Memphis has Gone to the Ducks

Posted on by Stephen Edwards

Memphis, Tennessee

The Peabody is arguably one of the best hotels in the southern United States, but it offers a unique ceremony twice a day, where the hotel turns its lobby over to the ducks.

The Peabody Hotel has been a Memphis staple in its current location at Union Avenue and Second Street since 1925.

The winged waterfowl has a place of honor at the Peabody. Initially, ducks showed up in the hotel fountain in the 1930s as a prank. The hotel manager put their live duck decoys in the fountain. The patrons were immediately enamored with the ducks, and a new tradition was born that gave the Peabody international fame.

The ducks are the stars of the lobby, and while they may be well pampered, they are still ducks and like to swim and play. Be careful not to slip on the floor if you drop by for a visit.

Today, the tradition continues with a parade to the fountain at 11:00 AM and another parade from the fountain at 5:00 PM. The ducks even have their own rooms on the roof of the hotel. You do not have to be a hotel guest to participate in the festivities. The show is open to anyone who is in the lobby at the right time. Be sure to arrive early to secure a good seat and sit back to enjoy this Memphian tradition.

Simon is enjoying the ducks. What was once a practical joke has turned into the signature feature of the Peabody Hotel, its international calling card for tourists from around the globe. On this visit, we did not watch the parade, but were glad to be able to interact with the ducks in the lobby.

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