More than just Graceland

Kay Garrett and Susan Allen of Manhattan, Kan., spent three days in Memphis, Tenn.

November 4, 2005

Where did you go?
Memphis, Tenn., home of the King of rock 'n' roll.

Where did you stay?
Sleep Inn at Court Square. It's a block from a wide bend in the Mississippi River and within walking distance to trolley lines, the horse-drawn carriage circuit, and famous Beale Street. The hotel features a wonderful breakfast complete with silver-dollar pancakes and hard-boiled eggs.

What did you do?
We saw a retrospective of this year's master metalsmith, Elliott Pujol, on display at the National Ornamental Metals Museum. It's an exhibit that includes hand-wrought copper and silver bowls, large copper vessels, and barbed-wire pieces. Walked to the National Civil Rights Museum and the Gibson Guitar Factory, and attended a peace conference at the Gandhi Center. One morning, we watched four mallard ducks waddle along a red carpet from the elevator to the ornate fountain in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel. They make their entrance to a John Philip Sousa march twice daily, and swim in the fountain. If you want photos, go early - they draw big crowds.

Where did you eat?
The Blue Plate Café on Court Square, across from the hotel. We had wonderful white-bean soup and the best biscuits ever. Ask for the Red Eye gravy!

Where have you been? What did you do? E-mail Weekend