As a college student studying hotel & resort management, Tennessee native Anthony Petrina didn’t have any idea that he would one day be herding a small flock of ducks up and down The Peabody Memphis red carpet. After college, the University of Memphis graduate enjoyed working the hotel’s restaurant scene. But like any motivated employee, he spread his wings and took on a new level of responsibility as Duckmaster at The Peabody Memphis. I was able to chat with Petrina recently about his role as Duckmaster when I was writing my hotel review of The Peabody Memphis.
The Peabody Memphis Duckmaster
What exactly is the job description of The Peabody Duckmaster? “I’m in charge of the care and protection of The Peabody Ducks, an 80 year old Southern tradition hosted her at the hotel,” notes Petrina with a deep sense of pride.
With only four Peabody Duckmaster’s having come before him since the title originated in the 1940’s, Petrina is mindful of the history his job entails.
Peabody Memphis luxury hotel
Built in 1925, The Peabody Memphis is a four-star hotel located in Tennessee. Not only is The Peabody on the National Register of Historic Places, this Historic Hotel is home to more balls and formal gatherings than most places in Tennessee. During my Saturday night stay, the “South’s Grand Hotel” lobby was buzzing with activity while ladies and gentlemen, dressed in formal attire, waltzed in and out of one of several ballrooms located on the mezzanine.
Peabody Memphis deluxe hotel rooms & suites
This was my first time visiting Memphis, Tennessee, so I’m glad we splurged on The Peabody. The location of the hotel, in downtown Memphis, was great for walking to shops and restaurants. I wish we had time to enjoy the indoor swimming pool or take advantage of the legendary Sunday brunch at The Peabody, but we were only here for a one night stay after returning from our visit to Oxford, Mississippi. Our son will be attending the University of Mississippi, so we will no doubt be returning to Memphis.
As we were traveling with our teenager, we selected the deluxe double room, one of 464 smoke-free deluxe guest rooms in the hotel. There are also junior suites and pet-friendly hotel rooms at The Peabody. All rooms come with a desk, chair and work station, 42″ flat screen tv and high-speed wireless internet. I took advantage of the complimentary overnight shoeshine service offered to hotel guests and we have no regrets ordering the homemade cookies and milk that we had delivered to our hotel room.
Duck-friendly Peabody Memphis
As University of Oregon graduates, my husband and I quacked up at all of the duck-themed items in The Peabody. Our U of Oregon mascot is Donald Duck, so I got a kick out of the duck shaped soap in our bathroom and the Peabody rubber duck in our hotel room, as well as the duck logos on the pool and bath towels. The Peabody silk scarf is gorgeous for the duck lover!
Insider Tip
For the history buffs, The Peabody Memphis offers a daily history tour (11:30-12:30) of the historic hotel led by the Duckmaster. The cost is currently $5.00 for hotel guests. The Duck March takes places daily at 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Check the website for details. For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter and follow @PeabodyMemphis.
What are your favorite things to see and do in Memphis, Tennessee?
If You Go:
The Peabody Memphis (901) 529-4000
149 Union Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Article written by, video and photos courtesy of Nancy D. Brown. I was offered a media rate at The Peabody Memphis. Deluxe double room rate $269 – check website for current pricing.