Anyone live in/familiar with Memphis?

[Ellen]

Hubby decided a couple days ago he and I need to get away for a few days (he has a week vaca in Sept.). We don''t want too far a drive, and he suggested Memphis. One reason is because when we''ve watched various TV shows where they go around the states highlighting eateries, there were some BBQ places that peaked his interest. lol

From what little research I''ve done, I would like to stay within walking distance of Beal St. Anyone know of a decent hotel/motel within a few blocks that isn''t horribly expensive? The least I''ve seen is about 110-130, we''d like to keep it closer to 100. Actually, we''d like it cheaper than that, but we''re not dumb.

It doesn''t have to be fancy, we won''t be in it much, just the basics, and clean.

Also, any must sees? I''ve certainly read about several attractions, but I would love first hand accounts! We''re not interested in Graceland....

TIA!

 

[April20]

I was just in the Memphis area yesterday for work, it was hot, hot, hot!! I''ve been to Memphis many times, however, I have friends there and have always stayed with them, so I can''t help you on the hotel front. I can''t help but wonder if you can''t use Priceline and get something like the Peabody- it''s just off Beale and you can''t beat the ducks......

The Stax Museum is fantastic if you''re into music at all. The Brooks Museum has some really cool things going on right now, but many of them close the end of August/beginning of September, so you''d have to check and see what''s current. Be glad you''re aren''t going at the end of August- when it''s Elvis'' b-day. Memphis turns into a zoo for three days. It''s out of control.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/5/2008 1:00:35 PM
Author: April20
I was just in the Memphis area yesterday for work, it was hot, hot, hot!! I''ve been to Memphis many times, however, I have friends there and have always stayed with them, so I can''t help you on the hotel front. I can''t help but wonder if you can''t use Priceline and get something like the Peabody- it''s just off Beale and you can''t beat the ducks......

The Stax Museum is fantastic if you''re into music at all. The Brooks Museum has some really cool things going on right now, but many of them close the end of August/beginning of September, so you''d have to check and see what''s current. Be glad you''re aren''t going at the end of August- when it''s Elvis'' b-day. Memphis turns into a zoo for three days. It''s out of control.

Well, it was 117 degrees heat index here yesterday, so I can''t imagine it being any worse.

I ran across the Peabody in researching, and while I''d love to stay there, at 275 ave. rate, I can''t imagine getting it down to what I feel like paying this trip, but thanks anyway. It really looks lovely!

And yes, we love music, so I had already eyeballed the SM, thanks. Will put that on the list.

I''m glad to hear I''ll miss the king''s bday, (no offense to any fans). lol


Are there any resturants you particularly like? And thanks so much for the info!

 

[cbs102]

I have not been to memphis in a few years.. but i LOVED beale street ... we went to a happy hour on the roof of the peabody hotel which was totally awesome.. they have the ducks that are trained to walk in a row to the elevator and then they swim all day in the lobby. they also have awesome brunch.

honestly, i was not interested in graceland but we went anyway and it was really interesting! also, the place where mlk jr was murdered was also in memphis... that was really interesting! thats all i can think of right now.. i hope you have fun! i loved it there!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/5/2008 1:42:20 PM
Author: cbs102
I have not been to memphis in a few years.. but i LOVED beale street ... we went to a happy hour on the roof of the peabody hotel which was totally awesome.. they have the ducks that are trained to walk in a row to the elevator and then they swim all day in the lobby. they also have awesome brunch.

honestly, i was not interested in graceland but we went anyway and it was really interesting! also, the place where mlk jr was murdered was also in memphis... that was really interesting! thats all i can think of right now.. i hope you have fun! i loved it there!

Yeah, it sounds like my kind of place!

And that sounds like fun going to the roof top happy hour. Maybe we''ll catch brunch there too.

Thanks for the tips, I can see some of the things I thought would be worth it are.

Thanks again!

 

[April20]

I ate at the Blues City Cafe a couple times ago when I was in town. Fantastic! At least it was then. It''s on Beale Street and very well known, so easy to find.

My DH and I were in Memphis last fall and I seem to remember a 50''s era "motel" ie, outside room access, two stories, that had been COMPLETELY remodeled very recently. It looked like a total kick and very fun. I *think* it was very near downtown. I can''t remember the name of it. I just spent ten minutes googling it and trying to find it on Trip Advisor. I''ll email my friend in Memphis and see if she knows what I''m talking about. I hope I don''t have my cities mixed up.

