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Graceland tours: the best options & what to expect.

Advice for making the most of your time at Elvis' famous home.

The Best Graceland Tours

Andrea Zucker | Courtesy of Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau

A visit to Graceland is a popular activity for both Elvis fans and Memphis tourists.

Note: Some tour providers on this list may be running more limited operations due to COVID-19 or may impose testing or vaccine requirements. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

When Elvis Presley was just 22 years old, he purchased Graceland – a 10,266-square-foot mansion that occupied a nearly 14-acre property in Memphis, Tennessee . After the singer's death in 1977, the executors of his estate found that the mansion's exorbitant operating costs proved difficult to maintain, so they decided to open Graceland for tours in 1982. Since then, more than 20 million people from around the world have visited the mansion – which now spans 17,552 square feet – and its surrounding Elvis-themed museums and shops. Read on to plan your Graceland visit.

What is Graceland?

• Where is Graceland located?

Is Graceland open for tours?

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Graceland is a 120-acre institution dedicated to the life and music of Elvis Presley. The main draw is the mansion, but there's more to see than Elvis' former abode. Visitors can stop by Elvis Presley's Memphis, a 200,000-square-foot museum and entertainment complex. This building houses the Presley Motors Automobile Museum and a series of exhibits, such as "Elvis' Tupelo," which explores Elvis' early life in his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi. The Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, which displays the entertainer's gold and platinum records, his famous jumpsuits and movie memorabilia, can also be found here. Tourists will also have access to 10 interactive exhibits and games. Located throughout the complex, the interactive features include quizzes, a simulated golf cart ride and photo booths that put travelers on Elvis' movie posters and album covers. Finally, the complex houses two restaurants, a coffee shop, an ice cream parlor and a soundstage where tourists can watch Elvis' movies and attend live music performances.

After you learn all about the King, check out the Graceland Exhibition Center. This 80,000-square-foot venue features a variety of rotating museum exhibits, covering a variety of subjects, including motorcycles, Muhammad Ali and Van Gogh. The complex also boasts a food court, a bar and a separate, rentable event space.

Where is Graceland located?  

Graceland   is located in the Whitehaven community of Memphis, nearly 3 miles west of Memphis International Airport and 10 miles south of downtown.

Yes, Graceland is open for tours.

The cost per person varies depending on which tour experience you choose. Expect to pay about $30 to $200 for children 10 and younger. Adults can expect to pay around $50 to $200 per person. Keep in mind: Higher ticket fees mean a premium experience complete with VIP access, keepsakes, meal vouchers and more.

There are multiple tour options for visiting Graceland.

• Elvis Presley's Memphis + Planes Tour : This is the basic tour option. It grants visitors access to Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex and the Elvis' Custom Jets exhibit, but does not include access to the mansion. Tickets for this tour start at $48 for adults, with discounts for children.
• Elvis Experience Tour : Tickets for this tour, which start at $77 per adult, include everything in the above tour, plus access to the mansion complete with an audio tour.
• Elvis Entourage VIP : The Elvis Entourage VIP tour includes everything in both the other tour options, plus skip-the-line access to the mansion, a VIP shuttle to the mansion, access to a special exhibit, and a keepsake pass. Tickets start at $128 per person.
• Ultimate VIP Tour : The Ultimate VIP Tour includes everything in the Elvis Entourage VIP, plus a guided tour of the mansion with an experienced guide, access to a VIP lounge, a meal voucher to an on-site restaurant, an archives show and tell, the chance to buy exclusive souvenirs and a photo-op. Tickets for this experience start at $196 per person; children 2 and younger tour for free.

The mansion tour will take about 90 minutes to complete. Those who decide to tour the rest of Graceland's offerings should budget at least 3 1/2 hours to explore.

