Tuesday, September 21, 2010

My Pilgrimage to Memphis

Well I made it back from Memphis and let me tell you it was such a great time! The drive down took 9 hours (thank you traffic jams) and I got to see cotton fields for the first time in my life. 
Once we arrived in Memphis and got checked into our hotel we hit the ground running and went straight over to Sun Studios. 
I'm a huge fan of many artists that recorded at Sun so it was really neat to see where it all took place. Once you start the tour, you literally go into the 3 rooms of the building. The first room is full of memorabilia. The second is the entrance to the offices where artists would come to see if they could record or if Sam Phillips was there. The third room is the actual recording room which has virtually gone unchanged throughout the years. 
(inside the recording studio)
Artists such as Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash all recorded in the building. Music is still being recorded there each day. 
(the famous photo taken at Sun Studio)
Once the Sun Studio tour ended (and I had spent 67 dollars in souvenirs), I headed out in search of vintage clothing. I found some great things at a store called Flashback which deserves a post all to itself. When the shopping was done, we headed down to Beale Street for some fun! I discovered my favorite store, Tater Reds which was so eclectic. I found Saint candles (which I don't know if I've ever mentioned but I collect them) and was SO excited!  
The next morning, we got up bright and early and headed over the historic Lorraine Motel. The famous site where Dr. Martin Luther King was shot and killed. 
If you've never been or want to eventually go, it's amazing. Words can't even describe what it was like to be there. It's eerily quiet and looks like it's been completely preserved from 1968. It's like you've stepped into a time capsule. The Civil Rights Museum is also located right beside the hotel and has items from MLK's room. If you have the time, I highly suggest going inside to see the artifacts.

When we were done at the Lorraine Motel we headed to my mother ship: Graceland. Which deserves and will get a post all to itself. 

19 comments:

krystal said...

Wow, what great pictures. I have heard amazing things about visiting Memphis. I hope to one day make it through there. =)

If you're so into vintage shopping, can you help me find brooches?! Puh-leze?! LOL I'm having the worst time.

Bri said...

How fun! My husband flies into Memphis a lot for work, but he's never done any sight-seeing. I'd love to see Graceland!

Cole said...

Wow, that looks like an awesome trip!! What kind of fun souvenirs did you buy at Sun Records?

BSS said...

I'm glad you had a good time! :)

Anonymous said...

There is a lot of history there! I'd love to go someday. Looks like you had a great trip!

Anonymous said...

I like you and the picture of Sun Studio. Looks like a great trip. I know how much you love to travel, so you must have had a blast!

Steph @ Professors_Wife said...

Thanks for sharing - you are definitely checking out the best stuff, I'm glad you had so much fun! Great photos :)

JG said...

So cool! I wish we had taken the time to see the sights there.

All the Small Things said...

Your trip sounds like it was so much fun! You went to some great places. I always love following all the fun places you go to. Can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip and about your Flashback purchases!

love jenny xoxo said...

looks like you had a great time, awesome photos!

XOXO

Leslie @ A Blonde Ambition said...

I lived in Memphis for a year after college...such a special, special town! Yes it's dirty, yes it's hot, but the history of that place is just incredible! Great post, girlie!

rena said...

Looks like you had a great time - can't wait to read more about your trip!

JMJE said...

Sounds like an awesome trip so far.

MariahSmile said...

Man, I really wanna go on a trip somewhere!

Selma @ Crazy Little World Of Mine said...

If I never make it to Memphis, at least I get to travel through you. :)

Tina L. Hook said...

Ooh-I have been to Graceland. Can't wait to see your pics.

Misty Michelle said...

I have been to memphis a bunch of times and never done ANY of that! (I SUCK).. I wanna see all the stuff you bought!!! hahaha

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

Oh wow, how fun. Memphis looks great!

Unknown said...

Seriously great pictures. I love it when you travel because then it let me know where to do and where not to go when i travel