2009 Nationals: Memphis, Tennessee

Elvis was once asked what kind of music he played. “I play all kinds” was his response. That sums up what you’ll find in Memphis: all kinds of everything for all kinds of people. If you’re looking to experience the best of the South, this is the place. What is Southern? Come to Memphis, and they’ll show you. It’s incredible food, from sizzling barbecue (wet or dry) to greens and cornbread to fresh cobbler. It’s blooming azaleas in the spring and sweet accents all year-round. It’s friendly people. Mississippi River sunsets. It’s entire industries being born with Holiday Inns and FedEx, not to mention the first drive-in restaurant, the first self-service grocery, and the birthplace of rock’n roll.

It’s also music, born in the cotton fields and in the back alleys. There’s Historic Beale Street, home to 25 shops and free impromptu entertainment on every corner. Ranking second only to Bourbon Street as the nation’s most popular entertainment district, Beale Street is energetic and eclectic. Many talented musicians call Memphis their home—Elvis, B.B. King, Al Green, Isaac Hayes, and Justin Timberlake, just to name a few. When it comes to music, there’s simply no place like Memphis.

Memphis’ first settlers were Native Americans who were drawn to the area’s bluffs overlooking the river. By building their settlements on the Fourth Chickasaw Bluff, it protected them from flooding, and the mighty river allowed them easy transportation access.

Future U.S. President Andrew Jackson and two other entrepreneurs, John Overton and James Winchester, saw the financial possibilities of having a city on the bluffs. The men decided to call the place “Memphis,” which translates roughly into “place of good abode.” The city was officially incorporated in 1826 and played host mainly to river workers and folks who were on their way to the West. In the 1840s, the city began to boom mainly due to the “white gold,” or “King Cotton” that was grown on nearby farmlands. By 1850, Memphis was the largest inland cotton market in the world.

Memphis’ prime location along the Mississippi River was one of the reasons for its early success, but it also contributed to the city’s first failure. Due to unsanitary conditions, an epidemic in 1878 nearly wiped out the entire city. As the 19th century ended, Memphis leaders made plans to restore the city to its glory days by improving the sewer system and infrastructure. By the mid-1960s, Memphis had begun the slow process of integrating many of the city’s public facilities. In 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. came to the city to lend his support to the workers during the sanitation strike. On the evening of April 3rd, Dr. King gave his famous “I’ve been to the mountaintop” speech at the Mason Temple and then returned to his hotel. The next day, Dr. King was assassinated while standing outside of his hotel room on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel.

In 1977, Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, died at his Graceland estate. Each year, thousands of fans make the pilgrimage just to stand outside and be near their idol.

Today, Memphis is home to a revitalized downtown area, which includes a variety of tourist destinations and new residential and commercial developments.

With 600 deluxe-appointed guest rooms, the Memphis Marriott Downtown is the largest hotel in the city and features fabulous views of Memphis. This luxury hotel is conveniently connected to the Memphis-Cook Convention Center.

Take advantage of the indoor/outdoor connecting pool and of the convenient on-site restaurants. This hotel is right on the Memphis Trolley line and close to shopping, museums, world-renowned entertainment and the exciting nightlife of Beale Street.

The Memphis Marriott Downtown is located a mere 12 miles from the Memphis Airport.

Elvis may have left the building, but his fans can’t leave Memphis without a trip to Graceland. Second in popularity only to the White House, Elvis Presley’s home attracts thousands of visitors each year. Make sure to visit the automobile museum, which features his 1955 pink Cadillac and 1956 purple Cadillac convertible, among others.

Music lovers will enjoy a stroll down historic Beale Street. This area was named after an unknown military hero in 1841 and acted as General Ulysses S. Grant’s headquarters during the Civil War. This is also the home of the “Father of the Blues,” W.C. Handy. Enjoy the entertainment of Beale Street’s budding street performers—you never know, one day you might hear them on the radio! Also a can’t miss for music fans is the Sun Studio. This studio has recorded such musicians as Elvis, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison. As this is still a fully-functioning studio utilized by modern musicians, keep your camera handy if you take the tour!

The National Civil Rights Museum is a must visit while you are here. This museum brings tears to your eyes as you realize what happened right where you are standing. This is the very spot where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. The museum houses highlights from Dr. King’s life and the many major events that occurred during the Civil Rights Movement.

Maybe low and slow is more your speed. If so, like Mark Twain, you can ride on a paddlewheel boat and relive a romantic era in American history. Afternoon cruises include a narration of the sights of the Tennessee and Arkansas sides of the river. Credit for the ease and convenience of shopping at modern-day grocery stores is owed to a man named Clarence Saunders, who called Memphis his home. Back in the day, customers gave their grocery order to a clerk who would take charge of gathering their wanted items. A young Clarence realized the time and energy wasted on this method of shopping. His idea, the Piggly Wiggly grocery store, was one in which the customers shopped for themselves! Visit the Pink Palace Museum, which was built on the grounds of Clarence Saunders’ home. This museum showcases the cultural and natural history of the mid-South and also houses a replica of the first self-service grocery store. Make sure to sample the local fare.

No matter what time of year it is, they’re always barbecuing in Memphis. Don’t forget the wet wipes!