Memphis: Tips, Advice, Etc.

[danacara]

I know we have some southern belles on this board ... I am going to be in Memphis July 9 to 11 ... I heard from one such belle that the Madison Hotel was the place to be down there ... but I would love recommendations for barbeque, places to go out, don't-miss-destinations, etc! Thanks in advance!

 

[jrydberg]

Well, I'm not southern and I'm not a belle... but...

The minor league ballpark there is pretty nice. They have an area out in left field (I believe), that's all grass where you can just throw a blanket down and make a picnic of it. A much better way for small kids to see a baseball game... they've got space to run around and play.

 

[danacara]

Springfield VA, south of the Mason Dixon, darlin!

 

[aprincessmom]

The Rendezvous...not from Memphis but I've eaten there and thoroughly enjoyed their barbeque. Some of the best I've ever eaten.

 

[jrydberg]

Heh heh... true, but I grew up in NJ. I actually lived in Birmingham, AL for a time (that's when I made it over to Memphis a few times).

 

[perdidobay]

Well, Beale Street is a must do.......
http://www.bealestreet.com/
I'd recommend BB Kings and the new Daisy for music and also Club 152.
The Gibson Lounge and showroom....http://www.gibsonmemphis.com/

Peabody Place has a good selection of shops and a great Irish pub, Dan McGuiness ( brought to you by the beer of the same last name) Jillians for billards and dancing......http://www.memphistravel.com/Attractions_ShowRecord.asp?business_id=137&

Also on Beale Street be sure to check out Abe Schwab's and the Old police Museum.

The Civil Rights museum ........
http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/default.asp

The Center for Southern Folklore....http://www.southernfolklore.com/

The Brooks Museum of Art is very good....http://www.brooksmuseum.org/


The Pink Palace museum .....http://www.memphismuseums.org/

Take a short riverboat ride on the Memphis Queen...http://www.memphisqueen.com/


Memphis Rock & Soul Museum.....http://www.memphisrocknsoul.org/

The Memphis Zoo is excellent...http://www.memphiszoo.org/splash2.html


The Mud Island River Park is a recreation of the whole Mississippi River and has a nice small museum and places to sit and watch the river...http://www.mudisland.com/

The National Oramental Metal Museum is really neat too....http://www.metalmuseum.org/

And much more....http://www.memphistravel.com/



It's something to start with....

 

[ILMOUSE]

Don't know your taste or age, but Memphis is home to Elvis Presley's home Graceland which is open for tours. It is an interesting home to tour.

 

[dizagain]

Hi! Grew up there, but haven't resided there in quite some time! I personally love Leonard's BBQ. and there was a place called John Will's BBQ, but not sure it's still around. Both had locations in Mid-Town - easy to get to from downtown down Poplar Ave. or Union Ave.

Walking around downtown area is fun - they're constantly making it nicer. Don't forget the Peabody Hotel Ducks! And if you like Elvis, there's always Graceland....although I lived behind it as a child, I have never been there! I did stand in my friend's tree house and watch folks in the pool!!

Have fun!

 

[danacara]

These are awesome, I am writing all of this down. Thanks much to ALL of you so far.

 

[crazelion]

Just got back from Memphis TN. Stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites at the Peabody Place. That hotel was beauitful and have free breakfeast to boot which more then your average hotel breakfeast. The hotel is right behind Beale Street and front of the Peabody Place mall. I had the AAA rate 148.00 and add a 10.00 parking fee. I can't complain about the price because everything was in walking distance and that save on gas.

Be Sure check out Beale Street at night because it's alot free music. The Peabody Place mall is really nice. The Hard Rock Cafe has some excellent food. Also check The Rendezvous for bbq ribs loved those ribs. I am from the south. Those ribs was excellent.

If have anymore questions just ask.

 

[Duchie]

We're heading there this Thursday to see my family (I grew up there but left about 15 years ago).

Rendezvous makes the best ribs in the world. Once you've fallen in love with them you can even have them shipped to you. It's hard to find - it's in an alley close to the Peabody - but is well worth the effort.

Speaking of the Peabody, be sure to catch the ducks. The make their arrival daily at 10:00 AM (but call them to double-check the time).

The zoo has been wonderfully refurbished, and they have Giant Pandas on loan from China for a short time.

There is an amusement park in Midtown called Libertyland. . I have no idea what kind of shape it might be in. But I remember they had a fabulous old wooden roller coaster called the Zippn Pippin.

Hope this helps!

 

[danacara]

Does anyone know offhand: should I get a reservation to do Saturday night dinner at Rendezvous?

 

[Duchie]

Unless you have a big party (over 25 people) the Rendezvous doesn't make reservations. It's a really low-key kind of place. The waiters there have all been working at Rendezvous for YEARS - I swear we get the same guy every time, and he's the same one who used to serve us when I was in college (which was a *ahem* few years ago). They serve beer and ribs - and only one kind of beer, at that. But like I said before, it's well worth the trip.

 

[danacara]

Thanks Dutchie

 

[lovemygoofy]

Other BBD joints: Corky's which started there in Memphis has wonderful ribs that have a dry rub then washed down with sauce if you want. The place my DH loves to eat at is Blues City Cafe on Beale St. It's right on the corner of Beale St. across from B.B. King's club.

The zoo is wonderful; Libertyland isn't much of anything according to my DH. A great place to stay if you have the $$ is the Peabody and don't forget to go see the ducks come from the penthouse or go back to their penthouse.

Have a great time. We love to visit there for a weekend.

Tina

 

[perdidobay]

For bbq I'd have to recommend Interstate. There is also a location in the Airport....http://www.jimneelysinterstatebarbecue.com/index.html

 

[Duchie]

Hi all! Just back from my trip to visit the folks. Went to Rendezvous (of course) and learned they are now serving wine and have expanced the menu. All of the items we had were excellent as usual.

If you like baseball I'd recommend taking in a Redbirds game. We didn't get tickets but my sis tells me the park is very nice (and family friendly).

The zoo really was great, and the panda exhibit is not to be missed.

I'd love to hear how your trip goes!

 

[MScott1851]

Most of us Memphians know that the Rendezvous is overrated...besides, dry ribs? Blech!! Do yourself a favor and go around the corner to Blues City Cafe. Get a rack, and you can literally pick up a bone, shake it, and the meat will fall off. For a sandwich, get to Interstate...but be careful. VERY bad part of town. To give you an example, I will coast up to redlights so that I never completely stop. Why? Because you will get jacked in broad daylight.

Just be very aware of your surroundings...Beale ain't what it used to be, and most of us who live here won't even venture down there. I know NYC is tough, but there is unbelieveable racial and socioeconomic turmoil here!

Feel free to PM me...

 

[perdidobay]

Bumping this thread up for Danacara

 

[danacara]

Thanks. I'm going back on Oct 15-17. Last time I was there I did see the Peabody Ducks (super cute), did brunch there as well, and I also made it over to Rendezvous. This time I'm thinking blues City cafe, Civil Rights museum, and Ballet Memphis. It's a good thing I don't live in this city, I would be hugely fat on all the fabulous food.