What to see, where to stay in Memphis

David,

Here´s the link to the Steamboat Traveller for Memphis

http://www.steamboats.org/traveller/memphis.shtml

Mud Island River Park & Museum or Memphis Queen Line Riverboats :-).

Carmen

The boat will probably land at Mud Island, making it easy to do that. Right across the river, in the dowtown area, is The Peabody - be sure to go see the ducks parade - I think it's at 11 AM when they bring them down and around 5 PM when they come out. Beale Steet is within walking distance, also the Rock and Soul Museum is well worth a visit. There will probably be a city tour offered by MAL, which will include Graceland. I look forward to meeting you on the river!

Schwab's on Beale Street

If you go to Beale Street, and you surely will, do not overlook Schwab's Department Store. It is a place forgotten in time. It will be like going to an old Dime Store you could find in the 1950's or 60's. There is no telling what you may see while you are there. I hope it is still there and I'll bet it is because nothing changes in Schawab's

Hi David,

Memphis is one of my favorite turn over towns. Lots to see, do and eat! And the good thing is that most of it is concentrated in one area, Beale Street. Don't miss the Elvis Presley Cafe, with the statue of the King across the street, BB King's place across the street from the statue and then just stroll down Beale Street. I'm not sure about March, but in the warmer weather you will hear music all over the place.

Spend the extra bucks and stay at the Peabody or the Holiday Inn across the street. Stay away from any of the budget hotels near the airport. They are all very nice, but I found out the hard way why they are so reasonable.

I stayed at the Comfort Inn Graceland once. In the middle of the night I had a dream that a 747 was landing in my room, only to awake and find that I was not far from the truth as the hotel was right under the approach to one of the runways. The key factor here is that Memphis is the home of Federal Express and all those late night fllights were cargo aircraft.

Also, I'm not sure of the draft of the Delta Queen vs the Mississippi Queen, but the on the MQ last year we were only able to go to Mud Island once because of low water. The alternate landing is at a state park a couple of miles away.

One last tip - taxis are expensive in Memphis and I always found it cheaper to call Enterpise Rent a Car and get a car from them, even if for only one day. The whole cost was less than a one way cab ride from that state park to downtown - and if you make sure to call the neighborhood location instead of the airport store, they will pick you up.

Now, if you do stay downtown, you will not need wheels at all, even if you go to Graceland because of the tours available both through the boat and at the hotel itself. And, by the way, do not miss Graceland.

Have a great time, and as Elvis would say, "Thankyouverymuch"

Paul

The Comfort Inn Downtown has rooms that overlook the River. I have stayed there a few time over the last 10 years or so. It is within walking distance of the Riverfront should you wish. It is a short half block walk to the Main Street trolley. Buy a one day pass and ride several trip around. Well worth the modest fare. Think the passes now have to be purchased at the downtown office.

While the Comfort Inn Downtown is not Peabody hotel class, they do have a complimentary breakfast and reasonably priced rooms that overlook the River [NOT all room overlook the River, so be sure to request one should you decide to inquire of availability.]

As Ted stated be sure to check out A. Schwab's store and the Police Museum close by [free].

Dave, be sure to eat at the Rendezvous while you are here. The ribs are the BEST!

Maybe I'll find some American Flyer trains at 50's prices???
Well, a guy can wish!!
Thanks for the suggestions.
S'
David D.

Paul,
Great suggestions. IF we stay downtown, what would be your suggestion for getting to the airport on Sunday?
This group is so great!
S'
David D.

Wow, I went from WHAT to do, to HOW to choose what to do!
Thank you so much everyone! I will get online and see what I can find.
S'
David D.

David Dewey;3104 wrote: Paul,
Great suggestions. IF we stay downtown, what would be your suggestion for getting to the airport on Sunday?
This group is so great!
S'
David D.

Hi David,

That's when you pay the taxi. Prob around $30 but noi more than that.

Have a great time. I won't see you since my season on the MQ doesn't start until April 15. On March 24, I'll probably be in Florida watching my Red Sox go through Spring Training.

Paul

Depending on where you stay, the hotel may have a courtesy van to take you to the airport.

Great suggestions!!

I also spent too much money on a unique "Ducky" nightshirt at the Peobody Hotel Gift Shop. But I love it along with my quacking duck puppet that amuses the grandchildren.

I have to agree with Paul- Memphis is a great turnover city. Have fun!

David, If you do take a cab in Memphis, make sure the driver turns on the meter! They are notorious there for screwing tourists. A driver tried to charge Fred Bishop and I $20.00 to go from Mud Island to Beale St. which is only a couple of miles.
John Jarrett

You brought up a good question, is there an easy way to get from downtown to Mud Island? Streetcar?? If we're going to have to take a taxi everywhere, we might want to rent a car for the day?
S'
David D.

David, if you stayed at the Peabody, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn or any of the hotels right downtown, you can ride the streetcar up to where you get on the monorail to go to Mud Island. The concierge rfront desk will be able to direct you to everything. Also,there are "ambassadors" standing on various street corners downtown (they wear pith helmets and a white Sam Browne belt) ,a dn they can help you with anyhting as well.

If you rent a car, expect to pay to park almost anywhere downtown, as with any city. I think if I were you, I would NOT rent a car, as you'd need to be careful where you park. we have had a number of car break-ins downtown lately, and you'd do just as well to walk or ride the streetcar. If you can't get a courtesy van to the airport, a cab is your best bet. I'd use Yellow Cab if I were you.

David Dewey;3128 wrote: You brought up a good question, is there an easy way to get from downtown to Mud Island? Streetcar?? If we're going to have to take a taxi everywhere, we might want to rent a car for the day?
S'
David D.

Hi David,

There is a monorail that runs from a downtown facility directly across to the Mud Island facility/museum, but it only runs after April or May. You can actually see it in the movie, "The Firm" when Tom Cruise's character is running away fron the bad guys. Without the monorail, a taxi is the only way to get between the two locations, unless you want to walk. You DON'T want to walk. Once you get off the boat, there will be no reason to go back to Mud Island.

When you get off the DQ, however, there will be several bus trips taking passengers either to the airport directly, or on a city tour for those on later flights. Check with the tour manager, there may be a way to hitch a ride to your hotel.

The rental is a good option if you're going to a hotel outside the downtown area. Otherwise most everything you'll want to see will be within walking distance, except Graceland, and a tour will be available to take you there - if not from the boat, then from your hotel.

Paul

We have booked at the Downtown Comfort Inn, thanks to all the suggestions given us. Less than 9 weeks left!
Steamcerely,
David D.