Southern Road Trip Part 1 - Memphis

[mlcraven]

Took some vacation in October and headed out on the road with the better half for points west, south and then east again, a 2600 mile circle starting and ending in Norfolk VA that took us through the fol cities, towns, etc: Nashville and Memphis TN, Clarksdale and Tupelo MS, Muscle Shoals AB, Rome and Athens GA (my wife has always wanted to go to Rome and Athens!), Mt Airy (Mayberry) and Charlotte NC. Bought a refinished bumper for the Cyclone in Elizabethton TN from Tri-City (Porter's the man to see). We did the Elvis thing in Memphis, which was actually interesting and enjoyable even if Graceland is kitschy by todays standards. Visited the place where he was 'discovered', Sun Recording Studio, where they give a really great tour. And a photo of she who rides in the jump seat and patiently shares her life with my other mistresses -- as the two hobby cars in my life are referred to.

[oldsman71]

cool pics have fun!!!

[mlcraven]

Southern Road Trip Part 2 - Clarksdale MS

The hot ticket in MS was Clarksdale, the site of the famous crossroads where bluesman Robert Johnson allegedly sold his soul to the Devil (or something like that). I've enjoyed blues music for years and since coming to the States from Canada have come to appreciate BBQ even more. There's a little place in Clarksdale called Abe's, nothing fancy but very homey with friendly staff. I won't claim its the best BBQ there is -- because I haven't tasted it all and it would surely spark a never-ending debate -- but it's as good as this Canuck has ever tasted. I'll let the pics tell the story of a really satisfied customer.

[Brian Lohnes]

Oh MAN that BBQ is looking good!

[mlcraven]

Southern Road Trip Part 3

From Clarksdale onward to Tupelo, famous for Tupelo honey (we bought some, it is really good). Having done the Elvis deal in Memphis we decided to see the original homestead, back when the Presley family were dirt poor like everyone else during the Depression (my mother still talks about how lucky we "young people" have it today). In many respects the little shotgun house was just as (and possibly more) interesting than Graceland. Certainly a heck of a lot cheaper (free if you don't go in the house, which you couldn't swing a cat in anyway). And you can have your photo taken with 13-yr old Elvis.

BTW, more sushi bars in Tupelo than any city I've evr been in outside Japan. And a Japanese-language TV station. What gives? Apparently a new Toyota plant that will employ 800 non-union workers, a big boost to the local economy.

[mlcraven]

Souther Road Trip Part 4

Cotton harvest in the south, all through MS, AB and GA. No big deal I suppose if you're a local and used to this sort of thing year after year, but it was amazing to me. The fields reminded me of those Canadian winters I don't miss at all -- without the freaking cold and other inconveniences of ice and snow.

Anyhow, an amazing site to see the big machinery picking the fluffy stuff and backing it in enormous bales, which are then placed at the side of the field to be taken away (by specially configured trucks I suppose?). In places the farmers were actually burning the fields even though the cotton wasn't yet harvested. We wondered if it goes rotten or something if it gets too ripe?

[DanStokes]

Your bride looks amazingly NORMAL. I'm always amazed that us car guys so frequently get hooked up with ladies who ought to know better.

Looks like a great trip. I really enjoy living in the Southland. I seem to be pretty well accepted but I'll never be a native - you just have to grow up with the culture to "get" all of it.

Not sure on the burning cotton thing. That's the kind of thing that the natives all seem to know but guys who grew up surrounded with corn fields just don't know. Hopefully a native Southerner will chime in here.

When in Clarksdale did you get to the Ground Zero? It's Morgan Freeman's club and they have some pretty fantastic performers. It's a bucket list thing for me - ME, not so much. The BBQ DOES look good - but I'm partial to coastal NC Q. Vinegar based, sometimes with mustard. However, I never met a BBQ I didn't like.

Dan

[BluLightning]

Awesome trip. Nothing better then jumping in the ride and seeing stuff.

[fine59]

nothing like a good road trip...look me up, i,m Chesapeake, i know my way around a few local BBQ joints

[70chevyC-10]

When you were in Tupelo you were only 10 miles from Saltillo, MS. - I met Jack (smallblock on here) on Power Tour in 2010 - he and Sharon would have been good tour guides. BS'ers are everywhere !

[Orange65]

I live in Mooreville, MS- just a few miles east of Tupelo, MS. You are correct- Toyota and its suppliers are definitely a big deal here. The town has gone out of its way to welcome the Japanese that have come with Toyota.

Wish I had known you were coming- would have been nice to meet you. I hope you had time to go thru the Tupelo Auto Museum. Well worth the price of admission.

[67pete300]

I just flew into Memphis last night for a few days of work. Going out for BBQ tonight!

[mlcraven]

Your bride looks amazingly NORMAL. I'm always amazed that us car guys so frequently get hooked up with ladies who ought to know better.

Looks like a great trip. I really enjoy living in the Southland. I seem to be pretty well accepted but I'll never be a native - you just have to grow up with the culture to "get" all of it.

Not sure on the burning cotton thing. That's the kind of thing that the natives all seem to know but guys who grew up surrounded with corn fields just don't know. Hopefully a native Southerner will chime in here.

When in Clarksdale did you get to the Ground Zero? It's Morgan Freeman's club and they have some pretty fantastic performers. It's a bucket list thing for me - ME, not so much. The BBQ DOES look good - but I'm partial to coastal NC Q. Vinegar based, sometimes with mustard. However, I never met a BBQ I didn't like.

Dan

Yup, when I married her she had no idea about the intensity of the gearhead thing, but she's been a real good sport. Best thing, she'll never let me achieve Freiburger levels of project car insanity!

Nope, didn't get to Ground Zero, although we were aware of it advance (thanks Lonely Planet). Truth is, Clarksdale was kind of a 'passing through with BBQ stop' for us, although if/when we do it again we'll definitely spend more time.

[70chevyC-10]

I live in Mooreville, MS- just a few miles east of Tupelo, MS. You are correct- Toyota and its suppliers are definitely a big deal here. The town has gone out of its way to welcome the Japanese that have come with Toyota.

Wish I had known you were coming- would have been nice to meet you. I hope you had time to go thru the Tupelo Auto Museum. Well worth the price of admission.

So you probably know Jack ? Blue 68 Camaro convertible pulls a trailer on Tour - also has a white Gen I Camaro hardtop - my kinda guy.

[BluLightning]

I just flew into Memphis last night for a few days of work. Going out for BBQ tonight!

Good stuff here.

http://pigonbeale.com/