I am about to embark on my first actual travel since beginning this project, and I couldn’t be more excited.  In addition to having something real to talk about on the blog – after all, what is a travel blog sans travel – I will be exploring an awesome city I have never seen, and getting my US states visited total up to 49.  (Stupid Iowa…)

Here is my itinerary for the trip, though without dates since I am not sure what the whole privacy thing really means yet.

Day One – Travel to Memphis  – My flight gets in at around midnight, so that is the whole plan.

Day Two – Memphis – My day will begin with my interview of John Vergos, owner of the world-famous Rendezvous about Memphis BBQ and life in this vibrant city. My plan for the remainder of the day is to see the National Civil Rights Museum, try Memphis hot wings, and go see some live music on Beale Street.

Day Three – Memphis – After catching the parade of ducks at the Peabody Hotel, the plan is for this to be a day around music, with visits to Sun Studio and the Rock N Soul Museum.

Day Four – Memphis to Hot Springs, AR – An early departure from Memphis and into Arkansas to Hot Springs National Park.  I think a soak in a hot tub sounds in order!

Day Five – Arkansas – Loving natural beauty, there are a few state parks that look pretty, if weather cooperates.  The day will end in Little Rock.

Day Six – Little Rock to Corinth, MS – Corinth is the site of the Civil War Battle of Shiloh, and I want to visit the battlefield, as well as the museum there.

Day Seven – Back to Memphis – An easy drive back to Memphis and a last night before an early flight home the following morning.

I realize the first glaring omission is Graceland.  However, a) it is expensive; b) it is a long way from where I am staying downtown; and c) I have really never been a huge Elvis fan.  I know, blasphemy, but there it is.  However, if anyone has any other suggestions of things to do on this trip, please mention them in the comments.  I will tell you all about the trip when I get back, or you can follow The Royal Tour on Instagram for photos as I take them.