22 Jul 2025
Wonderful knowledgable guide Mary.
Full of enthusiasm and information on the city, the music and the people. Lovely driver Michael too and a cute coach for the tour.
There is a little assumed knowledge about certain people and American culture. Considering most people on the tour were from the US there were a few Brits(myself included) but that did not detract and she was always happy to answer questions. There are quite a few ‘pass bys’ of things to see which is fine on the whole. Start on Beale Strert with a bit of its history and talk about Handy Park. The stops that we made at Millionaires Row, Clayborn Temple ruins and the Lorraine Motel were excellent and a real chance to drink it all in. By pass of St Jude’s hospital, Mississippi River,The Memphis Cotton Exchange, Lauderdale Courts,
Court Square ,The Orpheum Theatre
AutoZone Park Baseball, Shelby County Courthouse, Calvary Episcopal Church
And then a quick bite at Cental BBQ. I would have liked the chance to stop briefly at the river with the paddle steamers for those not adding on the river cruise and also Lauderdale Court to take a few photos.
I think Sun Record Studios should have been on the included on the tour and I walked there afterwards but halfway along Beale Street, past the bars and restaurants the area, I felt, was a bit sketchy and wouldn’t recommend walking that way alone (I was told it was safe to walk). You can’t add on Civil Rights museum and the Rock and Soul Museum, it’s either or.
My time was limited so as I said, walked to Sun Records and back down Union Street to the Peabody Hotel to see the ducks in the fountain and then back to the Rock & Roll museum and paid entry- which is cheaper than adding it into the tour with museum option and you can suit yourself time wise.
Personally, I’d add on either museums separately after the tour if you want to do them.