On Aug. 16, fans once again will mourn the death 33 years ago of Elvis Presley.
While Memphis, where Elvis rose to fame and made his home, will get most of the glory, little Tupelo, Miss., also will mark the occasion. Located in northeast part of the state, Presley's hometown is full of landmarks that shaped the King, who lived in the town until age 13.
Don’t miss
The Elvis Presley Birthplace. Part of Elvis Presley Park, Elvis' birthplace attracts more than 50,000 visitors a year. Here fans can delve into the King's modest beginnings at the two-room home where he was born. The park also includes the recently restored Assembly of God Church, where the Presley family attended worship services. The Elvis Presley Museum features personal memorabilia from his life and an audiovisual presentation that replicates the sights and sounds of the Tupelo where Elvis grew up. Elvis Presley Museum and Birthplace. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays (closes at 5 p.m. October-April), 1-5 p.m. Sundays. $12 adults, $6 children for house, museum and church. 306 Elvis Presley Drive, 662-841-1245, www.elvispresleybirthplace.com.
Elvis Fan Appreciation Day. To honor the anniversary of the King's death, Fan Appreciation Day will be held Aug. 10 at Elvis Presley Park. "We do this every year as a kind of kickoff to Elvis Week in Memphis," said Dick Guyton, executive director of the Elvis Presley Museum. (Elvis Week honors Presley with tribute performances and activities Aug. 10-16 in Memphis.) As part of Fan Appreciation Day, tickets for the museum and birthplace will be discounted and locals who grew up with Elvis will share their personal stories with fans.
Johnnie's Drive-In. A favorite hangout of Elvis', this old-fashioned, diner-style restaurant serves up classic American fare for modest prices, including burgers, fries, pit-cooked barbecue, hot dogs, sandwiches, pecan pie, apple pie and milkshakes. 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. 908 E. Main St. 662-842-6748.
Getting there
Tupelo is located about 285 miles west of downtown Atlanta. The five-hour drive includes about 150 miles on I-20 West and 117 miles on U.S. 78 West, exiting onto U.S. 45 South toward Tupelo.
Where to stay
Hilton Garden Inn. Located in historic downtown Tupelo, within walking distance of Elvis Presley Park. Rates start at $129 per night. 363 E. Main St. 662-718-5500
The Commodore Motel offers a no-frills, budget-friendly night's rest, conveniently located on Tupelo's Main Street. $35 a night. 1800 E. Main St. 662-842-9074
Where to eat
Grill at Fairpark. American cuisine, including burgers, steaks, chicken and pasta, plus a full bar. Entrees $7-25. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays. 343 E. Main S. 662-680-3201, www.eatwithus.com
Vanelli's Restaurant. Classic Greek and Italian fare for lunch and dinner. Pizzas are the house specialty. Entrees $8-$17. Bands and comedians perform sometimes. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays. 1302 N. Gloster St. 662-844-4410, www.vanellis.com.
Visitor information
Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau. 1-800-533-0611, www.tupelo.net
Provided by Demand Studio
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