Memphis Memories
Summer finally seems to be on the horizon and with that comes one of my favorite things, ROAD TRIPS! While I love a good plane (see any previous post where I rave about my Delta Skymiles status) sometimes it’s fun to take to the open road, especially if you can do it with your friends.
Memphis in May, a month-long festival held in Memphis, TN has been in existence since 1977. Each weekend has something different to offer, but the Beale Street Music Festival (BSMF), which occurs the first weekend annually, was a great excuse for a GIRLS TRIP!
I have an eclecik mix of friends (anything else would be uncivilized), but when we get together, it’s always a good time no matter what corner of the Earth we’re in. When we heard that Cardi B. was closing the BSMF we had to make money moves (could not resist) and go check it out.
After securing a quick rental, my friend and sister-in-love (a twofer, she’s awesome) picked me up and we were off. We were able to bunk at our local friend’s house so no need for a hotel or Airbnb this go round. She also lives really close to the state line, so I got to take a pic with one foot in Mississippi and one in Tennessee.
Spent the first night hanging at a couple of local spots in the area including Clicks Billiards. Fun place to grab a quick drink and there is different entertainment every evening. We were tired from the road, so we turned in early to be ready for the next day’s activities.
We started the day at Frost Bake Shop on Poplar Ave. If you have a sweet tooth like me, this is where you go in Memphis to get your fix. Delicious cupcakes, cookies and pies. The standout here is anything that has Ooey Gooey in the title, total yumminess.
Next, we headed Downtown to see some sights. We booked a tour with River City Pedalers, the #1 Party Bike in Memphis. If you’ve never done a pedal bike (or wagon or boat) you are missing out! Great way to spend time with friends and see city sights. Basically, it’s a big tandem bike that blasts music and allows you to bring on any food or drink you desire while you ride through the city and have a mobile party. Possibly the most fun I’ve ever had on a bike and got to see a ton of Memphis highlights, including the National Civil Rights Museum, built around the Lorraine Motel (the historic site assassination site of Martin Luther King Jr.). We also visited the Orpheum Theater, Memphis Music Hall of Fame and the famed “I Am a Man” mural. The tour ended at the opening of Beale Street, a 1.8-mile stretch in downtown Memphis with a strong history and lots of restaurants and nightlife. All on the same street, you can enjoy live jazz or visit Lansky Bros, the famed clothier of Elvis Presley. It is a must see Memphis stop.
Cardi closed out the show with a 1 hr. live show that embodied her bold personality and proved she is in fact my spirit animal. Catch her if you can in a city near you.
VIDEO CONTAINS EXPLICIT LYRICS (but you knew that right??)
After partying, like it was 1999 (for real, I felt like I was back in college) it was time to get rested and ready for the main event, Cardi B.
But first, Cinco de Mayo! My 2nd favorite holiday of the year was made even better celebrating with my friends! We had tacos and margaritas at the newest Downtown location of Swanky’s Taco Shop. The service was a little lacking, but the food was excellent. We headed over to Tom Lee Park and got ready to enjoy the mix of music gracing three stages. Tons of vendors covered the park with a chance to try all types of activities, beverages and food. If you decide to attend without a VIP ticket, there is no dedicated seating so comfortable shoes are necessary.
Memphis is a great spot to travel with friends or family and should definitely be on your bucket list.
