#250: The Memphis Music Scene (2nd Ed, pg 874)

Aug. 2010

Beale Street

Verdict:  Well, this is a recent addition even though I did this back in 2010 because, this was not in the original 1000 Places  book.  And here's my synopsis..... No, this isn't something you need to do before you die (unless the blues is your lifelong passion).  However, you do need to come to Memphis to see Graceland (Post #82) and I'm fairly certain nobody comes to Memphis without going to Beale street and checking it out.  So, this is one that you are going to get by default when you go to Graceland/Memphis (which is exactly what happened to me!)

#141: Blackberry Farm (Page 713)

July 27, 2013

This is my friend, Mariellen.  I had her take one of me by this sign as well, but photography is not one of Mariellen's strong suits :)  And the picture didn't take....

While most people come here to just relax, there are many activities to do on Blackberry Farm's ~2500 acres.

The dinner barn. 

Cost:  $745/night based on double occupancy.  All meals are included in this rate, but a 2-night minimum is required and longer stays are required over holidays.  This rate does not include tax or 19% gratuity.

Verdict:  Blackberry Farm is remote. It's scenic and a beautiful destination getaway.  They do accommodate families and have activities for children, but we didn't see any while we were "checking it out" and it seemed to cater more to the romantic getaway rather than a family vacation and the "crowd" is "older."  You're bound to have a nice weekend getaway here and eat fabulously well, but no, not a "must do."

#84: Nashville's Music Scene (Page 712; Listed as The Grand Ole Opry in the 2nd Ed pg 875)

August 6, 2010: I love Country Music! So, Nashville is like heaven for me! First, a stop at the Ryman Auditorium (home of the Grand Ole' Opry)....

Then a walk up and down Lower Broadway (just across from Ryman). Tootsie's Orchid Lounge is one of many bars lined up and down this street. Almost all of them have bands playing live music, mostly cover songs of popular country artists. It was fabulous!

And top it off with a meal at Loveless Cafe!

Verdict: If you're not a country-music lover like me, you may want to pass on Nashville (although music aside, Nashville is a very nice, clean and friendly place!), but for me, this was an absolute must-do! We had a fabulous time! I also went to the Grand Ole' Opry in 2000 (where I saw Martina McBride, Vince Gill and several others).

#83: Memphis's Rib Joints (Page 712, 2nd Ed pg 873)

August 7, 2010: 1000 Places To See Before You Die recommended Rendezvous Room as one of the best "rib joints." In addition, I found it to be one of the top rated places on Trip Advisor. To seal the deal, I emailed one of my friends that relocated to Memphis and that was the one restaurant he recommended we go to. Sold! So here we are, anxious to test out all the hype for ourselves!

Yup, I would have to agree! Fabulous food with a scrumptious bar-b-que sauce. I ordered a 1/2 rack of ribs and ate every bite!

Verdict: There are very few restaurants that I really think you have to experience before you die. This would fall in that category. You can definitely die without experiencing the Rendezvous Room. However, if you find yourself in Memphis.... you'd be crazy not to eat here!

#82: Graceland and the Elvis Trail (Page 711, 2nd Ed pg 872)

August 8, 2010: Each year, my husband takes a "mancation" while I stay home and watch the kids and I take a "womancation" while he stays home. This year, my womancation was to Tennessee with my friend, Mindy. We concentrated our visit to the cities of Nashville and Memphis. And obviously, no visit to Memphis is complete without visiting Graceland!

The front of the mansion

The back yard

He is buried in the back yard along with his parents, grandmother and twin brother (did you know he had a twin? I can't remember now if his twin was a still born or lived a day or two, but anyway, he died as an infant either in utero or very shortly thereafter and is buried here).

The famous pink cadillac...

And, if you're going to see Graceland, what better place to stay than the Heartbreak Hotel?

In addition to Graceland, you can visit the famous Sun Studio, where Elvis cut his first record.

This is where it all began...

Beale street

Verdict: I'm not a huge Elvis fan. So, why go to Memphis, you ask? Well, I don't quite recall how we decided on that, but I'm glad we did because we had a blast! I have to say that I have a renewed appreciation for Elvis after this trip. I thought of Elvis as a drug-abusing womanizing party animal prior to this trip. But after taking the Platinum Tour (cost $34), I came to see him as a charitable, giving, talented, family-oriented man. I still don't think I would consider this a "must" before you die (and the Heartbreak Hotel is totally overrated, by the way, although still glad we stayed there just for the novelty of it!), but if you love Elvis, there is no better way to spend your day. And even if you don't, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised, as I was.