WALKING IN MEMPHIS....

.....
I was walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale

I know this is kinda off subject from the usual themes of my blog. But I thought I would share with you some of my favourite memories and my favourite place on earth, Memphis.  

I first touched down in the land of the Delta Blues back in 2000 and it was love at first sight. I have since returned twice more, the latest trip being March 2011.


My Auntie, Uncle and two cousins moved out to Memphis in 1997 and into a beautiful house in Collierville. I will never forget arriving at their house for the first time late one summer evening, finding their home decorated with sparkling fairy lights, it was breathtaking.


The next two weeks were spent lounging in the back garden, splashing in the pool and taking in all the wonderful sights Memphis has to offer.


One of my favourite things to do while in Memphis, is take a stroll around the infamous "Beale Street".

"Beale Street is a street in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee which runs from the Mississippi River to East Street, a distance of approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 km). It is a significant location in the city's history, as well as in the history of the Blues Today, the blues clubs and restaurants that line Beale Street are major tourist attractions in Memphis. Festivals and outdoor concerts periodically bring large crowds to the street and its surrounding areas."

During the day, there is nothing more magical than walking down Beale Street with the hazy Tennessee sun beaming onto your face and the enchanting sound of the blues whispering in your ears. 
A visit to A.Schwab's - 163 Beale Street is a must. The store is filled with the most random memorabilia and trinkets ever! Me and Mum loved trying on all the hats and clothes, while my dad and uncle take a look at the leather Stetson hats and cow boy clobber!

Grab a beer, find a table and just take in the sights and sounds of Beale street!

Hard Rock Care, Beale Street

The Hard Rock Cafe in Beale Street is a great place to grab a bite to eat! Just make sure that you take some ID if you fancy a cool beer, no matter what your age! My Dad was not best pleased as being ID'd (at the tender age of 51) & as he had left his passport and Driving License back at the house and therefore had to settle for a coke!
This Hard Rock Cafe is also great for checking out some genuine Elvis memorabilia, for free!
Here you will find the infamous Kings glamorous Jump suits and signed guitars!

If your lucky then you may even have the pleasant suprise of a live band performing for you while you enjoy your meal!

While in Downtown Memphis, it is also a great idea to take a Tram (Trolley ride) around the city. Hitch a ride down to the banks of the beautiful Mississippi and gaze out across the glistening waters! There is a new attraction called Mud Island based out on the lazy Mississippi banks. Unfortunately I did not get the chance to visit here, but family and friends have said the attraction is a must see!  http://www.mudisland.com

Mud Island, Mississippi

I have had the privilege of visiting the Mississippi River Museum though, here you can also take the monorail or a sky-high walk over Mississippi River! If the weather is great, which is usually is, then there is nothing better than catching some summer rays while lying next to the river bank. There is always something beautiful to see.
Finally, If your interested in History then take the tram down towards the Lorraine Motel in Memphis where Martin Luther King was sadly, yet famously assassinated.
Now. When most people think of Memphis, they nearly always think, "ELVIS!"

"Well, since my baby left me,

I found a new place to dwell,

It's down at the end of lonely street

At heartbreak hotel"

Graceland, Memphis, TN <3

Graceland is an obvious tourist attraction for Elvis lovers, but even if your not so familiar with the King, I still guarantee that you will leave his grand mansion as a massive fan!
Take a snoop around his infamous "Jungle Room" and the incredible kitchen! Grab a headset as you enter Graceland and enjoy an intimate tour around the mansion!


I was googling around some sites to try and find the best one for you guys to check out!
My favourite site is: http://www.elvis.com/


While checking out a few links I came across a list. A list outlining items to be kept in Graceland at all times! I thought I should share it with you as its so good! Elvis LOVED his food!

Items included;

fresh, lean, unfrozen ground meat one case regular Pepsi one case orange drinks rolls (hot rolls - Brown 'n' Serve) at least 6 cans of biscuits hamburger buns pickles potatoes and onions assorted fresh fruits cans of sauerkraut wieners

at least three bottles each of milk and Half and Half. thin, lean bacon mustard peanut butter fresh, hand-squeezed cold orange juice banana pudding (to be made fresh nightly) ingredients for meat loaf and sauce brownies (to be made fresh nightly) ice cream - vanilla and chocolate shredded coconut fudge cookies

3 packs each of Spearmint, Doublemint, and Juicy Fruit gum cigars (El Producto Diamond Tips & El Producto Altas) cigarettes Dristan Super Anahist Contac Sucrets (antibiotic red box) Feenamint gum matches (four to five books)

That's a list of food to make my boyfriend envious!

