Where To Eat When You're Visiting Elvis Presley's Graceland

Above, Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I visited Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion in 2016, the Elvis Presley's Memphis Museum complex was still under construction.

I stayed at the Graceland RV Park & Campground across the street from the mansion and I cooked my own meals at my RV. 

But those who now visit Graceland can find several restaurants in the vicinity to dine at.

MSN has posted a slideshow of eateries.

They begin it with:

You can't call yourself a true Elvis Presley fan unless you've been to Graceland. This 120-acre institution in Memphis was once Presley's private home and is now a major tourist attraction. Presley bought the mansion in 1957 when he was just 22 years old and it was his home base until his death in 1977. Today, visitors can tour the mansion, see Presley's former jets, and view exhibits and artifacts at Elvis Presley's Memphis museum and entertainment complex. There are also plenty of restaurants on and off the grounds where you can fuel up before or after all that exploring.

If you want to feast like the King of Rock and Roll did, you'll find several dining venues on the Graceland grounds. You can grab some of Presley's favorite Southern comfort foods like grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches and meatloaf along with Memphis-style barbecue, sweet treats, and coffee. The Guest House at Graceland also has inviting spots where you can grab cocktails and tasty bites. Head off the estate and you'll find more enticing eateries within walking distance. If you're planning a pilgrimage to Presley's former home, this is where and what to eat when you're visiting Graceland.

To see the slideshow, go here. 

Elvis Presley’s Graceland Gears Up for Summer

Above, Graceland's famous Jungle Room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has been eight years since I last visited Elvis Presley's Graceland. It was a year before the big Elvis Presley's Memphis complex across the street opened. It was still under construction during my visit.

I stayed at the Graceland RV Park & Campground located across the street and behind the former Heartbreak Hotel. It was very handy as it was an easy short walk to the mansion.

Above, The Beast at the Graceland RV Park & Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Graceland is gearing up for the summer vacation season with new tours, events, concerts and exhibits.

Yahoo! Finance posted:

MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 16, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Elvis Presley’s Graceland is preparing for a summer filled with a variety of events, concerts, and numerous other reasons why this is the summer to visit the home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in Memphis.

Graceland’s daily tours give fans and music lovers the opportunity to experience how Elvis lived and spent his time. This summer, visitors can enjoy an all-new tour experience, updated exhibits, as well as get a last chance look at one of our fan favorite exhibitions.

To read more, go here. 

Flying The Lisa Marie

Above, Elvis Presley's Lisa Marie jet. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the many things visitors to Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee can tour is Elvis Presley's private jet, the Lisa Marie. 

The jet sits at the campus on Elvis Presley Blvd. that includes the mansion, the Elvis Presley's Memphis complex, the Graceland RV Park and the Guest House at Graceland. I last visited Graceland six years ago, while the Elvis Presley's Memphis complex was nearing completion.

The Express (U.K.) posted an article by one of Presley's family members who recounts his trips aboard the Lisa Marie.

The article begins with:

ELVIS PRESLEY named his lavish private jet after his daughter Lisa Marie and used the plane to travel across the USA on his extensive tours. Now a family member has shared their amazing memories of flying on board with The King, describing the aircraft as "like a whole apartment floating through the air."

Elvis Presley fans visiting Graceland today can tour not only the mansion but also his private plane. The King purchased the Convair 880 jet from Delta Airlines in April 1975 for an unbelievable sum of $250,000 ($1.3 million today). This came to a whopping total of $600,000 ($3.1 million today) when the refurbishing was completed by the same team who had recently customised Air Force One. Naming the rebooted aircraft the Lisa Marie after his only child, The King had a penthouse bedroom fitted in the back with a custom-made queen size bed and executive ensuite bathroom – complete with a gold-plated sink and taps, plus a hairstyling chair.

To read the full article, go here.

Elvis Presley's Graceland Adding New Features

Above, Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I visited Graceland four years ago, Elvis Presley's Memphis complex was still under construction. It opened a few months after I visited.

Now, it is getting some additions to the exhibits.

