I just spent the most fantastic weekend in Memphis! The Memphis chamber of commerce needs to put me on the payroll because I keep telling everyone to go immediately and stay for more than a weekend.
I flew down to visit my fabulously fun friend Paula, an anestigiologist in town. Another one of our skiing buddies, Sarah and her husband Walt, also came in from Jacksonville to play. We were supposed to be joined by our mutual friend Ann, but sadly she couldn't make it.
The Southern hospitality started as soon as I arrived. We met up with Paula's best friend Bennett, who I've heard about for ages and hadn't had the pleasure of meeting, and headed downtown for BBQ ribs. When in Rome... We went down an ally to a place called "Rendezvous". The waiters were full of attitude and the ribs were divine! After dinner, we soldiered on down to Beale Street were the music festival folks were out in full force. It is indeed a musical city!
Saturday was simply the best! Paula and I started with breakfast at the Arcade, the oldest restaurant in Memphis dating to 1919. I couldn't have been any happier with my ham, biscuit and grits in the authentic 1950's style diner! Very full, we met the rest of our group for a look at the Power House art gallery that Paula supports before heading to Soulsville USA. We visited the Stax Museum of American Soul Music where I was truly amazed at the 2,000 musical items on display. We traced the roots of Soul music and learned about the artists through their amazing performances and interviews. The Stax artists represented the grittier soul sound when Motown was signing the mainstream performers. Stax entertainers included Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T & the MGs, Carla Thomas and many more. This is my favorite musical genre--I was in heaven!
Next stop on our musical tour was a place I've wanted to visit since I was a child--Graceland. Paula and I paid our $30 to the King's estate and entered the world of kitch. We had a fantastic time seeing everything from the jungle room to Elvis' vast collection of bejeweled jumpsuits. The people watching was almost as grand as the tour of Elvis' jet, the Lisa Marie. Much like the other major life accomplishments outlined on my travel blog, visiting Graceland was a dream come true. We finished off the day with a true southern Kentucky Derby party, a home cooked meal served on Bennett's grand dining table, and some late night dancing.
The fun didn't stop on Sunday! We got gussied up and went to Rev. Al Green's (yes the singer from the 70's) church. It was the most moving church experience I've ever had. The music was overwhelming and I shed quite a few tears. I'd always heard the word rejoice in church, but never understood the real meaning until that day. Rev Green wasn't the best preacher I've heard, but the music told the spiritual story better than any man could. After another southern breakfast at the Beauty Shop, we headed to the Civil Rights Museum built on the spot where Rev Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Again, I was moved to tears at the exhibit that told the stories of horrible cruelty and immense courage. The exhibit ended in MLK, Jr's room in the Lorraine Motel where he was shot. In some ways, Memphis still hasn't recovered from this historical milestone. However, the magic is in the musical rhythm that moves the city.
I can't wait to visit Memphis and experience the southern hospitality of Paula and Bennett again!
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