Memphis has a rich musical heritage that stretches far beyond Elvis Presley and his Jungle Room. It’s the hometown to musicians famous and unknown and the inspiration for numerous songs, including of course the lyrical “Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn. Get in touch with this tradition by taking your own stroll through Memphis.
Stax Museum - known as Soulville, USA, Stax is widely considered the home of soul music. Once a recording studio, Stax is now part musical academy, part music history lesson. A visit here will educate and entertain.
Graceland – yeah, it has a cheesy reputation, but this compound and the story of Elvis Presley is an important part of the Memphis music story. A visit here offers a deeper appreciation for the man, the music, and the tragedy of a life cut short.
Sun Studio - tour the studio where Elvis got his start and where Rock n’ Roll itself was recorded before the Memphis kid came stepped through the doors. Bonus: a free shuttle runs between Graceland and the studio.
Beale Street - once you’ve learned about the history, head to Beale Street to listen to modern day musicians play live at one of the bars. OK, they aren’t singing many modern hits, but you’ll hear great covers of old favorites.
Hi-Tone Cafe – once a successful recording studio, Hi-Tone now features shows by up and coming musicians. The Memphis story continues here.
Before our visit, I asked my friends on Twitter and Facebook for suggestions about what we should do while we were in Memphis. Apparently they thought I was underfed, because over and over again the response I got was a list of places to eat rather than things to do. Specifically, I was told repeatedly where to go to get “the best barbecue in Memphis.”
After spending two weeks elbow-deep in barbecue sauce, I won’t tell you where to get the best barbecue in town, but I can tell you what to order if you find yourself at one of these favorite places.
The Rendezvous – famous for inventing dry ribs, you need to order the dry ribs here and nowhere else. Only at The Rendezvous will you get dry ribs that are just as flavorful as any sauce-soaked rack you’ve ever eaten. Also worth trying: the sausage and cheese appetizer plate.
Blues City Cafe – while Rendezvous gets a bad name for being too “touristy”, this Beale Street restaurant is much more worthy of that criticism. That being said, the tamales are both unique and delicious. Skip the barbecue here.
A&R BBQ - there are multiple locations around town, all of which serve up pulled pork sandwiches topped with coleslaw. It sounds a little crazy, but it’s a whole lot of flavor and texture between two white buns.
Interstate BBQ – this is where you go for the best wet ribs. The sauce is available in mild or spicy and both varieties are worth licking a few fingers. The ribs themselves are thick and tender. The dry version, however, is exactly that – dry and bland. Pass on the famous BBQ spaghetti.
Central BBQ - do not look at anything on the menu but the BBQ pork nachos. Nothing else compares to this powerhouse of flavor and textural perfection. Get the large size – not because you’ll need it, but because you’ll be craving another bite as soon as you’ve finished.
Hop a vintage stream liner for a scenic fall tour through the Ozarks Mountains with Vacations by Rail’s 8-day tour of Memphis, Eureka Springs, Hot Springs and the Ozarks Mountains. Enjoy the brilliance of fall colors with close up views of Hot Springs National Park and Garvan Woodland Gardens, which features a 210 acre botanical garden as well as natural springs, waterfalls and cascading streams. The tour’s natural wonders is complemented with historic city tours of Memphis and visits to famous restaurants and landmarks. Read More »
NCAA March Madness Logo (photo courtesy NCAA.com and CBSSports.com)
Zero. That is the collective number of college basketball games I have watched this season. Yet, come next week, I’m sure that I will be counted among the millions of Americans contributing to the estimated $1.7 billion dollar productivity drain (thanks NCAA.com and CBSSports.com) during this springtime basketball tournament frenzy known everywhere as March Madness.
Selection Sunday is March 15 and opening round games are scheduled around the country beginning in Dayton, OH with the “play-in” game March 17. The play-in game pits the 64th and 65th ranked teams against each other. The winner of that game goes on to the regular tournament where in all likelihood they shall be soundly beaten by a far superior team. That’s just how it works.
Here’s the tournament schedule at a glance. Although tickets may be scarce, your best bet for seeing any of the games live would be the first and second rounds or the regionals. Follow the city links below for lodging options in each of the host cities as well as interesting game alternatives while you’re there.
Games will be played at the Greensboro Coliseum. If you’re traveling with the kids, make sure to give them a break and head over to the Greensboro Children’s Museum for a fun filled, hands-on and interactive learning experience.
Games are scheduled at the Sprint Center. Allow some extra time to visit the Kansas City Zoo while you’re there. It was voted one of America’s 60 Best in 2008.
Games will be played at the Wachovia Center of St. Joseph’s University. No trip to Philly would be complete without a trip to Independence National Historical Park to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall where our Constitution was drafted.
The Liberty Bell in Independence National Historic Park (photo ushistory.org)
Games will be at the American Airlines Arena of Florida International University. Of course, Miami is a top Spring Break Destination so bring your trunks and floaties. Hit the beach with your downtime. That should go without saying.
Games to be held at the HHH Metrodome of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Two words: Mall of America. (Of doesn’t count.) While there, make sure to see the world’s largest underground aquarium Underwater Adventures.
Regionals: Thursday and Saturday March 26 and 28, 2009
Games will be held at the TD Banknorth Garden, home of the Bruins and Celtics. While in Boston be sure to check out the Freedom Trail a three mile walk through downtown Boston that links 16 historical sites.
The Old North Church Steeple Boston, MA (photo courtesy oldnorth.com)
Games will be at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Az. I hear the South Mountain Park Scenic Drive is a great way to experience some of Arizona’s beautiful scenery and to boot–it’s free.
Regionals: Friday and Sunday March 27 and 29, 2009
Games are scheduled at the new (in 2008) Lucas Oil Stadium. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis ranks as one of the best in the country. It’s a definite if you go to Indy with the kids.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (photo via web public domain)
If your team has made it this far, congratulations. If you’ve made it this far, congratulations again. There’s much to see and do in the Motor City and while the games from here on out promise to be nothing short of spectacular make sure to take a break see some of what Detroit has to offer.
The Road Ends Here Detroit, MI 2009 NCAA Final Four
Oh, and coming off a perfect season (perfect 0 and 16, that is) I’m fairly certain you can get a pretty good deal on Lions Season Tickets while you’re there.
Memphis has a rich musical heritage that stretches far beyond Elvis Presley and his Jungle Room. It’s the hometown to musicians famous and unknown and the inspiration for numerous songs, including of course the lyrical “Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn. Get in touch with this tradition by taking your own stroll through Memphis.
