It was after 1pm on July 16 when we arrived at a crowded Cracker Barrel in Memphis for a one night travel stop. The Cracker Barrel RV spot available was way too small for us. We parked across several regular parking spots that were behind the RV area. I checked with management and we were fine. We were looking at couple of MLK Jr/Civil Rights places to go to, but it was just too hot and humid this afternoon to be walking around outside or tour an old house used for the underground railway. Even though this was only a quick, one-night, travel stop, we decided dry-camping in the Cracker Barrel parking lot was less than desirable in this heat. Running the generator was not ideal. Barry mentioned recalled that Memphis has the largest Bass Pro Shop in the country. It would still be dry camping, BUT we could go inside and check it out for at least a couple hours to get through the worst of the heat! We called, and yes, we could park for one night anywhere in their parking lot that would work for us. We saw, on Google maps, that they had lots of room in “the back” parking lots. Win! Win! Without a second thought, we pulled up Bass Pro Shop on our phone maps. We were on our way! Easy-peasy to get there. We saw the pyramid building from the freeway, got off at the exit, and were headed directly down Bass Parkway into the parking lot. All of a sudden there is a sign that says “NO RVs”! What the heck??? Where are we supposed to go now???
The parking lot was quite tight with parked cars and cars backed up in all rows looking for available parking. Of course it was a busy Saturday afternoon! Barry maneuvered around, to where we quickly be somewhat out of the way to unhook the Jeep. We headed back the way we came in. There was an employee/vendor lot on the right. We pulled in the dirt lot and temporarily parked Vinny. We would use the Jeep to get to the back parking areas, and then figure out how to get VInny there. There was a direct, separate entrance to the back parking area. We drove out that entrance to figure out how to get Vinny in that way. We retrieved Vinny, reversed our Jeep route to the back lot north entrance. SO much better! No one was back here because the north entrance to Bass Pro was closed! That was great for us. We essentially had 3-4 large parking lot areas to choose from to park till tomorrow morning.
After we had Vinny set up, we drove the Jeep over to the south side to park for access inside Bass Pro Shops.
There was even a bowling alley! It was separated into two sections. Set up for black light bowling, one area had 3 lanes, and one had 4 lanes. A large bar was nearby and handy for all.
The air conditioned building was a welcomed relief. Barry and I separated and did our own thing for about an hour and a half. We enjoyed our time browsing and shopping. Time flew by. I found a pair of light weight capris that were super comfy, and would come in handy as we hopefully head into cooler evening temperatures in New England, and down the coast for fall. And after much deliberation, I decided to purchase a pair of deep blue Chaco sandals. Abby had a pair of these years ago and absolutely loved them. I remembered that you can adjust the straps for a more custom fit. My flip flops are great for a quick in and out somewhere, but not for a lot of walking. The chacos will be good for walking/touring places since they have great arch support and a negative heel “cup” that keeps your body/spine in better posture/alignment.
Update: I absolutely love the Chacos! I have worn my new Chaco sandals all day every day since buying them! So nice not to put on tennis shoes and socks every day when it is so bloody hot! Plus it is OK if they get wet.
We took the ride up the middle of the Bass Pro pyramid to the observation deck. This elevator is the tallest free-standing elevator in the country! It was pretty cool. There were sections of the observation deck floor that were more transparent than the majority of sections that were more translucent.
I was a little nervous…
While looking at the views, we noticed that we could see Vinny from up here…and the several other RV’s that joined us in the SAME parking area! Not one used the other areas that were empty. Maybe they thought this was where they had to park. LOL
The lounge at the top.
We drove to Beale Street for dinner, a little jazz music, and check out the vibe. As we walked onto Beale Street, these acrobatic performers were finishing up their act that incorporates bystanders.
My preference for a restaurant was BB Kings, but the wait was out the door, and there was a $10 per person cover charge even if you were eating dinner there. We decided to look a little further. We entered King Jerry Lawler’s- 159 Beale Street. A band was playing. No cover. We ordered and had a decent meal-not amazing. Barry had BBQ Ribs, I had a great salad with pulled pork.
When we were ready to pay our bill the waitress asked if we were using cash or card. I replied, “card”. She tapped her device a few times to I assume add a credit card fee. Then she said the total was $40 even. I was a bit surprised it was that high for what the prices were of our meals. She took my card and THEN handed me her little device that asked for a tip amount and signature. I was a bit surprised at the low tip amounts suggested, so I selected the highest one of about 8%. She asked if I wanted a receipt. I said yes. When she brought the paper receipt to me it had an 18% gratuity already added PLUS the ADDITIONAL 8% tip I selected. We asked WHY an 18% tip had been automatically added. We were NOT a party of 5 or more as indicated in small print on the menu. Her reply was that it was on the door that all checks would have an 18% gratuity added. I said that that is a real scam to customers to have a policy that contradicts the menu that everyone is handed! As we left, we looked at the front door that was open when we entered earlier. NOTHING! Barry went in and got her. She looked around. Then she looked over on an adjacent window panel and said, “Oh, there it is.” Are you kidding me!?!? This important notice to ALL customers was a regular sheet of printer paper with large bold font notifying that there are NO PUBLIC RESTROOMS. A $5 FEE is charged to use their restroom! Then at the very bottom of that paper in much smaller font and with tape over part of it is, “18 % will be added to all checks.” Unbelievable!
By not showing people an itemized bill prior to paying, especially when they are NOT a party of 5 or more, the servers are making out quite well with tips. Most people drinking alcohol, dancing and having a good time for a few hours have no idea what their drinks are costing, let alone realize 18% is added automatically, and they probably tip rather generously on top of that! This is a practice that happened to other friends when they were somewhere on Beale Street! SO BE AWARE of such a scam! I can’t be so trusting. I will insist on SEEING an itemized bill before paying for anything in the future. I also wrote a review on Yelp about our experience. At this point we decided to call it a day. Tomorrow morning we leave for Nashville.
