It is a rainy Saturday, and we are now in Memphis, TN. We went downtown last night after getting into this older state campground, T.O. Fuller. After experiencing such a wonderful place in the mountains of Alabama, this stop is a bit of a let- down. But that happens sometimes. Some stops are surprisingly rewarding, while others, not so much. They are what we refer to as serving a purpose. A place to stay between points A and B.
We had taken the boys to Memphis years ago on our way through to Texas. At that time, we only stopped to visit Graceland. This time, Gary and I wanted to explore Beale Street and to savor some tasty authentic Memphis barbeque.
Blues City Café didn’t disappoint. Their BBQ ribs were fantastic as was the seafood gumbo. The atmosphere of the place, as with all the establishments on Beale Street, is rustic, old, nostalgic, and worn. But isn’t that part of the charm?
We spent some time listening to some great Blues music at the legendary BB King’s. The band was very entertaining. Many aspects of Memphis remind me of one of our favorite cities, Nashville, also in Tennessee. Both cities have the accessibility to live music, a cool atmosphere and tasty food.
However, that’s where the positive comparisons end. Nashville has modernized and expanded, figuring out how to keep the charm and nostalgia while discovering ways to clean up and enhance the surroundings. Rooftop bars abound and beckon visitors to stay and enjoy another round and people watch.
Beale Street was run down and uninviting. It didn’t seem fresh or prepped for summer tourists. The nicest part, I suppose, was that the main drag was designated pedestrian only, which is a great thing, having been witnessed to many staggering tourists getting bumped and hit while crossing Broadway in Nashville.
(I promise, it wasn’t me, I only tripped once over a crack in the sidewalk and face-planted next to a street vendor)!
