A Roadtrip For Lovers of Southern Culture: RVing to Memphis

Do you love riding with the windows or top down while taking in the warm air and soft breeze? How about making the occasional stop to refuel with local cuisine and take in a night of good music? Then Memphis is definitely a great city to travel through and check out – so pack your bags, fill your RV tank and buckle up for a great southern American road trip.

In this edition of the Travel-Mor Blog, we’re headed to the deep south of the United States where the blues music rings clear in the streets, and the fried chicken tastes great alongside a great big glass of lemonade. In this article about how to make the best of RV travels to Memphis, we will cover all the details regarding what you will need in order to prepare for the long trip, know which places in the city to visit and explore, and all the must-haves while checking out one of the most cultured cities in the southern end of the country.

Buckle Up For The Travel Down South

If you’re traveling to the American south from the top end of the country or beyond the 49th parallel (in Canada), you’re definitely in for a long drive with plenty of roads, blues skies, cityscapes, and at some brief moments mountainous terrain. Despite the lengthy drive (likely a ten-plus hour drive), you will be happy to know that it is especially rewarding particularly if you are well-prepared.

What You Will Need To Prepare Before Putting Your RV In Drive

Before packing in your RV and taking it out of the park, there are a few things you should check on in order to prepare for the big trip ahead – the most important of which includes ensuring that your RV is in good running order. We recommend:

• Double checking all your RV batteries
• Inspecting your water systems
• Stocking your RV with flashlights, extra batteries, first aid requirements, and other safety elements
• Purchasing a power generator (in case of an emergency!)
• Checking that your seams, seals & gaskets are in working order
• Doing a quick overview of your LP gas systems
• Winterizing your vehicle (if you’re doing a winter drive)
• Purchasing a GPS system (and stocking up on paper maps as a backup plan if your battery runs out of energy!)
• Preparing an emergency contact list (including your CAA or AAA information)
• Packing extra supplies (RV gear, kitchen and dining items, toiletries, etc.)
• Prepare any needed travel identification (valid passports, enhanced driver’s license, visas, etc.) according to the US embassy or consulate, as well as with the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice page
• Fill up your gas tank and be sure to have extra cash on deck in the event that you have trouble with your credit cards

Once your RV is prepared for the trip, and before putting your car in drive, have a discussion with other passengers how often you plan on taking gas, bathroom and meal/snack breaks. Remember that if you have young children, the number of breaks you will need to take will likely increase – as will the length of your drive as a result.

Now You’re On Your Way – What’s On Route?

As you venture down south, you will cross through a number of prominent states with great sightseeing options and food choices. If you are traveling along the east coast, you will likely pass through New York state, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia. You might consider dropping by Virginia Beach for an afternoon stroll on the boardwalk, or grabbing a quick Philly cheesesteak bite, or purchasing a basket of Georgia peaches on your stop through the city of Atlanta. If you are traveling through the Midwest, you will likely pass through the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma. You might even be coming from the west coast, in which case you might pass through California, New Mexico, Texas and possibly even Louisiana where you would be wise to stop off for some Latin or Creole cuisine (possibly a bourbon if you plan to stay somewhere overnight) and take in the dry weather on a hot drive. In these parts, if you plan to drive with your windows down, be sure to stay plenty hydrated.

Whichever way you decide to go (which is highly dependent on which direction you are starting from), you will have plenty of sightseeing and dining options along the way. One thing to be on the lookout for given that the drive is a long-distance one with the potential of overnight stays – is the signs along the way indicating any camping opportunities and/or motel and hotel stays if that is a preferred option. Remember that while driving in the United States, there are plenty of roadside signs and facilities that include a variety of services that include gas stations, food options, rest areas, and picnic locations.

Once You Arrive in Memphis: Area Favourites

After a long drive, you will want to see all of the great things that Memphis has to offer. Whether it’s a fun night out, sightseeing venture or relaxing southern hospitality afternoon that you are looking for, Memphis has got it all. We recommend:

Checking Out Memphis Nightlife:

If it’s the classic sound of blues music that you’re on the lookout for – then you have come to the right city. Memphis is the city of Beale Street – a street in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee, which runs from the Mississippi River to East Street (approximately 1.8 miles long). This historic part of the city is lined with prominent blues clubs and restaurants that offer the very best in local musicians and outdoor festivals. Beale Street’s wonder is in the way it reflects the diversity and eclectic mix of musical sounds – everything from the blues, country, rock ‘n’ roll, soul, and even hip-hop.

Taking in Memphis Music History:

Ever heard of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Sam & Dave or Booker T. & the M.G.’s? These are among some of the famous voices to come out of Memphis’ quintessential record label – Stax Records. Currently, fans of the record label can visit 926 East McLemore Avenue, the former location of Stax Records, where the Stax Museum of American Soul Music is now located. Originally founded in 1957 by Jim Steward and his sister, Stax specialized in a southern soul/country/rockabilly sound that would eventually shape way southern soul sounded. Fans of the label and its various artists are able to gain access to the museum and see many famous artifacts including artist instruments and costumes, as well as one of Issac Hayes’ famous Cadillacs that he would ride outside of the studio following the release of Shaft (the movie).

Have Their World Famous Chicken:

If you’re looking for fried chicken – a tasty and popular southern favourite – you have absolutely come to the right American state. Thankfully, there are plenty of great options and noted “must-visit” locations that offer a variety of spiced fried chicken options, coleslaw, mac n’ cheese, and sweet (and un-sweetened) lemonade and iced tea options. We suggest visiting Gus’ World Famous Chicken (which ranks among the city’s highest), and Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken. Visitors can even take a leap of faith by trying other local favourites such as fried pickles, fried green tomatoes, and pecan pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

While there are plenty of worthwhile places to visit in Memphis, this is but a short list to get you started on what will likely be a trip full of great music, history, and flavour – certainly an RV trip to remember.

And if you’ve got any RV questions prior to or even during your travel, we are always here and available to chat at 613-822-1666.