Tourgoers can purchase tickets online or at the box office on-site. Tickets purchased online can be printed at home or downloaded on a smartphone (which saves time). You can also choose to pick up your tickets at will call; you must have a photo ID to pick them up. Patrons may also purchase a multiday ticket to access Elvis Presley's Memphis for an additional one, two or three days. Multiday tickets start at $17 per adult and can be purchased on-site only.

Tickets for exhibits at the Graceland Exhibition Center are not included in any Graceland tickets and require additional entrance fees. Tickets for those exhibits can be purchased on Graceland's website.

Which Graceland experience you choose largely depends on your fascination with the King. Graceland visitors mention that even non-Elvis fans will enjoy the tour and the up-close look at the entertainer's famous lifestyle. Visitors also appreciate the audio tour narrated by John Stamos. They recommend upgrading your tour to one of the VIP options, saying it is well worth the additional cost.

Graceland is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. (depending on the day of the week and time of year). It closes or has abbreviated hours on holidays. The last mansion tour begins at 4 or 5 p.m., depending on the day and time of year.

The best time to visit Graceland depends on what kind of experience you want. Travelers should check out Graceland's events calendar as the complex and its hotel, the Guest House at Graceland, host numerous weekend events, concerts and daytrips to Elvis' hometown throughout the year. Visitors in the mood for a festive atmosphere will want to book a trip in late November, December or early January to see the estate's holiday lights display and decorations.

Andrea Zucker | Courtesy of Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Visit the mansion after 2 p.m. to enjoy fewer crowds and shorter wait times, as this is the slowest time of day. (Multiple travelers note long wait times when arriving before this time). Check Graceland's website for exact opening times; there are certain days and holidays where hours vary.
• You're welcome to bring cameras, but flash photography is not permitted.
• Video cameras cannot be brought into the mansion, attractions or gift shops.
• Note that two rooms in the basement of the mansion and the airplanes are not wheelchair accessible.
• Bring a permanent marker to sign the famous Graceland wall before you leave.

Patrons can reach Graceland by car. On-site parking costs $10. The lot is located next to Elvis Presley's Memphis and the ticket booth. The only way to get to the mansion itself is by shuttle, which is included in your ticket price. The shuttle pickup is across from the ticketing pavilion.

There are also a few public transportation options. The Memphis Hop, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, makes stops every hour at several attractions in the city, including Graceland. This bus generally runs Wednesday through Saturday (it may not operate on Fridays during select months), and tickets cost approximately $35 for adults and $25 for children ages 4 to 12. Memphis Area Transit Authority No. 42 bus route stops close to Graceland.

Nashville sits about 215 miles northeast of Graceland (an approximately 3 1/2-hour drive).

Yes. You'll find options for tours from Nashville (and more) below:

• Gray Line Tennessee:  Nashville to Memphis with Skip-The-Line Graceland VIP Tour & Sun Studio. View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide  
• Graceland:  Elvis Presley's Childhood Home with Lunch & Transportation from Memphis. View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide  
• Memphis Best Tours:  Memphis City Tour with Admission to One Memphis Attraction.  View & Book Tickets »
• Blues City Tours: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour. View & Book Tickets »

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Memphis Tours
• The Best Nashville Tours
• The Best Whitewater Rafting in Tennessee
• The Top Things to Do in Tennessee
• The Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

Tags: Elvis Presley , Tennessee , Tours , Vacations , Travel , Tennessee Vacations , US Vacations , Southeast Vacations

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Top ways to experience Graceland and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

Graceland - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.23 mi) The Guest House at Graceland
• (0.20 mi) Days Inn by Wyndham Memphis at Graceland
• (0.35 mi) Memphis-Graceland RV Park & Campground
• (0.45 mi) Memorylane Inn & Suites
• (0.71 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Memphis Arpt Elvis Presley Blvd, An IHG Hotel
• (0.07 mi) Vernon's Smokehouse
• (0.07 mi) Minnie Mae's Sweets
• (0.14 mi) B J's Buffalo Style Hot Wings
• (0.24 mi) EP's Bar and Grill
• (0.22 mi) Vernon's Smokehouse
• (6.52 mi) Sun Studio
• (6.36 mi) Memphis Escape Rooms
• (6.73 mi) Tastin' 'Round Town
• (4.89 mi) Stax Museum of American Soul Music
• (7.29 mi) A Tour of Possibilities

