Memphis: City Portraits
Admittedly before my visit to Memphis, I knew only 2 things - it’s where Elvis’ residence Graceland is at and it has a glass pyramid building occupied by the Saul Bass Pro Shop.
Memphis is home to musical legacies left by B.B. King, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash, as well as profound civil rights movements chronicling back from slavery to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. The history is vibrant, but also deep and overwhelming. Nevertheless, it’s what marks Memphis' cultural and economic identity.
The prevailing social understanding is that Memphis is one of the most dangerous cities in the US. That doesn’t stop 12 million tourists from visiting annually. It’s always good to remember that no traveler is ever immune to petty crime, no matter where they are. It’s always a good idea to practice common caution.
It's easy to catch great local performances at the rowdy Beale Street, especially at B.B. King's Blues Club. Besides holding the "home of the blues" title, Memphis is proud of its BBQ, which is mostly pork with a dry rub for a flavorful crust and tangy sauce. I recommend visiting The Bar-B-Q Shop and order their special that includes a spaghetti.
I wouldn’t recommend visiting Graceland for folks who aren’t an Elvis fan. The tour is overcrowded and pricey at $79.95. The house offers a glimpse of Elvis’ abode that includes a variety of decor styles like French Provencal and a jungle-themed room that are accurately depicted in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis and Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla..
I recommend visiting National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel for a sobering education about the fight against inequality and racism.
Overton Park is a lovely park to walk around and just a few minutes away from Broad Avenue Arts District.
