Get ready to paddle south, for the next segment of our Great River Road journey!
We’re heading to the vibrant city of Memphis, Tennessee, for the next segment of the Great River Road!
This place isn’t just famous for its mouthwatering barbecue and toe-tapping Delta blues. It’s also the legendary home of the King himself: Elvis Presley!
Now, history buffs, this next stop is a must-see!
We can’t float past Memphis without paying our respects at the National Civil Rights Museum. It is nestled within the historic Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was tragically taken from us in 1968.
This museum offers an in-depth dive into the civil rights movement, showcasing stories of courage, hope, and change. I tell you, even a little duck like me feels the weight of inspiration. This happens as I waddle through those powerful exhibits!
Once you’ve soaked in all that history, it’s time to stretch those flippers and get some fresh air!
Head over to Big River Crossing, the longest pedestrian bridge over the mighty Mississippi River.
Imagine waddling across from Tennessee to Arkansas with the sparkling river shimmering below and lush parks gracing either side.
The views are quack-tacular!
No adventure in Memphis would be complete without a joyful jaunt down Beale Street!
Let your feathers fly as you bop to the rhythm of live music. Let the savoury aroma of barbecue tickle your bill.
And guess what? The locals shared some fantastic spots to check out while you’re here!
First up, the Memphis Rock and Soul Museum.
It’s an inspirational trip through musical history, from the field hollers of the 1930s to Memphis’ musical explosion in the ’70s. You will also witness its global impact.
Opened on April 29, 2000, this museum has welcomed over a million visitors from around the world. Therefore, plan to stick around for more than a few minutes!
Even the virtual tour guide offers over 300 minutes of engaging content. This comes complete with music from every era.
After getting your cultural fix, it’s time to dig into some grub at Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous.
Picture this: dining in a magical basement that’s been serving mouthwatering dry rub ribs since 1948!
The Vergos family has been at it for over 75 years, grilling up their legendary ribs in a cozy space. This is right across from the Peabody Hotel.
The history here is just as delicious as the food! Charlie Vergos started in the basement after a disagreement with his brother-in-law at their original spot.
He transformed an old elevator shaft into a smoker, and with a bit of creativity, he turned the humble rib into a Memphis-style masterpiece.
And the secret recipe? A blend of his father’s Greek chilli spices with a splash of paprika for that perfect barbecue colour, still making mouths water decades later!
But it’s not just the ribs that make The Rendezvous special; it’s the entire experience!
The smoky aromas of grilling meat, the sounds of soulful music, and laughter fill the air. It’s like heaven for your taste buds, and it all happens right there at the Rendezvous.
To cap off your Memphis adventure, swing by the original B.B. King Blues Club for some live music and cocktails.
This legendary venue has been keeping the spirit of blues alive since 1991. You can catch everything from authentic blues to classic soul.
Whether you’re dancing like there’s no tomorrow or just soaking in the vibe, you’ll feel the rhythm pulsing through your feathers.
And as the night winds down, if you’re anything like me, you won’t be able to resist snagging a few tasty crumbs left by the BBQ pros before it’s time to waddle off to the hotel.
After all, we need to rest up for the next exciting leg of our journey along the Great River Road. We will paddle onward to Arkansas!
NEVER MISS A
