Questions for those who know Memphis, TN

rexinnih · 04-23-06, 12:46 PM

Well it's time for a vacation and Walk the Line has inspired me to finally get out to Memphis, TN. Looks like some other threads recommend BBQ but here's some more questions.

1. How far from downtown is Sun Records and Graceland? These are the two main places I want to visit.

2. How's public transportation? Is it best to rent a car to get around or are taxis sufficient?

3. Looks like Beale St is the place for nightlife. Do you agree and what places should I hit?

4. Any other "must see" places or "must do" things?

Thanks in advance.

orangerory · 04-23-06, 01:09 PM

Well - there are some otters who still live there - I just grew up there. But I'll do what I can.

1. Sun Records is right near downtown - very close. Graceland is in south memphis - maybe 10-15 minutes away.

2. Public transportation is not so good. I would recommend renting a car. There are not cabs driving around looking for pickups like in most larger cities - you have to call for a cab generally. I would not want to ride on a city bus.

3. Beale St. is one decent place - lots of blues clubs - but downtown has changed a lot in this last several years. There are many more decent places to go out down there. Another cool area with bars/restaurants close to downtown is cooper/young. I like Young Ave Deli - good beer selection, decent bands on the weekend, etc...

4. No.

Well - I'll leave that to the people who still live there. You could drive down to Tunica, MS to the casinos.

Lateralus · 04-23-06, 01:54 PM

If you are going to stay there and if you can afford it try the Peabody Hotel, the place looks awsome. If you do stay at the Peabody then everything downtown is within walking distance. Sun Records might be a little bit out of walking distance and Graceland is out of walking distance.See the Peabody Ducks

If you don't stay downtown there is a large shopping center there with plenty of parking with easy access to Beale St. When stopping somplace to eat get your parking ticket validated.

I would suggest renting a car.

If you don't stay at the Peabody then I suggest Bidding for Travel and Priceline.

I don't recommend the Duck tours, but they will take you past Sun Records and where MLK got shot.

There is also a minor leage baseball stadium downtown if you like baseball.

Don't buy chili on Beale St.! I had the worst case of the shits I ever had. I was stuck in downtown Memphis 3 blocks from my car and I had to go from hotel to hotel using their bathrooms so I would not crap myself. It took me 2 hours to get to my car.

Turd Ferguson · 04-23-06, 03:36 PM

As a Memphis Otter, I second most everything that's already been posted. DEFINITELY rent a car. I also recommend a dinner at the Rendezvous so you can see how pork ribs are supposed to taste.

rexinnih · 04-23-06, 03:36 PM

Thanks for the advice so far. I'll definately stay away from the chili. Sounds deadly.

jonw9 · 04-23-06, 04:23 PM

http://www.memphisinmay.org/

Buford T Pusser · 04-23-06, 10:56 PM

Do the guys from ZZ Top own/use the penthouse at the Peabody or is that old or a rumor?

I lived near Memphis for a year, but don't have too many memories. I was there for Hands Across America, went by Graceland (but not inside), and
I think Mr. Salty told me about visiting Graceland. Maybe he'll see this thread.

I saw a few shows in Memphis.

ZZ Top

Elton John

Van Halen-all at the Mid-South Coliseum

Outside Mid-South? I saw Belinda Carlisle, Fabulous Thunderbirds and Robert Palmer in a triple bill.

While passing through on spring break I bought a tripod in Memphis and my friends and I stopped into a downtown video game place. The odd part was they also had viewing booths with nekkid' women in them where you put money in and some metal wall shot up. Never seen that before. I took some pix of the model but my film was stolen in New Orleans.

Sorry I can't help more.

Turd Ferguson · 04-23-06, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buford T Pusser

Do the guys from ZZ Top own/use the penthouse at the Peabody or is that old or a rumor?

That's not true. My father-in-law lives in a loft downtown and Billy Gibbons used to come to a big party he had every year during Memphis In May. The last time, my father-in-law got pissed off because someone stole his copy of Eliminator so they could get Billy to sign it.

About 15 years ago, Billy came into a Blockbuster I was working at trying to find a copy of "Brazil" so he could sample some music from it for an album he was working on over at Ardent Studios. Cool guy.

Turd Ferguson · 04-23-06, 11:23 PM

Go have lunch at Huey's across the street from the Peabody. They have great burgers and onion rings.

Mr. Salty · 04-24-06, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turd Ferguson

I also recommend a dinner at the Rendezvous so you can see how pork ribs are supposed to taste.

