Memphis

BASS PRO SHOP

We went into the Bass Pro Shop to have lunch at Wahlburgers Restaurant, owned by the actor, Mark Wahlberg and his brothers. The Pyramid in Memphis was built as a 20,000-seat arena but was converted when purchased by Bass Pro Shop and Outdoor World. 

Inside the Pro Shop is a giant cypress swamp with 100-foot-tall cypress trees and ponds filled with fish, alligators and ducks. Ten aquariums with 600,000 gallons of water and more than 1,800 fish. There is a 13-lane bowling alley, gun ranges, hotel with tree house rooms as well as an elevator to the Lookout Restaurant and an observation platform at the top.

BEALE STREET

Beale Street Historic District

The street is lined with restaurants, shops and music clubs.

Schwab Dry Goods, established in 1876 was filled with interesting novelties, but not one thing needed for an RVer.

This entire room was dedicated to hats. Kurt is wearing a french fry hat. Some were pizza, flamingos the assortment goes on and on.

This is a historic theater where Elvis performed.

MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN

We spent most of a day wandering around these impressive 96-acre gardens.

It was extensive and very well maintained. There are ten unique gardens.

One section is called My Back Yard. The flower displays were designed as a house, with bedrooms, bathroom, dining room and kitchen.

A chrysalis swing.

The Daylily Garden contained a large selection of hybrid plants.

Before 1900 there were only two colors of lilies. This collection consists of over 1,000 varieties.

Japanese-style bridge over Lake Biwa in the Japanese Garden.

The Blecken Chapel is located between the Shade Garden and the Hydrangea Garden.

We ended our tour at the Rose Garden.