Graceland

Walking in the King’s Footsteps: A Guide to Visiting Graceland

For fans of Elvis Presley, a pilgrimage to Graceland is a must. This iconic mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, was the legendary home of the King himself and offers a unique glimpse into his life and legacy.

Here’s your guide to making the most of your visit:

Where to Visit:

• Graceland Mansion: Tour the rooms where Elvis lived, worked, and entertained, including his music room, Jungle Room, and the famous Meditation Garden.
  • Rooms: The mansion tour takes you through the opulent interior and grounds, showcasing Elvis’s personal belongings and offering insights into his life at Graceland.
  • Music Room: See Elvis’s piano, gold records, and other artifacts that tell the story of his musical journey.
  • Graceland Exhibits: Explore the Graceland Archives and learn about the history of the mansion, Graceland’s iconic “Jungle Room,” and even the cars and airplanes he owned.

Experiences:

• See Elvis’s Home: Graceland Mansion offers a variety of tours to suit every interest level:

  • The Mansion Tour: This is the most popular tour, taking you through the main rooms of the house (including the Jungle Room!), showcasing Elvis’s personal belongings and the history of his music career.

• Experience the “Mansion Tours”: Explore the interior of Graceland, including:

  • The Living Room: See the original furniture and decor used by Elvis during his lifetime.
  • The Music Room: Where Elvis practiced with his bandmates and friends, this room is a treasure trove of music history!

• Visit the Graceland Exhibit: This tour takes you through the history of the King’s life, from his humble beginnings in Tupelo to his rise to stardom.

  • Immerse yourself in memorabilia: From his childhood toys to his stage costumes, you’ll see it all.

• Experience the Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex: Explore interactive exhibits, rare photographs, and even a chance to try on some of his iconic outfits!

Food & Drinks:

• The Arcade Restaurant: Enjoy a bite at the oldest cafe in the South (since 1919!), famous for its delicious diner fare and Elvis’s favorite peanut butter and banana sandwich.

• Cozy Corner: For a taste of classic Memphis barbecue, head to Cozy Corner and try their legendary ribs and barbecue sauce.

• Heartbreak Hotel: Experience the nostalgia at this iconic hotel on the grounds of Graceland.

• The Peabody Memphis: This historic hotel is known for its luxurious rooms and stunning rooftop views. You can also enjoy afternoon tea in its lobby, a popular activity among visitors.

Where to Stay (for those looking for a royal experience):

• The Guest House at Graceland: This upscale hotel offers a modern take on Southern hospitality while still honoring Elvis’s legacy. Enjoy themed rooms and suites, delicious food, and stunning views of the mansion and grounds.

• Other Hotels Near Graceland: For a more budget-friendly option, explore the many hotels in the Memphis area near Graceland, such as:

  • Graceland RV Park & Campground: (If you’re traveling with an RV) Offers a convenient base for exploring the Graceland experience, with amenities and activities catered to fans.
  • The River Inn of Memphis: A luxurious hotel with a focus on Southern hospitality.

Food & Drinks:

• Graceland’s “Heartbreak Hotel”: Enjoy delicious diner-style food at the “King’s Diner” located in the Elvis Presley’s Memphis complex.

• Explore the Beale Street Scene:

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Beale Street and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, bars or clubs while you’re there.

Food & Drink Options:

* **Beale Street:** Known for its blues music and diverse culinary offerings, Beale Street is a must-visit. From soul food to barbecue and live music venues, there's something for everyone.
* **Restaurants:** Enjoy authentic Memphis cuisine with options like:
    * **Blues City Cafe:** For a classic Memphis experience.

Food & Drink Recommendations:

• Blues City Cafe: Grab a plate of “Soul Food” favorites at this popular Beale Street eatery, or indulge in the Elvis-themed “Peanut Butter and Banana Burger.”

• The Rendezvous: This iconic Memphis restaurant is known for its delicious dry-rub ribs.

• Other Restaurants:

  • Gibson’s Donuts: A local institution, Gibson’s offers a variety of fresh-made donuts.

  • The Guest House at Graceland: Enjoy the elegance of the King’s home in the comfort of this historic hotel.

  • Cozy Corner: (For those on a budget) This eatery is famous for its classic Memphis barbecue experience.