 

[Ellen]

Great, thanks April!

 

[secondhandnews]

Hey Miss Ellen! I don''t live in Memphis but I live an hour east. There are several great BBQ places in Memphis - Corkys and Neelys. The Neelys actually have a show on the Food Network. As others have stated, you definitely need to go to Beale Street. Great fun with lots of clubs and shops to investigate. Even if you don''t stay at The Peabody, you should go to the lobby in the morning or afternoon to see the ducks march. The come down at 11:00 in the morning and leave at 5:00 in the afternoon. It''s really cute. You can get some refreshments in the lobby while you wait. There is usually a crowd there but I''d bet in September with school back in session there may not be as many people.
Another thing to consider is going to Tunica in Mississippi. Most of the casinos offer rooms around $60-70 from Sunday through Thursday. They triple or better the room prices on Friday and Saturday nights. It''s about a 30 minute drive into Memphis from Tunica. Even if you''re not into the gaming end of Tunica, they sometimes have good shows to see. You can google Tunica and check out who may be performing while you are there.
If I was checking out chain hotels, I''d look for something in the Germantown or Cordova areas. Since you are not familiar with Memphis, these are nice areas and you wouldn''t have to second guess where you would be staying.
If you like good steaks, there''s The Butcher Shop in downtown or in Cordova (suburb to the east). Some people think they haven''t eaten out in Memphis unless they eat ribs at the Rendezvous. For Italian, there''s Ronnie Grisanti''s and Frank Grisanti''s. They are separate restaurants. I think they are family and opened separate restaurants when they closed their old restaurant they owned together.
If I think of anything else, I''ll be back. I guess when you''re used to somewhere you don''t really think of it as a vacation destination.

Have fun, SHN

 

[cbs102]

yes.. i second the Tunica idea... i went there also and it was really fun!

 

[Ellen]

Wow, shn, thank you! Very helpful info. I will definitely want to see the ducks, too cute. And you both mention Tunica. We have a couple friends who are big time gamblers, and they have been there several times. We aren''t really into gambling, so I didn''t give it much thought, though I knew it was close. But I will talk with them when I see them this weekend.

And the resturant info is great, I''m sure my hubby thanks you too.

Thanks again you guys!

 

[Ellen]

One small shameless bump for any other info or suggestions.

 

[Elmorton]

Believe it or not, but places like the Best Western downtown are actually really nice. There's a trolley line that is like .50 that will take you down to Beale, so even if you're a mile or two away from Beale, it's no problem.

On Beale, there is a place with a bright neon sign that says PIG. Eat there, you won't regret it. The sweet potato pie tastes suspiciously like pumpkin, though.

Also, Silky O'Sullivan's is a must. Even if you know there's no way you can finish it, at least try the drink in the yellow bucket. It's really good, and I have yet to figure out what on earth is in it. Out in the courtyard, there's usually good live music and you can check out the random beer-drinking goats.

Willy's slushies can be skipped.

LOVE the Memphis Zoo.

There are tons of interesting museums, too - Piggly Wiggly, police officers, blues...

The mall is pretty cool (also right off the trolley) and there's an imax theater

Also, if you're interested in more serious stuff, you can arrange a trip/tour through the St. Jude Hospital (which is why I've gone to Memphis in the past). It's absolutely amazing what they do there.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/6/2008 2:32:56 PM
Author: Elmorton
Believe it or not, but places like the Best Western downtown are actually really nice. There''s a trolley line that is like .50 that will take you down to Beale, so even if you''re a mile or two away from Beale, it''s no problem.

On Beale, there is a place with a bright neon sign that says PIG. Eat there, you won''t regret it. The sweet potato pie tastes suspiciously like pumpkin, though.

Also, Silky O''Sullivan''s is a must. Even if you know there''s no way you can finish it, at least try the drink in the yellow bucket. It''s really good, and I have yet to figure out what on earth is in it. Out in the courtyard, there''s usually good live music and you can check out the random beer-drinking goats.

Willy''s slushies can be skipped.

LOVE the Memphis Zoo.

There are tons of interesting museums, too - Piggly Wiggly, police officers, blues...

The mall is pretty cool (also right off the trolley) and there''s an imax theater

Also, if you''re interested in more serious stuff, you can arrange a trip/tour through the St. Jude Hospital (which is why I''ve gone to Memphis in the past). It''s absolutely amazing what they do there.

lol!!

El, thanks so much, very helpful!

There''s a place I was reading about, Dyer''s hambuger joint. It talks about how the WHOLE burger, bun and all is deep fried.

What really intrigued me was how the grease was delivered by police escort (back in the day, not sure about now), as it''s the secret ingredient as to why their burgers are "supposedly so good. I think that remains to be seen, lol, but have you eaten there? I must admit, I love a good burger, and now I''m curious!

Thanks again!

 

[Lorelei]

waoooh....Ellen will be walkin'' in Memphis.....

 

[Linda W]

Date: 8/6/2008 2:54:31 PM
Author: Lorelei
waoooh....Ellen will be walkin'' in Memphis.....

ha ha ha ha ha!!! Good one Lorelei!!!

Ellen 117?????? Ack!!!! You could fry an egg on the sidewalk. I would faint in that weather

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/6/2008 2:54:31 PM
Author: Lorelei
waoooh....Ellen will be walkin'' in Memphis.....

Do you KNOW, I''ve had that song in my head since Sunday! lol



I was just telling Skip how excited I am to be away from all 3 kids. I love them dearly, but it''s been over 3 years since hubby and I have not been without any.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/6/2008 2:56:53 PM
Author: Linda W

Date: 8/6/2008 2:54:31 PM
Author: Lorelei
waoooh....Ellen will be walkin'' in Memphis.....

ha ha ha ha ha!!! Good one Lorelei!!!

Ellen 117?????? Ack!!!! You could fry an egg on the sidewalk. I would faint in that weather

I know, it was putrid.

Cooler now, and Thursday will only be a high of 81. Break out the sweaters!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/6/2008 2:57:19 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 8/6/2008 2:54:31 PM
Author: Lorelei
waoooh....Ellen will be walkin'' in Memphis.....

Do you KNOW, I''ve had that song in my head since Sunday! lol



I was just telling Skip how excited I am to be away from all 3 kids. I love them dearly, but it''s been over 3 years since hubby and I have not been without any.

So have I since I saw this thread, makes a change from Ice Ice Baby....doodoodoo...do de doo doos....

You will have a great time!

 

[Linda W]

Glad it will be cooler. I would have to sit in my bathtub all day if it was 117

I hope you have a great vacation. Yay for no kids either.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/6/2008 2:59:17 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 8/6/2008 2:57:19 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 8/6/2008 2:54:31 PM
Author: Lorelei
waoooh....Ellen will be walkin'' in Memphis.....

Do you KNOW, I''ve had that song in my head since Sunday! lol



I was just telling Skip how excited I am to be away from all 3 kids. I love them dearly, but it''s been over 3 years since hubby and I have not been without any.

So have I since I saw this thread, makes a change from Ice Ice Baby....doodoodoo...do de doo doos....

You will have a great time!

I will!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/6/2008 2:59:58 PM
Author: Linda W
Glad it will be cooler. I would have to sit in my bathtub all day if it was 117

I hope you have a great vacation. Yay for no kids either.

Thanks Linda, I''m sure I will! And yes, yay!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 8/6/2008 3:01:08 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 8/6/2008 2:59:17 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 8/6/2008 2:57:19 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 8/6/2008 2:54:31 PM
Author: Lorelei
waoooh....Ellen will be walkin' in Memphis.....

Do you KNOW, I've had that song in my head since Sunday! lol



I was just telling Skip how excited I am to be away from all 3 kids. I love them dearly, but it's been over 3 years since hubby and I have not been without any.

So have I since I saw this thread, makes a change from Ice Ice Baby....doodoodoo...do de doo doos....

You will have a great time!

I will!

OY Lorelei!!! Let's hope Ellen doesn't have 2 feet off the ground. hehe

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/6/2008 3:03:18 PM
Author: Skippy123

Date: 8/6/2008 3:01:08 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 8/6/2008 2:59:17 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 8/6/2008 2:57:19 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 8/6/2008 2:54:31 PM
Author: Lorelei
waoooh....Ellen will be walkin'' in Memphis.....

