Exploring Memphis, Tennessee: From Greyhound Bus Rides to Beale Street and Graceland

Memphis: A Journey Worth Exploring

Join us on our recent adventure to Memphis, Tennessee, where we embarked on a memorable journey filled with history, music, and iconic landmarks. From our not-so-pleasant experience on a Greyhound bus to exploring Beale Street and visiting the legendary Graceland, this trip had its highs and lows. So, let's dive right in and discover what this vibrant city has to offer!

A Bumpy Ride with Greyhound

Our journey began in Nashville, where we decided to take a Greyhound bus to Memphis. While Greyhound is often considered an affordable option for travel, we must admit that our experience was less than satisfactory. The bus was in a state of disrepair, with unclean seats and an overall unhygienic environment. We strongly recommend exploring alternative travel options if available.

Beale Street: The Heartbeat of Memphis

No trip to Memphis would be complete without a visit to Beale Street. Known as the "Home of the Blues," this historic street has been a hub for musicians and music enthusiasts for decades. As we strolled along Beale Street, we couldn't help but feel the vibrant energy and rich musical heritage that resonated from every corner.

Beale Street's history is deeply intertwined with the African American community and the development of blues music. From legendary clubs like B.B. King's Blues Club to the vibrant street performances, there is no shortage of live music and entertainment options. We highly recommend taking the time to explore the various venues and soak in the authentic Memphis music scene. Although Beal Street is not comparable with Nashville’s Broadway as it is very run down and could definitely do with some TLC, it is still a great experience and shouldn’t be missed.

A Date with the King: Graceland

Our next stop was the iconic Graceland, the former home of the legendary Elvis Presley. Stepping foot onto the grounds of Graceland felt like stepping back in time, immersing ourselves in the life and legacy of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

Graceland offers different entrance fee options, allowing visitors to choose the experience that suits their preferences. From the basic mansion tour to the VIP experience, there's something for everyone. We opted for the Elvis Experience Tour, which provided a comprehensive look into Elvis's life, including his car collection, costumes, and even his private jet. We are unsure what extras you get with the VIP tour, other than a person guiding you around and telling you the history etc, but this information is included in the experience tour via an electronic tablet which we actually preferred as you can listen at your own pace.

While the entrance fees may seem a bit steep, we can assure you that the experience is well worth it. Graceland offers a unique glimpse into the personal life of Elvis Presley and the impact he had on the music industry.

Comfortable Stay at Napoleon, Ascend Hotel

During our time in Memphis, we stayed at the Napoleon, Ascend Hotel, which we booked through Hotwire.com. The hotel, located in the heart of downtown Memphis, offered convenient access to many attractions and restaurants.

It's worth mentioning that the hotel was undergoing some renovations during our stay. However, despite the ongoing construction, our room was comfortable and clean. The only downside was its location below street level and next to a main road, which made it quite noisy at times. If you're a light sleeper, we recommend requesting a room away from the street.

Memphis: A City with Soul

Memphis, with its rich musical heritage and historical significance, is a city that truly captivates the soul. From the lively atmosphere of Beale Street to the enchanting world of Graceland, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

While our Greyhound bus experience left much to be desired, we encourage you to explore alternative modes of transportation. Don't let a bumpy ride deter you from experiencing the magic of Memphis. So pack your bags, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of this incredible city!