A Travel Guide for Visiting Graceland on a Budget

 Taylor McIntyre/TripSavvy

Graceland, the legendary home of Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee, is viewed by some as a solemn experience, while others are motivated by amusement or curiosity. Whatever your reason for visiting, no one can deny that a stopover is a unique experience that attracts people from around the world. Fortunately, a value-packed Graceland tour can be done with some advance planning.

Admission Costs

Knowing what you'd like to see at Graceland can help you save money on tickets. Different tour packages cater to different visitors, from the history buff who's a casual Elvis admirer to the full-blown Elvis fanatic.

Basic admission (starting at $41) covers the Mansion Only Tour, which is audio-guided. The Elvis Experience Tour includes exhibits of his wardrobe, automobiles, gold records, and other features. An Elvis Entourage VIP ticket adds front-of-the-line admission privileges and access to the Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex museums and exhibits. An airplanes tour can be added on to those three ticket options for an additional cost. The most extensive and pricey selection is the Ultimate VIP tour, which includes everything the other tours offer plus a meal voucher, access to the Ultimate Lounge, a Graceland archives session, and more.

Children under 6 are free on all tours except for the Ultimate VIP Tour, though that has no charge for kids under age 2. Although there's a small fee, online orders could spare you long waits in line, allowing you to pick up tickets at will-call and be ready for your Graceland experience.

Money-Saving Tips

A few tricks can help you save at Graceland, whether you are in Memphis just for Elvis or simply want to stop by and pay your respects.

If Graceland is your main focus, you might want to consider becoming a member, which can help you cut back on costs if you are a frequent visitor .

If you'd like to visit the graves of Elvis and his family, walk up to the Meditation Garden at Graceland for free between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. (except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). And you can always pull off Elvis Presley Boulevard and take a selfie outside the famous mansion.

Big Elvis fans will come here just for Graceland, but for most people, it is a half-day adventure at best. Regardless, look at some of the other attractions in the area and make your trip to the city memorable. One good stop is to Sun Records, where Elvis cut his first demo record . According to legend, they asked Elvis which artist he sounded like, and he answered: "I don't sound like nobody." Soon enough, they discovered a new sound that swept the nation at this unassuming Sun Studio at 706 Union Ave.

See more Memphis music highlights using the free hourly shuttle running daily on a first come first served basis. The shuttle travels between Graceland, Heartbreak Hotel across the street, Sun Studio, and Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. If you stay downtown, you can start out at Memphis Rock 'n' Soul and visit both Sun Studios and Graceland without spending on gas or parking.

Rock 'n' Soul also offers a discount on a Backstage Pass, which includes admissions to Graceland, Sun Studio, Stax Museum, and the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.

When to Visit

The peak time for visitors is the annual Elvis Week in early- to mid-August when there are scores of special events such as concerts, movie screenings, and an Elvis Expo (off-property in downtown Memphis) of memorabilia. Reservations during this time are highly recommended, as individual events sell out months in advance.

For less stress and more value, go on a weekday and avoid times when school is not in session. The two busiest times are the August "Elvis Week" and January 8, which was Elvis' birthday.

Travel Arrangements

As you search for flights and Memphis hotel rooms, consider Graceland's location only 4 miles from Memphis International Airport (MEM). Although it's close to the airport, don't try to see the mansion on a layover. Traffic can be intense and waits at Graceland are often long. Security lines at MEM can become busy when travelers on business or holiday trips show up at the airport. Cabs are available to and from the airport.

Staying at The Guest House at Graceland is one option with discounts including admission to Graceland, seeing landmarks, and other Elvis-related events. Also, the Graceland RV Park and Campground is a less-expensive way to camp out within walking distance to Graceland and enjoy bike trails.

