Please join us in welcoming guest author Joel Frey, one of the Travelocity Roaming Gnome’s most trusted publicists.

At what point did pop culture and man-law decree that a weekend among fellas must occur in Vegas? Men, let’s face it: It’s time to challenge our thinking pertaining to the classic guy’s weekend getaway.

The key word, of course, is thinking and, generally, the less we guys have to engage our brains re: trip planning, the better. In my opinion, that’s why Vegas became the go-to option for bachelor parties and other manly gatherings. In the iconic words of Darth Vader, it’s “all too easy.” Once your feet hit the desert, you know that you’re going to eat, drink, gamble, go to a club and, maybe see a show. The only decision to make is in what order these events will take place.

So as I outline the reasons why Memphis, Tenn., should be on your short list when one of your buddies suggests meeting up this spring/summer, I’m going to make this as painfully simple as possible.

Location

Have you ever wondered why FedEx founder Fred Smith chose Memphis as its headquarters? It’s centrally located and a relatively short flight to anywhere in the United States. If a few of you reside on the West Coast and some call the East Coast home, the Bluff City is a logical spot to meet in between. Delta Airlines offers plenty of non-stops.

BBQ

Barbecue

Any grizzled veteran of the backyard Weber Grill will be impressed with what Memphis offers when it comes to ‘Cue. First, it hosts the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest annually as part of the month-long Memphis in May International Festival. While this event is mainly reserved for the pros, everyday aficionados can choose from hundreds of barbecue spots ranging from the venerable Rendezvous to neighborhood joints like Cozy Corner, Neely’s, Interstate, Payne’s, the Bar-B-Q Shop, and Little Pigs. Have you ever tasted the sweetness of a barbecued bologna sandwich or a Cornish hen? Now is your chance.

Baseball

Downtown Memphis is home to AutoZone Park which was named the 2009 Minor League Ballpark of the Year by Baseball America. The stately red brick structure on the corner of Third and Union, across the street from the Peabody Hotel, embodies the bromance of our national pastime that most modern Major League stadiums can’t match. Five bucks gets you through the gate, but for $18, you and your boys can sit club level with a round of beers and multiple orders of BBQ Nachos.

BBKings

Brews and Blues

A short walk or trolley ride from AutoZone Park is Beale Street, where live music is a nightly staple. On weekend nights, wrist bands are offered that will gain you access to most of the clubs. The elder statesman of these is Rum Boogie Café, where James Govan and the Boogie Blues Band has entertained locals and tourists from around the world for almost 20 years. And if you all need to address any late night cravings before hitting the hey, stop in at Blues City Café for seafood au gratin dip, homemade tamales, broiled steaks, fried catfish or one more rack of ribs.

After Hours

While Beale Street generally shuts down around 2:00 a.m., if you and the crew are game, the party can extend well into the wee hours with assistance from a cab. Earnestine & Hazel’s in the South Main Historic District is a popular hangout with the college age and hipster set where the grill man serves up Soul Burgers all night long. For the extra adventurous, there is Wild Bill’s, a juke joint in the Vollintine neighborhood where the beer is served ice cold in quarts and the furniture is comprised of folding tables and chairs. There you have it, gentlemen. A man’s man weekend wrapped up in Southern style, charm and hospitality. When you go, just don’t forget your seersucker suit.

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