Uncover the Best of Memphis and Nashville in One Weekend

VIVA LAS GRACELAND

There are some places you have to experience, at least once in your life. According to my father-in-law, Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee is one of those places. Maybe even the place! I loved watching Elvis Presley movies growing up, but always thought I could easily live without visiting the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s home in Memphis. It just never made my list. However, since we were staying in Marietta, Georgia, a 6-hour drive from Graceland, it suddenly came within reach. We decided to make a little road trip and uncover the best of Memphis and Nashville in just one weekend.

Snowstorm in Tennessee

Spring was already well advanced in Georgia, so when they warned about a snowstorm across Tennessee, we both thought “Well, how bad can it be this time of year?! Pretty bad it turned out. The windshield wipers couldn’t keep up with the snow coming straight at us like a wall of white and cars were stranded on the roadside everywhere. The last part of the drive before reaching our hotel was a slow nerve-wracking journey. Memphis usually gets snow for a day or two once or twice a year. I guess we should have played the lottery.

Memphis

With Love From Memphis Mural

The next morning we woke up to a pretty snow-covered landscape and a clear blue sky. First stop, Graceland, the iconic home of music legend Elvis Presley. The lines to buy tickets were insane but a smooth and well-run operation made sure the wait wasn’t too long. A bus took us across the street to the mansion. We drove through the famous white gates with a large silhouette of Elvis, up the tree-lined driveway to an entrance area bustling with people. It was an adventure in itself to see so many hard-core Elvis enthusiasts, some dressed up as Elvis look-alikes.

Snow-covered Graceland

Graceland, a stately colonial-style house with large white columns and a front porch. For the occasion, everything was covered in a layer of white powdered snow. The first glimpse into the life and legacy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll didn’t quite match the grandness of the exterior. However, that didn’t mean it wasn’t something else. Quite the opposite.

Snow-covered Graceland

From the very beginning of the tour, there was no doubt the interior décor throughout the mansion was influenced by a very special kind of person. We past the stylish dining room and the classic 1970s-style living room where a white sofa and a 15-foot-long custom-made coffee table dominated the room. Especially the Jungle Room is worth a mention. Once a recording studio and one of the most famous rooms in Graceland, with its green shag carpeting, Polynesian-inspired furniture and a waterfall.

Elvis’s eclectic taste in interior design

Several buildings on the premises held collections of Elvis’s gold and platinum records, his many awards, eclectic costumes, and memorabilia. Instantly we got an impression of Elvis’s monumental career achievements despite dying at only 42. The tour of Graceland included The Meditation Garden. A peaceful spot where Elvis, his parents, his grandmother, his daughter, and his grandson were buried.

Larger than Life

“That was it,” we thought after the tour around Graceland, but we were no way near done. We were taken back across the street to The Entertainer Career Museum, where Elvis’s career was highlighted. Here we got a deep dive into his life on stage and screen. We were especially fascinated by the display of costumes worn at his legendary Vegas performances. Silk or satin jumpsuits with high collars, wide flared legs, large, ornate belts, and matching capes. All were heavily adorned with rhinestones, sequins, and elaborate embroidery of symbols of his larger-than-life persona.

Elvis’s iconic Las Vegas costume

The scale of the museum was enormous and included several impressive collections of automobiles, including Elvis’s iconic pink Cadillac, motorcycles, and other custom vehicles. This part of the museum featured stories, memorabilia, and videos that provided context about his life and highlighted the personal connection Elvis had with each of his vehicles. Really, really impressive!

Elvis’s iconic pink Cadillac

Where Elvis Lives on

Another part of the museum had rotating exhibits of artifacts from Graceland’s extensive archives, which provided even more insight into Elvis’s influences, interest, and impact on popular culture. Last but not least Elvis’s private jets, the “Lisa Marie” and “Hound Dog II”.

We could easily have spent the whole day exploring the life of Elvis, but at some point, we were a little overwhelmed. We finished our visit by exploring the gift shop which was an “exhibit” on its own. Here we bought a Graceland cap for Allan’s dad for his 80’th birthday.

If you plan on visiting Graceland maybe check out these Tips for Visiting Graceland before you go.

Sun Studio

Elvis memorabilia

Memphis’ contribution to American music is unparalleled and a lot of credit goes to Sun Studio, often referred to as the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll. This is the recording studio where Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash recorded some of their earliest hits. The studio’s modest vintage charm does not quite reflect how these artists revolutionized the music industry, blending blues, country, and gospel to create new electrifying music.

Sun Studio

Eclectic Beale Street

The live music part of our day was found on historic Beale Street. Here we passed historical and eclectic brick and stone houses with intricate details and colorful murals. Souvenir shops were selling memorabilia ranging from music-themed items to local crafts. Colorful and creative neon signs highlighted the names of legendary clubs, bars, and restaurants. Live music performances, blues, jazz, and rock, spilled out from the open windows of bars and clubs.