Hotels in the area around Graceland can be run-down or expensive. But the proximity to I-55 means you can reach a bargain room in another part of the city fairly quickly (unless it's rush hour). Some chain offerings are good values in the Bartlett area and just across the state line in Mississippi.

How Tours Work

The mansion and the visitor pavilion/parking complex sit on opposite sides of Elvis Presley Boulevard. Transportation across the street to the grounds and a headset enabling a self-guided tour of the property are included in the admission fee. The additional options available with the higher-priced tickets are on the pavilion-side of the boulevard: the jumpsuit, automobile, and airplane exhibits. You will be reminded at every turn that security cameras are watching you and that indoor flash photography is prohibited. The second floor of the mansion is off-limits; these rooms were Elvis' private quarters.

This is not the most elegant nor largest mansion you will ever see. You may be struck by the relative simplicity of Elvis' life, given his status as a world celebrity. Check out the "Jungle Room," furnished with outlandish carpeting, furniture, and kitsch, and the simple swing set he set up for his daughter Lisa Marie in the backyard. Everything here was left largely the way it looked at the time of Elvis' death in 1977.

Basic Information

Hours of operation vary by season, with longer hours during the summer months. It's possible to rent sections of the facility for private parties, and some people even get married here.

Elsewhere in Memphis

Memphis is known for more than Graceland. If you are staying downtown and using the free shuttle between Graceland and other attractions, you can maximize your time and money and have some other worthwhile visits. Highly recommended: the  National Civil Rights Museum , on the site of the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

A lesser-known but fascinating attraction is a five-block-long scale model of the lower Mississippi River at  Mud Island River Park , which is connected to downtown by a sky bridge. Anyone with a love of travel or geography will enjoy this site.

Downtown Memphis is home to Beale Street , which bills itself as the "home of blues and the birthplace of rock n' roll" and has two blocks of places to enjoy Memphis barbecue or live music. 

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• Bus Vehicle Type: Coach
• Hour Glass Duration: 15 hours
• Map Marker Points of Interest: Graceland Mansion, Sam Phillips' Sun Studios, Peabody Hotel, & more
• Wheelchair Accessibility: ADA-compliant vehicles are available for most tours if you provide us with a 48-hour notice. After scheduling your tour, please contact our Dispatch Office at (615) 883-5555 to confirm availability.

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Visit Memphis, South

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Flanked by the curving Mississippi River in Tennessee's far southwest, Memphis certainly has its fair share of culture and history. This was the place where Martin Luther King was assassinated in the turbulent days of the Civil Rights Movement, the city where Elvis made his home within the elegant walls of Graceland, and where American soul and blues music rose to prominence.

Visiting today gives you a tangible insight into Memphis's past. Learn about black empowerment at the National Civil Rights Museum, explore Graceland, picturing Elvis at home during the peak of his fame, or stroll down Beale Street, where the sound of blues music and aroma of smoky barbecue sauce spills out of bars and restaurants.

Memphis represents to me the true mantra of the South: good food, good people and good music. It's only through visiting and spending some time soaking up the culture that you can really appreciate this small yet vibrant city.

Things to see and do in Memphis

Explore the city’s past at the national civil rights museum.

A visit to the National Civil Rights Museum gives you a good grounding in Memphis's past in relation to the American Civil Rights Movement of the mid-20th century. The museum is poignantly housed in the Lorraine Motel — the site of Martin Luther King's assassination on 4th April 1968.

Inside, you can explore exhibits and interactive media displays that provide background to the movement. Themes include the African slave trade, campaigns and protests for black rights that took place over a number of years, the personal stories of those affected by the South's changing times, and the actions of Martin Luther King.

