Vacationing in Memphis (where to stay, hotels, casinos)

[barstew]

My wife and I are planning a trip to Memphis in October (neither of us have ever been there). In reviewing several blogs it sounds like the whole area is one huge mugging/smash-and-grab area. Can someone with knowledge of the metro area help us on where to stay and where to go (or not go) and when to go there?

We plan on doing the usual touristy things -- Graceland, szo, duck walk, BBQ eating, tour an antebellum plantation.

Thanks,
barstew from St Charles, MO

[strumpeace]

Those blog writers should be mugged, smashed, and grabbed.

There are some terrible parts of town. (Well, at least they seem terrible until you get involved in some community work there and meet the people who live there and work there; then your perspective changes.) If you're coming for two or three days to do touristy things, you won't be in those parts of town -- with one exception: Graceland. However, the area immediately surrounding Graceland is extremely touristy, so there aren't usually any problems right there. Just don't stray down the road. If you decide to go to Tunica for the casinos, and you take the Third Street route, you'll probably see a few things you haven't seen before.

All in all, though, just use your common sense, and you should be fine. Lock your car doors. Don't flash your money around. Don't drink too much and lose your judgment. Same kind of sense you would use if you were venturing to St. Louis.

Have fun.

[Pearlbob]

Review the forum at tripadvisor.com instead of this one. That will give you a much better and more accurate perspective on vacationing in Memphis.

Vacationing in Memphis is much different than living here.

Memphis Forum - TripAdvisor

[Pearlbob]

The moderators of tripadvisor are not paid. Believe me. The forum is just as "believable" as this one.

[Moonlady]

Barstew - for some reason people on city data are averse to providing travel information. I kind of understand that it's not a travel site, but I like to get a local's perspective, something you can't always do on a travel forum.

I spent 2 months in Memphis last year on a temporary assignment and was fortunate to be able to bring my husband with me. We set out to see and do as much as we could on the weekends. I'd always wanted to go to Memphis, but I doubt I would have done and seen the things I did if I had planned a vacation trip. Here's a list of things I really enjoyed. You can look them up and see if any of them interest you.

Graceland, of course!
The Peabody Ducks - really!
Mud Island
Sun Studios
Stax records
The Pink Palace Museum & IMAX
Beale Street

If I were going for just a visit, I'd stay downtown. There are some really nice hotels, you are in close proximity to a lot of things to do and places to eat and it's relatively safe.

There are many, many good BBQ places in Memphis, Interstate was my favorite!

There's not much in the way of true Blues anymore on Beale. If you are a blues fan, check out BB Kings club, which is just as much fun during the day as at night.

Enjoy!

[Pearlbob]

I'm not against giving info on here, but most people who post on this forum have the mind-set of living here, as opposed to just vacationing here. There are plenty of local people who post on tripadvisor. Plus, if you are searching for info, that site will give much more vacationing info than this one.

[mzloolue]

Originally Posted by barstew

We plan on doing the usual touristy things -- Graceland, szo, duck walk, BBQ eating, tour an antebellum plantation.

Sorry, but I just have to ask, what's szo?

And what antebellum plantation?

[barstew]

My bad. Did not edit it should have read zoo.

I am getting very mixed answers which are not really helping me. Please try to remove any bias.

Where would be a good motel to stay (Comfort Inn quality)?

St Louis has some very dangerous sections but also some very safe ones. So I know your dilemmas. We would like to dine on your famous BBQ -- especially -- but really don't want to worry about having to go to a restaurant only during daylight hours. Plus, it seems every motel has problems with car break-ins. Somehow I can't really believe it is all that dangerous, but I can also be gullible.

Thanks to all who have posted.

[Pearlbob]

Downtown is the main area that visitors stay in. Safe, most tourist attracations are within walking distance, and there is plenty to do and see. Any hotel downtown is safe. There is a Comfort Inn on Front/Main.

[strumpeace]

There's also a Sleep Inn on Main Street. And it has guarded parking. And it's right on the trolley line.