I believe the key to happiness is someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to.
-Elvis Presley
No matter your musical preferences, Elvis Presley has arguably influenced every American musical genre, and despite his death in 1977, that influence continues to leave its mark today. In fact, Elvis’ legend and legacy attracts more than 650,000 fans from across the globe every year to his Memphis, Tennessee home, Graceland. Visiting Graceland is great fun for any music lover but especially for the die hard Elvis fan. Graceland is a must-visit destination when visiting Memphis.
Your Graceland Experience
Arriving for a visit at Graceland, you should be aware that your visit will be more than just a home tour. Across the street from Graceland is Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex which includes a visitors center, museum, restaurants, gift shops, and a theatre.
The “Elvis the Entertainer Career Museum” immerses visitors into Elvis’ career and personal life highlighting his collection of gold records, movie memorabilia, and the fantastic exhibit, “Elvis: Dressed to Rock,” which displays more than 100 pieces of stage wear. The museum includes Presley Motors Automobile Museum, where many of Elvis’ favorite cars are on display while other exhibits highlight Elvis’ military service, his influence on the music industry and the stars of today, Elvis on tour, Elvis’ planes, and “Growing up Presley,” which highlights the life of Elvis’ daughter, Lisa Marie.
Graceland Mansion
Situated on 13.8 acres, Graceland appears ready to welcome home a 1977 Elvis from tour at any moment. At the Visitor’s Center, guests are provided an iPad that offers a self-guided tour narrated by actor, John Stamos. Visitors board shuttles that take small groups across the street to the home where the tour guides you through the famous first floor rooms and basement of the home as well as other buildings behind the home, and the Meditation Garden where Elvis and many of his immediate family now rest in peace. The tour does not visit the second floor of the home, noting that during his life, this was Elvis’ private space and it has been left closed to the public for that reason. Access to the home is by shuttle bus and tour ticket only.
Overall, during our visit to Graceland, I was struck by how positive the experience is. While the “Table Cloth Contract” for Elvis’ Las Vegas Residency is on display, controversy around Elvis and his management as well as his death are not overly highlighted points of focus. Certainly, there is plenty of speculation and intrusiveness on these points elsewhere. Instead, the experience gives center stage to honoring Elvis’ talent, music, and awards, his love of his family, his patriotism, and his compassion for people. The experience has obviously been crafted by people who love Elvis and they have obviously worked very hard to carefully and respectfully preserve his legacy. The experience is a fitting, and enjoyable tribute to Elvis and his family.
Tickets & Planning your visit
At the time of our visit, tickets to visit Graceland are purchased by date and time. Tickets can be purchased on line or on site but if your visit takes you to Memphis during the busy summer months, purchasing in advance is recommended to ensure availability. Various types of tours are available and you can plan your visit at www.graceland.com.
The website recommends visiting in the off season which would be November to March. We visited in April and did not experience excessive crowds. The website also recommends touring after 2pm. Due to our travel schedule, our tour fell on a Friday morning. We started with the museum and walked over to catch our tour when it was time. After touring Graceland, we had lunch on the property and continued to tour the rest of the museum. It was a great way to take our time and to see everything. We made a day of our visit, arriving shortly after Graceland opened for the day, took our 11 am tour, and we finished everything around 3pm. The last mansion tour is at 4pm so if you plan a later afternoon, plan your visit accordingly.
The website also lists events taking place at the at the Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex Theatre as well as other events on the property such as Elvis Presley week and Elvis Tribute Artist Events. The website also offers suggestions for nearby accommodations.
I hope you enjoy your visit to Graceland as much as we did!
Let’s Just Go! 