She sat across the table from me and declared she was from Nashville. Interested that two Tennesseans were visiting Florida I leaned in closer and smiled. “I’m from Memphis.”
“Oh.” It hung in the air like an accusation. “I was born there actually. Spent most of my life there.” But she said she was from Nashville.
I’ve lived here less than three years yet I proudly consider myself a Memphian. Maybe you’re like Memphis’ lost daughter and can’t think of a single reason to visit here. I understand. After all, we’re the poorest city in the country. But what we lack in financial fortitude, we
make up for in rich history and current opportunity.
make up for in rich history and current opportunity.
And let’s not forget Memphis is home to the four
most beautiful girls this…make that any side of the
Mississippi!
Those who do visit Memphis each year often aim for Elvis’ house, barbeque or the blues on Beale. Would you believe we have much more to offer? I’d like to introduce you to my three favorite Memphis treasures.
We are zoo people. In fact I ran the Zoom Through the Zoo 4 miler in May to support our zoo. The Memphis Zoo is no ordinary peanuts and cotton candy and a couple of animals experience. We have over 2800 animals of over 400 species including pandas.
If you live anywhere in the middle of the country Memphis is the closest zoo to house pandas. The others are San Diego, Atlanta and Washington DC. Plan an entire day at the zoo. You won’t be disappointed.
Few experiences have stirred me like my visit to the National Civil Rights Museum. Built on the site of the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968, it is a unique showcase of the struggle for civil rights in the United States. From Rosa Parks’ stand by taking a seat on a Montgomery bus to the over 70,000 students who participated in lunch counter sit-ins, you take a journey with some of the most inspiring individuals in American history.
I dare you to leave unchanged.
In 1953, an 18 year old strolled into then titled Memphis Recording Service with a guitar and a gargantuan dream. He sang a demo but failed to impress the owner, Sam Phillips. This determined young man hung around for another year before he would get a break. His name was Elvis Presley.
Sun Studio is considered the birthplace of rock ‘n roll and was the recording home to many artists such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Ike Turner. A visit here is guaranteed to birth some inspiration in your soul.
Why not take a stroll this summer and go Walkin’ in Memphis? You might just find your feet ten feet off of Beale and a community rich with entertainment, history and matchless experiences.
Shannon is a morning runner, an afternoon carpooler and all-day lover of Jesus.
She is the author of Jesus & My Orange Juice, a fresh-squeezed oasis for ordinary living. Shannon finds joy among piles of laundry and miles of carpools and delights in leading others to this place of contentment in life. She presents the gift of prayer in her free 30 day prayer guide PrePrayed: Preparing for Life’s Events. She is a frequently published author. Most recently, she was a contributing author to Always There: Reflections for Mom’s on God’s Presence.
As a speaker, Shannon is straight forward about her own struggles. She is a compassionate advocate fighting for victory in the life of her audience with a message of hope and encouragement.
When not writing or speaking, she enjoys her favorite job of wife to Scott and mom to four daughters from preschool to high school.
Connect with her online at ShannonMilholland.com or on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.
© 2012 Shannon Milholland, All Rights Reserved
Kim says
July 15, 2014 at 8:34 pmWe are taking our first family trip there we leave thursday morning headead that direction! can’t wait! ive been to Libertyland (before they closed it down). me and fiancee are taking our son to the zoo and tyring to figure out what to do friday since its suppose to rain
marisafrank says
July 3, 2012 at 6:43 pmI want to go to Memphis! It sounds like fun city. Some of my dearest friends moved there a year ago. They really like it.
Shannon Milholland says
July 2, 2012 at 12:48 amOh Kathy you should definitely come! We'd have super fun!
Kathy Radigan says
June 29, 2012 at 10:51 pmShannon I loved this piece! I have never been to Memphis either but it is one of those places that I've always wanted to go. Love the picture of your 4 beautiful daugters!! Karen, thanks for sharing Shannon with us!
Familytravelsonabudget says
June 29, 2012 at 10:13 pmCan I come too? Presley IS my maiden name 🙂
Shannon Milholland says
June 29, 2012 at 9:51 pmThat's what I say, Courtney. And the bonus is if you come we get to have coffee!!! 🙂
Courtney G says
June 29, 2012 at 5:26 pmI have always wanted to visit Memphis! It has so much history. I loved Nashville, and thought Memphis must be just as interesting. How can you not like Elvis and Johnny Cash, c'mon;)
Shannon Milholland says
June 29, 2012 at 3:59 pmI should know that, Rosann because so many of my friends here are from there believe it or not. They of course prefer the blue skies here…lol!
What I do know is that it's drivable because they all drive not fly.
Rosann says
June 29, 2012 at 3:47 pmI so want to take my daughters to Memphis. I remember walking through Elvis' mansion when I was about 7yrs old and even at that age, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. And I love country music…and southern food… One day, we'll road trip there. 🙂 I wonder how long the drive would be from Western PA…
Shannon Milholland says
June 29, 2012 at 3:31 pm@Detox Diva, so thankful you enjoyed Memphis! Come back soon!
@Tanya, it really is a history rich city. Did you know that the famous Gibson guitars are also made here and you can tour the factory? Very interesting!
@Carla, you are so sweet. I sure do love those four little faces that's for sure! 🙂
Carla Karam says
June 29, 2012 at 2:36 pmKaren and Shannon…I have always wanted to go to Memphis for those exact same reasons! Shannon, your daughters are as beautiful as you are!!
tanya says
June 29, 2012 at 1:39 pmI've never been to Memphis, but honestly it's place a really would love to visit. While Graceland would not be my fist stop, I'd love BBQ and Beale St. of course. But would LOVE to see Sun Studio, oh my gosh, the history! Thanks for the travel tips! The zoo would be perfect for my kids!
The Detox Diva says
June 29, 2012 at 1:32 pmI LOVE Memphis. Loved walking Beale street, the barbecue, the diversity, everything. Nashville was always so false to me but Memphis had a reality that is, was, and will always be, priceless!