Memphis, TN ?

[digitaldevice]

Ok I need all the info I can get on Memphis, TN. Driving from chicago area.

Will be there for 3 days then back home. Looking for a hotel with some attractions and parking. I'm going to be there mainly to hit a few BBQ places, do some sight seeing and tourist stuff.

 

[disneymeces]

Ok I need all the info I can get on Memphis, TN. Driving from chicago area.

Will be there for 3 days then back home. Looking for a hotel with some attractions and parking. I'm going to be there mainly to hit a few BBQ places, do some sight seeing and tourist stuff.

I recommend staying in Germantown, close to Wolfchase Mall, downtown Memphis is not real safe. As far as attractions go, there is Mud Island (needs updating) Pink Palace, Graceland (love this!!). And of course the Memphis Zoo, which is very nice! Hope u have fun!

 

[dawson5]

Memphis in May I've been wanting to do this for a while. Not sure if that is when you are timing it or not, if so, definitely something to look into.

Haven't been in years but I still dream about Leonard's BBQ.

My mom used to take us to an Indian place--I mean American Indian. I can't say a museum and it wasn't a reservation either. It was neat, very interesting and interactive. I want to say something about the mud people. I can call her later to ask.

I always loved the zoo too.

 

[dex08]

I grew up in Memphis and moved away about 10 yrs ago but my entire family is still there and I travel there about 5 times a year.

Downtown Memphis has changed significantly and there are safe areas within downtown. If you stay in Germantown or near Wolfchase Mall (in Cordova/Bartlett) you will be VERY far from downtown and most all attractions.

Do NOT stay near Graceland or the airport area -- not safe.

For BBQ try Corky's, Rendevous and Neely's.

The Memphis Zoo is fun and it's in mid-town ! Go see the ducks march (they do it twice a day) at the Peabody Hotel. If you've never been, you should do Graceland -- it's fun! The Civil Rights Museum is very educational.

 

[perdidobay]

My mom used to take us to an Indian place--I mean American Indian. I can't say a museum and it wasn't a reservation either. It was neat, very interesting and interactive. I want to say something about the mud people. I can call her later to ask.

I always loved the zoo too.

You must be thinking of Chucalissa:
http://www.memphis.edu/chucalissa/

I agree the zoo is excellent and worth the admission price.

 

[gisgt]

As a Chicagoland transplant of 3 years, I have to say - what's been listed so far is about it. As in - really, really it!! Others are right, the zoo is nice. Although, I don't think it compares to Brookfield. Graceland is a must-do once, for anyone interested in Elvis/music. The museums don't come close to comparing to MSI & the Field. The ducks at the Peabody are probably the highlight - it's a very nice hotel as well. So could be a good choice if you wanted to stay near the city. It's walking distance to Beale St & most of the downtown stuff is at most a trolley ride away. The trolleys are kinda cool in their own right as well. But don't be fooled by the pyramid - there's nothing in there! Mostly have fun & be glad you get to go back to civilization afterward

 

[dex08]

Also, don't be fooled by Mud Island -- there's no touristy stuff there either!

 

[Disbuf]

We always stay about 20 minutes south in Tunica at one of the casino's. If you go Sun-Thurs the rates are really good. We stayed at Harrah's for $30 per night the last time. The Paula Deen buffet is there.

Graceland is excellent. My wife drug me there kicking and screaming and now I am hooked on Elvis. It wasn't what I expected at all. There are usually coupons on elvis.com to save money on admission.

Sun Studios was a good tour that we took. It is small but we found it very interesting.

The Neely's from Food TV have their restaurant there and it was very good.

We were not real impressed with Beale Street but we did enjoy the daily duck parade at the Peabody Hotel.

Have fun!!

 

[tiredsigh]

I recommend staying in Germantown, close to Wolfchase Mall, downtown Memphis is not real safe. As far as attractions go, there is Mud Island (needs updating) Pink Palace, Graceland (love this!!). And of course the Memphis Zoo, which is very nice! Hope u have fun!

Yikes! Downtown Memphis has the highest concentration of police officers over other areas of the metro area. Why? They want tourists to feel and be safe.

The Wolfchase area is NOT super safe. Instead, I am more in fear of being mugged in that neighborhood. Wolfchase is not even in Germantown

If you want to stay downtown, there are some wonderful places like the Peabody. Definitely worth the experience if you can afford it If you would like to save some money on lodging, you can stay in East Memphis. Try: Hampton Inn (Poplar/Shady Grove), Hilton, Doubletree off Sanderlin. All are safe and centrally located. Corky's Barbecue is in the neighborhood!

