The drive from Arkansas to Memphis was uneventful. At sundown, we settled into T.O. Fuller State Park.
In the morning, we visited Graceland. I’ve never been a huge Elvis fan but it was fascinating nevertheless. What struck me was his charisma and charm not only in his Hollywood movies but in his home movies. What a playful force of nature. Not sure why I never noticed it before but this was the first time I saw the soul behind the icon. It was the first time I saw the playful boyish grin that won hearts the world over. His house was decorated for Christmas with his original decorations. It’s strange place…a mixture of homeyness, hoopla, museum, and shrine.
In stark contrast to the commercialization and glitz of Elvis, we walked in the rain along the concrete shore where the Wolf River and Mississippi rivers merge. It was here where Jeff Buckely, an artist less famous although no less talented, drew his last breaths before being swallowed by the river’s current. It’s a spot Brent had been wanting to visit for years. I lingered back so Brent could walk ahead of me to spend time in his own thoughts. Brent introduced me to Jeff Buckley. In our 13 years together, his hauntingly beautiful voice has been a part of many our memories. If you have never listened to Jeff Buckley’s cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah you must. It’s an amazing song (It was a sad day when I heard such a beautiful song had been forever attached to an ogre.) on it’s own but no one sings it like Jeff Buckley.
Beale Street
We ended our day in Memphis with a warm drink at the Peabody Hotel where everyday at 11 am and 5:o0 pm the famous Peabody ducks, lead by the “duck master”, waddle down a red carpet like celebrities as they have been since 1933.
Oh humans…what strange creatures we are!
Love and Laughter,
Jenn
If you enjoyed this post you can follow one of three ways! 1. Subscribe to the RSS Feed 2. “like” Newschool Nomads on Facebook, or 3. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. Simple dimple!
Like food and fitness? Follow along as I film a workout in every state and explore finding a healthy balance on the road at Girl Heroes!
January 13, 2012 at 1:17 pm
I think it’s impossible to write a blog post about visiting Memphis and *not* use that title — because I did the same thing.
Looks like a great visit. Everyone says that even if you’re not a huge Elvis fan, Graceland is worth visiting. Love the pics.
January 20, 2012 at 5:26 pm
Ha ha! Yeah, I went back and forth on “Walking in Memphis”. It seems so cliche but so fitting! Glad you thought so too!!!
I wish we have seen the Cival Rights Museum like you did. We just didn’t have enough time. Next time…
(PS – I’m embarrassingly slow at replying to comments!)
January 13, 2012 at 1:45 pm
We were just in memphis not too long ago & I forgot that Jeff Buckley died there – his voice his truly magical. We decided to bypass Graceland but I am glad you didn’t – thanks for the pics!
January 20, 2012 at 5:23 pm
I think we would have bypassed Graceland has we not found 50% off tickets online. I would have been a little disappointed had we paid full price. It was interested but certainly not “amazing”.
So happy to hear you find Jeff Buckley’s voice magical too!
January 13, 2012 at 2:44 pm
It’s so strange to see all of these sites that I’m so familiar with on a blog post! I love the Peabody and Beale Street. And been over that I-40 bridge many times. Glad y’all had a good time – wish you had gotten to eat at the Rendevous for their famous ribs/BBQ!
January 20, 2012 at 5:22 pm
I wish we could have eaten there too! What part of the south are you from?
January 20, 2012 at 7:24 pm
I am in Meridian, MS – if you come this way you’ll have to let me know!!!
January 14, 2012 at 1:19 am
Your trip sounds adventurous. What a life event. About the song, Hallelujah I like that song too. My son’s girlfriend does a pretty good job of it, I have to brag, go ahead check it out. At Facebook https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1723788891327
January 15, 2012 at 5:47 am
How fun! you are really going all over the place! Keep posting!
January 16, 2012 at 2:34 pm
I always love seeing parts of your trip here…