A Note from the FOTB (Father of the Bride):

 Ladies and Gentlemen. 

 As you’re likely aware, the memorable 21st night of September is fast approaching.  At light speed, so it seems.  It’s time to unwind, wear some fine, and celebrate Brandon and Matthew Memphis style; assuming there is such a notion.

 The LB2B (The “Lovely Bride 2 Be”) requested an insider’s tip sheet for traveling Houstonians, Internationals, Northeasterners, and beyond.  So here you go.  The lucky father of the bride - who’s resided in Memphis long enough the locals share Yankee jokes in his presence - take on ‘things to do’[1] between official events requiring attendance.

 Let’s break it down from Thursday, 19th – Sunday, 22nd September while keeping it simple.  And leaning toward venues within walking, Birding, Main Street Trolley, or reasonable UBER distance from downtown Memphis Tennessee.

Assuming Thursday arrival – outside temperatures will range between 65 F to 85 F.  Inside temps will range depending on the locale.  If prone to cold, bring a wrap, sweater, or good hugger to warm on up. You’ve weathered reasonable flight(s) . . . check into your Hotel, freshen up, check your phone, set your e-mail response to auto, and settle in for unforgettable.

Given most out-of-town guests are residing downtown, Peabody Lobby Bar is a convenient meet up locale – decent cocktails, bottled beers, mid-iron wines, (research Chandler’s room number and charge the tab), forget food – plenty of off-site options; people watching is typically a solid pass the time while waiting activity.

Highly suggest not hanging around for the Peabody Lobby Duck Walk but it’s oddly hard to look away when the ceremony commences @ 11a & 5p CDT daily.

Heading out from Peabody Hotel very few West options, Mississippi River as exception - marginal North offerings, East is fine but requires transportation, leaving South as most likely route to explore sans auto.

South options include Catherine and Mary’s (opens @ 4p), BarWare, Belle Tavern, Flying Saucer – smoking venue, Grey Canary (opens @ 5p), Loflin Yard, Carolina Watershed, SOB (South of Beale), Blue Monkey, Brass Door, and Dirty Crow.  Honorable North and West mentions go to BarDog Tavern – smoking venue and 3rd and Court, respectively.

Dinner options include Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar (opens @ 4:45p), McEwens on Monroe, The Majestic Grill and Tsunami Restaurant (opens @ 5p), respectively.  Reservations suggested but can always shoulder up to the bar.  And no matter the venue be comfortable with heads turning upon entering.  Memphis is a small town.  As such two degrees of separation is in play.  Your presence will immediately class up the joint, extend a warm greeting, drop a ‘y’all’ if so inclined, and before you can say Elvis Presley you will be embraced.

Tsunami is our local go to - - located in Cooper Young.  Transport required. Zero parking. Well worth the effort.  If the weather is like our lovely couple, uh spectacular! - - Loflin Yard and Carolina Watershed are outside options and semi-unwalkable from downtown hotels – transport recommended. Otherwise you’re sporting sweat stains, broken heels, and early evening weariness.  Not a great look. 

Now if uncontrollable hunger is the hunt, Huey’s, Kooky Canuck, Gus’s Fried Chicken, Rendezvous, Aldo’s Pizza, Local – Downtown and Central BBQ offer Memphis style bargain eats . . . all of which are well beyond the FDA’s recommended caloric intake for a week.  Let alone one day.  Great tasting grub with long term effects bordering on devastation.  Imbibe at will but heed as forewarned.

Which brings us to Beale Street.  Difficult to recommend.  Way touristy, open container carry rule in effect, anything from a Corvette to Harley Davidson street convention on display, local cons asking for donations[2], and some really great R&B music venues.

And that’s Memphis in a few Beale Street blocks . . . a dichotomy of establishments ranging from fetching to confusing . . . either way, keep your wits about you.  While noting the headline music acts take stage around 10:00p til 4:00a.  Oh yeah, a JT sighting is always a possibility.

Friday is all about prepping for the evening’s soiree. Weirdly, but right in line with it being Memphis, there’s some great breakfast joints.  Most requiring transport, UBER Eats or Door Dash, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g55197-zfp2-Memphis_Tennessee.html

If looking to ward off Thursday’s effects and Friday’s over the top breakfast, hit the gym.  Or take a stroll over the Harahan Bridge or mosey over to Brass Pro located in the Pyramid.  Steer clear of Graceland.  At least for this weekend.  And the Civil Rights Museum.  Both require time and your undivided attention.

Overton Square or Cooper Young in Midtown are other change of pace possibilities . . . HopDoddy Burger Bar (of Austin TX fame), Lafayette’s Music Room, Boscos Brewing Company, Local – Midtown, Young Avenue Deli, Beauty Shop; all reasonable local haunts.  Dress code = come as you are.

With Friday night fast approaching – you know what to do . . . and then it’s Saturday.  And you’re smart.  Been in town long enough to find your way.  And likely the newest member of Mid-South’s Two Degree of Separation Club.

Saturday evening you’re heading East to witness the “I Do’s” at Second Presbyterian Church (aka 2nd Pres) so, why not head East early to some worthwhile joints within 2nd Pres striking distance to, eh . .  loosen up?

Best of show include Strano by Chef Josh and Houston’s . . . transport required.  Since you’re sporting your finest garb.  Mention the pending betrothal and who knows?  Drinks on the house! But no guarantee.  And don’t be late to the wedding ceremony.  Otherwise I will be blamed for your shameful lack of etiquette.

Post Nuptials, Brandon & Matthew Jankovsky, Barbara, Mona (The Wedding Planner), Karen, FOTLB (The “Father of The Lovely Bride”) and The Party Jammers got you covered.  And will not disappoint.  Promise. 

Come Sunday – it’s three balls and two strikes, you’re on your own.  MEM International is an easy check in and departure. Sunday’s however will vary dependent on terminal staffing.  Plan accordingly.

And by the time you recover, it’s officially Fall of 2019.  Matthew and Brandon are married.  And this FOTLB and MOFIL (Matthew’s Official Father in Law) could not be more proud or happy.  Whatever you do, fun is to be had . . so git yerself some.

[1] Disclaimer – if your experience at any of the aforementioned is less than acceptable, don’t blame me.

[2] Memphis lacks pedestrian density and our local panhandlers know it . . when and if approached, engage.  Unlike large cities engaging the person remedies the situation.  A simple, ‘all I have is plastic’ is not rude.  And move on.