Walking in Memphis
Imagine for a moment what it would be like if you could take a step back in time. If there was some way that you could walk down a street that seems to have been frozen in time…YOU CAN and I DID! Memphis, TN was just that. Beale Street was an amazingly nostalgic experience. One filled with JAZZ and food, drinks and fun. Of course, the reason for my trip to Memphis wasn’t just to see the city….
Upon arriving at the International Airport in Memphis on a chilly evening I couldn’t help but notice that there was a since of calm in the air. Nobody was in a rush – except me, of course. As I went down the escalators, I saw my friend there to greet me. This was to be my first trip to Memphis, and I had an insiders VIP look at it.
First Stop… Beale Street!
After parking, we boarded the Cable Trolley that took us ten feet off of Beale.
One dollar a trip – half the price of Marta and a quarter the speed. We creaked all the way down the old streets – the new city and the old seemingly in a battle for dominance. The construction sites of new trendy lofts give the old mills and factories new purpose and promise. The facades of the buildings still in keeping with the history of the city and horse and carriage rides adorn the edge of the street much like taxis do here in Atlanta.
The lights of the bars, pubs and restaurants were almost pretty, all shining in a way as if to outdo the other for attention. Of course, the one that caught my eye was the legendary BB KINGS. We walked in and were greeted like we were old friends. At the table we didn’t need a menu. I wanted BBQ! My first meal in Memphis was going to be what the city is famous for (well that and Elvis).
We ate and drank and walked in and out of countless other bars all with live music and jazz singers (singer) and goats! Oh yes you read that right, goats. The bar, Silky O’Sullivan’s, is named after this over the top owner who is commonly seen on Beale Street wearing a crown and robe fit for a Drag Queen. His flashy personality seems to fit the man that many lovingly call “the King Of Beale Street.” Half way through my Absolute and Tonic he walked in – cigar in hand. The women – old and young alike – swarmed hoping to get a hug. I was in the presence of royalty! My friend and I walked out into the courtyard to check out the large pin of GOATS! Now look people, I have been into many bars in many cities and never have I ever seen a goat. I have seen a couple of people that may look kind of like one, but never a real goat. As my jaw dropped, my friend simply looked at me and said, “welcome to Memphis!”
Sullivan’s concluded our evening, and we made our way back to the trolley and alas, the car. Driving home we passed by the Flagship Peabody Hotel. The first of three hotels that are famous for the ducks that live in the fountains and have a rooftop home that is more like a penthouse than a roost for fowl. This trip was turning out to be great, and it was only the first night. We went home and got some rest. The next day was going to a busy one, and I have to say I was very excited…Graceland here we come!
Check back tomorrow for Part 2 of Walking In Memphis
