Planning to visit Graceland, for the first or thousandth time?
Here are a few ideas to keep in mind as you approach the campus of the King in Memphis.
'Funny How Time Slips Away'
In 1970, Elvis recorded a version of this classic Willie Nelson composition. How right he was. Serious visitors to Graceland will want to give themselves plenty of time because the mansion is only one facet of what could now be called "the Graceland experience."
Opened in 2017 and perhaps still underappreciated (how many Memphians have been there?), the complex known as Elvis Presley's Memphis — the sprawl of restaurants, shops and museums located across the street from Elvis' former home — compares favorably, in its most ambitious exhibits, with similar showcases at the Country Music Hall of Fame
and Museum in Nashville and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Costumes, cars, music and movie memorabilia — there's plenty to see, and much of it is eye-popping.
Do you really want to rush past the 60 mannequins arrayed in (essentially) floor-to-ceiling glass sarcophagi and dressed in startling Elvis jumpsuits in the "Dressed to Rock" exhibit, or do you want to ogle every rhinestone-bedazzled bell bottom? Probably, you're planning a happy medium between those extremes — but even that will take time.
'I Want to Be Free'
All year 'round, from 7:30-8:30 a.m. daily, Graceland offers free admission to the respectful early risers. In other words, during that time, you can walk for free up the driveway of Graceland to the Meditation Garden, to visit the interment sites of Elvis; his mother, Gladys; his daughter Lisa Marie; and other family members.
During Elvis Week (the days leading up the Candlelight Vigil commemoration of the death of Elvis on Aug. 16, 1977), the walk-up is especially interesting, as the driveway and garden are filled with wreaths and flower arrangements and artwork and other fan-made tributes to the King (who sang "I Want to Be Free" in his 1957 movie, "Jailhouse Rock.")
What's more, Elvis Week visitors can take advantage of additional free walk-ups, with evening walk-ups set for 6:30-8 p.m. on Aug. 11, 13, 14 and 16.
'It's a Matter of Time'
Elvis recorded this song in 1972, and once again, his interest in time would prove prophetic, at least when applied to visitors to his mansion. According to Graceland, tourist numbers decrease in the afternoon, anyone seeking a less crowded experience might want to book a mansion tour for 2 p.m. or later. (Mansion tours run until 4 or 5 p.m.)
'Memories'
"Bring a sharpie," Graceland officials remind visitors, on the mansion's website. "You can sign the famous Graceland wall to leave your mark." As Elvis sang in 1968: "Memories... pressed between the pages of my mind."
John Beifuss is an entertainment writer at The Commercial Appeal. Contact him at john.beifuss@commercialappeal.com.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Visiting Graceland? How to make the most of your time at Elvis' home
