Memphis (where to stay/what to do?)

[ellidew]

We are planning a trip to memphis, tn with friends for later in the year. Dh and i have been there before but the other couple never has. We have no desire to see Graceland (dh and i have seen it multiple times) and the other couple said they could care less. I have seen Sun Records but no one else has so i know we will probably do that. What else shoud we do?

We would also like suggestions for hotels near beale street. Does the trolley system take you to biehl st? If so, then anywhere along the trolley line would be fine.

TIA for the ideas!

[boilermaker]

I have only been to Memphis once but I enjoyed the trip. I managed to squeeze in some time to tour the Gibson guitar factory/museum as well as the National Civil Rights musuem. Both are right off of Beale Street. I really liked both of them but the civil rights museum really struck a cord with me. It is located at the hotel where MLK was shot.

Civil Rights Museum (http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/)

Gibson Factory/Museum (http://www.gibsonmemphis.com/)


As for hotels, if you can get a good deal, the Peabody is a fun place to stay. I stayed at the Hampton Inn right off of Beale Street and it was nice as well.

Peabody Hotel (http://www.peabodymemphis.com/asp/home.asp)

Have fun!

[Toonces]

There's a hotel right across the street from the Peabody - it's a Hilton, Mariott, Wyndham or one of those chains (I'm sorry, I can't remember which one, but there is a TGIF's attached to the hotel - if you can find it online that way). Both the Peabody & the hotel I can't remember the name of are a few blocks away from Beale Street. They are both also across the street from the AAA baseball stadium. It's a really nice stadium. I saw a game there once and that was fun. Beale Street is a blast. Have fun!

[allison]

DH and I went earlier this year and after doing all the touristy things, we drove to Tunica, Miss. and gambled (we're addicts :p). Just a thought!

[Phen]

That Hampton Inn Suites (at Peabody Place) is supposed to be REALLY nice for the price, and it's only a block or two away from Beale St.

But you can hear the party on Beale up at the Peabody. There's a Holiday Inn on Union (right across from the Peabody), too. Just whatever you do, don't stay at the Best Western Benchmark -- a bunch of our wedding guests stayed there and it was a total nightmare.

The Memphis Zoo (http://www.memphiszoo.org/splash2.html) has a pair of pandas...there's a museum on Mud Island (http://www.mudisland.com/museum.asp). And maybe you could take in a Redbirds game (http://www.memphisredbirds.com/) (minor league baseball); the stadium is diagonally across the street from the Peabody. And of course, there's the Peabody Ducks!!

~ Phen

p.s. Beale is walking distance from all the hotels I've mentioned. Like maybe three blocks?

[southerner]

I grew up in Memphis, so its nice to hear that y'all have all had good experiences there and you've recommended great places. Be sure to check on Peabody Place. Its cool shopping and bars. There's a Jillian's in there, I think. That could kill a night, easily :)

The new Fed Ex forum might interest the sportsfans, that's walking distance too. The Pyramid or Cook Convention Center might have expos, festivals, etc.

Enjoy your trip!

[carrie9142]

The hotel right across from Peabody is a Best Western. I stayed there about 3 years ago-it was certainly A LOT cheaper than the Peabody and we could still walk to Beale. I could see Rendevous when I looked out my window!

[cantwait]

Go to the Rendezvous for ribs...it's a Memphis tradition! Mmm. I personally recommend eating as much barbecue as possible while in Memphis, but I am a major aficianado (DH and I went to the Memphis in May BBQ Cookoff a few years ago - so much fun!)

[shopaholic]

thought I would bring up this topic again. I am planning a trip to Memphis possibly next summer. When would be the best time to go? I have been to Nashville before in March and it was pretty warm then. Does it get really hot during the summer months in Memphis?

We are planning to go to the cat exhibit at the zoo but I am really not sure what else there is to do (besides what was said in this thread). I know that Memphis and Nashville aren't really close together....are there flights that go to and from both cities? I would possibly like to go to Memphis for a day or 2 and then possibly Nashville.

TIA