memphis,tenn
 

We'll be staying at Harrah's Resort in Tunica, Miss in mid June, but we'd like to rent a car and check out some attractions in Memphis. Would renting a car be possible from where we're staying? Is it an easy drive from Tunica to Memphis? Although this would be possible as a day trip, I'm sure we'd be much better off staying overnight in Memphis for at least one night.. What would be a good, somewhat reasonable, choice for a hotel?
We're not sure what we want to check out, but Sun Studio, Graceland, and Beale Street all come to mind.
We also noticed there are several organized tours available (Mojo Music Bus Tour, Memphis Best Tours), but we're not sure how good they are or if we'd have time.

We stayed at the Peabody downtown . . one blcok from Beale. Mostly to watch the "little duckies" ride down the elevator to the fountain in the lobby.

http://www.peabodymemphis.com/

We've stayed at the Peabody and really liked it but it is expensive and you can walk to their lobby to see the ducks parade from any hotel. There is a Hampton Inn next door that is also really nice but I'm thinking it is expensive also. I would check into the Holiday Inn across the street, I pulled up their website and saw this package which looked good http://www.hisdowntownmemphis.com/hotel-specials.html We loved just walking Bealle Street and going to Graceland.

Sunday Brunch is very good in the Peabody. I like Gus's Fried Chicken, Blues City Cafe, and Rendevouz for food as well. You can spend the better part of a day at Graceland.

The downtown Marriott Residence Inn is just a couple of blocks from the Peabody, and it's an all-suite hotel with fully-equipped kitchens and really good free breakfasts.

We've stayed several times at the Hampton Inn at Peabody Place but the last time it was so loud we left just after checking in.

It's only 42 miles from Tunica to Memphis. 52 minutes to 1 hour.
I would do it as a day trip unless You were headed north of Memphis on the way home. You should be able to see what you want to see in Memphis in 8 hours unless you want to go clubbing after dark.
How are you getting to or leaving Tunica?

If you're already staying in Tunica, just drive to Memphis. Take one morning to see Graceland -- get there early before the crowds. Then, it's an easy trip downtown to Beale Street, Blues City Cafe, Rendevouz and the Peabody. Take an extra day to make sure you don't miss the Civil Rights Museum--it's poignant and powerful. If the minor league baseball team's in town, the ballpark is downtown as well.

We stayed at the Talbot Heirs Guest House, which is across the street from the Peabody--a lovely apartment for the price of a hotel room.

In addition to Graceland, Sun Studio, and the National Civil Rights Museum, we liked Mud Island, (with the River Museum and guided tour of the topographical map), Stax Soul Music, Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art, Gibson Guitar Factory tour, Rock N Soul Museum, Elmwood Cemetery (rent the driving tour CD), strolling Beale St in the evening.

We spent three+ days there--which was almost enough.

To Tom F:

Tom, we'll be flying in to Tunica,staying at Harrah's, and then renting a car for our trip to Memphis. We'll either do a day trip (which probably won't provide us enough time), or we'll stay in Memphis at least one night.

I think you'd enjoy spending at least one night in Memphis. We go to Tunica on a fairly regular basis, but prefer spending the night in Memphis because there are better restaurants, and a variety of entertainment options, too.

Thanks everyone!

Actually, I heard that they're closing down parts of the Harrah's property in Tunica, due to flooding.

I wonder if things will be cleared up enough in five weeks to still plan the trip?

We are going in June and we have reservations at Talbot Heirs - they have been very friendly and responsive to help us with our trip!

willowjane--we loved staying there, and the owners are delightful.

mrace- Most of the Tunica casinos have closed their doors. Much of the delta area is experiencing flooding in the low-lying areas. If we don't experience levee problems, I'd assume you'll be ok for mid-june, but it wouldn't hurt to have a back up plan.

You might want to get in touch with Harrah's this week to find out how they anticipate dealing with the flooding.

My husband saw something online yesterday that implied it would be at least a month before the casinos reopened.

Call Enterprise in Tunica. Good luck.

Enterprise Car Rental @ 209 South Airport Blvd, Tunica, MS 662 - 363 - 9904.
http://www.enterprise.com/car_rental...id=004&cnty=US

You might want to rethink your mid-June trip to Tunica and Memphis. 15 of the 19 casino/resorts in Tunica are flooded as of today 5/11/11.
Graceland and Beale Street are still open but might be smelly by mid-June.

The attractions on Beale Street are not flooded nor is Graceland and downtown Memphis will be back to normal in mid June. The casinos are flooded and you should check with them to see when they plan to reopen

Tom...there are only 9 casinos in Tunica.

Perhaps ABC News has poor sources...?
Maybe they meant in the whole state.