Memphis and Nashville: worth seeing apart from the music? (mansion, vacation, best)
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Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
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I'm going to the US in June, and am wondering whether to either go with the tour I am on, which will miss out on these two cities, or go on another tour which will include these two and San Diego for an extra $800. Being interested in music I've always wanted to see Memphis and Nashville, but apart from this is there a lot to see and do in these two cities?
Hard to say as you'll have to take into account the total context of the tour - also as someone from outside of the country some of the american history components may not really strike your interests
My wife & I split a week between Nashville & Memphis and had a great time. We didn't have the benefits/constraints of a tour though and it was independent travel.
On the music side there is a ton to see and a lot that will eat up your time just with that - from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to watching musicians in WC Handy park in Memphis, checking out the Stax Museum, Sun Records, etc .... plus the live venues in both cities and the country music hall of fame if you are into such things
We also ventured out of Nashville a little bit and stopped at the George Dickel whiskey distillary as I'm a big whiskey fan ........ we also went to the Stone River civil war battlefield .... there are a lot of historical places in/around Nashville - especially as it pertains to our civil war ..... also nearby is the old plantation home from US President Andrew Jackson (the hermitage)
A lot of old plantation homes, things of that nature (travellers rest, belle meade, belmont mansion, etc)
The Cheekwood Botanical Gardens were very nice with an open grounds and old mansion that also houses some art
In memphis the civil rights history museum was very well done - it's set at the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr was assasinated (a very important figure in our history) ..... the memphis zoo also has a panda exhibit if you are into such things (my wife is)
The food is really good in both places
All things being equal on the tour - if the only difference is $800 and the ability to see Memphis, Nashville & SD - I think it would be money well spent .... especially if you have interest in music - that alone can eat up a ton of time
Er, ELVIS PRESLEY! Ever heard of him? He had this big house just outside the city of Memphis, not sure what it's called, Grace-something?
Actually Graceland really is quite something to see and even if you don't like Elvis's music you should check it out. Beale Street is fun to walk down in the evening for something to eat and live music venues.
Well I would describe Memphis as more rock & roll and Nashville as more country. I personally think Memphis is more tourist friendly however (although a grittier tougher town with a certain violent side). Plus, you got BBQ in Memphis.
Personally, there is a lot to do in Nashville other than country music. In fact, I would say that there is about as much NON-country music in Nashville as country music. These include a number of artists originally from Memphis.
Off the beaten track attractions include:
Parthenon
The Hermitage
Lane's Auto Museum
Try Nashville specials like Hot Spicy Chickens at Prince's and Boltons.
Personally, there is a lot to do in Nashville other than country music. In fact, I would say that there is about as much NON-country music in Nashville as country music. These include a number of artists originally from Memphis.
Off the beaten track attractions include:
Parthenon
The Hermitage
Lane's Auto Museum
Try Nashville specials like Hot Spicy Chickens at Prince's and Boltons.
I'm going to the US in June, and am wondering whether to either go with the tour I am on, which will miss out on these two cities, or go on another tour which will include these two and San Diego for an extra $800. Being interested in music I've always wanted to see Memphis and Nashville, but apart from this is there a lot to see and do in these two cities?
Trimac - GO! I highly recommend it. Will definitely go back too
Location: The Chatterdome in La La Land, CaliFUNia
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chilaili
Er, ELVIS PRESLEY! Ever heard of him? He had this big house just outside the city of Memphis, not sure what it's called, Grace-something?
Actually Graceland really is quite something to see and even if you don't like Elvis's music you should check it out. Beale Street is fun to walk down in the evening for something to eat and live music venues.
Sorry for the dumb question but is Graceland a museum or a themed park, like Dollywood?
Trimac, I googled Nashville tourism and found a site where you can order a free book of things to see in and around Nashville. Nashville Visitors Guide | Tourist or Vacation Guide for Nashville | VisitMusicCity.com There's a nice museum on Tennessee history right down town. My wife and I went to Ft. Nashboro, where Nashville was founded along the Cumberland River. Not exactly the best part of town though.
Don't know a lot about Memphis. Might google it and find out something. Last time I was there I went with a friend who was adopting a retired racing greyhound from the racetracks across the Mississippi River in Arkansas. Watched a few races the night before bringing the dog home. Kennel owner called them a 48 MPH couch potato. lol
Chatteress, Graceland was Elvis Presley's home. Elvis Presley Blvd, where the house is, has been more or less turned into a carnival
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