Memphis, TN - Land of the Delta Blues

And Barbeque, and Ole Man River. And not too far from the casinos in Tunica, MS. All in all, a great vacation spot.

If you are going to Memphis, do it in May. The Memphis in May Festival combines the World Barbecue Championship AND the best music festival in America. Either one would be worth the trip, but both, together, make it a MUST SEE.

I have been lucky enough to make it to the festival three times. It is not just a Blues Festival, the music includes Blues, Jazz, Rock, Bluegrass, Country, all going on all day on multiple stages. From Grammy winning mega-stars to local bands.

I was also lucky enough to be working a neighborhood and get invited to lunch by one of the Barbeque cook-off contestants, who was rehearsing. Best BBQ I ever ate, and he came in 3rd that year.

And besides the Festival, there is Beale Street, the legendary blues-club row. Just pop in anywhere, order up some grub and listen to some Blues.

And of course, Graceland, an obligatory stop, even for a non-Elvis fan like myself.
And last, but certainly not least - Union Ave, home of the original Sun Studio, whose list of artists reads like a Who's Who of American music. From Elvis to Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Conway Twitty, Roy Orbison and many more, artists who charted hits in every genre from Pop, Rock and Blues, to R&B, Country/Western and Rockabilly.

Besides the BBQ at the festival, there are great restaurants all over - including some good little soul food joints not far from Graceland.

If all that isn't enough to keep you busy - get a boat and get out on the river. Though the current is swift here, skiing and tubing are a lot of fun, as is cruising alongside the giant barges running up and down.

Finally, it is just a quick run down to Tunica, MS for some casino action.

All in all, a great place to be. In fact - Hope to See y'all there, next May.