I know, I know, another short stay in another great city where we could have most certainly spent more time. Unfortunately, we went to Florida for Thanksgiving and had to make it to Angel Fire, NM by the end of December to meet up with our family. Our family ended up not meeting up with us in New Mexico, but we had already made skiing reservations. Also, I know traveling from Florida to New Mexico doesn’t sound like it should take a month, but Zach is still working full-time and can’t be traveling during the work week.
We asked facebook friends what they recommended we visit for our short stay and they certainly did not disappoint. Thank you to everyone who gave us suggestions. Here is what we did…
What we did (and recommend):
- Walked down Beale Street and listened to Jazz music (by accident)
- Drove by Graceland
- Saw the duck walking at the Peabody Hotel
- Ate BBQ at Central BBQ
What we wish we had time for:
- National Civil Rights Museum (A MUST SEE!)
- Toured Graceland
After we unhooked the RV at our spot for the night, we drove into downtown Memphis. Our plan was to first hit up Beale Street. Beale Street is “home of the blues” and also known as the “most famous street in America”. Although it is mostly made up of bars, a jazz band was walking towards our intersection playing live music as we drove by. It was the coolest experience. We quickly parked the car and I kicked Zach and the boys out to go and get some footage before they got away. Luckily, they stopped at the end of Beale Street and we were all able to stand outside their circle and witness them playing. People were dancing in the street (including us). It was incredible.
We had a couple of hours before the duck walking at the Peabody Hotel, so we decided to make the quick 15 minute drive to Graceland. Graceland was Elvis’ home in Memphis and is now a place you can tour. I had been when I was younger, but Zach and the kids had never seen it. So, we turned on some ‘Blue Hawaii’ and drove by his house. A short and sweet visit.
Next, we drove back into Memphis and went to the Peabody Hotel. The Peabody Hotel duck walking takes place at 11am, where real ducks travel from the top of the hotel, where they reside, to a pond in the hotel lobby. Then, at 5pm everyday they travel back up to the top of the hotel. Sounds strange and it certainly is. They do make quite the show of it, so I would recommend getting there 30 minutes early. They roll out a red carpet for the ducks to walk on to get to and from the elevator to the fountain. The kids really enjoyed it. Who doesn’t love seeing ducks inside a hotel lobby?!?!
At this point, we were very tired from traveling, so we picked up BBQ (a must in Memphis) and headed back to the RV. We ate at Central BBQ, but there are many options. Memphis is known for its BBQ.
Because we got in on a Sunday in the late afternoon, many museums were closed. I wish we could have visited the many wonderful museums that center around the rich African American history that is present in Memphis. Specifically, the Civil Rights Museum which walks you through slavery in the 1600s up until current day. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, so there are many places to visit and history to learn about here.
Have you visited Memphis or are you planning a trip? We would love to hear from you!
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XO,
The Fabulous Life of an RV Wife
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