Rebecca Finlayson - Insiders Guide® to Memphis

Help Us Keep This Guide Up to Date

Every effort has been made by the authors and editors to make this guide as accurate and useful as possible. However, many things can change after a guide is publishedtrails are rerouted, regulations change, facilities come under new management, etc.

We would love to hear from you concerning your experiences with this guide and how you feel it could be improved and kept up to date. While we may not be able to respond to all comments and suggestions, well take them to heart and well also make certain to share them with the authors. Please send your comments and suggestions to the following address:

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Thanks for your input, and happy trails!

The prices and rates in this guidebook were confirmed at press time. We recommend, however, that you call establishments before traveling to obtain current information.

INSIDERS GUIDE

Copyright 2002, 2005, 2007, 2009 by Morris Book Publishing, LLC

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission should be addressed to The Globe Pequot Press, Attn: Rights and Permissions Department, P.O. Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437.

Insiders Guide is a registered trademark of Morris Book Publishing, LLC.

Text on page 119 from I Am a Man: A Civil Rights Walking Tour, courtesy of Memphis Heritage, Inc.

Text design by Sheryl Kober

Maps created by XNR Productions Inc. Morris Book Publishing, LLC

ISSN 1542-8451

ISBN 978-0-7627-4866-2

Printed in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

Memphis truly is, as the tourism slogan goes, the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock n Roll. But even if you arent a music fan, youll find plenty to enjoy in this friendly city on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, such as its world-famous pork barbecue, the bright lights of Beale Street, or Graceland Mansion.

Consider this book as your personal tool for enjoying the best of what Memphis has to offer, whether youre in town for a few days of sightseeing or moving here for an extended stay.

This book is divided into self-contained, stand-alone chapters, each about a specific aspect of Memphis, such as nightlife or restaurants. We begin with an overview of the city, where you can learn what makes Memphis a unique place. You may be surprised to learn, for example, that Memphis is still called the hardwood capital of the world, is home to the worlds busiest airport in cargo volume (thanks to FedEx), and has a gigantic glass pyramid next to the Mississippi River. You can get your bearings by reading the Getting Here, Getting Around chapter.

If youre looking for a place to stay, check out the Accommodations chapter for listings of hotels, bed-and-breakfast inns, and other options. If youre looking for a great meal or just a nosh, flip to the Restaurants chapter. We list restaurants by type of cuisine, including barbecue, so you can find out where to get the best versions of this legendary Memphis specialty, as well as old-fashioned, southern-home cooking.

Music is the reason many people visit Memphis, and youll find out where to hear it, both on and off Beale Street, in the Nightlife chapter. Check out the Memphis Music chapter for an extensive look at how American music, including blues, rock n roll, and soul, grew out of Memphis, and how new music still bubbles up from the citys rich musical heritage.

When youre ready to see the town, turn to the Attractions chapter, where youll get the skinny on Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, Sun Studio, and other sights. Youll find more choices in the Kidstuff chapter, where you can get the kid-friendly skinny on basic attractions, including Beale Street. For other diversions check out the Parks and Recreation, Spectator Sports, Annual Events, and Day Trips and Weekend Getaways chapters. To learn more about Memphiss African-American heritage, turn to the chapter bearing that name.

If youre planning to make Memphis your home, flip to the back of the book and learn more about daily life in Memphis. Youll find chapters on relocation (real estate and neighborhoods), education, media, health care, retirement, and worship.

Throughout the book youll find Close-ups, which highlight some noteworthy aspect of the city, and Insiders tips, nuggets of information you might not find anywhere else.

We hope you will make good use of this book as you explore Memphis, but remember to put it away, too. Just hanging out is one of the pleasures of being here, and if youre too much the tourist on a mission, youll miss that aspect. Memphis is a laid-back, friendly place, so take time to relax and enjoy watching the river, listening to some blues, and making some new friends.

Bear in mind that things can change quickly even in a laid-back city like Memphis. We doubt that the Mississippi River will stop flowing or that Graceland Mansion will close its doors to visitors, but before you know it, a restaurant could move to the suburbs, an attraction could change its hours, or a nightclub could close its doors. Its always a good idea to call ahead before you visit the places we list here.

Weve made every effort to include accurate, up-to-date information, but nobodys perfect. Let us know if weve goofed, or if you discover a great little barbecue joint or blues club that escaped our notice. This guide is periodically updated, and your input will help to improve the next edition.

Write to us at Insiders Guide to Memphis, GPP, P. O. Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437-0480 or at editorial GlobePequot.com.

We hope you have a great time in Memphis. Youll see why people come here for school, a work assignment, or a short visit and find theyre still here five years later enjoying the mellow Memphis lifestyle.

AREA OVERVIEW

T heres more to Memphis than first meets the visitors eye. True, its the birthplace of rock n roll, Elvis Presleys hometown, the pork barbecue capital of the world, and an important Mississippi River port. Visitors can see Graceland, take in some blues on Beale Street, enjoy outstanding barbecue ribs, and gaze out at Old Man River. The people you encounter are likely to be very friendly and only too happy to give directions or recommend a personal favorite. Its very laid-backno need to rush around unless thats what you want to do. Look a little deeper, however, and youll find more in this city that got its start as a rowdy river town. Memphis has a family-friendly attitude, an employment rate thats often better than the national average, and a diversified economy that makes the city resilient to downturns. Memphis throughout the years has spawned innovations that changed the way we live. These include the modern supermarket (Piggly Wiggly, 1916), the modern hotel chain (Holiday Inn, 1952), and overnight package delivery (FedEx, 1972).