Do you KNOW, I''ve had that song in my head since Sunday! lol



I was just telling Skip how excited I am to be away from all 3 kids. I love them dearly, but it''s been over 3 years since hubby and I have not been without any.

So have I since I saw this thread, makes a change from Ice Ice Baby....doodoodoo...do de doo doos....

You will have a great time!

I will!

OY Lorelei!!! Let''s hope Ellen doesn''t have 2 feet off the ground. hehe

 

[RLG]

Date: 8/5/2008 3:43:15 PM
Author: secondhandnews
Hey Miss Ellen! I don''t live in Memphis but I live an hour east. There are several great BBQ places in Memphis - Corkys and Neelys. The Neelys actually have a show on the Food Network. As others have stated, you definitely need to go to Beale Street. Great fun with lots of clubs and shops to investigate. Even if you don''t stay at The Peabody, you should go to the lobby in the morning or afternoon to see the ducks march. The come down at 11:00 in the morning and leave at 5:00 in the afternoon. It''s really cute. You can get some refreshments in the lobby while you wait. There is usually a crowd there but I''d bet in September with school back in session there may not be as many people.
Another thing to consider is going to Tunica in Mississippi. Most of the casinos offer rooms around $60-70 from Sunday through Thursday. They triple or better the room prices on Friday and Saturday nights. It''s about a 30 minute drive into Memphis from Tunica. Even if you''re not into the gaming end of Tunica, they sometimes have good shows to see. You can google Tunica and check out who may be performing while you are there.
If I was checking out chain hotels, I''d look for something in the Germantown or Cordova areas. Since you are not familiar with Memphis, these are nice areas and you wouldn''t have to second guess where you would be staying.
If you like good steaks, there''s The Butcher Shop in downtown or in Cordova (suburb to the east). Some people think they haven''t eaten out in Memphis unless they eat ribs at the Rendezvous. For Italian, there''s Ronnie Grisanti''s and Frank Grisanti''s. They are separate restaurants. I think they are family and opened separate restaurants when they closed their old restaurant they owned together.
If I think of anything else, I''ll be back. I guess when you''re used to somewhere you don''t really think of it as a vacation destination.

Have fun, SHN

I love Corky''s!!! Best BBQ I have ever had. Other things I have liked in memphis which are pretty touristy but here goes.... Sun Studio, Graceland (fantastic at least once), the gibson guitar factory, and I really like the park on mud island on the river. Last time I was there I tried to go to the civil rights museum but it was packed, however that area of town looks like its picking up with restaurants and art galleries, so it might be worth looking around. Have a great trip!!!

 

[Ellen]

Ok, Corky's must be a must! And yes, I'd really like to go to the Civil Rights museum, I hope we can get in. I also want to see Sun Studio, and I know hubby would like the guitar factory. Hey, we're there, might as well. Thanks RLG!

 

[RLG]

Your welcome. My FI is big time into guitars and I drug my feet going, but I was really surprised at how interesting it was. They also do concerts on the roof, when we were there Buddy Guy was playing but it was sold out.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/7/2008 7:22:43 AM
Author: RLG
Your welcome. My FI is big time into guitars and I drug my feet going, but I was really surprised at how interesting it was. They also do concerts on the roof, when we were there Buddy Guy was playing but it was sold out.

That would be cool!

 

[diane5006]

Oh Memphis is fun...we have been there twice on our trips North...

We have stayed at the Hampton Inn on Beale (not sure of prices)...not really on beale but kind of around the corner...the backside is against beale...

Once on the way back we stayed in Tunica...yes cheaper rooms...but...there is the tendancy to gamble just a little bit...and it may end up costing you more

We like zoos....Memphis has a nice one...they have Pandas...

Have a great trip

 

[diane5006]

We we at Dyers last trip @ 1 mo ago...

Ok...not super great....the one I had was not a thick juicy burger...the thin kind...tasty...i didn''t know about the deep fried bun

worth a trip to check out...

 

[Elmorton]

Yeah...I''m really no help with the restaurant scene because I always went with my sorority..so we hit up places like Hard Rock. But really, there is no such thing as bad Memphis BBQ. We found that the clerks at the hotels were always awesome in pointing us in the right direction.

I love the Neelys on Food Network! I think you should go there, too