All photos courtesy Elvis Presley Memphis
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Elvis Presley famously called his luxurious Memphis mansion, Graceland, his home for 20 years. And he certainly did live in style.
Although it’s been 47 years since Presley’s death, his popularity remains strong worldwide, with over 600,000 people visiting every year, making I one of the United States’ most visited private mansions.
And visitors to Graceland now have so many great Presley-related attractions to enjoy. Today, this hugely popular Tennessee tourist attraction encompasses the Graceland Mansion, Elvis Presley’s Memphis with its state-of-the-art exhibits related to the star’s life, and the Guest House at Graceland, an exquisite 4-star Presley-themed hotel.
The Elvis Presley Memphis Complex
Begin your adventure at Elvis Presley’s Memphis, an expansive 200,000 sq ft complex highlighting the star’s life (admission includes the Graceland Mansion, too). The complex has several excellent exhibits including Elvis’s car collection and his two airplanes, along with restaurants, a theater, and several souvenir shops.
One of the most interesting exhibits introduces us to the many vocal artists who down the years have attributed Elvis as a major inspiration to their music careers.
You will be surprised by the names, including artists as diverse as Dolly Parton, The Beatles, Kiss, and John Lennon, who idolized Presley and once said, “If it hadn’t been for Elvis, there would have been no Beatles.”
Presley’s Life of Luxury
Presley’s car collection alone is worth the price of admission. Highlights include his famous pink and purple Cadillacs, along with a number of other unique cars, motorcycles, and other modes of transportation. There are even a few go-carts he enjoyed riding around his estate.
Also worth seeing is a hall commemorating Presley’s time in the army, along with one displaying his record albums, awards, and some of his most memorable stage costumes.
When it comes time to explore Presley’s Graceland Mansion, be sure to make use of one of the iPads with headphones. These handy tools are an excellent way to learn more about each room, and your virtual tour guide will provide many interesting bonus features and information you may otherwise have missed.
Stay and Dine at the Elvis Presley Memphis Complex
Feeling peckish? Well, given the complex can take the best part of a day to explore, you’ll probably want to take a break at some stage. Fortunately, the complex also boasts two restaurants, one of which is a replica of a 1950s dinner (the other specializes in BBQ food). There’s also a coffeeshop and an ice cream parlor.
If you’re planning on a night’s stay, or even looking for a great base from which to explore Memphis’ many other attractions, The Guest House at Graceland is a great place to stay Consisting of 450 rooms, each boasting many elegant touches, the hotel is located adjacent the Graceland mansions and includes a number of luxury suites designed by none other than Pricilla Presley herself. You can read more about this fine hotel here.
Two other notable places to stay in Memphis are The Peabody Memphis, famous for its ducklings, and the five-star luxury boutique hotel The River Inn of Harbor Town boasting stunning views of the Mississippi.
Special Events at Elvis’ Graceland
If you can, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the regular special events held at the complex, including live performances, Elvis week in August, Presley’s birthday in January, or at Christmas when the mansion is beautifully decorated for the holidays.
For more details of fun things to do the Elvis Presley Memphis Complex, visit the attraction’s website at www.graceland.com.
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Contributor Cynthia Graham is an award winning travel writer.