Fox Business reported:

Elvis Presley’s Memphis Complex' is slated to get an upgrade next month to give fans a safe experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As of Aug. 8, the 200,000-square-foot tourist attraction centered on the life and career of the late king of rock 'n' roll will be revamped with ten immersive experiences via virtual and augmented reality technology, according to Graceland. 

Graceland claims the latest "state-of-the-art" activities will help fans to "get closer to Elvis than ever before." The new experiences will be ncluded in the Graceland ticket price. 

The news comes just after Graceland reopened in May after it shut down tours and exhibits due to the outbreak.

The experiences include “Elvis Yourself,” a virtual dress-Up experience where visitors can virtually wear one of Elvis’ iconic costumes, and have their photo taken and the "Elvis’ Interactive Golf Cart Ride" in which fans can get a virtual tour of the Graceland grounds in a golf cart simulator with 360-degree video technology, according to Graceland.

To read more, go here.

Graceland Re-Opening On May 21

THE GATES OF GRACELAND ARE RE-OPENING ON MAY 21

We are so excited to see you back at Elvis Presley's Graceland! 100+ acres dedicated to the King of Rock 'n' Roll will welcome back guests beginning Thursday, May 21. Graceland is committed to the health and safety of our guests and associates, and we've been working diligently to adjust operations to meet or exceed social distancing, capacity, health and safety guidelines. This includes tours, retail outlets and restaurants. With Mansion tours reduced to 25% capacity, you will have the unique opportunity to walk in Elvis' footsteps like never before - in your own personal space spread out from other guests. During our re-opening phase, restaurant capacities will be reduced by 50% and outdoor patio seating will also be available. Elvis Presley's Memphis, our state-of-the-art entertainment and exhibit complex that's over 200,000 square feet in size, provides you the opportunity to tour the largest collection of Elvis memorabilia in the world in your own space, and at your own pace.

Graceland Additions

Above, Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I last visited Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee three years ago this month, there was construction taking place for the entertainment and exhibit complex, Elvis Presley's Memphis. A few months later, it opened to great fanfare.

That and the Guest House at Graceland are now fully operating.

While I was there, I stayed at the Graceland RV Park that is across Elvis Presley Blvd. from Graceland.

Above, The Beast at the Graceland RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Detroit News has an interesting article on what is available for tourists.

They begin with:

Memphis, Tennessee – Soon after my evening arrival at the Guest House at Graceland, I lined up with other hotel guests at the peanut butter and jelly station, just off the lobby, which opens for one hour nightly at 10 p.m. 

Some were dressed casually in shorts, others in comfy white hotel bathrobes over pajamas. And all seemed eager to pay homage to Elvis Presley by making their own free, bedtime version of his favorite sandwich, topped with sliced bananas. 

“It’s awesome,” declared Ervin Campbell, 60, of Columbus, Ohio, as he slathered peanut butter on bread. “I’m a huge Elvis fan and visiting Graceland is a bucket list item for me. I’m not sure why we waited as long as we did.” 

You don’t have to be a diehard fan of the King of Rock ‘N Roll to enjoy a getaway to Memphis and Graceland, Elvis’ mansion estate that has added multiple new attractions in recent years to broaden its appeal. 

From the Guest House at Graceland, a 450-room resort with Priscilla Presley-designed VIP suites and perks like the peanut butter sandwich bar, to Elvis Presley’s Memphis, a new $45 million entertainment and exhibit complex showcasing his phenomenal career, costumes, lifestyle and legacy, there’s much to discover about one of music history’s biggest icons.

To read more, go here.

Graceland Expansion Plans Goes To City Hall

Above, The Beast at Graceland RV Park two years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Elvis Presley Enterprises plans to expand Graceland and the Elvis Presley's Memphis complex across the street and has petitioned the city government for approval.

According to WMC Action News:

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - Elvis Presley Enterprises wants to expand nearly the entire Graceland and Elvis Presley’s Memphis sites. 

Thursday, that plan was scheduled to go in front of the Memphis and Shelby County Land Use Control Board. 

That meeting has since been delayed. 

If this development project is approved, it would help expand more than 77 acres at Graceland and across the street at Elvis Presley's Memphis. 