Historic Beale Street

A rich and smoky aroma in the air reminded us not to miss the famous Memphis barbecue. And so, we had lunch at The Pig on Beale “Pork with an Attitude” featuring “Memphis Style” Hickory Smoked BBQ pork shoulder and BBQ ribs. Barbecue is clearly a science in this part of the US and of course, the main focus is on the meat. I guess I shouldn’t be so disappointed in the sides then.

“Pork with an Attitude” at Pig on Beale

Beale Street often hosts various festivals and events, and we were lucky to see the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Colorful floats, marching bands, dancers, and revelers decked in green celebrated Irish culture with a unique Memphis twist. It was colorful, loud, energetic, and a lot of fun to spend the rest of the day on Beale Street.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Beale Street

More than music

Of course, Memphis is more than Graceland, music legends and fun times. The city holds a significant place in the history of the civil rights movement. Its struggle with racial inequality and segregation came to a head during the April 4th, 1968, sanitation worker’s strike, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated at the Lorraine Motel.

For more insights into the struggle for civil rights and social justice in America visit the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel.

We drove through the outskirts of the city, before a 3-hour drive to Nashville, and it was obvious that Memphis is a city of contrasts. The city faces significant challenges with poverty and crime. Ongoing efforts are to revitalize the downtown area and invest in community development. Hopefully, the attempts to create economic opportunities and improve the quality of life in Memphis will be successful.

Nashville

Mural at Marathon Village

Whereas Memphis is known as the “Home of the Blues” and the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Nashville has earned a global reputation as the heart of country music and is known as “Music City”.

Music is the Universal Language. There’s no better place to experience music than Nashville, a city of storytellers and dreamers, where all are welcome with an authentic, friendly, creative spirit. Come discover all the city has to offer and write your own Music City story. visitmusiccity.com

The Honky Tonks

Broadway Street, or “Honky Tonk Highway” is a must-visit in Nashville. Here we found some seriously lively bars and clubs. Even on a Sunday afternoon, Nashville’s famous honky tonks, like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Whiskey Bent Saloon, and Legends Corner, were filled with people looking for a good time. We were met by a fun and rowdy atmosphere, with live country music and crowded dance floors.

Honky Tonk Highway

After strolling up and down Broadway listening to music and enjoying the atmosphere, we found a nice rooftop bar where we could take all in from a distance. Memphis was a lot of fun but Nashville took it up a notch in the live music department. I strongly recommend visiting both cities.

Cowgirls on Honky Tonk Highway

Street Art

If you have read some of my previous posts, you’ll know that hunting for street art is one of my favorite things to do. Nashville did not disappoint! Vibrant murals can be found throughout the city. They often highlight Nashville’s musical heritage and they contribute to the character of the various neighborhoods.

The “Good Trouble” and “Legends Corner” murals

It made my day when we passed this mural by Beau Stanton, one of my favorite street artists.

Beau Stanton mural

Marathon Village

Before “Honky Tonk Highway” we’d stopped at Marathon Village. Originally an automobile manufacturing facility; – now restored and redeveloped into a vibrant space of shops, galleries, artisan studios, and event venues while preserving its historic architecture. I’m sure I’m not the only one who loves original brick walls, exposed beams, vintage machinery, and industrial charm!?

We explored this tiny piece of Nashville history while sampling whiskey at the Tennessee Legend Distillery. Fun flavors like Apple Pie, Coffee, and Orange Creamsicle did not make the whiskey taste any better in my opinion. Still, it was a fun experience and we ended up buying a Salted Caramel flavored whiskey. Pretty much undrinkable even if we added it to coffee. Not a coffee drinker either so maybe that’s why. However, go visit this local small-batch distillery or one of the other distilleries or wineries at the Marathon Village. It’s free and it’s fun!

Tennessee Legend Distillery

Boutique at Marathon Village and Marathon Motor Works showroom

As part of the Marathon Village, five out of eight remaining Marathon vehicles are on display in the original showroom of the historic Marathon Motor Works factory. I didn’t even know there was a Marathon vehicles brand, but it was a very cool place.

Tennessee

Visiting Memphis and Nashville was such a unique and memorable experience. I think we did a lot in one weekend but I’m sure we only saw the tip of the iceberg, especially when it comes to Tennessee in general. Driving back from Nashville we got a good impression of the diverse and scenic landscape Tennessee has to offer. Rolling hills, lush forests, picturesque farmland, and rivers make Tennessee perfect for outdoor adventures. Maybe next time…!

Musical and Movie

Later, when we were back in California we got to experience the Tony® Award-nominated musical Million Dollar Quartet. This musical depicts the greatest jam sessions ever between the four Sun Studio musicians, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. Also, we watched Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie. We loved both the musical and the movie, and having experienced the incredible live music atmosphere in Memphis and visiting Graceland gave it a whole different dimension.

The Million Dollar Quartet

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