Memphis, Tennessee —
Beale Street, Graceland & the King
Memphis was one of the stops we'd been looking forward to most on our Deep South road trip — and Graceland ended up becoming the standout experience of the entire journey. Add the atmosphere of Beale Street and this was a city we weren't going to forget.
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One of the highlights of the entire road trip
After Nashville, we continued west across Tennessee to Memphis. The musical theme continued, but this city felt completely different — blues, rock 'n' roll, Elvis history and the neon of Beale Street.
We devoted a good half-day to Graceland, and we're very glad we did. This wasn't a quick photo stop at the gates: we had time to properly experience Elvis Presley's home, the exhibits and grounds, and to see the graves of Elvis and members of his family.
Later that evening we headed to Beale Street for a few drinks, which was a brilliant way to finish the day after the emotion and history of Graceland.
We gave it a good half-day rather than rushing it — easily one of our strongest memories from the trip.
Seeing Elvis' grave and the graves of members of his family made the visit particularly moving.
Another piece of Memphis music history and part of our Elvis and rock 'n' roll experience in the city.
We finished the day with a few drinks and soaked up the evening atmosphere on one of America's most famous music streets.
Our Memphis & Graceland photos
Our own photos from Memphis and Graceland.
Give Graceland the time it deserves
We spent a good half-day at Graceland, which gave us time to take in far more than just Elvis Presley's famous mansion. The house itself is fascinating, but the wider Graceland experience is what made the visit feel so substantial.
Walking through the property brought Elvis' story to life in a way that photographs and documentaries never quite can. Then came one of the most memorable parts of the visit: the Meditation Garden, where Elvis is buried alongside members of his family.
Seeing the family graves added a much more personal and emotional side to the day. For us, Graceland wasn't simply a famous attraction — it was an amazing experience and absolutely worth setting aside several hours for.
Another legendary Memphis music stop
Our Memphis experience also included Sun Studio, forever associated with the early careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and other names who shaped rock 'n' roll.
It fitted perfectly into the day because Graceland tells so much of Elvis' personal story, while Sun Studio takes you back to the musical history that helped launch him. Together they made Memphis feel like much more than a single-attraction stop.
From Graceland by day to Beale Street by night
After spending so much of the day immersed in Elvis history, we headed to Beale Street that evening and had a few drinks. It was exactly the change of pace we wanted.
Beale Street brought the lively side of Memphis: neon signs, music spilling out from the bars and that unmistakable blues-city atmosphere. After Nashville's honky-tonks, Memphis felt grittier and bluesier — and then our journey would continue south towards the jazz of New Orleans.
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Nashville → Memphis → New Orleans
Memphis sat right in the middle of one of the strongest sections of our route: three legendary American music cities in succession. After Nashville came Memphis and Graceland, before we continued south towards New Orleans.