Memphis/AAC Tourney Trip?

[UofMemphis]

Crowne Plaza Is fine...but it's a long walk (by my standards) to Beale/FedExForum...but I think they have a shuttle...also a trolley stop there, it's fun to right...drops off near Beale/FedExForum

 

[rip7774]

Will UConn have a bye on the first day if they are in the top 4 I'd guess? Thinking of flying in that day from Fla.

 

[rip7774]

What other hotels would u recommend that r close by? Or any to avoid. Looks likeHampton inn is booked...

 

[Waquoit]

Beale is fun, but it's mostly tourists.

That's fine, I'll be a tourist.

I was on Beale Street 20 or so years ago. What I remember was when you got to the end of the commercial area, there were sawhorses in the middle of the street with what looked to be a housing project on the other side. I could take a hint.

 

[Waquoit]

I'll give UConn a call and check about ticket packages and even hotel/flight packages. If they want us to travel like the other blue blood schools, this is a good way to start.

Let us know. We called a few weeks ago and they said it was TBA.

 

[UofMemphis]

That's fine, I'll be a tourist.

I was on Beale Street 20 or so years ago. What I remember was when you got to the end of the commercial area, there were sawhorses in the middle of the street with what looked to be a housing project on the other side. I could take a hint.

Memphis has changed a lot in 20 years...the downtown zip code...38103...is one of the safest in the city and has some of the highest home values in Memphis.

 

[UofMemphis]

What other hotels would u recommend that r close by? Or any to avoid. Looks likeHampton inn is booked...

Avoid anything near Graceland or the Airport...a cheap option would be in West Memphis by the interstate...all you have to do is cross the bridge and you're in downtown.

The Peabody, The Madison, Westin, Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, Double Tree...all good options.

Another good one would be the Holiday Inn on the UofM campus...run by hospitality student majors...only about 10-15 mins from downtown.

 

[Scot-e]

What are the better choices near the venue? May have family coming down and they will want to stay somewhere decent. Thanks.

 

[UofMemphis]

The Peabody, The Madison, Westin, Holiday Inn (downtown), Comfort Inn, Double Tree...all walking distance to FedExForum.

 

[Waquoit]

Looking forward to hitting the dogtrack. I haven't been since Derby Lane in 1999.

 

[UofMemphis]

it's now a casino and dog track...one of the reasons West Memphis is a good, cheap option.

they aren't allowed to have a hotel...but there is a Day's Inn next door and I would suggest that if you like gambling and want a cheap room that's maybe 6-7 mins from downtown and FedExForum.

 

[Scot-e]

The Peabody, The Madison, Westin, Holiday Inn (downtown), Comfort Inn, Double Tree...all walking distance to FedExForum.

Thanks M. Looking forward to going to a few games for a change and appreciate your advice.

We'll be routing for you in every game (except the UCONN ones obviously).

 

[UConn Dan]

Memphis should be fun for the tournament -- my wife has a lot of family there and we visit often. Her cousin is friends with some of Fred Smith's kids so maybe we can score some free tickets, but I'd prefer to pay my own way so I don't have to sit with Memphis fans (no offense).

Been there for new year's once and while Beale street isn't Bourbon, I imagine it would still be quite lively if enough fans from different schools make the trip.

 

[ucjoet]

Rent a car...public transit sucks here, and cabs are very expensive.

Overton Square and Cooper-Young are where Memphians go...Beale is fun, but it's mostly tourists.

Boscos and Local are great at Overton Square (get the made in house Flaming Stone beer from Boscos)

Sweet Grass, Young Ave Deli (it's also a nightclub), and Soul Fish Cafe are great...they're at Cooper-Young

Central BBQ and the BBQ Shop are very good.

Go get a drink at the Peaybody and checkout the rooftop

The main attraction will be the Memphis Zoo...it's really the cities gem.

Graceland is cool...but it's a bad part of town...just a heads up.

Sun Studios is a fun tour...takes maybe an hour or so.

How far away are Overton Square and Cooper - Young. Walking distance from Beale Street ? Thanks again for all info.

