It’s now or never! If you want to follow in the blue suede shoes of Mr Elvis Presley’s Memphis, then you are in the right place! Don’t ‘Return to Sender’ – as Memphis is a must-visit city for not just any Elvis fan but for any music lover to explore.
If you are ready to be ‘All Shook Up’ then you are in luck! With our handy guide, you can! From Graceland – the most famous rock ‘n’ roll residence on the planet to checking out fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches in the Elvis booth at Arcade – the oldest diner in Memphis, we’ve got your Presley bucket list sorted.
With the release of the new Baz Luhrmann film ‘Elvis’ which charts the life of Elvis Presley through the eyes of his notorious manager Colonel Tom Parker and with interest for all things Elvis skyrocketing, there’s never been a better time to say ‘Thank you, thank you very much’ to the city of Memphis and of course the legacy of Elvis.
Graceland
Could this be the most famous rock ‘n’ roll residence in the world? We definitely think so! Can you say that you have been to Memphis if you haven’t paid a visit to the one and only Graceland?
This palatial mansion was the private retreat of the King of Rock ‘n Roll. He purchased it at the tender age of 22 and it was also the place where he sadly passed away.
Fans of Elvis can take a snap of themselves outside those infamous gates as well as taking a Graceland tour where you can take in sights such as the Jungle Room, where Elvis made some of this music.
The tour ends at the peaceful Meditation Garden where fans are able to pay tribute to Elvis in their own personal way.
Arcade Restaurant
Having opened in 1919, this is Memphis’ oldest restaurant and its kitsch 1950’s decor certainly makes you feel like you are stepping back in time.
This was one of the favourite restaurants of Elvis and he frequented the Arcade restaurant often before he became a mega star. Fans of the quiffed one can even sit in the iconic ‘Elvis’ booth.
The Arcade is often used in film and photo shoots owing to its effortlessly cool retro design and vibe.
If you want to eat like a King, then there’s plenty of fantastic dishes to choose from; from the sweet potato pancakes to the fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches (one of EP’s very favourite dishes!)
Beale Street
You say Memphis, we say Beale Street! It’s one of the most iconic music streets in the world. Home to not only the infamous Elvis statue that depicts his intimate bond to Memphis, but this culturally important street is also chock full of incredible music venues too.
From the famed blues through to rock ‘n’ roll, it’s more of a case that these streets sing as opposed to talk.
It’s not just Elvis who saw his star rise on Beale Street, other acclaimed musicians such as BB King, Muddy Waters and many more also started their careers here.
Fast forward to the modern day and you might well see a potential star of the future singing the blues right in front of you.
Don’t forget to take a pitstop at the Rum Boogie Cafe for a mixture of live music and Memphis style ribs and decadent gumbo to really get your evening started Elvis style.
Sun Studio
One of the most iconic music studios in the world, Sun Studio is the place where Elvis himself cut his 1954 debut single ‘That’s All Right (Mama) which launched his star-making career.
Sun Studio was also the place where the likes of Roy Orbson and Johnny Cash also recorded making this a must-visit location in Memphis for music fans. You can take a guided tour as well as seeing some of the incredible music memorabilia that’s on display.
Memphis Music Hall of Fame
Elvis Presley is included in five music halls of fame which include the Memphis Music Hall of Fame on Beale Street.
Elvis’ tribute in the Memphis Music Hall of Fame is a beautiful one that reflects his musical legacy and that succinctly captures what made him such a legendary artist.
