ROAD TRIP
Day 11, Part 2
Tennessee, The River Inn, amazing ribs, Beale Street, blues music & a very happy and talkative Kate!
If you can’t tell by the heading of this post I LOVED LOVED LOVED Memphis, Tennessee!
Rachel and I put Memphis on the itinerary because we thought…we can’t travel across the USA without stopping at Graceland, right? I mean, that would offend a lot of people, some may even find it sinful not to visit Elvis’ home!!
So we put Memphis on the list despite it being inconvenient (we went hundreds of miles out-of-the-way to get there) and I am so happy we did.
Things I loved about Memphis- so much of America’s history took place in the city, the people are so open, generous and kind, The Civil Rights Museum was incredibly moving, the ribs were the best I have ever had, The Mississippi River was breathtakingly gorgeous (especially from our hotel room at The River Inn), the music in the blues clubs made my soul sing, Graceland provided me with some seriously good laughs and Beale Street was such a fun and lively place.
All my excitement over Memphis made me very talkative for the 24 hours we were there. I stopped to chat with everyone- the cab drivers, the cops, random people on the streets, the musicians, the bell boys, really anyone I could get my hands on. I think Rachel was ready to kill me by the end of the night but I just couldn’t help myself- I wanted to know everything I could about Memphis and the people who lived there!
But let’s start at the beginning of my Memphis story, before Rachel wanted to kill me…
The National Civil Rights Museum
It was a dark and drizzly afternoon when we drove into Memphis. We decided to drive straight to The National Civil Rights Museum to make sure we toured it before they closed for the day. It was high on my list of things to do while in the city. When we pulled up I was surprised to learn that the museum is housed in what used to be the Lorraine Motel- which is where MLK was shot and killed in 1968- it was a rather emotional start to the tour.
Being there nearly brought me to tears, not because I was unaware of what happened that fateful day at the Lorraine Motel, but because it was overwhelmingly sad to stand where it happened, to see room #306 and to see with my own eyes the balcony he stood on that morning.
some pics from the museum…
Day 11, Part 3….my night out in Memphis up next.
….
To see Rachel’s blog click here!
365til30.com 
Hi Kate it’s your mom’s friend Nancy. I’m so proud of you for everything, your blog, your trip, your creativity. I wanted to let you I joined the universe and I love it. The message two days ago was spot on for me. It’s a bit creepy but fun and inspirational nonetheless.
Nancy, thank you so much for your kind words. I am so happy to have you as a reader!!! I am also happy you like the notes from the universe. Aren’t they the best??!
xoxo
“the music in the blues clubs made my soul sing.” What a wonderful little hit of joy to start the day with. Great posting, Kate!
Memphis is a great city, and so full of history and great blues. It’s definitely high on my list of cities to spend more time in.
Well first I can say, that hotel is no Motel 6…lovely.. You did exactly what I would have done, Civil Rights Museum.. Tell us more about Memphis!
After such a heavy, though important and interesting topic, how about a little light trivia? There is a pool table, or at least there used to be one, at Elvis Presley’s Memphis Restaurant. Sometime in the late 90’s, my then wife (divorced 12 years) and I played pool on the table that had been in the King’s California mansion the night of the only visit between Elvis and the Beatles. Reportedly, they played pool on that table. And so did I. My brush with Rock n’ Roll Royalty. Yeah, I know. Not exactly scintillating banter, but it’s all I’ve got…
a great post – thanks for sharing your heart
David in Maine USA
The Civil Rights Museum is a crucial part of our nation’s story. Well stated.