Union Ave, Memphis

While we were visiting Beale and Peabody Place, around the corner we found Union Street. There are a few apartments and houses off of here, but we did find the Autozone Park right off of the street. This was a very cute ball park where their minor league team plays. It had a few places to eat at when the game was over.

Union Ave, which runs from the Mississippi River down to the Medical District, is full of things to do. Since it is close to Beale, as well as the Peabody Motel and runs down into the 'art' district, there is always something you can find. Be sure to watch the ducks at the Peabody (they ride in an elevator and EVERYTHING!). Also, there are a lot of resturants around down town, so you will be able to find something for everyone. As you travel up Union, you'll eventually see Sun Studios, where Elvis recorded his records. It is a museum now and well worth a visit.
With so many things to do along Union, it is understandable that it is a busy street. Watch out for the horse-drawn carriages, they tend to cause a lot of conjestion. Also, the buses in Memphis will just suddenly stop and idle in a lane for long periods of time (I saw one bus driver stop the bus and run into the gas station to do some quick shopping - blocking traffic and leaving his passengers in the bus). My recommendation would be to find park in the parking garage at Peabody Place and walk around the area, particularly if you are just there for some sight seeing. Also, avoid Union if at all possible during rush hour.

Union Avenue – Not only is the venerable Peabody Hotel (admit it, you want to see the ducks) on Union Avenue. The hotel was worth the extra money. Great atmosphere here. If we hadn't been staying, I would have just gone in to have a drink in the bar off the lobby. Union also offers great shops, restaurants, and very importantly to the music lover, Sun Studio (now a museum), original recording home of Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Union runs from the mighty Missipp all the way to the medical district.

Union Ave begins at the Mississippi River and continues to Midtown. There are some houses on the street, but most residences are apartments. Union runs right though the artsy district of town, so people who love going to plays and movies would love to live around here. Further downtown, the street passes through the medical area of town, with hospitals and research centers on either side. Traffic is a slow 35 mph, and with no turn lanes, it can become congested.