Memphis, Tennessee!

Aug 16-19 Northern Mississippi & Memphis, Tennessee
Drove from Texas through Arkansas (with one night spent en route) and into Tennessee - we came to explore Memphis! We actually stayed just over the state line in Mississippi but headed into Tennessee each day.
Ahhh - the vibe of Elvis everywhere!
Apparently we just missed the anniversary of his death (he would have been 75 years old) and I can only imagine the die-hard fans that must have been here for that.
We went (of course) to Graceland to tour his mansion. We’re by no means real Elvis fans but you just have to pay homage to a legend like that - he really was a spectacular musical presence. To think he bought Graceland for $100,000 when he was just 22 years old. Pretty impressive for that time. Going through it now, it is not nearly as huge and grand as you would expect - and some pretty...um, interesting...decorating choices. Picture pleated fabric covering an entire room - I mean entire walls, ceiling, couches - all the same fabric. Or the room that was green shag carpet - again, floors, walls and ceiling. Some wacky stuff but very cool for that era I suppose. He actually recorded some music right there in his house as apparently green shag carpeting is quite good for acoustics. Who knew? It’s strange how you actually feel like you know him a bit better after touring his estate, and listening to the tour - I felt quite sad at the end as we walked past his grave marker. One fan (oh yes, in full persona) was there with flowers quietly paying his respects. What an end to such a vibrant personality. It’s been funny hearing the girls chat about Elvis throughout these few days, as if they know him. Ever since we have visited places where we have learned about the Indians and their history, each time they learn about someone new (like Elvis), their first question is “was Elvis before or after the Indians?”. Just keeping the chronological timeline straight. So funny.

Aside from Graceland, the musical presence here in Memphis was everywhere. We roamed down Beale St. - one of America’s most famous musical streets. Three blocks of more than 30 clubs, restaurants and shops - music pouring from each one. Not quite the same experience when you are dragging two kids around, but we still managed to have lunch at BB King’s restaurant and soak up some of the streets funky atmosphere. You could just imagine the amazing musical giants that have performed here - and still do.
We walked the street at night as well, when it really comes alive (again, not exactly a kid atmosphere but hey, we held their hands...). The blues music and neon signs were endless! There also seemed to be some kind of event happening as the street was overrun with bikes - with some pretty neat custom work.

AJ went on a tour of Gibson’s Guitar Factory to watch them at work as they craft these beautiful instruments. Unfortunately, as we found with a few places, kids under five years old were not permitted so he had to go solo while I went swimming with the girls.
The other place we had been hoping to tour (but no kids under five allowed - ARGH) was Sun Studios - birthplace of rock’n’roll, and the most famous recording studio in the world. This is the place where so many of the greats played and recorded songs - Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, BB King and more. Elvis even recorded his first single here at 18 years old for $13. Ah well, guess this just isn’t the easiest destination to visit with kids.

Also in the area was the Peabody Hotel - known internationally for it’s ducks. That’s right, I said ducks. A hilarious tradition that all started with a practical joke. Over 50 years ago, the general manager had just come back from a hunting trip, and was still on a drunken high. At that time they used live decoys, so as a joke he put the ducks in the hotel lobby fountain. Much to everyone’s surprise, the ducks were still there the next morning, happily paddling around the grand fountain, with hotel guests watching with amusement. A bellman then stepped forward stating he was an animal trainer, and he could train those ducks. He would have them live up on the roof, then every morning come down in the elevator, march into the fountain for the day and then march back to the elevator at the end of the day to return to the roof. And that’s exactly what he did...for fifty years. They called him the Duckmaster, and his work continues today as the ducks are now internationally known. They have appeared on Letterman, The Tonight Show, been featured in many top magazines and have had countless mentions in publications. Many celebrities have visited the hotel to see the ducks and have been honorary Duckmasters for the twice daily procession. Of course, we have to go and see these little duckies and watch them parade down the red carpet after an elaborate presentation by the present day Duckmaster.


With the heat still being above a hundred, we spent the rest of our time trying to stay in the pool, or in the air conditioning while visiting places like the Memphis Children’s Museum.
We even took in a Memphis Redbirds ball game one evening, with the girls belting out “Take me out to the ball game.” for all they were worth. In the world of Emily and Megan, there is a song to be sung for every moment.

Off to Kentucky next ...