 

[UofMemphis]

you would have to drive to Overton Square or Cooper-Young...but it's totally worth it.

here's directions from your hotel.

to Cooper-Young
https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=...kl37VhzFU8OUO0eN0Hw&oq=Cooper&mra=ls&t=m&z=14

to Overton Square:
https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=...7VhzFU8OUO0eN0Hw&oq=Overton+S&mra=ls&t=m&z=14

 

[UofMemphis]

Memphis should be fun for the tournament -- my wife has a lot of family there and we visit often. Her cousin is friends with some of Fred Smith's kids so maybe we can score some free tickets, but I'd prefer to pay my own way so I don't have to sit with Memphis fans (no offense).

Been there for new year's once and while Beale street isn't Bourbon, I imagine it would still be quite lively if enough fans from different schools make the trip.

the cool thing about FedExForum is it lets out onto Beale...

 

[ucjoet]

you would have to drive to Overton Square or Cooper-Young...but it's totally worth it.

here's directions from your hotel.

to Cooper-Young
https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Cooper-Young, Memphis, TN&daddr=Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Beale Street, 175 Peabody Place, Memphis, TN 38103&hl=en&ll=35.131983,-90.020857&spn=0.057139,0.091324&sll=35.207777,-89.878328&sspn=0.913364,1.461182&geocode=FYHjFwIdYdWi-imfk2p_UYd_iDH89gOthiUTOg;FSAzGAIdC-qh-ildVgUkl37VhzFU8OUO0eN0Hw&oq=Cooper&mra=ls&t=m&z=14

to Overton Square:
https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Overton Square, Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN&daddr=Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Beale Street, 175 Peabody Place, Memphis, TN 38103&hl=en&ll=35.137949,-90.019827&spn=0.057134,0.091324&sll=35.131983,-90.020857&sspn=0.057139,0.091324&geocode=FfMiGAIdh9qi-inJdBoYsIB_iDEj1msa1iOKVg;FSAzGAIdC-qh-ildVgUkl37VhzFU8OUO0eN0Hw&oq=Overton S&mra=ls&t=m&z=14

Thanks again. Your inside info is greatly appreciated.

 

[Chin Diesel]

True story about Memphis/West Memphis.

Back in 2007 I was in town for work and we had some young guys goofing off in the back seat. The designated driver missed the turn for Beale and we ended up taking the bridge in to West Memphis (Arkansas). Fun in the back turned to fists and one dude starts beating down the other guy. The beat down continued while the driver makes it over the bridge, does a U-turn and head back in to Memphis (Tennessee).

We find a good parking spot and everyone settles down as we pile out of the car. The guy who got whooped looks at the guy and says "You just kicked my a*s in two states in less than five minutes. I'll buy you two drinks."

No further problems the rest of the night.

 

[ucjoet]

the cool thing about FedExForum is it lets out onto Beale...

Just saw The Rizzo Diner on South Main street featured on Diners, drive-ins and Dives. Do you have any info on this establishment. thanks again for your help.

 

[UofMemphis]

Just saw The Rizzo Diner on South Main street featured on Diners, drive-ins and Dives. Do you have any info on this establishment. thanks again for your help.

Never tried it myself...I've always preferred Arcade downtown...Memphis' oldest Cafe.

 

[husky91]

Speaking of Memphis....is Memphis in May worth the trip?

Been to Memphis 2-3 times, enjoyed it. Thought Beale St was a mini-Bourbon and enjoyed it. My first trip, I was mid 20s, and we went to Peabody for a drink and was time the Ducks were doing the walk. That is still, to this day, one of the coolest things I've ever scene. The one in Orlando is lame.

 

[ucjoet]

Never tried it myself...I've always preferred Arcade downtown...Memphis' oldest Cafe.

Thanks again. Will check out Arcade

 

[gampelcrazies]

Does anybody know what hotel they are staying at?

 

[Scot-e]

Ye

A friend ( UConn roommate) of mine from Atlanta and his son ( attending Georgia Tech) will be meeting us in Memphis. Definitely need to find a bar on Beale Street to have a drink.

Yes sir we do. I am buying the first round!

 

[Scot-e]

The Peabody, The Madison, Westin, Holiday Inn (downtown), Comfort Inn, Double Tree...all walking distance to FedExForum.

That's we are booked in the Peabody. I appreciate the advice.