We stopped at St. Jude and went into the pavilion where we could read what this phenomenal research hospital is all about and hearing more stories from Sydney. The largest corporate contributor having given over $93m in past 15 years is Chili's Restaurants. Sooo many stories and what a wonderful vision Danny Thomas had and going stronger than ever. In 1990, the success rate for curing childhood cancer was 73% and today, it is a remarkable 94%. Tours are available Monday-Friday, but didn't work out for us with our bus tour today.
St. Jude
Danny Thomas and his 3 children
As we drove thru the downtown area, Sydney was so interesting explaining various buildings, businesses and other unique tidbits. Onto the landmark Peabody Hotel and popular attraction - "March of the Ducks". Doug was our Duckmaster (there are 3) today explaining how this tradition came about 86 years ago and from the huge crowd there today.....still going very strong. The entire "march" of the 5 ducks lasted approximately 15 seconds!!! This is done every day at 11 and then the ducks get to play in the water fountain in lobby and at 5, march out on the red carpet and return to their penthouse suite on top of the Peabody.
Rolled out the red carpet for "March of the Ducks"
We stopped at Beale Street and walked around.....I'm sure this is a happening place in the warmer weather....lots of shops, restaurants and music-themed stores.
Then onto Graceland and drove around with more good narration by Sydney. We visited this BIG attraction back in 2007 and my, how it has changed including a huge RV park where the former Hard Rock Cafe was formerly located.
The largest employer in Memphis is the University of Tennessee Hospital (health) and this facility is in competition with Duke University for top students....very hard to be accepted at the U of TN and then once admitted, must maintain a GPA of 3.9 or you are outta there. They employ around 40,000.
We also heard the story of the Pyramid which was where the U of TN basketball team and the Memphis Grizzlies (pro basketball team) played. They are now at a big arena and the Pyramid which sat empty for 6 years is now home to the largest Bass Pro Shop in the world effective in 2015. Planning to check it out tomorrow.
After Sydney dropped us off at the welcome center, we drove to Cozy Corner for BBQ lunch - wow, nothing fancy, but Sydney's #1 choice from over 200 BBQ joints in town. It got great reviews from Trip Advisor, too.
We toured Sun Records with another great guide, Lydia. This is where so many big names got their start......Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis gathered here on December 4, 1956 and thus became, "Million Dollar Quartet" which was one of the best shows ever!
Great tour
The timing was perfect as we finished the tour and off to the airport to pick up Ryan who flew from Salt Lake City to DC to Memphis. He left his car at airport and we came on home....
Relaxed with drinks and then some delicious sides from Cordelia's. And to top off this fun day, Ryan made a yummy hot drink concoction..... cider, oj, bourbon and cinnamon sticks with an orange slice.....YUMMY!!!
Nice hot toddy on a chilly night
Enjoy your weekend!
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