Fast facts about Memphis:
- Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis launched their careers in Memphis. Elvis first recorded his music in Sun Studio. If you are looking for things to do in Memphis, the studio offers daytime tours.
- The Memphis Pyramid houses the world’s largest Bass Pro Shop. The megastore features an indoor swamp and bowling alley.
- Since the 1930s, ducks march daily through the Peabody Hotel toward its fountain.
One resident’s parents proudly call Memphis home.
Chris (center) is excited for every trip he takes down south, where he sees his dad, Rick (left), and stepmom, Mandy (right). Rick says Memphis has a “small town feeling in a large city” because the people are friendly and relaxed.
“Chris and I were driving around Memphis one day, and he was looking at the city from the window,” Rick says, laughing. “He looked at me and said, ‘Memphis is my kind of city.’ He made me feel happy about where I chose to live.”
So, what’s the family up to when Chris is in town?
Chris’ five favorite things to do in Memphis (in no particular order):
1. Memphis Barbecue:
Memphis’ famous smoky barbecue consists of pork ribs or shoulders. As a neat eater, Chris keeps his mouth clean and plate orderly. But trips with Rick to Central Barbecue leave Chris’ face covered with barbecue sauce. Since having his first meal there, Chris always asks to make time for lunch at Central.
“Central Barbecue may be messy, but it’s the best barbecue in the world. I get the chicken wings because they’re easier to eat than pork.”
2. Church Community:
Chris has several friends in Memphis through Rick’s parish, the Church of the Holy Communion. Adults with disabilities regularly meet through the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee’s Special Friends Fellowship Club. Chris’ favorite events through the club are holiday parties and disco nights.
3. Chef’s Challenge:
Rick, Mandy, and Chris like trying new challenges at home. During one visit, Chris and his dad threw on aprons and chef’s caps and made spaghetti from scratch. Rick and Mandy returned from vacationing in Italy and learned how to make pasta in Florence. The group agreed that making pasta at home would be a fun way to relive memories in Italy and make new ones with family. Chris took cooking classes and did similar food work at his job, so everyone came equipped with some kitchen experience.
“Chris knew exactly what he was doing. Rolling pasta dough was natural for him since he worked with cookie dough at a bakery. The pasta was delicious in the end!”
4. Baseball With the Memphis Redbirds:
Enjoying the American Pastime, Rick takes Chris to baseball games when the Memphis Redbirds are in town. Chris has a couple of baseballs signed by Redbirds players. Some of the players who signed his baseballs have become stars for their parent club, the St. Louis Cardinals.
5. Dancing to the Music:
Memphis is famous for blues, soul, and rock and roll, and it’s home to endless live music. Dozens of artists play daily on Beale Street, but Rick and Chris prefer the hole-in-the-wall clubs over the tourist attractions. Listening to the same music but going to smaller crowds, Chris can dance more comfortably to the artists’ rhythms.
“Chris and I are watching the musicians from the bar at one concert,” Rick laughs. “Suddenly, some ladies pull Chris onto the floor, and everyone’s dancing!”
