Thursday, August 1, 2013

July 19 - July 22, 2013 - Memphis, TN
Left Branson early Friday morning for our 8 hour drive to Memphis. We stopped in Harrison, Arkansas to visit  a friend of Bob's that he used to work with many years ago.  Weather was warm and beginning to get more humid as we traveled.  Countryside was lush and green. Bob noted that we had driven 2,850 since June 30th.
Arrived in Memphis about 4:30 pm at Graceland RV Park right across the street from Elvis's beloved Graceland. The park was adjacent to the museums, gift shops, and everything Elvis. Fun note: the streets at the RV park were named after songs that Elvis made popular.  We were on Don't Be Cruel Street. There was a sign in the park that said, "if you're not an Elvis fan you will be all shook up". The following day we walked next door to the Graceland museum and visitor center and purchased tickets for the day. The costs for the tour and museums was $35.00 - very reasonable for all that get to see and do.





That evening we went to Beale Street in downtown Memphis. Beale Street is like the French Quarter in Lousianna.  Two blocks on Beale Street is blocked from traffic and all the restaurants, bars and gift shops are open well into the evening. Bars sell booze on the street and there is live music in every bar until the wee hours of the morning. Ate dinner at Silky O'Sullivan's and enjoyed listening to a Janis Joplin wanna-be.
She was pretty good. The music was better than the food. Interesting sites in downtown Memphis - Gibson Guitar factory,  the Orpheum Theater, and the Peabody Hotel.



FYI - Pulled pork is on every menu. 
On Saturday we went back downtown to the Beale Street landing to take the Mississippi River Paddle boat Cruise. Our guide was Percival. He was very knowledgeable of the history of Memphis, the Mississippi and the people that lived here, he also added a few funny stories. Had a snack and a drink on the hour and half cruise. Great views of the city, the country side and barges going up and down the river. FYI - in that area, the Mississippi is a very muddy river.

Percival, our riverboat guide. Funny man.





Next stop - Nashville

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