Bill Bannister's Underground Memphis

First of all I want to say thanks for inviting me into your car every afternoon for the ride home! I've always enjoyed being on the radio. And I’ve really enjoyed working on my Underground Memphis Blog. I’ve loved this city since the first time I set foot here 30 years ago. And even though I was born down river a few hundred miles, I knew I was home as soon as I set foot here. In my 26 plus years on the air at WRVR, Memphis has been very good to me. I’ve roamed the world, and there is no feeling like touching down back home in Memphis Tennessee. From the best water on the planet, to the Memphis girl I married, I’m simply crazy about this town!

You know, our city is rich with all sorts of wonderful eclectic places to eat, shop, or just hang out with friends. Places that are off the beaten path. Places you won't find in the tourist pages. Tucked away on little side streets and alleyways, in neighborhoods you may not think of when looking for fun things to do. Not just new places that I happen to find, but historic places that tell the rich and wonderful story of Memphis’ colorful past. These are the places we'll continue visiting in the coming weeks here on this blog. So come along with me and let's uncover the best of undiscovered Memphis!

If you have a unique or historical location in Memphis you would like Underground Memphis to visit, CLICK HERE and send us your submission.

Range USA

Today we visit one of my favorite spots in town, Range U.S.A at 2770 Whitten Road. Amanda and I are regular faces at the range, having trained there for our Tennessee handgun carry permits as well as our weekly practice sessions. CLICK HERE for more.

Prince Mongo

We've all heard about visitors from other worlds. Extra-terrestrials we call them. Well, today we have the priveledge of actually meeting one of those outer space beings. Those of you who have lived in Memphis for a while know that I'm speaking of the one and only Prince Mongo, 333 year old ambassador from the planet Zambodia, nine light years from Earth. Brace yourselves spirits. CLICK HERE to enter THE MONGO ZONE..........

The Fun Shop

Founded in 1935, The Fun Shop has been the leader in costume rentals and sales, jokes, and magical supplies for over 70 years. It’s the number one source in Memphis for everything Halloween, Theater, and well, just fun! CLICK HERE for more.

Carnival Food

Pronto Pups, Funnel Cakes, Polish Sausage, roasted corn, nachos and those big sinful burgers. Carnival Food brings back the wonderful memories of carnivals and fairs - served year-round! CLICK HERE to read more about this tasty corner of Memphis.

Caritas Village

Sometimes you have to go a bit off the beaten path to find the best kept secrets in Memphis, and sometimes you can find them in the unlikeliest of neighborhoods. That's what brought me to Binghamton to Meet Ms. Onie Johns and find out more about a place called Caritas Village. Caritas Village is housed in a former Masonic lodge at 2509 Harvard, and it's truly a remarkable place. CLICK HERE to read more.

Flag Center

Here on my blog I try to bring focus on the most unique parts of our city, and today we visit truly one of the most unique places in Memphis. It’s The Flag Center at 4550 Summer avenue. CLICK HERE for Underground Memphis visiting the Flag Center.

Sun Studio

Bill Bannister's Underground Memphis visits a place where legendary acts of rock and roll recorded hits, the one and only Sun Studio. Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and many others made this studio a second home. CLICK HERE and read about the studio and take a tour inside.

The Daisy Theater

Bill Bannister's Underground Memphis investigates The historic Daisy Theater on Beale Street and discovers the history of this downtown Memphis legend. If there is a birthplace of music, this is certainly one of the major cornerstones. CLICK HERE for the inside scoop on this amazing venue.

Sweden Kream

Bill Bannister visits Sweden Kream located at 1472 National in Berclair-Highland Heights. Considered one of the best places to get a burger in Memphis. CLICK HERE to read more.

Santa Claus

It’s that magical time of year when the whole world seems to change before our very eyes. Cold crisp winter nights filled with the twinkling of multi-colored lights, Christmas music in the air and houses everywhere filled with the delicious aromas of Holiday baking and the fresh pine scent of Christmas trees. CLICK HERE to read Bill Bannister's visit with Santa Claus.

Libertyland

Memories are all that remain of Libertyland. Underground Memphis was one of the last opportunities to enter the park, photograph, videotape and explore the now desolate space. CLICK HERE for more.

National Ornamental Metal Museum

Bill Bannister visit the National Ornamental Metal Museum which sits high on a bluff south of downtown Memphis. Day and night, barges steer through a wide bend of the Mississippi, while freight trains and Interstate 55 traffic rattle the steel truss bridges to and from Arkansas. CLICK HERE for the entire story on this hidden Memphis gem.

Four Way Grill

In this episode of Underground Memphis, Bill Bannister heads to the Four Way Grill to enjoy some of the cities best 'Southern' food - catfish, collard greens and fried okra to name a few dishes. CLICK HERE to find out more about this establishment.

CH Nash Museum at Chucalissa

Chucalissa is located in T.O. Fuller state park off Mitchell Road in South Memphis, and it’s one of the most fascinating things the city has to offer. Actually, it’s like a trip back in time that takes you back not just generations, but hundreds and hundreds of years. CLICK HERE for the story, history and images from Chucalissa.

Burkle House

Bill Bannister's goes truly underground visiting Burkle House, a key stop on the underground railroad. Known as Slave Haven, Burkle House provided refuge and hope for slaves as they struggled to work their way north and towards freedom. CLICK HERE for the story and images from Burkle House.

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