In Memphis - Need Help Fast

Probably not the best timing, but I’m in Memphis TN with my son for a soccer tournament (Germantown actually) and it turns out we have a 9:30 game and not another until 8pm. The boys have exciting things planed (like a run, stretching, etc.) but I’ve got most of a day to kill. I need ideas of what to do. Can I drive by Graceland just to say I’ve seen it? For an early dinner where should I go for BBQ (no debates on Memphis v. NC style etc. I’m in Memphis… that’s what I need). Anything else that are must sees?

Even if you are late to the game, let me know what I missed.

Quick kid brag… according to the tourney site, his team is ranked #2 nationally.

Why not tour Graceland? It is tacky fun. You can see it from the street, though, if that is your desire.

Beale Street is fun, and would be a good place to have BBQ. There is a music museum at one end that I thought was interesting.

How about the Civil Rights Museum? Haven’t been, but heard good things.

Mud Island has a cool relief map of the Mississippi river.

Oh, one last one–we went on a Duck tour that was fun–one of those land/water tours.

It sounds like you can probably do Graceland in the time you’ve got, and you should. It’s great fun once. As for BBQ – The Rendevous downtown is the most fun, albeit not the best. (But it’s very good.) Corky’s, which is easy to get to from G-town (head down Poplar – it’s in Memphis, I think, but not too far from the municipal border) is also really good, although not nearly the same in terms of experience. My parents (who live there) rave about Central Barbecue, and I really loved it the one time I’ve been there, but it has no atmosphere to speak of, and it isn’t where I’d take people their first time. I think Interstate is overrated, but again I’ve only been once.

–Cliffy

Since you’ll be in Germantown this evening, I’d suggest a BBQ place there–the Germantown Commissary, on Germantown Road near Poplar Pike. They have great atmosphere, and really, really good ribs.

http://www.commissarybbq.com/view.php/id/15

Thanks everyone. I think the Commissary it is if they are open late. I’m going to try to go there after the late game so it will be around 10pm. The best part is I know where it is from driving around to other things.

A bunch of people went to see the new Bond movie… like we can’t do that back home in Indiana. I think I’m just going to head downtown to see what I can find. Graceland sounds fun, but I don’t know if I really want to spend any money to have that experience.

Shoot… I just called them and they close at 9:30. I suppose I could try for an early dinner.

Got carry out. Thanks! Good Stuff! Got it for a few other parents, the ones who got the default Olive Garden were drooling over our plates.