Memphis

[dustyrebel]

Would any of you have any good info on Memphis? I'll be down in the area for a weekend in April with my better half, one teenager and two smaller kiddos. I'm looking for things to do that all will enjoy. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Stay Safe

DR.

[B 2/75]

Go see the duck parade at the Peabody hotel. Take a walk along the river in th park. Go see the Pink Palace museum. Go see Graceland. Drive them over the river and if it is operating, there used to be a greyhound track just off I-40 in West Memphis.

Oh, and don't be out after dark off the beaten path. Memphis is a shockingly violent little town. Just the other day a whole houseful of young folks got whacked... five or six at once, with kids. If you have a permit, I'd recommend packing.

[dustyrebel]

Thanks--- Thats the info that is not in the tour guide books. Duck Parade?
DR.

[jw]

Double Post

[jw]

The zoo is first rate. Hit up Beal Street during the day. I lived just north of there for two years. I second the violent nature of the city. I almost got out to become a police officer. My wife told me I as going to stay in, EOD was safer.

[PocketKings]

...and go to The Rendezvous for dinner. Best ribs in town, and that's saying a lot. But, yea, don't stay out too late.

[LRS Guy]

There are several EXCELLANT BBQ joints, Gridleys(?) was one of my favorites years ago.

But I would encourage being armed, as there are some areas there are very........rough for lack of better words.

[B 2/75]

If the kids are small, they'll love the duck parade. it is quite short, but very cute. The ducks live on the roof of the Peabody, a beautiful old landmark hotel in the heart of downtown. Twice a day, once in the morning, and once in the afternoon, the ducks parade down the elevator, across the lobby (red carpet) and up and into their absolutely beautiful fountain. Folks hang out in the lobby with drinks to see the parade. Not a biggie, but cheap, and fun enough.

[J12616]

The kids might enjoy Mud Island. It opens April 12, 2008.

http://www.mudisland.com/

[chile]

all great suggestions!! all great warnings!! i live here so if you need more details please pm me. graceland, zoo, rendezvous, beale st. good suggestions.

[dustyrebel]

Thanks all for the insight. Looks like the Mud Island will open just in time. I'm not able to carry, but I'll make sure the family is off the streets at a decent time. Anyone in the area at the time I'm there will be offerred the first round.

Stay Safe
DR.

[Sharky]

Had a friend get kicked out of the Peabody for going swimming with the ducks....LOL


+1 on the violence. Memphis is a rough town. Know where you're at at all times.

[dustyrebel]

Any specific area, or just keep eyes on your six at all times?

[ParrotHead]

at all times. Graceland after dark--NOPE! Stay away form the South side after dark. I was lucky enough to stay in a dive on the south side once, and never saw so many prostitutes and dealers in one spot.

Not that I'm baggin on Memphis. Beale St was cool. The river is nice. Just watch your 6 as you would in any place you're not familiar with.

[martyusa]

Did my A-School in Millington.... As stated Mud Island. Graceland during the day and Beale St. is a time capsule. Very cool to show the kids some culture of Memphis. Stay off of Danny Thomas Blvd. Now that i think about it, that was back in 85...It's creepin up...

Have fun and watch your 6.

If your up for a Drive, Dollywood isn't all that far away.

[Brandinho]

...and go to The Rendezvous for dinner. Best ribs in town, and that's saying a lot. But, yea, don't stay out too late.

+1

Charles Vergo's Rendezvous is amazing, especially in a BBQ town like Memphis.

http://www.hogsfly.com/

[Spinner]

Had a friend get kicked out of the Peabody for going swimming with the ducks....LOL


+1 on the violence. Memphis is a rough town. Know where you're at at all times.

No wonder they called their great backing studio musicians the Wrecking Crew.

I've heard they make the best BBQ in the country.

[t10Guy]

Go see the duck parade at the Peabody hotel. Take a walk along the river in th park

Those ducks cracked me up... another piece of useless information for me to store in my head for all eternity.

[CB]

An unusual craft shop and museum, off the beaten path, near where I-55 crosses the Mississippi river:

http://www.metalmuseum.org/

The sealed building next to it is the former home of the River Hospital/USAR Reserve Center.
Ask for the military discount. Nice gift shop, the forges and blacksmiths may be working.

For a great meal - one recommendation:

The Butcher Block on South Front Street. You can build your own salad at the salad bar, then select your steak from their assortment and grill it yourself on a huge charcoal grill or give your order to the chef (I think for an extra fee they will let you wash your own dishes...just kidding). Great eats and entertaining to the kids to "do it yourself."

[ironpaw]

I know I'm straying from my lane, but after having a read on wiki re Memphis:

In 2005, Memphis was ranked the 4th most dangerous city with a population of 500,000 or higher in the U.S. Crime in Memphis increased in 2005, and has seen a dramatic rise in the first half of 2006... In 2006, the Memphis metropolitan area ranked second most dangerous in the nation...In 2006, Memphis ranked number one in violent crimes for major cities around the U.S according to the FBI's annual crime rankings, where it had ranked 2nd in 2005.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Memphis%2C_Tennessee#Demographics

That's pretty scary. At least for me :D

Local experts and criminologists cite as possible causes to the rise in crime in Memphis to gang recruitment, and to a reduction of federal funding by 66% to the Memphis Police Department.

Fuck. 66% reduction? that's huge isn't it?

[jw]

As long as you follow the advice above, you'll have no problem. Also, don't take shortcuts. If the interstate goes around, don't take the road cutting through the middle.

+1 on the Butcher Block. I forgot about that place.

If you have the option, I'd stay in Germantown or Bartlett. THat way you're in the city during the day, and someplace safe at night.

[dustyrebel]

Thanks for all of the info. The wealth of knowledge never ceases to amaze me. The offer still stands!

Stay safe,
DR.