Brightening Someone’s Day: Anna Lee Burkle

Anna Lee Burkle

Tour Guide - Sharin’ the South

Local tour guide Anna Lee Burkle delights hundreds of visitors to the city on ride-along River Boat and private tours of which she is the consummate professional. As a host on the Sharin’ the South Tour, she offers interesting details, tells personal stories, and gives guests a greater view of Memphis when experiencing one of her tours. She's a wealth of information and does an exceptional job representing the city of Memphis in all aspects of her presentations.

Is it any wonder that she’s the 2022 Annual Pick Awards Winner for Hosts? Meet the charming Anna Lee Burkle!

How long have you been in the hospitality industry?

Thirty-three years

What is your favorite part of the hospitality industry? 

Sharin’ the city of Memphis with other people.

What’s one positive memory of a guest experience that sticks out to you? 

I think my work with St. Jude. It’s been a long time, but I had a passenger tell me she once knew a little girl at St. Jude that the guest communicated with. She said, “I wonder what happened to her.” Well that little girl grew up and ended up working at St. Jude, and I was able to introduce the two of them. So that was really a blessing!

What are three things in Memphis you would recommend to visitors to eat or see while they are in town? 

Take a city tour so you can learn all about the city and know where to visit while you are here. Don’t pass up The Peabody, the most historic hotel in the United States; it's absolutely beautiful. Walk up and down Beale Street and enjoy yourself, because people here are really friendly and they will reach out to you. 

Can you give us any tips for success for anyone entering the hospitality industry as a career? 
Learn your history!

Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Anna Lee!