Other Things to Do:

* **Visit the National Civil Rights Museum:** Located at the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, this museum offers a unique perspective on the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement.
* **Explore Graceland's Exhibits:**

Take a deep dive into the history of Elvis with exhibits dedicated to his music career, personal life, stage costumes and vehicles, and more.

* **Experience the Rhythm & Blues Music Scene:** Memphis is known for its musical heritage. Visit local venues on Beale Street or in the city's vibrant music scene to hear live blues music.
* **Take a tour of the Sun Studio:** This legendary studio was the birthplace of rock and roll, and is where Elvis recorded his first song.

• Enjoy a delicious meal: Grab a bite at one of the many restaurants along Beale Street.

Note: This is just a taste of the experiences you can have in Memphis. Be sure to do your research and plan for enough time to explore all that Graceland has to offer!

Where to Eat:

• Beale Street: Enjoy delicious barbecue, Southern fried chicken, and other local specialties at one of the restaurants on Beale Street.
• The Arcade Restaurant: This iconic eatery offers a taste of Memphis history with its classic diner fare.

Tips for Visiting:

• Book your tour in advance:

Graceland is a popular destination, so booking your tickets online before visiting can help you avoid long queues and ensure entry to the exhibits.

• Allow plenty of time: There’s a lot to see at Graceland, including the mansion, the cars, and the airplanes. You’ll want to spend at least 2-3 hours to see everything.

Where to Eat:

• The Guest House at Graceland: Enjoy delicious Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
• Blues City Cafe: Try their famous “peanut butter and banana sandwich” for a taste of Elvis’s favorite snack.
• Beale Street: Explore the restaurants on Beale Street, like The Rendezvous (known for its legendary ribs) or the Peabody Memphis for a classic dining experience.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and delicious food options at The Peabody Ducks, a unique restaurant with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

• Check the schedule: Allow time for more than just the mansion tour. Consider visiting Graceland’s “Heartbreak Hotel,” which offers exhibits that showcase Elvis’s life and career.

Other Tips:

• Plan your visit: Decide which parts of Graceland you want to see, such as the museum, the car museum, or Elvis’s airplanes.
• Book tickets in advance: This will help you avoid crowds and get the best price.
• Allow for travel time: Depending on traffic, it may take longer than expected to reach certain parts of Graceland.

Be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Allow ample time:

The “King’s Mansion” tour is a popular attraction at Graceland, so book your tickets early.

• Enjoy the grounds: Explore the gardens and grounds of Graceland, which are beautifully landscaped and offer a peaceful escape from the city.
• Dining options:

While there are many restaurants in Memphis, the “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” museum offers dining options with a royal twist.

Other Tips:

• Plan your visit:

Research the different tour options at Graceland: the mansion, the planes, and the car museum.

• Respect the rules: Remember to follow all of the rules for visiting the Graceland mansion, such as using headphones for the audio tour and not touching any artifacts.**

Remember these tips:

• No flash photography is allowed inside the “Elvis’s Memphis” exhibits.

• Be sure to book your tickets in advance, especially for the “Mansion Tour”.

• Allow time for a meal: The “King’s Diner” and other restaurants at Graceland are worth experiencing, but you can also enjoy a meal outside the museum.

Consider these tips:

• Bring snacks: There are limited food options available on the grounds, so it’s best to bring your own snacks or snacks for a break from the “Graceland Experience”
• Plan for transportation: The airport is located at 2495 Airways Blvd.
• Stay hydrated: Carry a water bottle with you, especially if you are visiting in the summer months.

Remember these tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking during your visit.

• Consider a “hotel” stay: If you want to experience everything Memphis has to offer and don’t want to drive back and forth, book a room at the “Peabody Hotel” in advance for convenience.

• Allow enough time: Stay flexible with your schedule as you explore Graceland.

• Enjoy a “Graceland” experience:

Remember these tips:

• Book tickets in advance: This ensures you get a spot on the tour and can avoid long lines.
• Plan for travel time: Allow plenty of time for travel, as traffic may be heavy near the entrance.

Consider visiting Graceland during the day: This way, you can enjoy the full experience of the mansion and the exhibits.

• Be patient:

Lines at the “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” hotel can be long, especially if it is a busy time.

• Enjoy the history: The “Graceland” website offers information on the various tours and attractions available.