Memphis TN

[alexsmommy]

DH has decided he'd like to squeeze in a 4-5 day get-away before he starts his EMBA program this fall. He suggested St. Louis or Pigeon Forge. We have been to Pigeon Forge several times now as my 94 year old grandmother lives in Knoxville. I would like to get there next spring with the new baby so I'm thinking we should do something different. I have a good friend from St. Louis and she already gave me suggestions for a long weekend there. I just realized DH and I have talked about never having been to Memphis and it would be a good way to kill two birds with one stone - DH's family lives on the route so we could do a quick night there.
Besides the obvious, Graceland, what do people suggest? We really try to do things that either holds DS1's attention or allows DS2 to run and climb. DS1 is really into live music so dinner someplace kid friendly with a band would be great. TIA

[elliput]

It has been awhile since I have lived in the area (and was kidless at the time), but I do suggest the Memphis Zoo (http://www.memphiszoo.org/). The Pink Palace (http://www.memphismuseums.org/) itself is probably not interesting to a young kid, but there might be something interesting playing at the IMAX. Shelby Farms (http://www.shelbyfarmspark.org/sfpc/front) might be fun.

[HallsofVA]

Take the kids to see the parade of the ducks at the Peabody Hotel. They have an awesome brunch there, but not sure if you want to spend that much with the kids. Beale St early evening used to be fun. You should be able to go there for dinner, and then see and hear blues and other music. They opened the minor league baseball park just after we left Memphis but I've heard it's a great place to see a game. There's also a trolley you can ride around downtown, but not the most exciting trip unless they've improved it. Good for tired feet though.

The zoo was great, especially if they're still doing Zoo Nights. When we were there, they had special late afternoon/early evening hours at the zoo in the summer. It was a great time to go and beat the heat, and since it was also feeding time for many of the animals they were pretty active. We hear a lion roar for the first time ever that night and it was an impressive sound to hear up close. The Pink Palace was the home of the Piggly Wiggly grocery store chain founder. He invented the self service grocery store concept that we take for granted today. They turned his house into a museum, and recreated his first Piggly Wiggly store there that you can actually walk through.

There are also casinos not too far away from memphis, but not sure if you want to take the family there!

[3isthelimit]

You HAVE to check out the children's museum!!
AWESOME!!!

www.cmom.com