I think that I might have a handle on a tentative itinerary for the Memphis portion of our October trip to Tennessee. I tried to take into consideration how long various guidebooks rcommended we spend, hours places were open, location of attractions. I like to get somewhere with a written itinerary--but it's always fluid, depending on how long we actually take at each stop, weather, mood, etc.

I haven't planned evenings yet, but listening to music, walking along Beale St, and going to the theater are possibilities.

Sat: flight arrives in Nashville at 9AM; it usually takes us an hour to collect luggage and hit the road in the rental car. My understanding is that the drive to Memphis will take about 3 1/2 hours, and we'll probably stop for lunch. In Memphis, we'll check into the Talbot Heirs Guesthouse, and walk over to the Belz Museum, which is open until 5. If we're so inclined, we'll go to the Rock n Soul Museum, which is open until 7.

Sun: Get to Graceland when it opens at 10, stay for 3ish hours, the Stax Museum and the Ornamental Metal Museum in the afternoon; both are open until 5.

Mon: Get to the National Civil Rights Museum when it opens at 9, try for the noon tour of the Gibson Guitar Factory, go to the Cotton Museum for a couple of hours, and Sun Studio, which is open until 6; I understand that tours are at half after the hour.

Tues: Elmwood Cemetery driving tour at 9, Mud Island for a couple of hours mid morning, Dixon Galleries and Pink Palace in the afternoon, the Lichterman Nature Center in the late afternoon (it's free and open until 6) if there's time and we're so inclined.

I've read about the Center for Southern Folklore, but I can't quite figure it out--is it worth a stop?

Have I made any glaring logistical blunders? Missed something that's wonderful? Included something that isn't worth it? Thanks for your help.

No opinions?

It sounds like a great trip! I'm going to follow your plan

abram - you might check tripadvisor.com. Someone has posted an itinerary that includes several things you might want to do, and there are a couple of destination experts there who supply good information.

We're in Memphis often, but don't do tourist activities.

Susan, I also posted my itinerary on Trip Advisor, so although I'll look there, it may be my own trip.

Jo, you're welcome to join us!

Is there a reason you are flying into Nashville and driving to Memphis instead of flying directly into Memphis? That is a long and boring trip I"ve made many times.

Otherwise you plans sound good. Don't forget to hit the Rendesvous for ribs!

Our trip includes Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, the Great Smokies, and Chattanooga. I looked into starting in Memphis and ending in Nashville, but the rental car for 15 days cost an additional $1,000. For that amount of money, I can make a 3 1/2 hour boring drive!

I like your itinerary just fine for Memphis. You'll likely find the Cotton Museum will only take 1-2 hours maximum. I think the Belz is a must -- really loved this place. I found the Dixon's art collection fairly small, but they may have a good temporary exhibit on, and the gardens likely will be decent that time of year. You can actually find a lot to see at the Pink Palace if you're so inclined.

You'll likely spend a good 3 hours at the Civil Rights Museum -- it's both large and very good. The Ornamental Metal Museum is okay, but again not large, and you'll likely want to see it when the weather's nice as there are several pieces located outside.

The Center for Southern Folklore is as far as I can tell pretty much just a concert and coffehouse type venue -- it's definitely not a museum.

Definitely hit Gus's Fried Chicken and some BBQ places when you go. Check out my food experiences there on this thread:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...experience.cfm

and my itinerary experience, both planned and actual, here:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-itinerary.cfm

Thanks, bachslunch, I have looked at your itinerary and your restaurant recommendations, even bought a coupon for one of them at restaurant.com.

Try to buy the Best Book in Town coupon book for your trip. All coupons are buy 1 get 1 free. Coupons for Graceland, Civil Rights Museum, stax, sun studios, Memphis restaurants, etc. http://www.thebestbookintown.com/FCAR/

It's been a while since I was in Memphis but I remember being really impressed with the Brooks Art Museum. I think you enjoy art and would like it. Open Wed.-Sun. http://www.brooksmuseum.org/home Several of the good BBQ places are not far from Brooks. I'd also second going to the Peabody both for the history of the place and the fun duckwalk. It looks like it's across from your hotel.

PS I assume you know there's some great jazz and blues places for live music if you're interested.

I'll try to find a way to fit in the Brooks Museum. We plan to spend one evening ealking along Beale St and listening to music. Thanks, all!

Have been to the Brooks Museum -- it was okay, but for a museum of its size and scope, I found myself underwhelmed by its collection. If visual art is an absolute must for you and you have sufficient time to include it, sure, go ahead and see it. I personally much preferred the Belz, with the caveat that this museum has a much more specialized collection. The Dixon's holding of paintings, while not the equal to similar small house collections such as the Gardener, Taft, or Frick, does have a collection that struck me as having a higher quality to quantity ratio than the Brooks.

You're right bl, it was Dixon's I loved, now that you mention it.