First, we had Spring Break the last week of March. It was much needed, but still it was a busy time. My wife and I took the two grandkids and made a trip to Mississippi, with a "one day visit" to Memphis. I had never been to Memphis and we were close, so we decided to spend the day there.
We drove by "Graceland" and saw Elvis' home through the open gate. it would have been nice going on the tour, but I did not think that a 6 year old and a 2 year old would appreciate it as much as I would have appreciated it. So, I settled with driving by three times and seeing things from a distance.
I was an Elvis fan. In fact, I still have record albums of his that are in almost perfect condition. I have the "blue" album, which is actually blue. I can not remember all that I have, at this moment and I am not at home, so I will list them later.
We left Elvis' home and followed the GPS as it directed it to "Beale Street." This is where we spent most of our time. By the time that we parked and began to walk up the street, restaurants were beginning to serve lunch and there was "live" music pouring out of open windows and ally-ways. It was wonderful. There was one guy playing and singing ina little alcove between two buildings. We stopped for a little while and sang with him and danced. He motioned us to come in, but we had places to go and people to not know, but see.
We walked on up the street and saw a carriage being pulled by a horse. Of course, we had to take the kids on a carriage ride around the out-skirts of Beale Street. It was great fun. We also carriaged by the famous hotel where the ducks come down each morning and play in the fountain.
After getting off the carriage, we decided to walk down "Main" which features restaurants and street cars, but I did not see any car named "Desire." We did have to be careful and pay attention or rish being run over by a street care laden with people.
There were a number of interesting places to stop and eat. We made the rounds, but decided that we wanted to eat somewhere on Beale Street.
Returning to Beale Street, we made our way down the opposite side and stopped in a store that had been there like 100 years or something close. it was like an old general store with all kinds of interesting things to purchase. I think that our grandson picked-up or touched at least a "million" things. Well...maybe not.
By this time, we were hungry but not famished, so we decided to go into the Hard Rock Cafe and eat something. Since none of us were "hungry hungry," we ordered two NACHOES for our meal and drinks and settled in for something good.
Our waitress was awesome. She told us that we could get up on the stage, if we wished and make pictures. She said she would go and turn on the spot lights for us. Of course, our grandson loved sitting behind the drums and then standing out front, holding an electric guitar. He was a "ROCKER" all the way.
I wish you could have seen the mouths that fell open, when we got up on the stage. I gues their waitress did not tell them they could get on the stage.
We made pictures and walked up the stairs to view all of the collections of records, guitars, and outfits that were displayed on the walls. Of course, with this being Memphis, there were a number of items that had belonged to Elvis. I know because I took pictures of them.
After returning to our seats, the nachoes came and we "chowed-down." They were really good. Just thinking about them makes my mouth water. I can almost taste the cheese.
There was a couple behind us eating Sundays. So, guess what we had to have? You guessed it. We ended the great time at The Hard Rock Cafe with "kid's Sundays," and icecream. I had the Apple Pie with Vanilla Bean Icecream. Yum!
That was a Three night trip that ended with a return home. On the way, we stopped off in Tupelo and visited the Birth Home of Elvis. There is a "Walk of Life" around the buildings, marked with important dates in his life. They are in the process of building a large museum to feature the years that Elvis and his family lived in Tupelo.
Those of you that know the story will remember that the family moved to Memphis, hoping to better their lives.
NEW SHOES? I just added that on the title for the sound.