Memphis - Blues And BBQ - My Kind Of Town

Memphis was home to me for 25 years. I raised my children there. I visit often since I still have relatives there. Memphis was named after the ancient capital of Egypt on the Nile River. That's why, when you visit, you'll see Egyptian icons dotting the city.

Downtown, the Pyramid structure seems to rise up, right out of the dessert. The Pyramid is 23 stories tall. Originally, it was a sports arena. Renovations are now in progress for additional retail stores, restaurants, and offices.

Beale Street

While down town you can soak up some mellow southern culture on Beale Street. You can hear the soulful strains of the blues drifting in and out of the many cafe's, and you will feel the mood of the great BB King and W C Handy. Most likely you'll be eating something fried or the famous barbeque that will reveal the very soul of Memphis.



Peabody Hotel and the Peabody Ducks

People from all over the world have visited this luxurious hotel and watched the duck march. This video explains that they are not wild quackers, but pampered beyond belief. Also you will hear the authentic southern drawl. "Thank Que"







By the month of May, the town has thawed out from the winter, which means that strolling crowds and the sweet smell of Barbecue will gather at the river. Kenny Chesney sings a song that sums it up in this video, Big Bubba's Bar-B-Q at the MIM festival.

St Jude, cancer and research center for children has saved the lives of many children.

You can escape a boring Sunday afternoon at the Memphis Zoo. The architecture, Egyptian statues and fountains scattered throughout a luscious landscape will take you a world away. Animals are given the best environment and presented to visitors in a caring way.

Japanese Gardens

One of the many gardens, popular for weddings and garden lovers. Beautiful. 



Known the world over by his first name. Elvis. He's the reason the whole world knows about Memphis. His statue is on Beale Street.

Every city has an ambiance all its own. I think Memphis has kept the traditions of the old south among all the high rises and modern conveniences. The riverboats that used to carry cotton up and down the river, now carry tourist. If you visit I promise, you'll go home feeling like you've been dipped in the river. You might even write a poem. I did.

I saw the sun go down in Memphis, hanging in a lazy sky

Sinking in the banks of the river, while the Mississippi Queen rolled by

Took a little stroll down Beale Street, where Handy's blues was born

Saw his immortal statue, In his hand the famous horn

The mood of the old river city, weaves the past and future alive

From the pomp of the newest building, to the old-timers shuffling jive

It's known the whole world over, not only for the blues

But for the ghost of Graceland, and yearly barbecues

There's a charm that ever lingers, as sweet as a southern drawl

I saw the sun go down in Memphis, and it beckons...Come back, y'all