Categories: 5-Star Yummies, Brownies, Burgers, Cheesecake, Chocolate, Pies, Pizza, Reviews, Sightseeing / Travel

Elvis Week: Where to find “The King”

All the fun events scheduled for Elvis Week (August 10-18, 2012) in Memphis, Tennessee, begins today! I figured it’s now or never to tell ya Elvis fans that besides Graceland, you can catch a glimpse of The King of Rock & Roll at these five places…

Tennessee Welcome Center (aka B.B. King, Elvis Presley Welcome Center) on Riverside Drive
Just look for this sign or the huge mosaic egg out front

Elvis’ statue inside the Welcome Center
(photo from this post)

Arcade Restaurant (they’re open daily from 7am – 3pm)
(photo from this post)

The King’s booth inside Arcade (Memphis’ oldest restaurant)
(photo from this post)

Not far from where I snapped this photo of Beale Street….
(photo from this post)

…is The King’s statue at Elvis Presley Plaza (on Beale Street, between Second and Main Street)
(photo from this post)

Sun Studio (706 Union Avenue)
(photo from this post)

Elvis recorded his first songs here (known as “Memphis Recording Service” then)
(photo from this post)

This last “sighting” involves jumping on a trolley with your blue suede shoes (get on the Madison/Medical Center Trolley route) for the Orleans trolley stop (along Madison Avenue, in between Manassas Street and Orleans Street).  If you prefer driving, it’s right across from the Trolley Stop Market (704 Madison Avenue).

Stars of Sun Studio mosaics
(photo from this post)

I may not live in Memphis anymore (moved last year), but I won’t be cruel by holding out which eateries stand out for their yum factor.  If you’re craving a burger, either one of these restaurants will surely satisfy you (they’re both in downtown…and on the same block too):

Madison Avenue Burger at Huey’s (corner of Union Avenue & 2nd Street)
(photo from this post)

Mushroom Swiss Burger with sweet potato fries (mmmm!) at Kooky Canuck (97 South 2nd Street)
(photo from this post)

If pizza is more your thing…

Pa Pa Pia’s (83 Union Ave); on Wednesdays, pizzas are half-price if you dine-in
(photos from this post)

The other Italian restaurant I enjoyed…

Lavoro’s (5849 Summer Avenue)
Clockwise from top right: I’m not sure what this was but it had chicken and pesto baked in pizza dough with their house chips (delizioso!), White Chocolate Bread Pudding, and Tiramisu

For chips, snacks, good deli food, and beer…

City Market (corner of Union Avenue and Main Street)
(photo from this post)

Got a sweet tooth?

Mosey on over to this bakery for thee best cheesecakes ever!
Located at 113 E GE Patterson Ave, a few doors down from the Arcade Restaurant on the corner of Main Street

Their menu has 75+ flavors
Clockwise from top left: Caramel White Chocolate, Lemon Blueberry, Peaches & Cream, and Chocolate Chip

If you prefer pie instead…

Sweet Potato Pie from Interstate Bar-B-Q (2265 South 3rd Street); 3-4 of ’em will equal a full-size pie
(photos from this post)

Love bacon on your dessert?  I know just the place…

Blondie Brownie with maple bacon & vanilla bean ice cream from Local Gastropub (95 S. Main Street)
(photos from this post)

If you’re looking for more of a variety to choose from…

Peabody Deli and Desserts (149 Union Avenue)
Desserts, clockwise from top middle: Chocolate Dome, Chocolate ball-covered strawberry, Banana Oreo Cheesecake, and White Chocolate Charlotte

La Baguette French Bread & Pastry Shop (3088 Poplar Avenue)
Clockwise from top right:  Lemon Tart & Baklava, Cherry Turnover, and Chocolate Napoleon

Do you know about the quiet park with grass and big trees with a nice view of the Mississippi River? It’s only minutes from the Memphis Pyramid…

Mississippi River Greenbelt Park (my nickname for it is “Island Park” :p)
It’s in a community called Harbor Town or Mud Island (along Island Drive)

It’s totally relaxing, but shhhh, don’t tell anyone I told ya this best-kept secret
(photo from this post)

Hope all you Hound Dogs have a super time in Memphis!

Cookies & Cream Cheesecake

Tags: Arcade Restaurant, Beale Street, Cheesecake Corner, City Market, Harbor Town, Huey's, Interstate Bar-B-Q, Kooky Canuck, La Baguette French Bread & Pastry Shop, Local Gastropub, Memphis Trolley, Pa Pa Pia's, Peabody Deli and Desserts, Sun Studio, Tennessee Welcome Center