Home of the blues, the birthplace of rock n’ roll and a place where barbecue is also king, this is Memphis. But make no mistake, this is now and forever Elvis country, too. While you’ll feel the King’s spirit wherever you go, nowhere is it stronger than at Elvis’s home at Graceland. And now you can steep yourself in the spirit even more by spending a night just across the street at the Guest House at Graceland.

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Graceland, Elvis’ oasis with stables, planes and automobiles. | Photo courtesy of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

Graceland

Named Graceland even before it became Elvis’ home, this sprawling getaway—and National Historic Landmark—may surprise you. Presley purchased this 14-acre estate in 1957, and it remains largely unchanged. By today’s standards, Graceland is modest, though a bit kitschy with ‘70s-style shag carpeting and décor. But back in the day, this estate was a showplace of horses and cars. And yes, Elvis is buried here in the Meditation Garden. Take a self-guided tour of the house and grounds and see why Graceland was his oasis.

Photo courtesy of Guest House at Graceland

The new Guest House at Graceland

Elvis’s legacy is now a reality at the Guest House at Graceland, just a few steps from the gates of Graceland. The property has been inspired by the warm, Southern hospitality that Elvis always showed his guests. You’ll stand in awe of the Southern Colonial design, as well as breathtaking interiors that features 450 rooms with modern amenities—it’s a king-sized hotel, just as Elvis would have liked.

The new Elvis Presley’s Memphis complex

Just opened is Elvis Presley’s Memphis, a $45 million mega-entertainment complex of 15 attractions with museums, exhibits, restaurants and shops. Be wowed by Elvis’ collection of flashy hot rods, classic cars and iconic pink Cadillac at the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum. Discover his artistry and influence at Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, as well as the Fashion King Exhibit that showcases his famous jump suits. Looking for an Elvis souvenir? You name it, the gift shop’s got Elvis on it.

Elvis: The Entertainer | Photo courtesy of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

Elvis Week (August 11–19, 2017)

Each August, fans from around the world gather for Elvis Week. This August marks the 40th anniversary of his passing and will be celebrated with the traditional Elvis candlelight vigil, plus concerts, dances, a 5K run and Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. The Elvis Candlelight Vigil begins at 8:30 pm on August 15 and lasts well into the wee hours on August 16, as fans walk up the driveway to the Meditation Garden holding a candle in quiet remembrance of the “King.”

ALSO: Don’t worry, the King of Rewards programs has not left the building—join today!

The beat goes on day and night at Beale Street | Photo by David Meany / Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau

Beale Street

Voted the second-most popular entertainment district in the U.S., historic Beale Street is just three blocks long, but commands an eclectic collection of live music offerings. Walk down the street any time of day or night and hear rhythm and blues, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll calling to you. Be sure to stop by B.B. King’s Blues Club for the music and the menu. Itta Bena, named for King’s hometown, serves contemporary Southern cuisine with a Delta twist.

Sun Studio | Photo courtesy of Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau

Sun Studios

Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash all recorded in this National Historic Landmark. Sun Studios is also home to the historic 1956 jam session that served as inspiration for the Broadway hit “Million Dollar Quartet.” Listen to outtakes from famous recording sessions, make a CD of your own recording and get the chills touching Elvis’ first microphone.

Stax Museum Wall of Honor | Photo courtesy of Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau

STAX Museum of American Soul Music

STAX Museum stands on the site of the original STAX recording studio, highlighting the history of soul music. Check out the floor-to-ceiling record collection from the studio’s Top 100 hits in the 1960s and 1970s. Then, show off your dance moves at the Express Yourself dance floor and see Superfly Isaac Hayes’ Cadillac Eldorado.

National Civil Rights Museum

This multi-million dollar museum reopened in 2014 on the site of the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was gunned down during the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers’ strike. Learn more about this tragedy and the pioneers of the civil rights movement at the new interactive exhibits.

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken and Central BBQ

There’s a reason these Memphis mainstays are rated high among the city’s restaurants. Gus’s spicy fried chicken is simply the best. So are the fried pickles and fried green tomatoes. Try the pecan pie for dessert. And for great barbecue, you can’t go wrong at Central BBQ.

Plan your getaway to Memphis this spring or summer. Make Elvis a part of your vacay and “get all shook up!”

Tagged: Memphis