Graceland isn't the only must-see in Memphis

By Chip Cosby / ccosby@herald-leader.com

Memphis native Jeremy Jarmon, who will be returning home for Friday's Liberty Bowl, spent some time with the Herald-Leader talking about the city.

Q: Memphis has gotten somewhat of a bad reputation as a travel destination for Wildcats fans. Is that fair?

A: I think that's just the mainstream media. You can put statistics out there and say Memphis ranks a certain place in crime, but what those statistics don't tell you is that maybe that crime is in one concentrated area. And there's reasons why that crime is happening. But you don't hear about tourists or people on Beale Street having any problems. You might hear about some drug-related incidents on the other side of town, and that's what gives Memphis a bad name. When people hear about Memphis, they think that's representative of the city as a whole, and that's not the case. I've had friends come with me and go to the Beale Street Music Festival, and they had a great time.

Q: Downtown Memphis seems to have picked up, right?

A: There's a heavy migration from the suburbs and other areas of Memphis to the downtown area. People want to live in the high-rise apartments and condominiums because they're revitalizing the area and putting up new stores, restaurants and complexes. It's looking great.

Q: What stands out about Memphis, and how is it similar to Lexington?

A: People will notice how friendly people are. People make eye contact, nod and speak. There's great hospitality, and when people know you're from out of town, they go out of their way to make sure you have a good time.

Q: What part of Memphis did you grow up in, and what was it like?

A: I grew up in southeast Memphis. It was a middle-class to upper middle-class area, real laid back and easygoing with a good school system.

Q: What is there for fans to do outside of Beale Street?

A: Graceland is a must-see, and so is the Civil Rights Museum. I think it's very important to go to the museum and see some of the things that happened. It will blow your mind. The hotel where Martin Luther King Jr. got shot is a museum now. It's just a great educational experience that everybody should see.

Q: Are you a big Elvis fan?

A: No knock against Elvis, but I'm not a big fan. I'm more of a Johnny Cash guy. Elvis brings a lot of tourism. But when I had family come in, I'd have to go to Graceland with them.

Q: How do you think the team will react to Graceland?

A: Everybody will find something that they like. Some people won't like the museum, but I think a lot of the guys would like to see his house with all of the outfits and furniture.

Q: What are some of the best places to eat?

A: One of my favorite restaurants is the Butcher Shop. It's known for its steak and shrimp and twice-baked potatoes. Also I would say Texas De Brazil. That's a must. It's all you can eat meat. It's expensive, but if you've got your girl with you, you can get unlimited salad for like 20 dollars, and then they bring you ham, steak, sausage, you name it. You sit down and kick back. I'd also recommend Rendezvous for good barbecue, and Dyer's for their seven-pound burger.