The Heartbreak Hotel

Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel located in Memphis, Tennessee is a one of a kind boutique hotel that takes a page out of the King's unique style book for their decor. 

The Heartbreak Hotel is an Elvis lover's dream offering a heart shaped pool, themed suites such as a Burning Love, Gold and Platinum, Graceland and Hollywood, each offering unique decor and stay. They also offer a Jungle Room Lounge and a 24/7 Elvis movie channel. If that isn't enough, they also have an onsite gift shop and are within walking distance to Graceland. 

In addition to their unique decor and theme, they also offer free parking, a free continental breakfast, airport shuttle service, wireless internet and free local calls. 

For reservations you can visit Elvis.com or from within the U.S. call toll free (877) 777-0606. 

Stax Museum

The Stax Museum of American Soul, located in Memphis, Tennessee at the original site of Stax Records takes patrons through the history of Stax Records. 

Stax Records began in 1959 and launched the careers or unknown artist into superstars and later into icons. A few of their recording artists included Isaac Hayes, Booker T & the MG's, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin and many more. 

The museum shares the history of Stax through films, artifacts and memorabilia. Museum patrons also walk in the footsteps of where the music was recorded and can view instruments used in the recordings of legendary songs. 

Stax Museum of American Soul is open April-October Monday-Saturday 10:00a.m-5:00p.m. and Sunday 1:00p.m-5:00p.m. November-March Closed Mondays, Tuesday-Saturday 10:00a.m-5:00p.m. and Sunday 1:00p.m-5:00p.m.

General Admission is $12.00 for adults

Discounts vary depending on age and group size

Check their website or inquire at the ticket desk for prices

Tater Reds

Tater Reds located on the most famous street in Memphis, Tennessee on Beale.

Opening at noon everday and closing when they've had enough, Tater Reds offers shoppers an eclectic mix of products.

If you're looking for MoJo or Voodoo products they've got plenty! Tater Red's prides itself on keeping products in stock ranging from soothing oils, candles to fight off evil spirts or bring good luck to yourself. Need something stronger? Well they've got voodoo dolls too! The store also carries clothing, celebrity posters, signs and jewelry.

Whether you're new to the area or just passing by a stop in Tater Reds is a must!

153 Beale Street

Memphis, Tennessee 38103

(901)578-7234

Tell them I sent you!

The Incredible Christmas Place

Looking for a place to find all of your holiday decor? Try The Incredible Christmas Place located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The Christmas Place has everything related to decorating for the holidays. If it can be imagined then the store probably has it.

The Incredible Christmas Place has been open since 1986 and was started by Hurshel and Marian Biggs. The shopping complex is over 43,000 square feet and has a Bavarian-style shopping village theme.

Not only do they carry everything for your Christmas decor needs, they also carry Halloween decorations. So the next time you need some decor check out the Incredible Christmas Place. If you can't make it to the actual store, check them out online.

A Piece of History

The Lorraine Motel located in Memphis, Tennessee will forever be a part of history. The site of Martin Luther King's assassination still stands in tact and preserved as it was in 1968.

The Motel was not just for travlers but was also used a place of residence. After the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., The Lorraine Motel remained a functioning hotel until 1988 when the last holdout tenant was evicted. However, no one has stayed in rooms 306 & 307 which belonged to MLK at the time of his death.

Even though the hotel still remains and unused as a dwelling, it is now home to the National Civil Rights Museum. The Museum is located right beside the hotel and is home to artifacts of MLK and documents the Civil Rights Movement. 

The Lorraine Motel is a national landmark in the Civil Rights Movement and a large part of history. If you're visiting Memphis, then do not leave out seeing this historic site. 

The National Civil Rights Museum is open: 

Monday 9:00 a.m-5:00 p.m.

Closed Tuesday

Wednesday-Sunday 1:00p.m-5:00p.m.

Special hours exist June-August so check before planning a visit. 

Admission is $13.00 per adult. 

Other prices vary.

Arcade Restaurant

Arcade Restaurant located in the heart of dixieland is not just a restaurant but also an iconic landmark. Arcade should be visited by anyone traveling to or thru Memphis, Tennessee. 

Arcade has been serving the public since 1919 and continues to do so daily. Be warned, they close at 3:00pm. Sadly for me, I got there too late one day and had to wait till the next morning to experience their food. 

I did have the pleasure of stopping there for breakfast and I was not disappointed. The meal was prepared quickly and was quite tasty. The menu offered numerous selections and the prices were more than reasonable. In this economy that's a definite plus! 

(Hash browns and toast)

Apart from the scrumptious food, the atmosphere at the Arcade felt nostalgic. The decor of the restaurant and it's location in downtown made me feel as if I was sitting there eating breakfast in the 1960's. It's also conviently located a few blocks from the Lorraine Motel, the site of Martin Luther King's death. 

Do you think you've heard about the restaurant before? Well guess what... you probably have! Arcade has been seen in tons of films such as: The Client, Mystery Train, Great Balls of Fire and Walk the Line. So not only can you get a great meal for cheap, you can also sit and walk where celebrities have been. Elvis use to be a regular at one time! 

I highly suggest stopping by for some food the next time your in Memphis! Also, don't forget to pick up a t-shirt on your way out (I bought the gray & white one). That way you can let everyone know about your experience. I know I'll be stopping back in the next time I'm in Memphis! 

Arcade Restaurant is located downtown at 540 South Main Street, Memphis, TN. 

Don't Miss the Salt

Located in the great Smokey Mountains of Gaitlinburg, Tennessee is the one and only Museum of Salt & Pepper Shakers.

When entering the museum I became overwhelmed with how many S&P shakers there were on display. I had no idea that there had even been that many different ones manufactured over the years but indeed there has been. The Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum has the goods to prove it.

Hall after hall is categorically filled with the owners personal collection. The collection includes everything ranging from kitschy 1970's pieces of fruit to expensive crystal sets. Not only does the museum boast over 20,000 shakers on display, it also has a wide variety of sets for sale in their gift shop. The museum also houses the largest pepper mill collection.

I even experienced a flashback moment to my childhood, when I looked over and saw a set that use to sit on my grandmother's kitchen table.

(The mouse sitting inside the cheese)

Another great thing about the museum is the admission fee... it's only $3.00 and is a self guided tour so you can look at the collection until your heart is content.

This Museum shouldn't be missed. It's fun, interesting and affordable. The Museum is open Monday-Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm est.