Peabody Hotel Ducks and Must-See Stops: One Day in Memphis

Our birthday celebrations continue. And clearly, we can stretch out a birthday like nobody else! This year, I surprised Kevin with a birthday escape to Tennessee. I’ve been fixated on visiting Memphis ever since stumbling across the YouTube clip below of the famous Peabody Hotel ducks.

I mean, how cute is that? These ducks basically rule the roost — walking the red carpet twice daily through the Peabody Hotel lobby. Though, I did hear from a hotel worker that these ducks can get a little testy. I mean, it sounds like a regular Hollywood red carpet premiere if you ask me!

Kevin had no idea what this year’s birthday would involve until just a few days before we left. I have to admit, I was a little nervous about revealing the plan. He went ALL OUT for my birthday this year by planning 3 days in Singapore. But hey, it was my landmark birthday. Last year, for Kevin’s 40th (eek, I mean “landmark birthday”), I planned an epic 5-day road trip through Alaska. He even got right into the Alaska spirit by kissing a moose…an image you’ll never get out of your head now. You’re welcome.

We started our 5-day Tennessee adventure in Memphis, a place known for its tasty barbecue, blues music and of course Elvis’s house. Whether you’re doing one day in Memphis (or more), you shouldn’t skip our top 5 picks below.

5. Share some Barbecue at Memphis’ Famed ‘Blues City Cafe’

Bill Clinton, Jerry Seinfeld and Tom Cruise are just a few of the famous guests that have visited Blues City Cafe. Now, they can add Gourmet Globetrotters to their list. Hey!!

We recommend grabbing a seat by the window and watching the madness pass outside along Beale Street. The historic restaurant is located right across from BB King’s Blues Club in the heart of downtown Memphis.

They’re famous for the barbecue ribs that are slow cooked and fall right off the bone. I always get nervous about eating at a place right in a tourist hub, but these ribs are well worth the stop.

We ordered the half rack ($15.95), which came with beans, steak fries, coleslaw and a side of Texas toast. But those aren’t the only famous items on the menu. Other popular items include steak, tamales and fried catfish. Though, we found one dish was more than enough to share. Good portion control, right? But then again, we had ice cream right after.

4. Stroll Memory Lane on Beale Street and Listen to the Blues

Beale Street should be on everybody’s life bucket list. We couldn’t help but sing along to the music blasting from one of the many blues clubs along the strip. The place wasn’t always so hopping though. In the 1960’s, Beale Street fell into disrepair and was nearly a ghost town. It wasn’t until the 1980’s that the downtown revitalization efforts began takin off. Today, you can spend hours wandering the street perusing all the shops. Or go to our top spot for ice cream and an Oreo milkshake at A. Schwab Dry Goods.

Or grabbing a few Insta shots in front of the larger-than-life statue of The King. Because, why not?

Finally, before you leave Beale Street, make sure you head inside Lansky Brothers, a clothing shop that provided most of the clothes worn by Elvis, including the outfit worn on his first TV appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show.

You’ll find a lot of glitz and sequins if that’s your thing. Today you can purchase a full wardrobe to channel The King or other music legends that shopped here in the fifties and sixties like Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis.

3. Peek Inside Graceland…The Disney World for Elvis Fans

We’re living proof that you don’t need to be a big Elvis fan to enjoy a day at Graceland. Sure, we all can sing the chorus to, “Ain’t Nothing but a Hound Dog” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” But would we be bored taking a 3-hour self-guided tour through his house? Not at all!

I have to admit, I was a little overwhelmed with all the tour options here. But I ultimately decided to go with the “Elvis Experience Tour” ($61 per person) that includes an orientation film and an iPad audio tour through the house. The time flew by and we loved having the touch-pad screens to delve deeper into the topics. Fun fact: Elvis actually was blonde! And he dyed his hair dark to provide more contrast for black and white photos. Our minds were blown!

Of course, the highlight of the tour is getting to peek inside the over-the-top “Jungle Room.” This was his daughter Priscilla’s favorite room as a kid and was inspired by their trips to Hawaii.

Before leaving the house, you’ll pass by Elvis’ grave where fans often leave mementos behind. But the tour isn’t done just yet. Our ticket also included access to the Memphis Entertainment Complex, which houses Elvis’ cars as well as other memorabilia.

You’ll get plenty of walking in. So make sure you come with comfortable shoes. We were both exhausted by the end, but enjoyed our visit much more than we expected.

2. Stay Overnight in Memphis’ Best Hotel and Watch the Peabody Hotel Ducks

The Peabody Hotel lobby is stunning. But that is only part of the experience. There is nothing like kicking off a vacation in such a luxurious setting. Known as the “South’s Grand Hotel,” the Peabody Hotel is like a time capsule back to another era. But updated with all the comforts of today.

But What is the Story of the Peabody Hotel Ducks?

The story goes that back in the 1930’s, the hotel’s general manager, and a friend, returned from a weekend hunting trip to Arkansas. But likely had a little too much Tennessee sippin’ whiskey and decided to put some of their live duck decoys in the Peabody fountain. And the guests’ loved it, leading to a new tradition that has made headlines around the world. The ducks still visit the lobby fountain each day at 11 a.m. and head back out at 5 p.m. Be sure to check out the spectacle. Or even better yet, stay the night.

1. Trace History Through the National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum is one of the most important museums in the South — if not the country. We spent over 3 hours here, but we could have easily spent the entire day. The museum covers five centuries of history — from the beginning of the resistance during slavery, through the Civil War and reconstruction, the rise of Jim Crow segregation laws in the south, and the major events of the late 20th century that inspired people around the world to stand up for equality. The museum opened in 1991 and was built inside the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.

The path through the museum winds to the top floor to Room 306, where MLK was shot. The room has been left as it was on April 4, 1968, complete with used coffee cups and overflowing ashtrays. While the topic is heavy, Kevin and I thought this was by far the highlight of our time in Memphis. It’s a place that shouldn’t be skipped.

And there you have it. Planning a trip to Tennessee? Be sure to check out my recommendations on the best things I crammed into 24 hours in Nashville. For those looking for a birthday celebration or special occasion destination, check out our recommendations on the best birthday travel spots.