We were a bit sad to be moving on today. We really liked Memphis and could have spent longer here as there was so much to do. We couldn't fit in going to Stax Records, for example, and that was a bit of a shame.

The city was gearing up for Elvis week and there were plenty of folk dressed up their Fifties gear at breakfast that morning. We were deliberately avoiding that week as the hotel prices rocket and the city is heaving, so maybe it was a good time to move on.

We checked out and got on the road. First of all, we drove across the Mississippi so we could tick Arkansas off the list. Then we drove back again before heading south out of Memphis and down into Mississippi, on our way to Alabama.

It was a long drive through Mississippi to Corinth, but it was cool to tick off another state. We did have a moment of stress when I needed a comfort break and there was nowhere for (what seemed like) miles. Typical. When we spotted a little roadside diner, I leapt out of the car to go and use the facilities, as did the kids. Phew - the journey was a lot more comfortable after that. Sorry if that was TMI!

After Corinth, we headed into Alabama and the city of Sheffield, Alabama.



Cool as it was to spot an American Sheffield, our main reason for visiting was to tour the Muscle Shoals recording studio. Like Sun Studios, it's a fairly unassuming building and the staff were a little surprised to have visitors - especially from Sheffield, England.

We had a quick tour and learned about the history of the studio and the artists who had recorded there - most famously the Rolling Stones. The four musicians who owned the studio and played as the house band were known as The Swampers and if you know Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama", you will have heard the lines "Now Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers/And they've been known to pick a song or two."

After exploring the lounge area, and secret panelled bar where the Stones drank a glass or two . . . we got to see the studio itself. Like Sun Studios, it was quite a privilege to be where such iconic music was recorded. Paul got to play another guitar - I'm not sure he actually wanted to leave after that!



We also got to see the piano that was used for Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Freebird"



And the toilet where part of The Stones' "Wild Horses" was composed!



I guess inspiration can strike at any time!

We all really enjoyed our visit and were glad to have made the stop.



We also took a funky album cover photo.



After all the music history, we headed to Chick Fil A for lunch, where we got a picture of one of their cow posters, which we really like.



Then it was time to go to Huntsville, where we would be spending a couple of days with Paul's Uncle Geoff. We made a stop at a sports store, for Evan to get a t-shirt for the University of Alabama Football team - known as Crimson Tide. Geoff & family are big fans and Evan wanted to join in. Roll Tide!

We found the house quite easily and it was lovely to see Geoff and his wife Margi. Their grown up kids Alex and Andrew had made the journey back to Huntsville, from Washington and Atlanta respectively, and we were really touched that they had done that to come and see us.

It was a bit different to be staying in a house rather than a hotel, but very nice! It's a gorgeous house and we had a lovely evening chatting over drinks before going to a great Mexican restaurant. It was slightly nerve wracking for the kids as they didn't know them all that well, but everyone soon relaxed, and by the end of the evening, Evan was parked in Geoff's favourite recliner, watching the NFL and looking very much at home!

Another lovely day! I am not really a music person so many of the music references go over my head

Must have been nice to stay with Paul's relatives - a different pace!

Great day, more fascinating music history and lovely to see family .
We felt the same about memphis( I did anyway), could have done with one more day to fit in a few more things.

I had to laugh at you crossing the river to tick off another state... We did the same driving 20 minutes to get into Mississippi and take a state line sign pic ... But we missed it and so had to do it twice , too funny.

I love that you did it twice to get the pic! Memphis was fab and I would go back.

Great day , and I would do exactly the same crossing over the state line , I really am going to have to brush up on my music knowledge before we head over there next summer ( providing flight prices come down )

We got a good price going indirect via Toronto with Westjet - might be worth looking at.

Another amazing day.