Elvis Presley's Birthplace Tupelo, MS

It's about a two hour drive to the town Elvis was born and raised in. We got caught in a thunder storm and had to pull over for a while. Folks seemed to act like that kind of thing was to be expected.

The house Elvis was born in is very small. about 600 square feet. The caretakers were upset because they recently added a plaque to the grounds that talked about the time Elvis' dad, Vernon, forged a check and got thrown in the slammer.

At the giftstore of Elvis' birthplace, ask for directions to Johnny's Bar-B-Q. I had the dough burger. It' s a hamburger with flour mixed in with the beef. Funky. Elvis used to eat at Johnny's. Lunch for the two of us cost about $7.

After lunch, be sure to visit the Tupelo Hardware store (still in business) that sold Elvis his first guitar.

Was it worth it?
Elvis' house is so small, it will take you less than 3 minutes to see inside and out. For me (an Elvis fan), it was worth going, just to see the town he grew up in. Even so, I probably won't go out of my way a second time.

Next:
Are you ready for the highlight of your Memphis trip...

Graceland Too in Holly Springs >>

All photos and words
by ShaneG and Holly Wood
© 2006 GBH Co.