Not to mention the rest.
After the house, you aren't even halfway done. You'll come out in the gorgeous and spacious backyard with a swingset, small office, swimming pool, and horse pastures.
There's also a separate racquetball room which had other extras like a pinball machine, piano lounge, and a tall room of glass cases full of Elvis's outfits and gold and platinum records.
You can also explore a whole building full of more of Elvis's gold records and photos.
What a gorgeous human being.
Outside next to the pool is a very pretty fountain area where you'll find the graves of the Presley family. There's a white Jesus statue at the edge, and the in-ground graves line the fountain. Above Elvis's of course is the eternal flame.
That was the Graceland property, but we took a shuttle back across the road afterwards to see the other attractions. There's an automobile museum with some of Elvis's many cars including the purple Cadillac, a small exhibit of outfits, and the '68 Special exhibit. The best part was hearing "Burning Love" blasting out of speakers everywhere.
There are plenty of gift shops and I had to buy a pair of tacky gold rimmed Elvis shades.
We were also able to go inside Elvis's personal jet, the Lisa-Marie, which was furnished with couches and chairs, a dining section, and Elvis's own on-board bedroom.
Just think, some lucky ladies joined the mile-high club with Elvis on this very bed!
We easily filled a day there and I would totally recommend a visit.
Memphis is overall a cool city and I'm sure there is plenty more that I didn't have a chance to see. Besides, you'll have a reason to put "Walking in Memphis" on repeat for a couple of days (don't fight it- you'll hear it walking down Beale Street anyway).