We have arrived in Memphis for a few days before joining the American Queen paddle boat on its journey to New Orleans down the Mississippi River. We have actually now left Memphis and are on the boat. So this is a little catch up on our time in Memphis.
Memphis is an old cotton town and dates back to the early 1800s, named after Memphis on the River Nile (also but a much older cotton town).

Today, Memphis is still big in cotton but the cotton comes no where near the town like in the old days. Today it is from the farm direct to the transport, with no physical trading and wholesaling. A bit like wool is done in Australia.

That is enough about cotton. Memphis is also famous for its food and Beale Street. A reinvigorated touristy area with plenty of eateries. Pork in various forms is everywhere, distinguished in its preparation by the eateries own special marinades and sauces.

Pulled pork burgers, bacon, ribs and bones abound. Then there is the deep fried chicken specialties, again with various sauces. Hot dogs. Shrimp. Chips. And finally catfish, fried and grilled, rounds out the main fare offerings. We have had a go at a few of these to get into the spirit of the place. Steak and three veg were around but low down on the menus.

With the food comes the music, another Memphis draw card. Blues, Soul and Gospel have their roots in this part of the Deep South. We had lunch at the BB King’s Blues Club, named after the legendary singer. A band was playing full blast, at times we couldn’t hear ourselves eating!

We got up and down Main Street, and it is the main street, on the trolley system. $1 each way. This took us to the area where Martin Luther King was assassinated, the Lorraine Motel.

The Motel and surrounding buildings are much the same. There is a permanent wreath on the railing outside the room where he was shot. The National Civil Rights Museum is housed there.

Memphis is also a town of murals. Celebrating music, musicians, civil rights themes, football, basketball and stuff you can’t work out! They abound on buildings in many streets and alleys.

The biggest attraction though in Memphis is the King of Rock n Roll; Elvis Presley and Graceland.

But more about him and this extraordinary place Graceland, next time!