Things to do in Memphis

When we were driving from the Airbnb to the stadium, you would pass through a stop light and literally go from palatial quasi-mansions to houses with tarps in place of the roof in hundreds of feet.

I'd never seen as quick of a transition from opulence to squalor.
Yeah I've never felt unsafe in the two times I've been there but there are definitely areas that pop up quickly that look pretty rough when you are driving around.
 
I echo others that the Lorraine Motel Civil Rights Museum is a must.

Just in case it isn't clear, the Lorraine Motel where MLKJ was shot is still in place, but it has been repurposed as part of the National Civil Rights Museum. As you go through the museum, you get to look into the room and onto the balcony where he was shot. You also get to look out the window from which he was shot from across the street.

And there is so much more. This is not just a MLKJ museum, it truly is a national civil rights museum.

That is why they were so welcoming of the Ames History Museum travelling exhibit about Jack Trice as a temporary exhibit during the week of the bowl.
 
Just in case it isn't clear, the Lorraine Motel where MLKJ was shot is still in place, but it has been repurposed as part of the National Civil Rights Museum. As you go through the museum, you get to look into the room and onto the balcony where he was shot. You also get to look out the window from which he was shot from across the street.

And there is so much more. This is not just a MLKJ museum, it truly is a national civil rights museum.

That is why they were so welcoming of the Ames History Museum travelling exhibit about Jack Trice as a temporary exhibit during the week of the bowl.
So many crazy personal stories of what people (even kids) went through in this country. And when you look at the dates and realize it wasn't that long ago it's very eye opening.
 
All these Memphis threads have me so bummed I can't make it this time. It really is a fun city and bowl game because of how many Cyclones go down there.
 
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I’m not a “City = bad” type of guy, but Memphis has some of the most unique blends of haves and have nots I have ever seen. The shadow of segregation still lingers heavily over the place.

Some places like Germantown have a sterile, Stepford Wives vibe that’s just… off.

It’s a blue collar town. And they love their Memphis Tigers
Yeah, I'd have to agree. It was the starkest contrast I've ever personally witnessed.

I definitely enjoyed Memphis. As someone else said, it's very blue collar, and absolutely has a sense of grit, soul, and character that I really dig in a city.
 
I've been to Memphis, but not for the bowl game.

Definitely check out the Civil Rights Museum if you can. Also, if there are any Civil War buffs reading the thread go see the Shiloh National Military Park, where the Battle of Shiloh was fought (and where some Iowa regiments saw action). Really neat place for those interested in Civil War history; not too far away from Memphis and worth a day or half-day trip.

Also, while the BBQ is good, also make sure to get some catfish while you're down there!
 
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