Trip To The South

I apologize for not posting recently, but we were in Memphis last week. It was Louis's first trip to Memphis and he got to meet my entire family. He made it out alive and I am thankful for that.

We went to all of my favorite spots where I like to take visitors. The first day was spent at Stax Records and Sun Studios. I had actually never been to Sun Studios before so I enjoyed being a tourist in my own town. For those of you who are not familiar with Stax and Sun, they are recording studios. The most notable person who recorded at Stax is Otis Redding (in my opinion, my dad might disagree) and at Sun is Elvis. I love Memphis music. There ain't anything else like it.  No matter how many times I visit this place, it is guaranteed I will leave with tears in my eyes.

We went to lunch at the Four Way Grill for some real southern comfort food. This place is off the grid and many people do not know about it. It is in one of the worst neighborhoods in Memphis. There is a direct correlation with bad neighborhoods and good food- the worse the neighborhood, the better the food. That is just a fact. Here is a photo of me eating a piece chicken. My meal was accompanied with okra, smothered cabbage, and cornbread. 

South Memphis was originally a Jewish neighborhood. My grandfather grew up just a few blocks away from Stax Records and his family owned a corner drugstore. It is unbelievable how the neighborhood transformed over the years and that now it is unsafe to walk around alone or at night. We found the house where Pop grew up in the 1930s and early 40s. 

That evening we had a celebration for my dear friend Elise's birthday. I am so lucky to still be close to my wonderful high school friends. I love these people. 

Louis is trying to go to all 50 states and he is getting pretty close. We drove by the water and then on the "M" bridge over the Mississippi River into Arkansas to help Louis get a little bit closer to reaching his goal. You can see part of the bridge in the background.There is pretty much nothing to do in West Memphis, Arkansas, so we defaulted to spending part of the day at the dog track and casino. We played slot machines and I won $5, I am so rich! We drove by Graceland on the way home. We tried to get a photo on the fence, but got in trouble by the security guard. 

We wrapped up the trip by going to the Peabody Hotel to see the ducks.

Got BBQ at the Rendezvous

Went to a Grizzlies game and got drinks on Beale Street

Undocumented events also include but are not limited to: wandering around Midtown, eating at Gus's fried chicken, celebrating Gam's birthday at River Oaks, shopping with Grandma, going to the Arcade and the Civil Rights Museum, and being bums at my house. 

I am so fortunate and proud to call this place my home. The rich culture, food, music, and history impress me more and more every day. I love this place and am glad I was able to share my love and my home with Louis and my family on this trip.