Take a tour of Graceland

We can arrange Platinum Tour tickets for access to further exhibits, including Elvis's collection of automobiles and a display about the photographers who worked with Elvis on many photo shoots. These tickets also allow you access to the Tupelo exhibit at Graceland Crossing (a 145 km [90 mile] drive away), where you can learn about Elvis's early years.

Stroll down vibrant Beale Street

Beale Street is considered the birthplace of the blues. Classed as a National Historic Landmark, its musical heritage dates back to the 1920s, when musicians flocked to Memphis to experience the street's carnival atmosphere.

Over the years, bars and clubs opened up along the street, attracting the likes of Louis Armstrong, B.B. King, Rufus Thomas and Muddy Waters, who crafted and experimented with this new musical genre — a blend of rock 'n' roll and jazz.

Today, you can take a self-guided tour of Beale Street, armed with a map and an audio guide, to tell you more about its history and architecture. As you walk along the cobblestones, music drifts from the bars and the smell of smoky barbecue sauce wafts from the restaurants.

Dine on ribs and listen to live music at Blues City Café

While on Beale Street, you're spoiled for choice when finding somewhere to eat. We recommend Blues City Café, where huge racks of ribs are rubbed in the café's top-secret seasoning then hickory smoked and basted with maple barbecue sauce before being slow-cooked and served with baked beans, fries, coleslaw and Texas toast (double-thick bread for mopping up extra sauce).

After dining, you can head next door to the café's live music room, the Band Box. World-famous musicians have played here in the past, from B.B. King and Rufus Thomas to Queen Latifah, R. Kelly and Jack White. Alternatively, wander further down Beale Street and sample some of its many other bars and clubs — we particularly like B.B. King's Blues Club, where live musical acts perform every evening.

Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Between 1959 and 1974, Stax Records produced a string of popular American soul hits, including Otis Redding's (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay, Rufus Thomas's Do the Funky Chicken, and Theme from Shaft by Isaac Hayes.

The record label was situated in an old cinema just outside downtown Memphis, which is where the Stax Museum of American Soul Music is now housed. The museum pays homage to the recording artists who found their fame through the record label, many of whom were from the local area.

Short films document the rise of American soul music and renowned musicians associated with it. You can admire the museum's extensive collection of memorabilia, including recording equipment, vinyl records, and Isaac Hayes' 1972 Cadillac Eldorado. There's even a dance floor where you can move to the rhythm of well-known hits.

Watch the duck parade at the Peabody Hotel

Today, the hotel keeps five mallards that live in luxury on the top floor. Every day at 11am they descend from their 'duck palace' to the fountain in the lobby, waddling along a red carpet in front of amused guests and visitors. The ritual is reversed at 5pm as the ducks return to their rooftop fountain for the night. Each team of ducks only lives at the hotel for three months before retiring to the local farm where they're raised. The hotel also avoids serving duck in its French restaurant.

Best time to visit Memphis

The best time to visit is either during the spring (May to early June) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant without being too hot and humid or too cold and stormy. May is an excellent time to go if you'd like to experience many of the city's festivals, while Elvis fans will feel at home visiting during August's Elvis Week.

Festivals, events and seasonal reasons to visit

• The annual Memphis in May International Festival encompasses several different events celebrating music, food and culture. This includes the three-day Beale Street Music Festival, which features an extensive line-up of well-known musicians performing soul, blues and rock 'n' roll; the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, where teams compete for cash prizes by grilling the best food; and International Week, which celebrates a different country each year, showcasing its food and cultural traditions.
• From mid-November to the end of December, Graceland is decorated inside and out with festive lights and decorations, some of which were used by Elvis himself.
• Held in August, Elvis Week sees hundreds of fans from far and wide gather in Memphis to celebrate the life and legacy of Elvis with parties, contests, concerts and dances, as well as a mass candlelit vigil at Graceland.

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Start planning your trip to Memphis

Map of memphis, places & hotels on the map, places near memphis.