Definitely, definitely go to the Rendezvous for dinner (I don't think they open until 4 p.m.). It's right down town, just about three blocks from Beale Street. Have an extra rack of ribs for me, and be sure to get the red beans and rice for an appetizer. It may be free. The Rendezvous is some of the best food you'll ever eat.

And although this sounds liek homework, if you're in Memphis you should check out the National Civil Rights Museum, which is in the hotel where MLK was assassinated. I didn't know what to expect, but it was a highlight of my last trip to Memphis.

Buford T Pusser · 04-24-06, 08:59 AM

I stopped by the MLK hotel but I don't think the museum was there at the time. I knew Mr. Salty would come through.

rexinnih · 04-24-06, 09:05 AM

Will definately add the hotel to the tour. This is going to be a great bit of Americana.
Has anyone been to the Jack Daniels Distillery?

Trout · 04-24-06, 04:59 PM

Memphis is known for BBQ, so eat lots of it.

rexinnih · 05-06-06, 12:38 PM

Hey all,

Thanks for all the advice. Went there last week and had a great time.
The Sun Records tour was great. Good to get in touch with some of the origins of Rock and Roll.
Graceland was also interesting. Smaller than I had built up in my mind but good to see where the King hung out.
Also checked out the National Civil Rights Museum. Set up around the Lorraine Hotel where MLK was assassinated. Very powerful experience and recommended to all who visit Memphis.
Beale St was a party! Great drinks, great people, and great music. Could have spent the entire time there.
BBQ-goes without saying. Seems like everything is required by law to have a bit of BBQ'd pork in/on it. And that's a good thing!
Overall very relaxing and a great time. Glad it wasn't summer when I went!

Buford T Pusser · 05-06-06, 01:50 PM

Thanks for the closure. So many don't bother to let people know the outcome after they've seeked advice.

Mr. Salty · 05-06-06, 07:03 PM

Man, now my mouth is watering for some decent Q.

Lateralus · 05-07-06, 08:17 AM

Glad you had a good time, Memphis is a great city.

04-23-06, 12:46 PM	#1
rexinnih DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Relocated to Bot-Hell Posts: 8,653	Questions for those who know Memphis, TN Well it's time for a vacation and Walk the Line has inspired me to finally get out to Memphis, TN. Looks like some other threads recommend BBQ but here's some more questions. 1. How far from downtown is Sun Records and Graceland? These are the two main places I want to visit. 2. How's public transportation? Is it best to rent a car to get around or are taxis sufficient? 3. Looks like Beale St is the place for nightlife. Do you agree and what places should I hit? 4. Any other "must see" places or "must do" things? Thanks in advance. __________________ On the outside lookin in, and it's funny.

04-23-06, 01:54 PM	#3
Lateralus DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Valley of Megiddo Posts: 9,304	If you are going to stay there and if you can afford it try the Peabody Hotel, the place looks awsome. If you do stay at the Peabody then everything downtown is within walking distance. Sun Records might be a little bit out of walking distance and Graceland is out of walking distance.See the Peabody Ducks If you don't stay downtown there is a large shopping center there with plenty of parking with easy access to Beale St. When stopping somplace to eat get your parking ticket validated. I would suggest renting a car. If you don't stay at the Peabody then I suggest Bidding for Travel and Priceline. I don't recommend the Duck tours, but they will take you past Sun Records and where MLK got shot. There is also a minor leage baseball stadium downtown if you like baseball. Don't buy chili on Beale St.! I had the worst case of the shits I ever had. I was stuck in downtown Memphis 3 blocks from my car and I had to go from hotel to hotel using their bathrooms so I would not crap myself. It took me 2 hours to get to my car. __________________ (Lat's book lists)

04-23-06, 03:36 PM	#4
Turd Ferguson DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 5,545	As a Memphis Otter, I second most everything that's already been posted. DEFINITELY rent a car. I also recommend a dinner at the Rendezvous so you can see how pork ribs are supposed to taste. __________________ Live every week like it's shark week. -Tracy Jordan, 30 Rock

04-23-06, 03:36 PM	#5
rexinnih DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Relocated to Bot-Hell Posts: 8,653	Thanks for the advice so far. I'll definately stay away from the chili. Sounds deadly. __________________ On the outside lookin in, and it's funny.

