I was impressed that they actually wanted to get out and do things, see new places, try new foods. Normally I don't think of them as too adventurous, but they proved me wrong! Here's just a sampling of their Memphis cultural immersion experience :)
Food:
- Gus's Chicken (of course!)
- Dyer's, with the 100+ year old grease
- Central BBQ where the manager was kind enough to let us see the behind-the-scenes smoker action
- Chick-Fil-A
- Gibson's Donuts
- Jet's Pizza (is this a Memphis classic? I really like it, at least :))
Attractions:
- Lichterman Nature Center
- Patriotic Pops Concert at the Levitt Shell
- Collierville town square and Civil War trail
- Germantown fireworks show
- Graceland (just stopped by for a few Elvis souvenirs, didn't go on the tour)
- Mud Island, which included sticking our toes in the MS river
- Peabody Ducks
- Beale St., briefly - not really their scene
- Authentic Southern church experience including choir, Sunday School, and lunch
- Pink Palace Museum
- Shelby Farms
- Botanic Gardens
- Arts & Crafts (ladies) night at a real Memphian's home where we ate real Southern snacks and decorated lampshades
In between all the above there was a lot of marveling at the unseasonably cool and non-humid weather, instructing about how to use "y'all" correctly, and ESPN viewing by Father Salmonista who does not have access to such luxuries at home.
All in all, I'd say it was a successful visit! We are improving our tour guide and B&B skills with each tour group. This time I even (sort of) learned how to make an omelette. Book your reservation now before all our weekends are full :)