• Clarksdale 73 miles away
• Tupelo 99 miles away
• Nashville 197 miles away
• Vicksburg 200 miles away
• Birmingham 217 miles away
• Springfield, Missouri 231 miles away
• St. Louis 241 miles away
• Natchez 261 miles away
• Montgomery 289 miles away

Photos of Memphis

Accommodation choices for Memphis

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Memphis. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

River Inn of Harbor Town

The Peabody

Comfort Inn Downtown

Ideas for experiencing memphis.

Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Memphis, and which use the best local guides.

Graceland Platinum Tour

Walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland Mansion.

Top ways to experience Graceland and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

GRACELAND: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.23 mi) The Guest House at Graceland
• (0.20 mi) Days Inn by Wyndham Memphis at Graceland
• (0.35 mi) Memphis-Graceland RV Park & Campground
• (0.45 mi) Memorylane Inn & Suites
• (0.71 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Memphis Arpt Elvis Presley Blvd, An IHG Hotel
• (0.07 mi) Vernon's Smokehouse
• (0.07 mi) Minnie Mae's Sweets
• (0.14 mi) B J's Buffalo Style Hot Wings
• (0.24 mi) EP's Bar and Grill
• (0.22 mi) Vernon's Smokehouse
• (6.52 mi) Sun Studio
• (6.36 mi) Memphis Escape Rooms
• (6.73 mi) Tastin' 'Round Town
• (4.89 mi) Stax Museum of American Soul Music
• (7.29 mi) A Tour of Possibilities

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Graceland’s Must-See Locations Include:

The tour of Graceland Mansion includes the living room, his parents’ bedroom, the kitchen, TV room, pool room, the famous Jungle Room, his father’s office, and more.

MORE ABOUT GRACELAND MANSION >

A state-of-the-art entertainment and exhibit complex over 200,000-square-feet in size, “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” enables you to follow the life path that Elvis took.

ABOUT ELVIS PRESLEY’S MEMPHIS >

Step aboard Elvis’ customized airplanes to see how he traveled in luxury and take a glimpse at the Lisa Marie and Elvis’ smaller Lockheed Jetstar, the Hound Dog II.

MORE ABOUT ELVIS’ AIRPLANES >

Rooms & Suites

Events & concerts, special offers, photo gallery.

3600 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116, USA 901.443.3000 | Reservations: 800.238.2000 or 901.443.3000 | Group Sales: 901.473.6084 GRACELAND.COM | Press Room | Employment | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Web Accessibility

9 Impressive Things to Do in Memphis, TN

I visited Memphis numerous times for Graceland but was excited to explore more of this vibrant city. My husband and I took a memorable day trip from our RV park in Tunica, MS, immersing ourselves in the local culture, savoring delectable cuisine, visiting historic Civil Rights sites, and shopping where The King once did. Here are 9 impressive things to do in Memphis, Tennessee, that we enjoyed and hope you will, too.

Table of Contents

1. tour graceland, 2. shop at the clothier to the king, 3. visit a national civil rights site, 4. have a fabulous sunday brunch, 5. see a show at the orpheum theatre, 6. stroll beale street, 7. find the historic markers and colorful murals, 8. see the ducks at the peabody hotel, 9. see a sporting event.

Memphis is home to Graceland , the sole residence of Elvis Presley . Preserved with care, this modest abode remains brimming with the King’s personal belongings, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe. The expansive tour of Graceland unveils room after room of remarkable memorabilia, including gold and platinum records, striking jumpsuits, and artifacts from Elvis’s iconic concerts and films.

Not to be missed is the Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, now housed in what was once the awards room. The Jungle Room, adorned with green shag carpeting and a Polynesian flair, is a delightful detour.

Additionally, visitors can glimpse “Lisa Marie,” the aircraft named after Elvis’s cherished daughter, and the Meditation Garden where Elvis and his family (including Lisa Marie) are interred.

