Memphis, TN

Ok, Memphis. It seems like we have finally gotten a break from all of the hot weather. After so many days in a row of triple digit temperatures, 98 degrees feels good. Who knew we would look at temperatures in the upper 90’s as a cool front!
Enjoy the cooler weather everyone!

Today (August 27th) is the last day to see “The Art of Stax: Essential Album Photographs by Joel Brodsky” at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The exhibit features the life and work of Joel Brodsky. On display are some original photos used for record album covers, including Isaac Hayes’ Black Moses; Booker T. and the MGs’ McLemore Avenue, Mavis Staples’ Only for the Lonely, Jean Knight’s Mr. Big Stuff, and David Porter’s Victim of the Joke?

This is for all of you Memphis fans out there. Now you can get your very own shirt that lets everyone know just how you feel about Memphis. Amazon.com offers a great I Love Memphis shirt that is reasonably priced. Check it out!

From August 10 - September 9, 2007 come check out Jerry Springer as an Opera at Playhouse on the Square (51 South Cooper St.). Just like on the television show, the opera features people making confessions of all types, from infidelities to complex secrets. The talk show host eventually must make a sort of reconciliation between Jesus and Satan. That’s all the information you get. You’ll have to go see it to find out how it turns out.

Attention Blue Dog Fans!!
July 29, 2007 to October 14, 2007. Come check out some of the work of George Rodrigue. The exhibit is on display at The Dixon Gallery and Gardens and spans the artist’s forty year career. Some items on display have never been seen before. Check it out!

From April 1, 2007 to October 31, 2007, visitors can check out a wonderful wedding dress exhibit at the Wood-Fontaine House Museum. At the exhibit you can check out antique dresses with some historical information provided on items on display. Check it out between noon and 4:00pm Wednesday thru Sunday.

Located in downtown Memphis at the corner of Main Street and G.E. Patterson is the Arcade Restaurant where you can get breakfast all day, every day. The restaurant opened in 1919 and still flourishes today. The restaurant is so popular, it has been seen in several Hollywood movies, including: Mystery Train, Great Balls of Fire, The Client, Elvis: The Early Years, Memphis, A Family Thing, and 21 Grams.

Check out some great history right in your own backyard. The Historic Elmwood Cemetery, located at 824 South Dudley Street, is one of the oldest cemeteries in the country. There are 19 Confederate Generals buried in the cemetery. You can also check out some of the old statues and monuments. Definitely a great experience for history lovers!

“Experience Memphis sightseeing fun from a duck’s eye view”.
Check out Memphis’ duck tours that will take you across land and water to see some of the best sights Memphis has to offer. Some of the landmarks you will see include:
• National Civil Rights Museum
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Sun Studio
• Gibson Guitar Museum
• The Pyramid
• Mud Island Park

You’ll also have fun as the land/water vehicle takes a dip in the Mississippi River!
The tour lasts 70 minutes, 20 of which are on the water.

On Thursday, August 16, 2007 head downtown to The Peabody between the hours of 4:45pm and 6:00pm. During this time Elvis will be inducted into the Duck Walk Hall of Fame. Priscilla Presley will be a special guest on hand for the ceremony.

On Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 8:30pm there will be a candlelight vigil for Elvis Presley at Graceland. Elvis fans will carry a candle up the driveway to Elvis’ gravesite and back with a candle. Admission is free and no reservations are required. The vigil is expected to last until early Thursday morning (August 16).

On Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 3:00pm, a memorial mass for Elvis Presley will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church (1425 East Shelby Drive). Get there early because large crowds are expected. Recorded music will begin playing at 2:15pm and the St. Paul Choir will begin playing at 2:45pm. There will be a spaghetti dinner following the mass.

From 1949 to 1953, Elvis and his parents lived in an apartment at the Lauderdale Courts, right here in downtown Memphis. The apartment has been restored to allow visitors the opportunity to see and experience just how Elvis lived and to sleep where he slept! Rates are about $249.99 a night.

Alright Memphis, Elvis Week is here again. For those of you planning on attending some of the many events taking place this year, check out these great deals for parking.

13 Day Pass (August 8-20) is $40

10 Day Pass (August 10-19) is $20

These passes allow unlimited entry to the lot during regular hours. You can purchase a pass at the Graceland visitor parking booth.

Parking fees are normally $6 per day.

Attention Elvis Fans!

How would you like to get married at Graceland? Well, you can. The Chapel in the Woods at Graceland is in the woods adjacent to Graceland and offers couples the opportunity to wed in a beautiful setting right at Graceland.

The Chapel in the Woods can hold up to 50 guests. They also offer the opportunity at select times to have photos made in front of Graceland. What a dream come true for Elvis fans. Packages start around $595.