In the evening took the Graceland Hotel shuttle into downtown Memphis. They offered a drop-off and pick-up on Beale Street. The shuttles come once per hour. I was very happy to not have to park downtown. I did take some photos of the hotel interior, which was done up in kind of 1950s era Las Vegas style, but unfortunately my camera chose not to save them. It does that sometimes. The shuttle was comfortable, clean, and the driver was outgoing - good experience.
I took my friend Tait Danielson-Castillo's suggestion to eat at Flying Fish. It is a fast-casual Cajun seafood restaurant that has its very own special vibe. I did enjoy the people watching - and the food! Excellent recommendation Tait!
I walked down 2nd Street to Beale. Tried to stop at one of the many music museums downtown, but it was closed on a Saturday night, which seemed a little strange to me. Beale Street itself is blocked off by the police on both ends of a three block stretch, so the entire street and sidewalks are kind of alive with pedestrians and street performers during the evening hours. It reminded me a lot of the French Quarter in New Orleans. Went to BB King's Blues Club first. Loved the music and the people watching. There was a woman with joie de vivre to spare at the table next to me who kind of drew me into her date with her husband. She made the experience a lot of fun. Travel karma. I stayed long enough to hear three bands (each one on stage for a little less than one hour). They were all fantastic, but all very different. And they were extremely serious about their Blues music.
I walked down Beale Street, doing some window shopping, watching the street performers, and scoping out the other music clubs. Stopped at Rum Boogie Cafe next. At first, I was a little disappointed that a rock 'n roll band was playing that night. But their musicianship won me over. However, the lack of sleep on Thursday night caught up with me and I kind of nodded off at my table. The waitress woke me up, so I decided it was time to head for home.
I did enjoy Beale Street. I can see why people who are just looking for some good music might prefer an atmosphere that isn't so carnival-like, but it was great for a single person who wants to anonymously enjoy the club vibe. I returned to the shuttle pick-up spot, and was entertained for about 20 minutes by a private limousine shuttle and its passengers. The entertainment was not intended; it was just pure great people watching -- and they were some unintentionally hilarious people.
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