Memphis Mojo Christmas

Day 1

Off we go for a holiday jaunt to the blues capital of Memphis. Travel and get to know new friends to our first overnight in Mount Vernon and the Drury Inn & Suites.

Day 2

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before boarding the coach for our morning drive into Memphis with our usual stretch breaks. Known worldwide as the Home of the Blues & Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll - not to mention gospel, jazz, R&B and soul, it's also known for its great soul food. Lunch today will be at Gus' Famous Fried Chicken. Their chicken and homemade sides have made it famous world-wide. Built in 1871 on Millionaires Row, the French Victorian Woodruff Fontaine Mansion was home to two prominent Memphis families. It will be adorned in all its holiday splendor. After our visit we head to our hotel at the Comfort Inn Downtown Memphis. Tuck in for the next three nights. After some relaxation time, dinner will be at The Rendezvous, known for its lip-smacking BBQ ribs.

Day 3

Today is a huge touring day. A guided driving tour brings the city of Memphis to life. Our local guide is a professional Beale Street musician who will play and sing selections from the city's rich musical heritage, while entertaining you with comedy, history, and behind-the-scenes stories of your favorite Memphis personalities. Late morning finds us at the legendary Peabody Hotel. We're here to watch the daily duck march to the hotel fountain, which has been a tradition at the hotel since the 1930s. After our cute duck viewing, be served afternoon tea in the opulent Chez Philippe dining room right here in the historic Peabody. Then it's time for Graceland. Spend time at the private retreat of the King of Rock 'n Roll. Explore Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion, and immerse yourself in his life and legacy at the adjoining Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex. Dinner this evening will be at Lafayette's Music Room for great food and live entertainment.

Day 4

Memphis has a troubled past like many southern cities during the 1960s. Walk through history at the illustrious National Civil Rights Museum. With over 260 artifacts, more than 40 films, oral history and interactive media, the museum starts from the beginning of slavery, through the Civil War and the seminal events of the late 20th century. It is also the site of the assassination of Martin Luther King at the Lorraine Motel. Lunch is enjoyed later at one of Elvis' favorite diners, The Arcade. See the booth he used to sit in while indulging in his peanut butter, bacon and banana sandwich! Step way back in time as you stroll through A. Schwab Dry Goods. Opened in 1876, this general store with old-fashioned soda fountain has been selling candy, regional goods, nostalgic toys, souvenirs and even hoodoo items. Music is what defines Memphis so a visit to Stax Records is a must. To start your immersion into the birthplace of soul, the museum opens in a real, circa 1906 Mississippi Delta church carefully reassembled inside. Then walk through the decades to view records and memorabilia of the entertainers you loved. Dinner will be experienced in The Majestic Grille. Enjoy your meal in this 1913 movie house, while watching classic silent films on the huge screen. To finalize our holiday visit to Memphis, before retiring for the evening we have fun viewing Starry Nights, a delightful drive through lighting display

Day 5

Our visit to Memphis has come to an end. As we return to more familiar territory, we can regale our families and friends about our musical holiday experience.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner