Memphis - Beale Street, Civil Rights Museum and Gus's Fried Chicken

After a mammoth brunch at The Arcade Restaurant we decided to walk some of it off by exploring 

a little. Being in Memphis we couldn't miss out Beale Street for a cheeky so that's exactly where 

we went. 

 I had to have good hair for Memphis...

Look! It's me and Elvis having a cheeky selfie. Couldn't resist, no hating.

Before we got there we found our way to the National Civil Rights Museum and the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968. It was shut which was a huge shame but there was so information, pictures and soundbites playing outside the motel so we got to take in a bit and get some images. They'd even parked identicles of the 1959 Dodge and 1968 Cadillac that were present in images taken just after the shooting which I thought was a nice effect. I'm really gutted it was shut. 

It was time for a drink so we slid on down (literally slid, there was ice everywhere) to Beale Street and went in to B.B. King's for a cheeky cocktail. They had some great smelling food in there but we were saving ourselves for some Gus's Chicken later but we did indulge in some booze, be rude not too. I also popped in to their gift shop next door to get a present for my stepmum's dad who is a massive B.B. King fan.

I'll be honest and say there wasn't a huge gap in between brunch and...erm, late lunch? But we had a lot of places to visit to also involved food and we'd lost half a day from the crazy travel before so we had to pack it in. We'd been told to go to Gus's Fried Chicken, proper southern fried chicken is something I've always wanted to have, again Man vs Food is responsible for a lot of this. It basically looks like a little random shack but don't be fooled by it's simple look on the outside, it's well worth the visit. 

 

 We heard it would probably be packed so expect to wait, but we got lucky, it wasn't at the high peak in the tourist season and during work hours so there were just a few locals there which was perfect. We were still a bit stuffed from before but we still managed to share a family. We started with some fried green tomatoes, couldn't resist as my mu loves the film and now also loves these. So we ordered the family meal, I love that it took a little while as it was cooked fresh, not just stacked on a heated rack like fast food places. The chicken is fried in peanut oil which is what gives it its crunch and colour. I can't even explain to you how juicy it was, succulent and gorgeous, perfectly seasoned with a kick of spice that's just enough but keeps you craving more. 

It also came with their homemade slaw and cowboy beans. No I hate beans, no offense, but everyone else had it and said they were stunning and couldn't leave them unfinished. Now I'm also not too fussed about coleslaw but it was delicious, I think it was the apple - I have no idea, but it really was gorgeous. 

We then waddled back for a couple of drinks in the hotel, we had big plans for going out for dinner and drinks but I think all the chaos from the previous day caught up with us, not to mention the mountain of food on the day itself and we all just fell asleep like it was Christmas day evening.

where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. The Museum is located at South Main and Huling Streets - See more at: http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/About-NCRM.aspx?pid=9#sthash.hGXbDfYI.dpuf

where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. The Museum is located at South Main and Huling Streets - See more at: http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/About-NCRM.aspx?pid=9#sthash.hGXbDfYI.dpuf

where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. The Museum is located at South Main and Huling Streets - See more at: http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/About-NCRM.aspx?pid=9#sthash.hGXbDfYI.dpuf

Pin It Now!