B.B King's and Beale St. in November

Last week my daughter Beth and I drove down to Kentucky to visit my mom. Memphis is only 150 miles from where mom lives so we decided to go down for a day and see Graceland. None of us had ever been there so it was fun all around. I will tell you all about our trip to Graceland later, right now I would like to tell you about B.B. King's and Beale St.

Our own Andrew Liput said we had to go to B.B. King's, so after crossing a small river accidently, (Mississippi) and ending up in Arkansas, we found Beale street.

I was surprised at how unassuming Beale St. is. Just a small street tucked into downtown, surrounding by nothing much. But when you turn a corner and B.B. King's is towering over you, you have to smile at the huge neon on sign welcoming you. Next your senses are overwhelmed by the smell of southern cooking and let me tell you, nothing was going to stop us from going in to eat. Especially after 3 hours walking around Graceland.

(Beth and My mom on Beale st.) 

When we walked through the doors of B.B. King's the sensory delights continued. On the first level is a large wooden bar surrounded by tables and a large stage. The walls have several paintings and pictures of B.B. King and a few signed guitars, but not as many as you would think. A large neon sign with the word "Lucille" (B.B's beloved guitar) draws you eyes to the back where there is a small wooden staircase that leads to the upper level. This is just a simple loft area over looking the stage and tables below; a simple but perfect setup for a jam session.

(Beth in B.B's)

We sat at a small table at stage right and were quickly served drinks. My daughter Beth ordered the Country Fried steak and mom and I had ribs. We quickly learned that the tables at B.B.'s are way too small for 3 people to eat that much food.

The country fried steak was melt in your mouth good and worth the 15 bucks it cost. But I am sorry to say the ribs were lacking in southern goodness. The sauce had too much vinegar and the rice and beans were bland and runny.

The smile on my daughter's face made up for the mediocre, expensive meal and soon we were snapping pictures and making memories.

As in any tourist town I was not surprised to find B.B King's has a gift shop, which of course is the way they make you exit. We didn't buy anything and moved back out onto Beale St.

 (Beale st)

It was late afternoon at this point and Beale St. was cast in shadows. We walked a short ways down the street and Beth wandered into a small record shop and bought an Elvis poster for half of what it cost at Graceland. Next we stopped at the Hard Rock café since Beth has never been to one. Unfortunately you can't go in and see the memorbilia with out eating so we only saw the gift shop.

 We had a long ride back to my mom's in Kentucky so we had to cut our visit short. While we were leaving they started closing of the street for a show at B.B. King's and with regret we kept driving. I wish now that we would have turned back and stayed for the show