Memphis, Tennessee

We left Nashville behind and drove over to Memphis on the west side of Tennessee.  We camped at the T.O. Fuller State Park.  It was a beautiful park but stinky!  Apparently a sewer treatment plant was built nearby so it was not possible to sit outside or keep our windows open.  Luckily it was fall and the weather was cool so we didn't need or want to do either.

T.O. Fuller State Park was the first state park open to African Americans east of the Mississippi River.

It was designated Shelby Bluffs State Park in 1938 and was later changed to T.O. Fuller State Park in 1942 in honor of Dr. Thomas O. Fuller who spent his life empowering and educating African Americans.

A visit to the Bass Pro Shop in Memphis was suggested to us by our friend, Randy.  What a place!  It was like Disneyland for men!  There were even live alligators inside!

 

 

Two lane bowling alley.  Look at the mouths of the ball returns!

We enjoyed walking around the store.  Next we walked over to the Visitor's Center nearby.

Memphis
Home of the Blues
Birthplace of Rock & Roll

Elvis

B.B. King

A really nice lady at the Visitor's Center told us about a bus we could take to Beale Street so we could leave our truck parked at Bass Pro Shop.  She also recommended a place to eat.

Beale Street is similar to Lower Broadway in Nashville but much smaller.  We didn't have the best weather for our visit and it was daytime but it was still fun to see.

 

 

We ate at the Blues City Cafe as suggested by the lady at the Visitor's Center.

We had to try the "Best Meal on Beale" which was a Combination of a Half Rack of Ribs and a piece of Golden Fried Catfish for $21.95.  Came with choice of steak fries or new potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, and a piece of Texas toast. 

 

 

A. Schwab, est 1876, Soda Fountain and Dry Goods Store.

 

 

Before heading back we had some ice cream at Margie's 901. 

 

 

 

 

Then it was on a trolley ride back to our truck at The Bass Pro Shop.

That was our quick visit to Memphis. 

Next stop is Little Rock, Arkansas as we continue making our way west across the country.  We still have lots to see and do before we get back to Arizona for the winter.