I got the e-mail below from someone who plans to visit Memphis in the near future. I thought the answers to his questions might be useful to others, so I’m going to answer them here.
Due to cost we’ve decided to stay over the bridge in West Memphis. What parking garages do you recommend when we come Downtown?
Park in a garage that has an attendant 24 hours. Parking Can Be Fun, on Union between Front and Main, is a good one. Also, the three Peabody Place garages are good too. There’s one between Main and Second, next to the Flying Saucer; one between Second and Third, across from Peabody Place Mall; and one between Third and Fourth, next to Hooters.
I’ve heard stories about bums threatening to damage your car unless you pay them protection money. Is this common? I have Canadian plates, so it will be obvious we’re tourists.
I’m not saying this never happens, but I think it’s a lot less common than people talk about. There are a lot of bums who will try to wave you into metered spaces or free parking on city streets, then try to charge you. Some of them may even have parking credentials, which are most definitely fake. Do not pay anyone to park along a city street, and call 545-COPS if they try to charge you. However, if you refuse to pay them, I doubt they will try to damage your car, if you’ve parked along a well-lit, well-traveled street. Most likely they’ll just move on and try to park another car.
Of course, you’ll want to remove everything valuable from your vehicle before you park (this is true even if you park in a garage). Even small items like loose change, CDs, and sunglasses can get you a broken window.
If you’re concerned about the out-of-country plates, I’ll tell you a trick some of the locals use: You may want to consider leaving your doors unlocked. That defies common sense, but if they see your license plate, they may wonder what’s in the trunk and be willing to break into your car to find out. Better that they open the door rather than break a window to get to the trunk release. Again, this is much less of a problem if you park in an attended garage or on a well-lit, well-traveled street.
Or should I leave my car at the hotel and taxi around Memphis? How much would a cab from Downtown to West Memphis be?
I’ve never taken a taxi to West Memphis but I’d estimate the fare at $10-15 one way. A cab is not a bad idea – you won’t have to pay for parking and your car will be safe. Plus, if you consume any alcohol while out in Memphis, you won’t have to worry about a DUI (Tennessee) or DWI (Arkansas) on the way home.
Your hotel should be able to call you a cab from West Memphis.
Once you’re Downtown, it’s easy to find cabs on Second across from the Peabody, at Second and Beale, and at Third and Beale. If you don’t see them there call 323-3333 or 577-7777 to request one.
Is there a bus or similar transport from Memphis to West Memphis?
I don’t know of any kind of a public shuttle that runs between the two cities. However, your hotel may have a shuttle service that will take you into Memphis, and give you a ride back upon request. Ask about this when you check in.
Welcome to Memphis, by the way. Despite the safety warnings above, Downtown is statistically the safest part of the city, and also the friendliest and most fun. Look for the Blue Suede Brigade if you’re Downtown and have questions – these are the Center City Commission’s public ambassadors. They wear white safari hats, white shirts, and when it’s cool, blue jackets. They can answer any questions you have, and they can give you brochures, maps, and coupons. Also, if you come Downtown, stop by Kooky Canuck and ask if owner Shawn is around – he always loves to meet fellow Canadians.
Hope that helps!