Built in the early 1990s as a 20,000-seat arena (used by the NBA Memphis Grizzlies and the University of Memphis men’s basketball program), the pyramid is 321 feet tall and among the top ten tallest pyramids in the world. (Did you know that Memphis was an ancient Egyptian city?)
The idea for the structure, referred to as the Memphis Pyramid or the Great American Pyramid, was conceived in 1954 by a local artist. Bass Pro Shops opened a 535,000-square-foot retail store inside the pyramid two years ago.
In addition to the regular Bass Pro Shops goods, the pyramid features a wilderness-themed hotel, 600,000 gallons of water exhibits (including an alligator habitat), and 100-foot-tall trees. In the center is a 28-story freestanding elevator, which takes visitors up to a glass lookout. We elected not to pay the $10 per person for the elevator ride, but we enjoyed touring the store.
It truly was a dream come true for Mr. Handsome!
While downtown, we stopped by the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and killed on April 4th, 1968. The motel now houses the National Civil Rights Museum. We didn’t have time to tour the museum, but it was very sobering just to be there.
Anonymous
You're very pretty, Ellie. You look like you could easily model in magazines, etc.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Well thank you! Your comment made my day. 🙂
Ellie
Anonymous
I think you are beauty too, (but maybe you will be a mommy soon).
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Thank you! Yes, I hope to be a mommy one day. 🙂
Ellie
Anonymous
oh cool! We drove by that Bass Pro Shop last summer on vacation but didn't go in 🙂
Katrina
The only way I got my friends in the Pyramid was to go up in the lift to the viewing platform! As it was our first (and maybe only) time in Memphis we decided it was worth it.
We definitely don't have a store like Bass Pro in the UK!
We went to the Civil Rights Museum on our last day, it was absolutely fantastic, really emotive and makesnyou think. Is highly recommend it if you get the chance in the future.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Hi Katrina,
It would have been neat to go up to the viewing platform. Definitely something worth doing if you're coming from so far away. We will have to make another trip to see the Civil Rights Museum. Glad you enjoyed it!
Did you visit any other U.S. cities on your trip?
Ellie
Katrina
Hi Ellie
Our trip itinerary was: Atlanta, Hayleyville (we didn't stay here but spent a few hours), Memphis, Nashville, Gatlinburg (for Dollywood), Asheville, Charleston (we stayed on Sullivan's Island) and then back to Atlanta.
None of us had been to the South before and we wanted to see as much as possible. If I was going to do it again I'd take longer (we only had 14 nights) or drop something off (although I don't know what as it was all fantastic!)
Have you ever been to tge UK/Europe?
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Sounds like a great trip. My family traveled to Europe when I was in elementary school. It was wonderful. We drove through Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Austria, and the very top of Italy's boot. We had a quick stop over in Heathrow but didn't have enough time to leave the airport. A nice British lady did give me some coins though. I used them to buy a souvenir.
Ellie
Anonymous
It gave me chills to see that motel again. I didn't know they turned it into a museum. I remember seeing it all over the news that day…the balcony…
Anonymous
I heard "Abraham, Martin, and John" on the radio today. I remember that turbulent time. John, then Martin, then Bobby. What profound losses.
Anonymous
Would highly recommend the Civil Rights Museum!!!! It was such a thought-provoking experience and the highlight of our trip there
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Good to know! We will have to make another trip in the near future.
Ellie
Anonymous
Lovely pictures! How cool you got to see historical things on your trip.
My brothers LOVE Bass Pro Shops too! The last time we went…we were in there for over three hours. lol
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Glad you enjoyed the pictures! Sounds like your brother would get along well with my husband. Lol. Are you into outdoor activities?
Ellie
Alicia Mae
Looks like it was a fun trip Ellie, and I love your boots!
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Thank you, Alicia! I'm blessed to have you as a reader.
Ellie
Anonymous
Thank you for sharing these photos.
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Glad you enjoyed them, Joan, Marion, and Marilyn!
Ellie
Anonymous
Love your style Ellie! Whole outfit is great.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Thank you! I appreciate your kind words!
Ellie
Anonymous
I happened to be in Heathrow Airport in London, England, just a few hours before James Earl Ray was picked up there in June of 1968. He was the man arrested for shooting MLK. I remember my trip starting with the news of his apprehension.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Oh my! How frightening. Were you able to enjoy your trip?
Ellie
Anonymous
Thanks for sharing this. I have not visited Memphis, just driven through. I am interested in all your stops and more.
Anonymous
Thank you Ellie for sharing about your excursion to Memphis. I do not take many trips at all. But when you go on a get away and share it here on your blog, THEN I can take a little time out and share some of your travel experiences, ideally enjoyed Memphis! Especially the ducks, but the pyramid was also amazing and the huge fish tank was wonderful! And I liked the pictures of you and Mr Handsome, 'knowing' the travellers makes the information much more special than just any generic travel journal pictures.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I'm very glad to hear this and am thrilled that you enjoy my travel pictures! Thank you for being a loyal reader.
Ellie
Anonymous
I hate spell change challenge, it seems to beat me every time! Even when I think I am being careful to catch and change back all it's spell changes!
Then just as my posts shrink away to be posted I get a chance to glimpse another change it snuck in, too late to correct it as it is already entering cyberspace!
Regina
I seem to have that problem on all my android devices. Drives me stark raving crazy!
Anonymous
No mention of Elvis Presley? So how young are you? Too young to remember Elvis I guess.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
We didn't have time to visit Graceland. I was not alive when Elvis passed away in 1977, but I have heard his music.
Ellie
Anonymous
I love your outfit! So cute!
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Well thank you! You're very kind. 🙂
Ellie