04-23-06, 04:23 PM	#6
jonw9 DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: On the banks of the Red Cedar Posts: 9,861	http://www.memphisinmay.org/ __________________ "Damn straight! Today the mad scientist can't get a doomsday device, tomorrow it's the mad grad student! Where will it end?!" - Professor Hubert Farnsworth

04-23-06, 01:09 PM	#2
orangerory DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,095	Well - there are some otters who still live there - I just grew up there. But I'll do what I can. 1. Sun Records is right near downtown - very close. Graceland is in south memphis - maybe 10-15 minutes away. 2. Public transportation is not so good. I would recommend renting a car. There are not cabs driving around looking for pickups like in most larger cities - you have to call for a cab generally. I would not want to ride on a city bus. 3. Beale St. is one decent place - lots of blues clubs - but downtown has changed a lot in this last several years. There are many more decent places to go out down there. Another cool area with bars/restaurants close to downtown is cooper/young. I like Young Ave Deli - good beer selection, decent bands on the weekend, etc... 4. No. Well - I'll leave that to the people who still live there. You could drive down to Tunica, MS to the casinos.

04-23-06, 10:56 PM	#7
Buford T Pusser DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Lighten up, Francis! (Funland) Posts: 26,766	Do the guys from ZZ Top own/use the penthouse at the Peabody or is that old or a rumor? I lived near Memphis for a year, but don't have too many memories. I was there for Hands Across America, went by Graceland (but not inside), and I think Mr. Salty told me about visiting Graceland. Maybe he'll see this thread. I saw a few shows in Memphis. ZZ Top Elton John Van Halen-all at the Mid-South Coliseum Outside Mid-South? I saw Belinda Carlisle, Fabulous Thunderbirds and Robert Palmer in a triple bill. While passing through on spring break I bought a tripod in Memphis and my friends and I stopped into a downtown video game place. The odd part was they also had viewing booths with nekkid' women in them where you put money in and some metal wall shot up. Never seen that before. I took some pix of the model but my film was stolen in New Orleans. Sorry I can't help more. __________________ it really bufords my pusser. (wow, that sounds dirty!) - cultshock Nothing wrong with pounding a little teacher pussy after school. - Sonic most of my weight is in my tits. - Mrs. Danger

04-23-06, 11:23 PM	#9
Turd Ferguson DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 5,545	Go have lunch at Huey's across the street from the Peabody. They have great burgers and onion rings. __________________ Live every week like it's shark week. -Tracy Jordan, 30 Rock

04-24-06, 08:59 AM	#11
Buford T Pusser DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Lighten up, Francis! (Funland) Posts: 26,766	I stopped by the MLK hotel but I don't think the museum was there at the time. I knew Mr. Salty would come through. __________________ it really bufords my pusser. (wow, that sounds dirty!) - cultshock Nothing wrong with pounding a little teacher pussy after school. - Sonic most of my weight is in my tits. - Mrs. Danger

04-24-06, 09:05 AM	#12
rexinnih DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Relocated to Bot-Hell Posts: 8,653	Will definately add the hotel to the tour. This is going to be a great bit of Americana. Has anyone been to the Jack Daniels Distillery? __________________ On the outside lookin in, and it's funny.

04-24-06, 04:59 PM	#13
Trout DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Sub-basement 3b Posts: 3,158	Memphis is known for BBQ, so eat lots of it. __________________ Heathen pride.

05-06-06, 12:38 PM	#14
rexinnih DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Relocated to Bot-Hell Posts: 8,653	Hey all, Thanks for all the advice. Went there last week and had a great time. The Sun Records tour was great. Good to get in touch with some of the origins of Rock and Roll. Graceland was also interesting. Smaller than I had built up in my mind but good to see where the King hung out. Also checked out the National Civil Rights Museum. Set up around the Lorraine Hotel where MLK was assassinated. Very powerful experience and recommended to all who visit Memphis. Beale St was a party! Great drinks, great people, and great music. Could have spent the entire time there. BBQ-goes without saying. Seems like everything is required by law to have a bit of BBQ'd pork in/on it. And that's a good thing! Overall very relaxing and a great time. Glad it wasn't summer when I went! __________________ On the outside lookin in, and it's funny.

05-06-06, 01:50 PM	#15
Buford T Pusser DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Lighten up, Francis! (Funland) Posts: 26,766	Thanks for the closure. So many don't bother to let people know the outcome after they've seeked advice. __________________ it really bufords my pusser. (wow, that sounds dirty!) - cultshock Nothing wrong with pounding a little teacher pussy after school. - Sonic most of my weight is in my tits. - Mrs. Danger

05-06-06, 07:03 PM	#16
Mr. Salty DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Lower Beaver, Iowa Posts: 9,518	Man, now my mouth is watering for some decent Q. __________________ Mr. Salty's Massive Media Empire "so im looking for brutal ... male to male action" -- Stynieke, a new DVD Talk member

05-07-06, 08:17 AM	#17
Lateralus DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Valley of Megiddo Posts: 9,304	Glad you had a good time, Memphis is a great city. __________________ (Lat's book lists)