During our visit to Memphis, we were excited to stumble upon the renowned  Lansky Brothers  store at the Peabody Hotel. As the preferred clothier to the King himself, the Lansky Brothers crafted numerous iconic and glamorous outfits for him. As I marveled at the guitars and memorabilia adorning the walls, I couldn’t help but admire their fashionable apparel. 

Established in 1946, Lansky Brothers has remained a fixture in Memphis, offering stylish attire for men and women for over 75 years. Their merchandise caters to customers of all budgets with a diverse range of options. I scored a fantastic new pair of sneakers and some potential Christmas gifts during my visit.

I was emotionally overcome when I reached downtown Memphis and set foot on the National Civil Rights Museum site. The site where Dr. Martin Luther King’s life was tragically taken on April 4th, 1968, holds immense power and significance.

The meticulously preserved Lorraine Motel and its surroundings are staged to resemble that fateful day, which creates an awe-inspiring scene. Inside the  National Civil Rights Museum , you can explore the historic buildings and the museum with an $18 ticket ($15 for ages 5 to 17). Visitors can purchase timed tickets online or take their chances by walking up to the museum entrance. 

Plan to spend about 90 minutes here as the museum presents compelling stories of African Americans who faced and fought against discrimination. Please be aware that the content may be sensitive to some individuals. This museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and is closed on Tuesdays.

FYI : Free parking is available for museum guests. Enter the lot by turning north on Mulberry Street from G.E. Patterson Avenue.

I carefully review menus when visiting new places, seeking the best local and tourist food experiences. So, you can imagine my excitement when we snagged a Sunday brunch reservation at  Automatic Slim’s , a fantastic restaurant downtown. 

This spot boasts a killer menu and fun decor. Automatic Slim’s was my top choice for dining in Memphis, and landing a Sunday brunch reservation there in the South felt like pure luck.

Both my husband and I love Benedicts, so naturally, we gravitated towards that section of the menu. He ordered the Crab Cake Benedict, and I opted for the BBQ Brisket Benedict—a dish I hadn’t seen anywhere before. The tender and flavorful brisket arrived on an open-faced biscuit, topped with perfectly poached eggs and BBQ hollandaise. While a touch more hollandaise would have been perfect, the taste was impeccable. I savored every single bite.

If Benedicts aren’t your thing, Automatic Slim’s offers frittatas, casseroles, chicken and waffles, and various delicious pancake and waffle combinations.

The  Orpheum Theatre  in Memphis, Tennessee, is a renowned performing arts venue. With 2,308 seats, it presents a diverse lineup of off-Broadway shows, musicals, dramas, dance performances, movies, and special events. As an iconic landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater boasts a striking appearance, especially at night when its neon Orpheum sign illuminates the town. 

Once acclaimed as one of the most beautiful theaters beyond New York City, it continues to enchant visitors. The remarkable decor, crystal chandeliers, gilded molding, and exquisite draperies will leave visitors in awe. And don’t miss the mighty Wurlitzer organ that still graces this magnificent theater.

Upcoming performances at the Orpheum in 2023-24 include “Six,” “Bluey’s Big Play,” “Beetlejuice,” “Wicked,” “The Nutcracker,” and “Les Miserables.”

Beale Street, a National Historic Landmark in Memphis, is a legendary attraction famous for its live music, vibrant nightlife, and mouthwatering BBQ. This pedestrian-only area, known as the “Home of the Blues,” offers countless activities and sights for visitors.

As you wander the streets, you’ll find a few shops, some filled with Western wear and quirky souvenirs, while others offer high-quality merchandise. Two of my favorites are Memphis Music, where you can find vinyl records and music-themed purses, and A. Schwab, an iconic general store established in 1876. This charming spot provides fabulous t-shirts and collectible items. It features a small museum on the second floor and a delightful ice cream parlor on the first floor, serving gelato.

Keep an eye out for the talented street performers that add to the vibrant atmosphere of this legendary street. Of course, a trip to Beale Street wouldn’t be complete without indulging in its delectable cuisine. Whether you prefer BB King’s Blues Club, Dyer’s Burgers, Hard Rock Cafe, or Blues City Cafe, you’ll find these and many more dining options.

