How to Kill Time at Memphis International Airport

Memphis International Airport is just a few miles from Graceland, so it's no wonder that the airport houses a Graceland Gift Shop, complete with Elvis music and videos. Check it out during delays or between flights. You can also browse through the new Memphis Market in Concourse B for specialty shops and restaurants.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Travel Clocks
• Comfortable Shoes
• Travel Clothes
• Travel Kits
• Travel Pillows
• Paperback Books
• Travel Magazines
• E-mail Accounts
• Travel Services
• Athletic Gear
• Travel Games
• Telephone Calling Cards

For the Adults

1. Figure out how much free time you'll actually have. Check to see if your flight is late and whether it will arrive or depart in concourse A, B or C.

2. Dine at your choice of a variety of sit-down restaurants on the second level of the airport terminals and concourses. Choices include DaBlues Memphis, near Gate B34, which offers Corky's barbecue ribs and live blues music; A Taste of Lynchburg (with a Jack Daniel's theme) near Gate B17; and the Cheers Pub and Restaurant between Gates B7 and B27.

3. Treat yourself at the unisex salon, Hairport, between ticket lobbies B and C.

4. Visit the Elvis Presley's Graceland Gift and Tour Shop, located in Ticket Lobby B.

5. Check out the Beanie Babies shop near Gate B19.

6. Shop for gifts including sporting goods, leather goods, apparel, accessories, music CDs and cassettes. Be aware that you may have to check in larger items or have them shipped (see Warnings, below).

7. Consider staying in one of two airport hotels overnight if your flight won't depart until the following day: Skyport Inn, The Little Hotel in the Airport (901-345-3220), or the Radisson Hotel (901-332-2370), accessible via a courtesy shuttle ride, and offering a fitness room, pool and tennis courts.

For the Kids

8. Cater to your kids' interests, if they are with you, to keep them from getting antsy. You also want to tire them out before they get on the plane.

9. Take the older kids to play video games in the game room between ticket lobbies A and B. Stay with them.

10. Choose from a variety of kid-friendly foods in the food court near Gate B8.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are departing on a flight, you must check in at your gate at least an hour before the flight, longer on international flights. Check with your airline.
• Keep in mind that many airlines have new carry-on restrictions and that you may have to check in larger purchases or have them shipped.