Sunday, June 5, 2016

Dancing Across the USA 17 - Shiloh & Graceland


Look everybody, we set out this morning, leaving t shirt shops and dive bars behind. We knew we'd be in tacky gift shop land (hey, what's wrong with that?) before long, and we needed history, culture, inspiration from the past to get us through. But instead, our first stop was Loretta Lynn's Ranch Kitchen and Gift Shop. Jan was seriously considering a cookie jar here.

Souvenirs from De Big House
Shaking it off, we traveled to the historic battlefield at Shiloh.

Shiloh Visitors Center
The 1862 battle in southern Tennessee, where there were more casualties than in all previous US wars combined. We viewed a video, detailing the two day battle. The best we have seen on this subject.

Sidney Albert Johnston fell here.  Highest ranking general killed in the Civil War
Continuing on back roads most of the way.  We crossed into Mississippi for a few miles.  Our 13th state. We were soon in Memphis. By that, we mean Graceland. Different tours are available, all seem to start with a tram ride. The mansion was grand, the gardens peaceful.  The exhibits very detailed.

Graceland
Viewing a film of Elvis talking about being in the army, it was striking how beautiful he was in his early years. Weren't we all?


Just Some of Elvis's Gold and Platinum Records

The Jump Suit Exhibit
Thanks to Uncle Joe, we found our barbecue dream in Memphis: Central BBQ. Hmmm, mail order is available...
Best in Memphis

Simple Menu-Outstanding Food

Today's Travel Tunes:


Tenessee Blues-Steve Earle
Graceland-Paul Simon
Treat me Nice-Elvis Presley
Barbecue Bess- Bessie Jackson

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