In a letter to the city and county planning office, Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc's attorney said the Graceland Master Plan would develop areas on the east and west side of Elvis Presley Boulevard. 

The east side includes the Graceland Mansion, corporate offices and the Guest House at Graceland. On the west side, there's museums and ticketing of Elvis Presley's Memphis and car and RV parking and camping.

Plans include updading and expanding RV parking and camping. I stayed at the Graceland RV Park two years ago.

To read more, go here.

News From Graceland

Exciting Changes Coming to Elvis Week 2019 As you make your plans to join us at Graceland August 9-17, we are busy making plans to make your experience better than ever!  Below are a few of the new enhancements to the Elvis Week experience to ensure a fun and unforgettable week celebrating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with fellow fans, friends and family. There will be no charges or special passes associated with the Candlelight Vigil. We invite everyone to come to Graceland and join the procession up to Meditation Garden on this special evening (8/15/19) to honor Elvis.   The brand-new Exhibition Space at Graceland will be opening in May and during Elvis Week, will be home to our Music Pavilion – the new and improved location for what was formerly known as the “Entertainment Tent.” The area features 10,000 square feet of indoor, air-conditioned space to enjoy continuous live entertainment, as well as a comfortable area for fans to recharge and reconnect. Food and beverage options will also be available. The building is conveniently located near Graceland’s Visitor Parking Lot and is easily accessible by foot or free shuttle.   With the all-new TCB Pass, we have created an incredible value to help you make the most of your week. For $28.75, you will receive unlimited access to the Music Pavilion (seating on a first-come/first-served basis), unlimited access to Elvis Presley’s Memphis – including all exhibits, shops and restaurants, plus free parking in Graceland’s Visitor Parking Lot every day after 5:00 p.m. One pass covers you for the duration of Elvis Week.   The Early Bird Special at The Guest House at Graceland Resort has been extended due to overwhelming demand. Rooms begin at $299 per night, and every registered guest staying 2 or more nights during Elvis Week will receive a TCB Pass. Expect more free entertainment options throughout the resort, more surprises, and complimentary shuttles throughout all of Graceland’s properties, making this the perfect home base for Elvis Week 2019. Click here for more details or to book your room. Rest assured we are hard at work creating an unparalleled week of shows and events. Stay tuned for more announcements. We look forward to welcoming you back to Graceland to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Elvis' Army Stint Commemorated With Free Day For Veterans and Active Duty

Above, the Meditation Garden at Graceland. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Graceland will be commemorating the 60th anniversary of Elvis Presley's induction into the U.S. Army next month by offering free admission to Graceland to veterans and active military.

According to Trib Live:

Elvis Presley began his service in the United States military on March 24, 1958, when he was inducted into the U.S. Army. To salute our troops and to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Elvis' military service, Graceland has announced that complimentary tickets to the new Elvis Presley's Memphis entertainment and exhibit complex will be made available on March 24 to all military veterans and those serving on active duty. 

This anniversary day will also mark the opening of an expanded “Private Presley” Army exhibit at Elvis Presley's Memphis. Additionally, the AAA four-diamond Guest House at Graceland resort hotel will offer its “Salute to Heroes” discounted rate of 30 percent off standard room rates to both active and retired military.

To read more, go here. 

Graceland Seeking $20 Million Bond Issue

Above, the front of Graceland mansion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Elvis Presley Enterprises is seeking a $20 million bond approval for funds for expansion of museum space and other improvements.

According to the Commercial Appeal:

Operators of the Elvis Presley home and related attractions will seek approval of a $20 million bond issue for more museum space and other improvements. 

Elvis Presley Enterprises is applying for an issue of taxable revenue bonds by the Economic Development Growth Engine of Memphis and Shelby County. 

The application, scheduled to be considered Wednesday, says the financing would pay for “additional museum, food and beverage and retail opportunities.” Not mentioned is a controversial performance venue that led to a lawsuit by Graceland last year. 

A statement from Graceland said, “Various opportunities are being considered for expansion of Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment and exhibit complex, all to enhance the visitor experience and create more employment and improvement in Whitehaven. This is not related to the pending performance/event venue.” 