Please note that to access Beale Street after 11 PM, you must be 21 years old and carry a valid ID.

Memphis boasts an impressive collection of historical markers, murals, and sculptures that enhance its renowned landscape. Handy Park is where you can find the W.C. Handy sculpture and the park’s frequent free performances. The hand-painted guitars throughout the city feature captivating artwork and tribute to beloved musicians.

Among these are twenty giant replicas of B.B. King’s iconic “Lucille” style guitars, featured in the Gibson GuitarTown Public Art Display. Each marker tells a unique story, often accompanied by famous quotes. The vibrant murals throughout the city never fail to brighten one’s day.

Don’t miss the opportunity to capture selfies in front of these incredible, original art pieces—a lasting reminder of your journey and a delightful addition to your social media feed.

The Peabody Ducks, a cherished Memphis tradition, captivate young and old as they showcase their magic. This century-old performance takes place daily in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel , where the ducks, guided by a red carpet, make their way to the exquisite Italian travertine marble fountain.

This iconic scene boasts not only the splashing and bathing of the ducks, but also presents a stunning display of historical architecture in the hotel lobby. Curious about the ducks’ leisure time? The Royal Duck Palace on the hotel rooftop offers a 12×24 foot glass and marble enclosure with cooling ceiling fans and granite floors.

An expansive window lets guests glimpse these feathered stars during their well-deserved breaks.

The Peabody is a proud  Historic Hotels of America  member, further highlighting the significance of preserving our architectural heritage.

I was thrilled when my daughters saw a Memphis Redbirds game with their grandparents some 20 years ago. It’s incredible how the team continues to captivate fans.

The Redbirds are a Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the  St. Louis  Cardinals, playing in the Triple-A East league. Their games occur at AutoZone Park, the priciest minor league venue in the nation, with a seating capacity of 10,000. 

Another fantastic sporting event to attend is a Memphis Grizzlies game held at FedExForum. The Grizzlies, an NBA team, relocated from Vancouver to Memphis in 2001 and have made ten playoff appearances. Notable players include Pau Gasol and Zach Randolph.

Read about more road trips in Tennessee:

A Road Trip to Bristol

Best Restaurants in Sevierville

Fun Things to Do and See in Johnson City

HBO's Stax documentary to have Memphis sneak preview. Here's how you can check it out.

"STAX: Soulsville U.S.A.," an eagerly awaited HBO documentary series chronicling the rise, fall and legacy of the world-shaking Memphis music company that showcased Otis Redding, Carla Thomas and Isaac Hayes, will have a public sneak-preview-style screening at 7 p.m. Friday, May 17, at the Crosstown Theater.

Brooklyn-based filmmaker Jamila Wignot, director of the series, will be at Crosstown to participate in a question-and-answer session after the screening of the hour-long first episode of the series, and to take part in a panel discussion with other Memphis Stax veterans and scholars. A reception will follow. The event is hosted by Indie Memphis and Crosstown Arts , in coordination with HBO.

The four-part series debuts at 8 p.m. Monday, May 20, on HBO/Max. Two episodes screen that night, with the final two episodes airing at 8 p.m. May 21. Some of the Stax luminaries who will appear in the series, in archival footage and new interviews, include the members of Booker T. & the MG's; Rufus and Carla Thomas; the Staple Singers; songwriter David Porter; and recent Grammy-winner Deanie Parker, a founder of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music , to name a few.

According to HBO publicists, the series tells "a quintessentially American story of an audacious group of individuals who dared to make their own music on their own terms, creating an institution that has continued to help define our culture long after the label itself has gone... This is the story of Stax. As raw and honest as the sounds the label laid to vinyl."

Tickets are $20, or $15 for Indie Memphis members. For more information or to order tickets in advance, visit indiememphis.com .

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