Graceland - anyone been?

AubreyMac

Hi,
My friend and I would like to visit Elvis' home Graceland. She has a big birthday this year (though it is in Oct) and we are looking to go in the half term hol that's around oct. I know school hols is expensive but shes a teacher so can't go any other time.


She is not very MSE so I will be doing some of the research.


Besides Graceland, what else is there to do around Memphis? I like being a tourist so like to go sightseeing and visiting famous landmarks.


We don't drive abroad so will be reliant on public transport (if it exists there) or foot.


Anyone ever been and can give me some good tips? any detours around the area? or is 5 nights too much time there?


Thanks in advance.

novelty-socks

Yes, I've been! Graceland is well worth a look, even for casual Elvis fans. We went in November and it was busy but not unbearably crowded. We didn't have to queue to actually get in, but from what I can understand it sometimes gets really busy and you have to wait to get access to the house and grounds etc.

Memphis itself is a fairly typical US city, it has a lively downtown with a few things to see and do. The Civil Rights museum is excellent and Beale St is worth a look. Enjoy your hearty portions and meat and three!

That said, five nights may be too long. I'd combine with a trip to Nashville and maybe consider the Smokey Mountains too (not sure of the current status following wildfires this year).

My perception is that Memphis is very car oriented. We had a car while we were there so didn't use public transport. I would suggest getting Uber and Lyft installed on your smart phone so you have a transportation backup should you get stuck with a long wait for a bus!

John259

Here's some information about public transport in Memphis:
http://www.matatransit.com

littlereddevil

I think 5 nights is too long. You can get lots of info on the TA Memphis forum

John259

If it appeals to you, here's the Great Smoky Mountains section of the official US National Park Service web site, with lots of practical information about visiting the park:
https://www.nps.gov/Grsm/index.htm

I'd highly recommend the Smokies but I've only ever toured the USA with a rental car. You might be able to get tours from Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg.

pollypenny

A day at Graceland and two in Memphis is enough. Worth it, though.

Beenie

Graceland is definitely worth a visit, but it only takes a few hours to look round. You are in a guided tour, so won't be able to go at your own pace and linger.

Apart from Beale St and seeing the ducks march out of the elevator at The Peabody Hotel, I don't recall there being much else. Two days is ample time in Memphis itself.

The US is geared to the use of an automobile. I think you will find it difficult to get around without a rental car.

novelty-socks

Just to add, there are some interesting neighbourhoods outside of downtown. I remember Cooper-Young / midtown as having some good restaurants and bars. Less touristy and more places locals go, I guess.

littlereddevil

There is a free bus takes you to Graceland and Sun studios

jackieblack

Beenie wrote: »

Apart from Beale St and seeing the ducks march out of the elevator at The Peabody Hotel, I don't recall there being much else.

I believe you can see the ducks at any Peabody hotel, it's not unique to Memphis

blindman

AubreyMac wrote: »

Hi,
My friend and I would like to visit Elvis' home Graceland.

Besides Graceland, what else is there to do around Memphis? I like being a tourist so like to go sightseeing and visiting famous landmarks.


We don't drive abroad so will be reliant on public transport (if it exists there) or foot.


Anyone ever been and can give me some good tips? any detours around the area? or is 5 nights too much time there?


Thanks in advance.

We went a few years back as an overnighter from New Orleans :eek:

IMHO you need 2 nights max.

I am not an Elvis fan but was blown away by the mansion\airplanes\Gold\platinum discs
Went in Nov IIRC and was first at the gate to get in so no queue.

Memphis
Lorraine Motel-Civil rights museum-Heartbreakingly awesome USA History (along with Sixth Floor Museum Dealy Plaza and Fords Theatre in Washington DC)
Beale street-May look better at night when it's bopping :cool:
Memphis Belle-They'd moved it to Washington IIRC :mad:

Went by car so cannot comment on public transport.

Food is BBQ-so enjoy the pulled pork!