Bragging Rights: 17 Reasons To Be Proud of Memphis (Jan. 2015)
Bragging Rights: 17 Reasons To Be Proud of Memphis (Jan. 2015)
Does Memphis need outside approval? Not really. But is it nice or otherwise just fun to get a little attention? I think so.
I haven't done a big roundup in a while, so here are 17 reasons to brag about Memphis in terms of national and international media coverage.
1. The UK newspaper The Daily Telegraph named Memphis a must-visit destination in 2015.
2. The Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars song "Uptown Funk" is currently #1 on the Billboard Top 100 charts and it was recorded right here in Memphis at Royal Studios - where Al Green, Ann Peebles, and many more legends recorded their songs in the 60s and 70s.
3. The New York Times featured Memphis in a video and article with a 36-hour itinerary featuring classic and new Memphis activities beyond "the usual". Go here to see the video.
4. Memphis is one of a few U.S. cities to feature Google Trekker Street View images of sites and attractions like Graceland, the Memphis riverfront, Shelby Farms Park,Overton Park, Rhodes College and the Memphis Zoo. Read more full post on this with links here.
5. A survey of USA TODAY 10Best readers named Memphis “Best NBA Destination" You can listen to me discuss exactly why Memphis deserves this title in this short radio interview with my pals on Grizzly Bear Blues Live!
6. In December, Memphis’ Riverside Drive was singled out as offering the top bike lanes in the U.S., according to the advocacy group PeopleForBikes.
7. Huffington Post named Memphis on a list of “Most Affordable Cities” in 2014.
8. Just last week, Marc Gasol was selected as the first Grizzlies player in history to be named an NBA All-Star starter for the Western Conference. Go Big Spain!
9. Many prominent Memphis chefs have cooked at the James Beard House including Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman (Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen/Hog & Hominy), Ryan Trimm (Sweet Grass), Jonathan Magallanes (Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana), Miles McMath (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital), Patrick Reilly (The Majestic Grille) and Felicia Suzanne Willett (Felicia Suzanne’s).
Photo via @muddysbakeshop
10. In case you missed my link to this article on Pie Day last Friday, The New York Times featured Memphis’ best dessert offerings last year, including Muddy’s Bake Shop, Hog & Hominy, Lunchbox Eats, Germantown Commissary and Cozy Corner, in an article about pie.
11. In December, Forbes featured Cooper Young's Phillip Ashley Chocolates, describing Phillip Ashley Rix as a “self-taught Willy Wonka.”
12. Esquire magazine featured Memphis last July; the article lauded attractions like Graceland, Shangri La Records and Central BBQ. I liked this quote from author: "Every aspect of this great southern city urges you to relax, slow down, ease the pace. And, in between exploring the countless historic spots and stuffing your face with all the juicy hunks of barbecued meat…that's exactly what you should do."
13. I can't believe I just found this vibrant, riveting article from Thrillist about the author's first time at BBQ Fest. It's just a great read that captures the drama and celebration of the competition side of the event. Speaking of Thrillist, a little bird told me they'll be launching in Memphis real soon (as in, this week). Stay tuned for details on that.
14. As the U.S. craft beer boom continues, three new microbreweries recently opened within the last year or so: High Cotton Brewing, Wiseacre Brewing and Memphis Made Brewing. Wiseacre took home the Bronze Medal at the 2014 Great American Beer Festival for the popular Tiny Bomb American Pilsner.
15. MEMPHIS, the Tony Award winning Broadway musical is currently running in London. It had a 4-year run on Broadway along with a North American tour. Go here to see the video of when the British cast visited Memphis.
16. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently posted an article about what to do in Memphis beyond the typical tourist stuff. They cited "vibrant neighborhoods, a host of small and little-known museums, intriguing shopping and a world-class zoo…"
17. The Charlotte Observer did a lovely article with an extensive rundown of things to do in Memphis, including projects and attractions that are up-and-coming or worth looking forward to.
I'd feel weird if I didn't give a shout-out to my colleagues at the CVB, who work tirelessly to make sure that outside media, including some outlets mentioned above, get exposed to reasons why Memphis is lovable. Speaking of that, here's a new Memphis promo video that features one of my favorite songs (I Can't Wait by Star & Micey).
---
Why are you proud of Memphis? Leave me a note in the comments!
Enedena Fornazieri
Suzanne Tagg
Ginger Thompson
Mike Simpson
Emily
Mitchell Brown
jeanne Arthur
Andrew
Pam
A
Mandi
Leonard Cleavelin
Joey Falanga
Charles boone
Carolyn
Joni
Ned
Cathi Trial
Holly Whitfield
Thanks Ned. I've always enjoyed your particular brand of down-to-earth optimism and the eloquence with which you speak about our city.
Jeff
Andrea Fenise
Stephen Fowler
Chris Przybyszewski
Orange Mound
Claire R
Amazing restaurants, STAX Museum, The National Civil Rights Museum, Sun Studios, early spring, the Botanic Garden, the new connection between Overton Square and Cooper Young made possible by Ride the Roo, Memphis Heritage which is saving our buildings... There's so much to love!
Comments Make Us Happy