If you have kids, try the Botanic Gardens "My Big Backyard" and the Children's Museum.

For barbecue, try the Commissary in Germantown, the Corky's on Poplar, the Rendezvous downtown, Central Barbecue on either Summer or Central, and the Barbecue Shop in Midtown.

The Memphis Zoo is a wonderful zoo.

Let me know if you have any more specific questions from a local


www.memphisflyer.com has a list of things to do in Memphis. If you have kids, the website for Memphis Parent magazine is a great resource as well.

 

[tiredsigh]

Haven't been in years but I still dream about Leonard's BBQ.

I love Leonards!!

And you were referring to Chucalissa in Millington for the Native American museum.

 

[tiredsigh]

Mostly have fun & be glad you get to go back to civilization afterward

Wow! I am a native Memphian. That statement was just

There are a lot of us who live here with terminal degrees working in the bio/tech/device field here who live in civilization. It's not like you are dropped off in a place with outhouses.

But, I guess where you live is what you make of it. Sadly, not everyone chooses to enjoy the positive aspects of living in their city.

 

[Mommyto2Princesses]

Mostly have fun & be glad you get to go back to civilization afterward

back to civilization

We live just outside of Memphis, across the stateline - South in Mississippi. Downtown has changed and appears to be safer than it used to be. Panhandling is STILL a huge problem in Memphis, but overall - I think most people feel safe. Memphis Redbirds AAA Baseball is downtown. The Peabody is beautiful - and Beale Street is lots of fun too.

Eat at Dyer's on Beale Street - they deep fry their hamburgers. Delicious!

Have a great time and if you need any additional information - a Memphis Area Diser is here to help!

Oh, and Chucalissa is an Indian Reservation - but it's located in a really bad part of town. Haven't been in over 20 years!

 

[gisgt]

Wow! I am a native Memphian. That statement was just

There are a lot of us who live here with terminal degrees working in the bio/tech/device field here who live in civilization. It's not like you are dropped off in a place with outhouses.

But, I guess where you live is what you make of it. Sadly, not everyone chooses to enjoy the positive aspects of living in their city.

Well, I live in Fayette County so no outhouses, but close. There are no sidewalks here for god's sake! How can that be considered civilization?? I guess I'm just a suburban girl at heart.

But one doesn't make the Forbes top 5 most miserable cities list by accident.....

And totally OT but: what the heck is a terminal degree? AS, BS, Masters, Phd...these I've heard of, but never terminal.

 

[tiredsigh]

Well, I live in Fayette County so no outhouses, but close. There are no sidewalks here for god's sake! How can that be considered civilization?? I guess I'm just a suburban girl at heart.

But one doesn't make the Forbes top 5 most miserable cities list by accident.....

And totally OT but: what the heck is a terminal degree? AS, BS, Masters, Phd...these I've heard of, but never terminal.

Funny that you mentioned the Forbes list. You don't even live in Shelby County but say that Memphis is not civilization and compare it to Fayette County. Fayette County is definitely more rural than suburban IMO. I live in Memphis (East Memphis to be exact). I grew up in a rural area close to Memphis. Not my cup of tea I like having everything I need close by! What made you go from Chicago to Fayette County? That must be culture shock!

I find it ironic that the native Memphian is positive about the city, but someone who doesn't live in Memphis quotes the Forbes article. Seems funny to me But, I also send my oldest to a great public school. She's in a Memphis City School that feeds into a high school that made Newsweek's list. A lot of people who live outside of the city limits badmouth the public schools if you read the newspaper's website. I also feel VERY safe in my neighborhood. Lots of kids playing outside. Families at the parks. Tons of great neighbors. So, I see the gems in Memphis.

Sorry to go so OT. I just think that people should take pride in their surroundings. My family spends a TON of volunteer hours and donates money to a lot of local charities and the public school system to make our city a better place. I come in contact with so many great people in the city. But, I'm sure a lot of people take pride in their hometowns as well

A terminal degree is the final degree you can get in your area. I have a J.D., myself. While you can get an LLM in certain legal fields like taxation scared1: not my area <---- me in tax law class), in my area of expertise, the Juris Doctorate is the end of the road. You could consider a terminal degree to be a PhD, etc.

 

[DisneyLover83]

Ok I need all the info I can get on Memphis, TN. Driving from chicago area.

Will be there for 3 days then back home. Looking for a hotel with some attractions and parking. I'm going to be there mainly to hit a few BBQ places, do some sight seeing and tourist stuff.