Graceland also includes an Elvis Museum, complete with the Kings Vegas jumpsuits, as well as an auto collection of Elvis's beautiful cars and the Lisa Marie jetliner (yes! a grand aeroplane parked just outside!) as well as the "Hound Dog 2", a Lockheed JetStar plane!

Elvis examining the Music Gates

The start of the Graceland tour actually commences across the road from the famous limestone house! Tourists take their seats on mini-buses which take them safely across the main road, through the great "Music Gates" and up the driveway towards the breathtaking estate.

As Elvis Presley is buried at the Meditation Garden within the grounds of Graceland, it is also a great place for fans  (like my dad) to come to pay their respects. During the anniversary's of Elvis's birth and death, it is common for Memphis to host memorial and tribute concerts in order to remember and celebrate the life and talents of the King.

If your like me and you LOVE animals, then take a walk on the wild side with a trip to the fascinating Memphis ZOO! My favourite part is a recent addition called "Teton Trek"
Teton Trek is inspired by Yellow Stone Park, and features a huge log cabin, backed by rolling greenery and inhabited by gangs of grizzly bears and timber wolves!


There is a beautiful waterfall where you can have your photo taken in front of (although you may have to push a few kids out the way!) Enjoy a stroll along the wooden walk-ways, taking in views of the park and the incredible animals.

Teton Trek at Memphis Zoo
When you have finished your exciting walk around Teton, head back to the lodge and take a comfy seat on one of the rocking chairs on the balcony and enjoy a relaxing look at the exhibit. If the weathers a bit chilly outside then grab a chair right next to the stone fireplace, a purrrfect place to chill-out.

My mums favourite exhibit at Memphis Zoo is "China"
China is special to me and my family because when we ventured back to Memphis for the 2nd time, the exhibit was just about to have its grand opening! With the news cameras there, awaiting for the arrival of the beautiful new pandas...the news camera caught a more unusual site..... my mum, in a prop cage, pretending to be a Panda... CRINGE indeed. (Plus the local news channel felt the need to show local news stories on repeat, every 30 minutes!)


This stunning attraction feels like you have transported straight from the active Mid-South and into a peaceful retreat in China. The gardens within the exhibit are simply spectacular! The pandas here were also more than happy to be snapped in their new homes , perfect for Panda fanatics who want to get some great snaps of the great fluffy bears munching on bamboo!

"The China exhibit sits on three acres of land and features a sampling of the culture, animals, architecture, horticulture and of China

Giant pandas Ya Ya and Le Le became residents of the exhibit in April 2003.

Houses white-cheeked gibbons, Pere David deer, Asian small-clawed otters, white-naped cranes, Francois Langurs, waterfowl, pheasants and other birds .."

Memphis Zoo definitely tops the list of the best zoos I have ever visited.

The park itself is wonderful to walk around, the animals always look happy and content and the delightful grounds that the Zoo is built up on our always immaculate and unspoiled! The Zoo oozes family fun while promoting a strong focus upon conservation and preservation.

The Zoo boasts a grand dining hall, which is perfect for grabbing a bite to eat- while getting up close and personal with our mischievous ancestors! (right)

Visit http://www.memphiszoo.org for more info on the zoo! The ramblings in my blog go not do this astounding attraction enough justice!

                                                                                
There is just something so carefree and charming about walking around the exclusive city of Memphis. The lonely musicians on street corners who sing the blues, the hustle and bustle of Downtown and the general kindness and charisma of the South.

Its what Memphis is all about!

 "A resident of Memphis is referred to as a Memphian"

Another place I love to visit while spending time in Memphis is Collierville. Its a town in Shelby County, close to where my family live.

Enjoy a lazy walk around Collierville square, lined with an assortment of cute, quirky shops and restaurants. My mum LOVES Collierville when it comes to shopping! Each little store is like a treasure trove of trinkets and we have always found the shop assistants here extremely friendly and charming! One of my mums favourite shops for souvenirs and gifts is C.J Lilly & Co, there's a guy who works in there who is really lovely too!


In the months on June and July, Collierville plays host to a brilliant event called "Sunset On The Square" Not to be missed! 
Grab some friends, family, some grub and a cooler box full of beer and wine and head down to Collierville squaure for some musical enteraintment from the central bandstand! Relax on the grass or take some chairs for an ambient music fest under the stars.

The only problem with Memphis though, is that it makes me really upset when I have to leave!

For further information & things to do in Memphis, visit http://www.memphistravel.com/