Memphis and Nashville - any tips?

[gussiefox]

Off to the US soon - anyone have any tips of must-sees or definitely avoid? All accommodation is sorted (and yes, we have valid ESTAs and travel insurance). We will absolutely be going to Graceland and also have tickets booked for a couple of music gigs. Hoping for some "off the beaten track" recommendations - think dark and quirky. Thanks in advance.

When are you off? We’ve just booked a trip to Nashville for next month on a whim; not totally insane as we’re driving down from Chicago! Not sure if it counts as dark & quirky but we’ve had a few recommendations for Skull’s Rainbow Room; loads of great musicians have played there, they have nightly jazz and there’s also a burlesque show if you go late on Thursday/Friday/Saturday.

Anything with the word skull in has immediate appeal (do you know me ) That has definitely gone on the list, and I have a feeling we are staying very close to there. We're in Nashville the second week in June - see you there for a cocktail

We’re arriving on Thurs 14th June so might see you there, possibly in Skull’s Raimbow Room The country music festival is on that week so make sure you get organised with booking restaurants as it will be busy!! Hoping some other Nashville experts will also be along soon with some more must-dos.

14th is our last night - so I'll be the one who looks like she has had far too many American breakfasts in the previous fortnight

In Nashville, eat at Martin's BBQ, it's delicious. The Johnny Cash Museum is great even if you're not a massive fan. Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman also worth a visit. If you're at all into vinyl, check out Jack White's Third Man and Grimeys. There's a load of live music everywhere and some of it is very good.

In Memphis Sun Studios and Stax are worth doing. The Civil Rights Museum is excellent and should not be missed. Check out the weird duck ceremony at the Peabody Hotel. Eat more BBQ!

We stayed in the holiday Inn in Memphis and had planned to stay for 2 nights. We were woken up in the middle of the night by aircraft after aircraft taking off. We found out afterwards that DHL have their main distribution facility in Memphis. We cancelled our second night.

I would definitely recommend Skulls, you can usually get a seat at the bar early evening but you'll need to book quite far in advance if you want to eat (especially if you're here over CMA Fest).
Other places I like downtown are:
The Westin Hotel has a really fun rooftop bar and pool with lots of comfy daybeds to relax with an evening cocktail!
The George Jones museum serves a fantastic brunch buffet on weekends and has panoramic views of the Cumberland River
Everyone who comes to visit always wants to go to the Loveless Cafe but I really don't think it's worth the wait (usually an hour plus), if you really want to go then evenings are much quieter than breakfast / lunch
Have a look at the schedule for The Ryman, it's an old church converted into a music venue and worth visiting if there's any acts on that you fancy

Brilliant, so many good tips! Thank you both

We visited a little police museum as well. I think it was on Beale St. It was really interesting

Oh wow - lots of really useful stuff here, thanks everyone. The duck ceremony is definitely on the list as that is very much our kind of weird. OH is a musician so he will be in his element. I am off to google the police museum for a bit of balance

The police museum no longer exists