How to Plan a Trip to Graceland

Graceland is a must for everyone, whether you love Elvis for his good looks or his beautiful voice (or maybe just curiosity about how The King lived); whatever your reason for going, make the most of your memorable trip and don’t forget to leave him a message on his wall!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Map
• Phone

1. 

   Plan Ahead. Graceland hasn’t been open since 1982 for nothing, it’s worth the trip and everyone knows it. Make hotel reservations early to ensure you have a nice place to stay and you aren’t strapped for time. Having fun is great, but it’s always good to have a plan.
   **Remember, Elvis Week (August) and Christmas are especially busy times at Graceland. I you want to avoid the crowds, choose a different time of year.

2. 

   Road Trip, Anyone? The South has so much natural beauty, genuine hospitality and plenty of fun along the way. Take a few extra days and make a road trip of it. You can even visit Tupelo, Mississippi and see Elvis’s childhood home.

3. 
   www.elvis.com

   Opt for Package Deals. Visit elvis.com for great package deals that include hotel accommodations and platinum Graceland tour packages! The platinum tour gives you full access to the mansion, racquetball court, and business office. At the end of the tour, you can pay your respects in the meditation garden where Elvis and his family are buried. Then cross the street to see Elvis’s cars, personal jet and The Lisa Marie.

4. 
   The Burning Love suite @ Heartbreak Hotel

   Get the Full Effect. If you are looking for an all-out Elvis vacation, reserve an Elvis-accented room or splurge on an Elvis-themed Suite, like the Burning Love Suite, at Heartbreak Hotel.

5. 

   Hit the Shops. All gift shops are the same, right? Not at Graceland! You will not be disappointed at the shops located across the street from the mansion itself. They have unique gift items and hard to find treasures- everything from CDs and DVDs to jewelry and clothing.

Tips & Warnings

• Of course you wouldn’t visit Graceland without bringing your camera; but remember- NO FLASH! Flash is prohibited and you will be scolded (if not have your camera taken away until the end of the tour). So shut off the flash and have at it!
• Please know before you go, you cannot see the upstairs of the mansion. Elvis’s home is very small in comparison to those of today’s celebrities; making it impossible to route tours up and down the stairs (not to mention, out of respect, this is where The King passed away).
• Planning to get married? How about the Graceland Chapel? Be creative and enjoy!

[xivyisazombiex]

on 10/2/2009 I would take a road trip to Graceland. helpful article.

[mattsaboy]

on 9/17/2009 Excellent article and tips. Well written. 5 stars and a recommendation.

[lildutchgirl56]

on 8/25/2009 I love this article!! My sister and I drove there from Michigan two years ago and we had the best time. It was well worth the trip to go to Graceland. Thanks for the memory of a good time. 5*