Memphis, Tennessee, is a must-visit for Elvis fans and families looking for a vibrant mix of music, history, and Southern charm. Your experience at Graceland and beyond highlights the highs and lows of this iconic destination. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on your trip, with added context for others planning a Memphis adventure.
Graceland:
Ultimate VIP Tour: At $190+ tax per person (as of your visit), the Ultimate VIP Tour promises exclusive access, but your experience suggests it fell short. The perks, like touching an Elvis jumpsuit (with gloves) and seeing his briefcase phone, were underwhelming for the price, especially with a 10-minute show-and-tell. The tour’s overlap with non-VIP groups and a guide who wasn’t an Elvis enthusiast (unable to answer basic questions) added to the disappointment. For comparison, the Graceland website lists VIP benefits like front-of-line access, a private exhibit tour, and keepsake passes, but your experience indicates these may not always deliver unique value. For future visitors, the Elvis Experience Tour (~$80–$100) might suffice, covering the mansion, planes, and cars, which Katelyn enjoyed. The Elvis Entourage VIP Tour (~$130) adds a bit more without the Ultimate’s steep cost.
Highlights: Despite the tour’s shortcomings, exploring Graceland’s mansion was a hit, especially the holiday decorations and Elvis’s kitchen, which evoked your granny’s Washington Street home. The archive drawers with ticket stubs, concert memorabilia, and records were a standout for you and Nana, offering a hands-on connection to Elvis’s legacy. Katelyn loved the planes (Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II) and car collection, which are crowd-pleasers for all ages.
Dining at Graceland: Lunch at Vernon’s Smokehouse with your meal vouchers was a win, offering solid Southern fare like pulled pork and ribs in a casual setting. It’s a convenient spot on the Graceland campus, especially for tour groups.
Memphis Beyond Graceland:
Corky’s BBQ: Dinner here was a highlight, with standout brisket for you and ribs for the boys. Sharing peach cobbler, pecan pie, chocolate cake, and banana pudding sealed the deal. Located in East Memphis (~15 minutes from downtown), Corky’s is a local staple for authentic Memphis BBQ. Pro tip: Order online for takeout if wait times are long, or try their dry-rub ribs for a classic taste.
Beale Street: Visiting this iconic music hub over a couple of nights brought lively energy. The horse-drawn carriage ride was a fun, if chilly, way to soak in the neon-lit street’s history, with blues and rock spilling from bars like B.B. King’s Blues Club or Rum Boogie Café. Beale is family-friendly during the day and early evening, with street performers and flippers adding flair. Bundle up in winter, as you noted it was freezing!
The Peabody Hotel: Watching the famous Peabody Duck March (11 AM and 5 PM daily) was a quirky, free activity the kids enjoyed. The hotel’s lavish Christmas decorations added festive magic. Located downtown, it’s a short walk from Beale Street, making it easy to combine with other activities. The lobby bar serves kid-friendly drinks, and the holiday season often includes extra events like tree-lighting ceremonies.
The Lookout at the Pyramid: Your final lunch at this restaurant atop the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid offered great views and a solid menu. Perched in the 535-foot-tall pyramid, it features seafood, steaks, and Southern dishes, with desserts like key lime pie or skillet cookie worth saving room for. The pyramid itself is a family draw, with an indoor swamp, aquarium, and archery range, making it more than just a store.
Tips for Future Visitors:
- Graceland Planning: Book tours early, especially during peak seasons or holidays, as crowds can make the mansion feel cramped. Consider skipping the Ultimate VIP Tour unless exclusive access to archives or behind-the-scenes exhibits is a must. Download the Graceland audio tour app for self-guided insights, which might offset a lackluster guide. The Elvis Presley Automobile Museum and planes are hits for kids, and seasonal decor (like Christmas) adds charm.
- Memphis Must-Dos: Beyond Elvis, explore the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel for a meaningful family experience (best for older kids). The Memphis Zoo or Children’s Museum of Memphis are great for younger ones. For music lovers, Sun Studio or the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum dive deeper into the city’s legacy.
- Dining: Memphis is a BBQ mecca. Beyond Corky’s, try The Rendezvous for dry ribs or Central BBQ for wings and nachos. For desserts, Gibson’s Donuts in East Memphis is a local favorite for creative flavors.
- Getting Around: Downtown Memphis is walkable, with Beale, the Peabody, and the Pyramid nearby. The Main Street Trolley is a fun, cheap way to connect sites. For Graceland or Corky’s, a car or rideshare is best, as they’re ~10–15 minutes from downtown.
- Seasonal Note: Winter visits mean cooler temps, so pack layers. Holiday decor at Graceland and the Peabody enhances the experience, but book accommodations well in advance.
Hagan Happenstance 