Sher,

I'm sorry you're not going to visit Graceland.

I'm not a big Elvis fan, but got dragged to Graceland by my then-17-yr-old daughter (a NUT for Elvis!)

I have been to many, many tourist attractions, far and near. And I can honestly say that Graceland is the best-run tourist attraction I've ever been to. I learned a lot about Elvis I did not know, including his incredible philanthropy.

The clothes and cars are worth the trip, alone! :)

You get to spend as much time as you want on the grounds, as buses leave every 15 mts or so. It was well worth the price and, I must say, you could see Priscilla's "classy" fingerprints all over this tourist attraction.

I think if you run out of other things to do, you should visit. I don't think you'd regret it.

Have fun!

Civil Rights Museum, Sun Records, Mud Island (museum and walk around the island), Beale Street. If you have a car--drive down to Tunica and take the riverboat cruise (unless you like casinos). Graceland is worth it--very interesting. Is Jarrett's still open? Had a great meal there a while back.

I know that Graceland gets rave reviews even from non Elvis fans. But I only have two full days and there are so many other things on my list.

If the weather is fine, I could consider it as the grounds would be lovely to visit rather than spending time inside.

We will have a car but I am not into casinos. But the cruise sounds great.

I wasn't very excited about this trip before. These conferences are sometimes in places higher on my list than others. But once I start really researching, I usually find lots to do. If we are going to a different city, I like to try to appreciate some of what it has to offer.

And I always get great ideas from you guys.

Cozy Corner! Cozy Corner! Did I mention Cozy Corner? They have the best bbq cornish game hens. Something totally different. And its not too far from the center of town easily done with a car.

Another vote for Cozy Corner. My favorites are:

Central BBQ
Leonards
I still like Tops for sandwiches
Germantown Commissary

I can't imagine not seeing Graceland while being in Memphis. You might want to skip the Eifel Tower if you are ever in Paris.

spiro, I get your point -- to an extent. But did you really just suggest that Graceland is as important an international landmark as the Eiffel Tower?

No, but I can't imagine going to Memphis and not wanting to see Graceland at least for a couple of hours. That was my point. But then again, my sister n law took her kid to Disneyworld (age 6)and they didn't ride Dumbo. I don't understand that one either. She said she didn't have it on her list of things to do. This was the only time she had ever been there. We spent the whole day at Graceland, etc. Actually did it twice. Elvis was way before my time and we are not really fans one way or the other. It was interesting to see.

One more suggestion on restaurants. If you want to splurge, try the Peabody sunday Brunch. Very good brunch. Blues City still gets my vote for the best of the best of everything and a true Memphis experience and flavor. You might want to try ribs a couple of different places. Everyone does them differently.

As I said before, we will not be able to do the Peabody brunch as our flight was moved up and we do not have enough time.

Maybe I will have an epiphany and change my mind about Graceland, but that is what it will take.

Thanks again.

Are any of these places close to interstate 55? We are traveling south on 55 through Memphis and not only are we looking for a good place to stay but good Bar-B-Que would be the frosting on the cupcake!

Thanks,

Lucci

If you are traveling on 55 through Memphis. Jim Neely's Interstate BBQ is right on 55 just before you turn south towards Jackson. You'll take the third street exit and go North about three blocks.

Here is their web site:

http://www.interstatebarbecue.com/map.html

notbob. Do you like the Neely restaurant?

I do. I usually go there for the chopped pork sandwich. They also make an insane bbq spaghetti dish that has pork and sauce and spices.

It's very convenient if you are passing through Memphis being just off I55. My daughter went to school in New Orleans at Loyola and Interstate made a very convenient lunch stop on the way down.

I lived in Memphis for a year and you cannot miss Cozy Corner. THey have the best BBQ I've ever had. Ribs, cornish game hens, BBQ Spahghetti (you have to taste it to believe it). The original owner Mr. Robinson died a few years ago. He was a great person and took me under his wing since I was a Yankee who knew nothing. People lined up at Thanksgiving for his turkeys, game hens, etc. Plus, the grandmother used to make this amazing lemon pound cake not that I usually had room for it.

Is the Cozy Corner close to 55 South?

http://www.cozycornerbbq.com/

Here you go!