We headed home via Chicago and Memphis as we wind down our Summer Airstream Adventure. One of my dearest and oldest friends and her husband live just outside Chicago, so we booked a stay at the Kankakee South KOA Holiday, in Chebanse, Illinois. We always have fun with Judy and Art, and this time was no different.
The Bean
Affectionately called “The Bean,” Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate has become synonymous with the Chicago experience. It really is fascinating, and worth a trip to Millenium Park.
We also visited a County Fair, had some fabulous meals, but mostly enjoyed our weekend catching up with Judy and Art.
Memphis
We had never been to Memphis, and it was the perfect last stop en route to Key Largo. There are only two reasons to visit Memphis – good food and Graceland! We indulged in both, but Graceland exceeded my expectations. On our first night, we had dinner and enjoyed the musical entertainment at the original B.B. King’s Blues Club .
By the next evening, we were ready for something more upscale, and we found it at Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar. Not only do they offer a selection of wine flights, but the dinner menu follows the same inventive ‘flight’ concept where guests savor a medley of sumptuous small plates. It was so unique and delicious that we returned the next night to try even more menu selections.
Graceland
Elvis, the undisputed “King of Rock and Roll” was a key figure in our lives in the 50s and 60s. We screamed and swooned and fantasized about life with Elvis. A visit to Graceland brought it all back to life and we spent the better part of an entire day reliving those years. Yes, the Mansion is incredible, but there is so much more in the 200,000 square foot entertainment complex featuring museums, restaurants, gift shops, and more. It’s truly the history of rock and roll, not just Elvis, but the tributes illustrate his influence on all music and entertainers since.
I can’t think of a better way to wrap up our summer than these visits to Chicago and Memphis. September will be a time to unpack, clean out the Airstream, and start getting ready for our trip to Spain and Portugal for the month of October. I’ll take lots of pictures and make notes so that I can report on our European Adventure when we get home.
Next stop Madrid!