I grew up in Germantown, TN and you do not want to stay out in Germantown if you will be mainly seeing the downtown sights. Stay in a hotel downtown in close proximity to the Peabody and you will be fine. For BBQ my favorites are Rendezvous, Commissary or Neely's. Corky's is over rated in my opinion and not as good as it was 10 years ago. Do not let the negative remarks about crime keep you away from visiting Memphis, my BIL is a Memphis police officer and they work very very hard to keep all tourist areas safe. You will only encounter problems if you venture in the wrong direction from a place like Graceland... at Graceland is fine but when your done you don't go walking or exploring away from Graceland.... I hope that makes sense.

 

[digitaldevice]

Thanks you all for the great info. I knew I could count on Disers for good info.

We will stay more downtown area. Don't know where yet. Would love the Peabody but not at there prices.

Do I need to make Reservations at any of the restaurants? Or can you get in fairly easy.

So far on the list is ( not in any order) if I'm missing something let me know.

Interstate Bar-B-Q & Restaurant
Rendezvous Charles Vergos
Central B B Q
Leonard's Pit Barbecue
Neely's Bar-B-Que Restaurant
Corky's Bar-B-Q

BB Kings Blues Club
Sun Records
Graceland

 

[dizagain]

Gibson Guitar Factory is pretty cool as well - also downtown. If it's a nice day, Mud Island is actually kind of fun. I grew up here and recently returned with my own family- we spent a great day there earlier this year. We toured the museum and walked the mini river and the kids rode pedal boats. The zoo is absolutely my favorite anywhere - it really is very nice. The minor league ballpark is fabulous - if there's a game while you're here, check it out. Trolley and carriage rides are also something we enjoy.

We love Huey's for burgers - one location is right by the Peabody (convenient for the duck parade). Corky's and Leonard's are my personal favorites for bbq and they are each very different in flavor.

Oh, and my family loves to spend the day downtown - we take normal precautions and always feel very safe. Have a great time!

 

[digitaldevice]

How is the Elvis Hotel? I'm looking for a hotel now. Trying to go somewhat cheaply. I don't cut into my Disney trip money.

 

[tiredsigh]

How is the Elvis Hotel? I'm looking for a hotel now. Trying to go somewhat cheaply. I don't cut into my Disney trip money.

I wouldn't stay over there. Graceland is fine but not the surrounding area.

You can stay in East Memphis and take Poplar straight to downtown or get on the expressway pretty quickly. Hyatt Primacy Park, Hilton Memphis, Holiday Inn at Poplar and 240, Hampton Inn Poplar, Doubletree Memphis on Sanderlin. You can get any of these fairly inexpensively. It is not a long drive to downtown. You will also be in the middle of town.


There is also a a Hampton Suites downtown, River Inn at Harbor Town, Madison Hotel, the Westin, Marriott downtown. Downtown is typically more expensive.

I don't know of any of the places that you mention that require a reservation.

 

[gisgt]

Funny that you mentioned the Forbes list. You don't even live in Shelby County but say that Memphis is not civilization and compare it to Fayette County. Fayette County is definitely more rural than suburban IMO. I live in Memphis (East Memphis to be exact). I grew up in a rural area close to Memphis. Not my cup of tea I like having everything I need close by! What made you go from Chicago to Fayette County? That must be culture shock!

I find it ironic that the native Memphian is positive about the city, but someone who doesn't live in Memphis quotes the Forbes article. Seems funny to me But, I also send my oldest to a great public school. She's in a Memphis City School that feeds into a high school that made Newsweek's list. A lot of people who live outside of the city limits badmouth the public schools if you read the newspaper's website. I also feel VERY safe in my neighborhood. Lots of kids playing outside. Families at the parks. Tons of great neighbors. So, I see the gems in Memphis.

Sorry to go so OT. I just think that people should take pride in their surroundings. My family spends a TON of volunteer hours and donates money to a lot of local charities and the public school system to make our city a better place. I come in contact with so many great people in the city. But, I'm sure a lot of people take pride in their hometowns as well

A terminal degree is the final degree you can get in your area. I have a J.D., myself. While you can get an LLM in certain legal fields like taxation scared1: not my area <---- me in tax law class), in my area of expertise, the Juris Doctorate is the end of the road. You could consider a terminal degree to be a PhD, etc.

I actually meant the entire Mid-South not just Memphis. But at least you get sidewalks And yeah, total culture shock - especially since I'm an atheist on top it of Seems like everything out here is church related. Thanks for explaining re: terminal, that's about what I figured. I now return you to your regular scheduled thread. Sorry for the hijack!