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Have you attended the Auto Zone Liberty Bowl? I try to cross off a college bowl game from my short bucket list each year. I researched the Liberty and Alamo Bowl, but money was the determining factor in my decision to fly to Memphis, Tennessee, instead of San Antonio, Texas. Shortly after I purchased my airline tickets, I learned the Kansas Jayhawks and Arkansas Razorbacks would play in the 2022 Auto Zone Liberty Bowl.
Southwest and HyattI checked FlightAware and the Southwest App before I drove to the airport. Yes, I was fortunate my one-hour flight delay resulted from a missing crew member and not a result of the Southwest meltdown. I flew out Tuesday, but the Auto Zone Liberty Bowl took place Wednesday, and I would fly back home Thursday. Although I had enough Hilton Honors points for a free stay, I selected the smaller and newer Caption by Hyatt Beale Street. No, the hotel is not on Beale Street. It was not until I researched Bowl Packages that I discovered the team hotels. If you attend a bowl game, pay close attention to your accommodations.
Even though I was assigned a room, the front desk clerk upgraded me to an accessible room with a river view. I loved the artwork in the bathroom because the drawings reflected places in the area. The room reminded me of a dorm but upscale. If you want to hang out, grab a coffee or cocktail and enjoy the comfortable seating in Talk Shop. There is also an outdoor area with a fire pit. You can walk to tourist attractions and restaurants nearby. We stayed away from Beale Street except to watch a parade featuring Liberty Bowl half-time participants.
I expected rideshare fares to surge. Even the cost to and from the game was less expensive with Lyft. I did not use Uber once while I was in Memphis. If you have not downloaded both apps, you should do it now. Be prepared to compare fares when you travel. I have not attended a college football game since Family and Friends Weekend at the University of Arizona. There was a lot of energy in the stadium. We sat with the Kansas Jayhawks. It did not matter who won to me. Both teams played well in the 64th Annual Liberty Bowl. Kansas cut their deficit to force overtime, but Arkansas won the game.
Global List of 23 Places to Go in 2023If you have not been to Memphis in a while, it is time to plan a trip. Conde Nast Traveler named Memphis to their global list of 23 places to go in 2023, but I could not wait. Because of the increase in tourists, there were long lines at the National Civil Rights Museum. There were also short waits at some restaurants. Try Kooky Canuck on Tuesdays, Rendezvous, popcorn at South of Beale (SOB), charcuterie at Silly Goose, and the French Toast at Arcade. I did not have a bad meal while I was in Memphis. Visit my website for ideas about using travel rewards to plan your next trip.
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