bertaron

We are bringing our 10 month old to visit the family. On our way thru we wanted to stop at Graceland. Are the tours inside or outside? I just want to know if how he should be dressed? Also any tips for me on enjoying Graceland.

Thanks

funtraveller

I was at Graceland 2 weeks ago.
You park in a large parking area (clearly marked), then buy your tickets and board a shuttle bus which drives you across the street and up the driveway to Graceland.
The tour takes you through the 1st level of Elvis' home and then outside to the pool, office and grave areas. I wouldn't consider it "stroller friendly" and the tour is long enough to be problematic if you're carrying a child for over an hour.
Graceland was a good tour and parking areas, ticket sales, etc are clearly marked.
Temps were in the mid 70's, which was quite comfortable with cool nights. FOOD in the Graceland area is all fried and basically average. Good if you're into fries, burgers and hot dogs. If you have dietary restrictions or plan to feed the baby, I recommend you pack a cooler with food/supplies and "tailgate". Lots of junk food in the area. You may also want to refer to: www.elvis.com/graceland. Have fun!

FainaAgain

Unless the baby is in a white sequin suit with a long red scarf, it will not be admitted.

SharonG

Good one Faina. I lived in Memphis for a year and I would be prepared with layers. You can go at your own speed in the mansion so you can leave if the baby gets restless.

bertaron

Thank you,
Do they take Elvis very seriously or do they have fun with? Also is the gift shop worth anything or are there places nearby Graceland to get the tacky Elvis stuff?

isabellasu

If you are an Elvis fan, you will view it seriously, if you are not, you may think they are poking fun at him or you may come away with more respect for the man as a true artist that helped shape popular American music.
You can get all the tacky Elvis souvenirs you want at Graceland!
Don't miss eatting some BBQ in Memphis, it's the best!

SharonG

Yes they take him seriously but have a sense of humor about some of the over the top 70's outfits and furniture. But what a talent. And there's plenty to buy right there in Graceland. Don't miss the car museum, it is really fun and you can sit in old car seats and watch clips from his movies.

Gellers

Just a note on the food at Graceland--we are vegetarians and were surprised and pleased to find veggie burgers available at the cafe.

SharonG

Not to mention peanut butter and banana sandwiches.

sarge56

bertaron,

I'm not a big Elvis fan, by my then-16yr old teenage daughter was when she talked me into taking her there on our way from Chicago to Dallas.

It was one of the best-run tourist spots I've ever been to. Priscilla's "handprint" is all over it. It is well done, and you can take as much time as you want there. A bus leaves every few minutes. We did not find it crowded at all, but we were there between New Year's and his birthday.

Also, we had a hearing-impaired friend with us, and they gave him a written script of the "tour" we listened to on headphones.

I learned a lot about Elvis I did not know. And all else aside, the man was one of the most generous human beings in American history. He donated a LOT of money to build hospitals and housing, not to mention giving away Cadillacs to ordinary folk. A woman I met in the gift shop there told me she grew up near by and Elvis was always "one of the neighbors". She said he rode up and down the street on his motorcycle and would stop and chat to people on the street all the time.

If you can get one of those packs where you can carry the baby on your back, my granddaughter loved that when she was about that age. She was at eye level with the adults and was far less bored than when she was in a stroller.

Have fun!!!

Paula

funtraveller

I have to agree with these posts. I was never a huge Elvis fan, however I walked away with a much deeper respect for him as a philanthropist and musician. The car museum was a blast and I enjoyed seeing "The Lisamarie" -his plane. Enjoy your Graceland adventure.