If you have never been to Graceland then you are probably very eager to get your Memphis movers out the door, so you can head on over there. This large white-columned mansion that Elvis Presley called home welcomes more than 600,000 visitors every year. Everyone wants to see where the King lived and died. That being said, you may be interested to know that there are a ton of other attractions in the area when visiting Graceland as well.
Touring Graceland
On 7 June 1982, Graceland was officially opened to the public as a museum. It was costing Pricilla her daughter’s inheritance just to maintain the building and the grounds, so she brilliantly decided to turn it into something profitable instead. After only one month, she made back all the money she had invested in it. Visiting Graceland allows you to enjoy an entire experience, not just a tour of the home.
Points of interest include:
- Graceland Mansion – Of the 23 rooms, the tour takes you through the living room, dining room, kitchen, music room, parents’ bedroom, pool room, TV room and the Jungle Room, as well as the Meditation Center where Elvis, as well as other family members permanently rest.
- Elvis Presley Car Museum – It is no secret that Elvis loved his cars. Enjoy a stroll down a tree-lined street to view 33 vehicles, including his prized pink Cadillac, 1975 Dino Ferrari, six-door Mercedes-Benz limo, a dune buggy and more.
- Custom Jets – Climb aboard the famous 1958 Convair named Lisa Marie that it cost him $800,000 to remodel. You can also peek at his small Lockheed Jet Star he used on tour.
There are an array of exhibits to explore as well; two of which are new for 2013. Visiting Graceland is an all-day experience. There are several restaurants and gift shops to explore also.
In the Area
- Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum – Get educated on the complete history of Memphis music at this museum. The venue was created by the Smithsonian Institution to provide a comprehensive experience of the rural music that emerged here in the 1930s.
- Memphis Zoo – There are more than 3,500 animals here, including giant pandas! There are also a few new exhibits of polar bears, large cats, sea lions, and primates.
- Star Museum of American Soul Music – Just 10 minutes from Graceland, you can enjoy more than 3,000 videos, records, photos, films, musical instruments, interactive exhibits, a gift shop and dance floor.
- Children’s Museum of Memphis – Although called a museum, this place is more like one massive indoor playground. Plus, there is an outside splash park in the summer.
- Playhouse on the Square – This is a small theater, but there are some fantastic productions here. Not to mention, the more intimate setting means there is not a bad seat in the house!
- National Civil Rights Museum – Visit the Lorraine Motel to find this museum where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated 4 April 1968.
- Harrah’s Tunica Hotel and Casino – Whether you enjoy cards, craps, roulette or slot machines, you are sure to have a good time at this 24-hour venue.
It should also be noted that there are some fantastic restaurants in the area as well. Chances are good that if you ask your Memphis movers where you should grab a bite to eat, they will point you in the direction of Graceland. A few recommended picks include Elegant Farmer, Deja Vu Restaurant, Las Delicias, Marlowe’s Ribs and Restaurant, Central BBQ and Jim Neely’s Interstate BBQ.
Visit our Memphis City page for more attractions and the best listed movers in town.
