Paige Vidrine

“When things go wrong, don’t go with them.” Elvis Presley

Have you ever visited a city and felt the soul? Talk about “in your feelings”! Memphis puts you in them the moment you arrive!

The atmosphere, the “vibes”, they call to your soul. They call you to create, to think, to be… big!

It’s something that you can’t see, you can’t explain, but you cannot question.

I’m a big believer in a world we cannot see.

The world that unrelentingly draws us to the one we are supposed to love.

A world that forces us to grow, no matter how hard we try to run. A world that brings you to your purpose, if you allow yourself to accept it. I believe in this world so deeply that, when I travel, I listen.

I listen to the experiences of those who came before me. I don’t just read about history and write it off as something that once was.

I believe the “vibes” of history are still just as real today as they were then. History doesn’t just repeat itself. It lives.

It’s the vibes in Memphis that drew Elvis Presley here and inspired the creation of Rock-N-Roll. It’s the same vibes that drew B.B.King here to create the Blues. 

It was in Memphis that Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. It was in Memphis in 2016 that one of the largest Black Lives Matter marches was held. This march shut down I-40. It was peaceful. It was big and it made history!

Memphis is special.

#OnedayinMemphis 

So, If your traveling to Memphis you have to Do:

1. Graceland: The tour of Elvis Presley’s home was really touching. The decor didn’t seem that old. It was awesome walking through the home of a legend.
2. Civil War Museum: I cried the moment I walked into the museum. It sits right on the side of the Lorraine Motel, the place that Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. I loved the visit here.
3. Orpheum Theatre: This theater was opened in 1928. Simply passing by and snapping a picture was good enough for me. It’s right on the corner of Beale St., so it’s not out of the way if your traveling through downtown.
4. Take the Trolly: It’s $3.00 for an all day pass! I love taking public transportation in historic cities. They take you through town for much less than you’d have to pay for a tour. Do your research before hand and be your own tour guide! After all, that’s what Google is for!
5. Music Museums: There are quite a few museums to see for the music scene in Memphis. If you have the time, don’t miss them!
6. Beale Street: It’s the Bourbon Street of Memphis, but only about 2 blocks long! It’s in the center of downtown and worth a stroll through, unless you’re looking to party. If so, park yourself at any number of bars on the street and have a great time! The night life in Memphis is alive and well!
7. Walk Downtown: If your traveling through a historic city, get down and walk. The streets are flooded with eclectic murals and awesome restaurants. You’ll find the locals jogging on the sidewalks, sipping coffee at the local shops and visiting with one another on the street benches. You’ll never truly embrace the culture unless your on foot, and that’s what traveling is all about!
8. Get BBQ: Memphis is famous for many things, and Barbecue is one! Every spot will have a “World Famous” sign, so do some research before you believe the advertisement. Even if you do just pick any place to grab a bite, I’m sure you wont go wrong!
9. Stay in a Hotel Downtown: There are a few hotels downtown. I stayed at The Madison. It was a 5 star that was dropped to a 3 for reasons I didn’t care to question. It was nice and in a prime location, so I couldn’t complain. As long as I am around the action I am happy!
10. Take Pictures!