July 2021

To see the epitome of what Elvis Presley became, you must visit Graceland. Graceland is like an actual compound, with museums, artifacts, and all things for you to immense yourself into Elvis’ world that he lived in during his short life.

Beware as the area around Graceland is very sketchy. Don’t stay near it and choose somewhere downtown in Memphis, where nice hotels are very affordable. You’ll thank me later…

Once you enter, his music can be heard all around. The very first thing to do is grab your seat on a bus that takes you down the street and up the hill to his home, Graceland, a place that was considered a mansion for its times but would be a hovel compared to mansions nowadays. You get an iPad and headphones to listen to a guided tour narrated by actor John Stamos, who speaks of all the things you’ll see in the home.

The rooms inside were all in excellent shape. Living room, pool room, kitchen, bars, and the famous jungle room.

Mementos and memorabilia of Elvis is also here, from early childhood pictures and his actual report cards, to items from his wedding to Priscilla Presley.

His home had a pool, racquetball court, and horse stables.

Outside of the pool is his actual gravesite, along with his mother and father.

A quick trip back and you can see all the vehicles Elvis owned and drove in his car museum.

There’s interactive videos to make and share with your friends, and a whole section on his time in the military.

Pay a little extra to tour his private jets.

Next, see the replica of the Sun Records studio where he recorded (which you can also visit in Memphis but it requires a reservation for a tour) and finally, all his outfits, video footage, and records that Elvis made for display, from Memphis to Hawaii to Las Vegas. Eat at Vernon’s BBQ (named after Elvis’ father) for some pretty decent eats.

A quick ride back downtown and dinner calls for something warm. Eat great bar food at Huey’s for some loaded french fries or a hearty sandwich. After that, it’s a few blocks down to the world famous Beale Street, just follow the glow of neon.

The echoes of B.B. King, Elvis, and Louis Armstrong all can be heard as you saunter down the street, avoiding drunks and grabbing drinks to go. It’s a slightly tamer and more lit up version of Bourbon St. in New Orleans. The place you absolutely have to eat is Dyer’s, where the best fried chicken strips I have ever tasted in the South is here, the seasoning is delicious! Battered and fried in a greasy kitchen that I’m sure has failed a few health inspections but that’s what makes it so good.

The music fades with a full belly as it’s time to turn in and get ready to continue on through Tennessee.