beale street

We ate famous barbeque ribs with dry rub at Charles Vergos' Rendezvous Alley (near the intersection with General Washburn's Escape Alley). To get there, turn down the alley in front of the Peabody Hotel. Afterward, we strolled down Beale Street. Touted as "home of the blues" it reminds one of Bourbon Street, 6th Street and the Depot District. A balmy evening of 95 degrees was not conducive to to street-walking and a "call-a-cab" frozen drink at Wet Willie's was not enticing. We retired to the air conditioned Hilton.

elvis is in the building

It's Elvis Week in Memphis and there are Elvi everywhere in the Hilton Hotel for the competition tonight. Some of them (see my facebook) weren't even born when Elvis Aron Presley died in 1977 but this Elvis might really be the genuine 76-year singing star.

dead elvis week

Tonight's concert kicks off what local Memphisites call "dead Elvis week" marking the 34th anniversary of Elvis' early passing at age 42 on August 16, 1977. Unfortunately I won't be able to participate in the candlelight vigil, 5K run or the Elvis tribute contest. Perhaps I can glimpse some Elvis impersonators when we eat BBQ on Beale Street tomorrow night.

AUGUST 8, 2011

ducks at work

After a hard day's work (11 am to 5pm) swimming in the marble fountain in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel, the ducks are summoned by the Duckmaster, follow the red carpet to the elevator, ride to the rooftop and retire to their quarters.

Peabody Hotel
146 Union Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee