What a change it has been, back in the land or 10,00 (frozen) lakes.
Yes, I admit, I am a Minnesota girl, through and through. I will also admit to appreciating the 60-degree (that’s above zero, folks!) weather we experienced in Memphis.
We sat at a table at a sidewalk café, sipping our sodas and marveling at flower boxes already sporting pansies and petunias. Back home, flower boxes are still covered with some inches of graying, late-February snow.
We strolled to a nearby park where statues honor Jefferson Davis and other Civil War era names not among the top heroes of old in the northern states.
Yes, I admit, I am a Minnesota girl, through and through. I will also admit to appreciating the 60-degree (that’s above zero, folks!) weather we experienced in Memphis.
We sat at a table at a sidewalk café, sipping our sodas and marveling at flower boxes already sporting pansies and petunias. Back home, flower boxes are still covered with some inches of graying, late-February snow.
We strolled to a nearby park where statues honor Jefferson Davis and other Civil War era names not among the top heroes of old in the northern states.
Then we rode the trolley. The Memphis trolley line is a great way to see the downtown area. One trolley makes a loop, and for a dollar each, DH and I had not only a good view of Memphis, but also the attention of drivers who knew the answer to any question we came up with.
One afternoon we took the trolley to the National Civil Rights Museum. This eye opening tribute is built onto the Lorraine Motel, which is the site of the 1968 assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I was amazed and ashamed at how recently groups of Americans have been mistreated buy their government and fellow citizens and I recommend this stop for anyone traveling to Memphis.
We had been told one trip to Beale Street for authentic barbeque is mandatory. We obliged by spending Saturday evening in an establishment with the curious moniker of: PIG… pork with an attitude.
Pig did not disappoint.
At some point, a thin gentleman with gray hair reaching midway on his back took the stage. He had a black felt hat, sunglasses, and several guitars. Blues tunes poured forth from that point.
We don’t have blues cafes in Eagan, Minnesota. This was pretty cool. Had I carried my camera, I would have joined the guy on stage long enough for a photo so I could jokingly tell my daughters I was part of the show. Unfortunately (fortunately for the thin guy with the gray hair) my camera was back at the hotel that evening.
I saw my first robin of the year on the grounds of Graceland. Our daughter had told us we had to see Graceland for the tackiness factor alone. She was right. Unabashedly “hip” in it’s day, now from the 12 foot white ornate sofa in the living room to the green shag carpeting and dark, overly carved pieces in the jungle room, the “mansion” now has an eerily thrift store feel about it.
One afternoon we took the trolley to the National Civil Rights Museum. This eye opening tribute is built onto the Lorraine Motel, which is the site of the 1968 assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I was amazed and ashamed at how recently groups of Americans have been mistreated buy their government and fellow citizens and I recommend this stop for anyone traveling to Memphis.
We had been told one trip to Beale Street for authentic barbeque is mandatory. We obliged by spending Saturday evening in an establishment with the curious moniker of: PIG… pork with an attitude.
Pig did not disappoint.
At some point, a thin gentleman with gray hair reaching midway on his back took the stage. He had a black felt hat, sunglasses, and several guitars. Blues tunes poured forth from that point.
We don’t have blues cafes in Eagan, Minnesota. This was pretty cool. Had I carried my camera, I would have joined the guy on stage long enough for a photo so I could jokingly tell my daughters I was part of the show. Unfortunately (fortunately for the thin guy with the gray hair) my camera was back at the hotel that evening.
I saw my first robin of the year on the grounds of Graceland. Our daughter had told us we had to see Graceland for the tackiness factor alone. She was right. Unabashedly “hip” in it’s day, now from the 12 foot white ornate sofa in the living room to the green shag carpeting and dark, overly carved pieces in the jungle room, the “mansion” now has an eerily thrift store feel about it.
Elvis’ airplane, named the Lisa Marie, could have come direct from the set of a 1970 bachelor film. Beyond that, one can see from the gold plated seatbelt buckles to the gold faucets in both bathrooms, Elvis spared no expense in getting this aircraft to meet his specifications.
The staff at Graceland does an excellent job of getting large numbers of tourists through the grounds. The entire tour is organized and every employee courteous and knowledgeable.
The staff at Graceland does an excellent job of getting large numbers of tourists through the grounds. The entire tour is organized and every employee courteous and knowledgeable.
Memphis, I have discovered, is a fascinating destination. The fact that it pays homage to the diverse likes of Jefferson Davis, The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., blues music, barbeque, and Elvis, speaks for itself.
1 comment:
Welcome back, Judy! Sounds like you had some good sightseeing and good eatin'...and that equals a good vacation!
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