Graceland’s operators put expansion plans on hold last fall and filed suit in Shelby County Chancery Court challenging a non-compete agreement between the city and Memphis Grizzlies. That lawsuit was dismissed Thursday by Chancellor Jim Kyle.

To read more, go here. 

News From Graceland

'Elvis Presley: The Searcher' to Debut on HBO on April 14 A three-hour, two-film documentary, "Elvis Presley: The Searcher," will air in April on HBO. The documentary focuses on Elvis Presley the musical artist, taking the audience on a comprehensive creative journey from his childhood through the final 1976 Jungle Room recording sessions. The films include stunning atmospheric shots taken inside Graceland, Elvis’ iconic home, and feature more than 20 new, primary source interviews with session players, producers, engineers, directors and other artists who knew him or who were profoundly influenced by him. Get the Details Relive the Magic of Elvis' Birthday Celebration Happy Birthday, Elvis! This past weekend, we celebrated the king's birthday with an incredible '68 Special-themed cake, hundreds of Elvis fans and many special events. See photos from this weekend on Graceland.com, and click here to watch the 2018 Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony. Experience the 'Hollywood Backlot' at Graceland A new exhibit opened at Elvis Presley's Memphis at Graceland this weekend! Take a tour through the sets of the CMT show "Sun Records" at our latest exhibit, called "Hollywood Backlot." The exhibit gives you the chance to feel what it's like to be on an actual film set, and you can watch scenes that were filmed right there where you're standing. Find Out More Cast Your Vote for Graceland Graceland is honored to be nominated for the Best Tennessee Attraction Award in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards! You can vote once per day, per device, now through January 15. Vote now at Graceland.com/Vote. Vote for Elvis' Birthplace Elvis Presley's Birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi, is up for the Best Mississippi Attraction Award in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Vote for the birthplace and make Elvis a winner in two states! Starring Elvis Presley Podcast Hit the Go-Go Button! On this week's Starring Elvis Presley Podcast, we cover Elvis' 1967 treasure-hunting comedy, "Easy Come, Easy Go." Find out about Elvis' famous co-stars, learn how you can see the Mongrel T for yourself and dive into movie trivia. Listen Now Australia Celebrates Elvis Tens of thousands of people are having a rockin' good time at the largest Elvis festival in Australia, the 2018 Parkes Elvis Festival. The festival runs from January 10-14 and features more than 150 events for Elvis fans to enjoy, with entertainment for all ages. Find out more at parkeselvisfestival.com.au.

News From Graceland

Vote for Elvis Presley's Memphis Graceland's new entertainment and exhibit complex, Elvis Presley's Memphis, is honored to be nominated for the Best New Attraction Award in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The competition is fierce, and we need your vote! Go to Graceland.com/Vote now to vote once a day, per device, through noon ET on Monday, January 1. Thank you, thank you very much!

Graceland's Top 20 Moments of 2017 It's been quite a year at the king's castle! This year alone, we welcomed Elvis' white baby grand piano back to Graceland, hosted the biggest Elvis Week ever, kicked off our Graceland Excursions trips, added more awards to the king's collection and opened Elvis Presley's Memphis, our new exhibit and entertainment complex. Learn all about our fabulous year on this week's Graceland Blog. Read the Blog Celebrate Elvis' Birthday We're a week away from Elvis' Birthday Celebration here at Graceland! We will celebrate the king's birthday January 5-8 with special guests and events such as Club Elvis, an evening tour of Graceland, the Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony and much more. Tickets are on sale, and be sure to book your stay at The Guest House at Graceland. Learn More Online Bidding Now Open The next Auction at Graceland will take place January 6, during the Elvis Birthday Celebration, at The Guest House at Graceland. Online bidding is now open! The lots - which are all from third-party collectors - include TCB and TLC necklaces, jewelry, furniture and more. Get the Details Experience 'Elvis on Tour' Elvis on Tour: The Exhibition is now open at The O2 in London! The exhibition showcases more than 200 artifacts from the Graceland Archives, many of which are in the UK for the very first time. This exhibition ends in a few weeks, so be sure to get your tickets soon. Be sure to take advantage of a limited-time offer: two adult tickets for only $30.00. Make Your Plans