Memphis - Everything you've ever wanted (and some things you probably didn't)

A visit to Memphis wouldn't be complete without dropping in to see the only original shop left on Beale Street. It was opened in 1876 by one Abraham Schwab, and is still owned by the family. The slogan runs: "If you can't find it at A.Schwab's, you're probably better off without it." This can be disputed - I'm not totally convinced that you might not be better off without a few of the items it does stock. A viking helmet, or the world's largest collection of ornamental pigs, for instance. However, the world would be a poorer place without Schwab's, and it's an amazing place to drop in and eyeball. You can pick up some amazing souvenirs to take home, and the mezzanine level between sales floors - the "Beale Street Museum" - is full of a fantastic collection of old junk. My favourite thing is the machine that tells your fortune and your weight simultaneously. I like to think it ties the two together, for instance - "You weigh 350lb. Today you will get out of breath climbing the stairs."