If you are going to Memphis.....here's a good read

[Dryburn]

Blog from an Iowa Stater who lived there.....lots of good info:

Walkin’ In Memphis « Life As We Know It

[fatkid1974]

Nice info, thanks.

[optimuslott]

Nice read. Thanks for posting!

[Cycsk]

Blog from an Iowa Stater who lived there.....lots of good info:

Walkin’ In Memphis « Life As We Know It

Thanks. This is great and really helpful. Just what we needed. I posted the following on his blog, but will post it here also in case others want to chime in:


"What do you know about tailgating for the Liberty Bowl? We hear about the official pep rally and Tiger Lane. What is it like to do informal tailgating? Do you just park in the main lot? What is the basic parking fee? Is there room to set up games if you park a few vehicles next to each other? Or maybe you can get space in the distant parts of the lots? Are there other places than the main lot where you can get enough space to set up games?"

[DirtyDanchez]

Good read, but I also would like to inform people there are a lot I mean a lot of parts of Memphis you do not want to be in when the sun goes down hell I wouldn't even recommend being in them during the day, and it only takes a couple of wrong turns and you are in one of them.

[Drive4cy]

I've rolled my eyes at all the things said about Memphis not being safe, etc. As long as you aren't looking for trouble or have a coke deal go wrong I think you'll be just fine.

That was a refreshing read from that blog.

[cyatheart]

Good read, but I also would like to inform people there are a lot I mean a lot of parts of Memphis you do not want to be in when the sun goes down hell I wouldn't even recommend being in them during the day, and it only takes a couple of wrong turns and you are in one of them.

This is also true about Chicago, or any other city in the world. Memphis isn't any worse than most places with any population.

[Dryburn]

Good read, but I also would like to inform people there are a lot I mean a lot of parts of Memphis you do not want to be in when the sun goes down hell I wouldn't even recommend being in them during the day, and it only takes a couple of wrong turns and you are in one of them.

I understand what you are saying, but I think the blog spelled that out pretty well too. The writer even mentioned to stay away from streets named after Presidents (except for Madison) and to avoid certain neighborhoods.

Every city of any size has areas that are bad and are best avoided. As the writer said in the blog......just be aware of your surroundings and avoid certain areas.

[Cycsk]

This is also true about Chicago, or any other city in the world. Memphis isn't any worse than most places with any population.

The issue has more to do with being naive than being safe. I've been everywhere in Chicago (and I mean everywhere because I even drove CTA buses for two summers). Frankly, if you are terrified of "bad neighborhoods," then you probably aren't really all that safe in "good neighborhoods."

Seriously, the same sorts of things that get you into trouble in bad neighborhoods will get you in trouble on Beale Street. Keep your wallet in your front pocket (or don't bring it). Don't carry a purse, especially one with a long strap. Don't flash a wad of cash when you make a purchase. Don't walk alone. Be alert to the classic pick-pocket tricks, like somebody bumping you into another person so that the other person can take your wallet. Have a designated driver who can pick you up at the bar rather than stumbling around trying to find the car. Stay in well lit areas. Don't go down dark alleys. If you find yourself driving in a "bad neighborhood," always keep enough room ahead of you to make an emergency exit (even, gasp by Iowa drivers, if you have to cross the yellow line).

These things become second nature to you after you spend some time living in a city. And most of us who have done so have had very little trouble.

Memphis will have plenty of cops around, including lots that you can't see because they are watching through one-way windows or via cameras. They care a lot about their premier events, like the combo Liberty Bowl/New Years Eve. They will keep Beale Street as safe as could be reasonably expected. You mostly need to be concerned about yourself. Don't do anything stupid and you will be fine.

[CyArob]

Apparently Memphis is the most obese city in the USA. Add fat people watching to the list of things to do.

[zwclones51]

One major question. When is bar close?

[CascadeClone]

I forgot about Huey's, they really have the best burgers anywhere. They hype the crap out of them, but they really are all that and a bag of sweet potato fries. There are a couple of Huey's around town I think.

[shassebr]

One major question. When is bar close?

It depends where you are. If you're at a bar NOT on Beale Street, it's going to close at 2am. Most of the bars on Beale will close around then too, but a handful will stay open until 3. Then there's a few that won't close until 4-5am, depending on the size of the crowd in the bar.

[shassebr]

I forgot about Huey's, they really have the best burgers anywhere. They hype the crap out of them, but they really are all that and a bag of sweet potato fries. There are a couple of Huey's around town I think.

Huey's is fantastic! There are 7 locations total, but 3 that are probably going to be the ones that Cyclone fans will be closest to. The closest one to the Liberty Bowl is Huey's Midtown which is located at 1927 Madison. There is also one downtown just a few blocks from Beale at 77 S. Second St. The other one may appeal to anyone who is staying out east and is located at 4872 Poplar Ave. They're all great, but in my opinion the Midtown one is the best!

[shassebr]

Apparently Memphis is the most obese city in the USA. Add fat people watching to the list of things to do.

That seems to be in poor taste. As representatives of the state of Iowa and Iowa State University, I would sure hope that people treat Memphis and its people with a little bit more respect.