King-size fun in Tupelo, Mississippi, Birthplace of Elvis

From Tupelo tot to the King of Rock n’ Roll, Elvis Presley became the biggest, brightest star in the world. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just caught a thing for the King after seeing the new Elvis movie, Tupelo, Mississippi, birthplace of Elvis, is a must-see destination.

Visit the first home of a future king

We flew from Columbus, Ohio to Columbus, Mississippi (kinda confusing on the airline ticket) and took the short drive to Tupelo. The Elvis Presley Birthplace is a historic museum dedicated to preserving the King’s humble roots. When they say Tupelo is the birthplace of Elvis, they mean it. He was born in this exact shack on January 8, 1935. Right there, in the front room that is half the home. He grew up in Tupelo, absorbing musical influences ranging from blues to gospel to country, and dreaming big. The grounds are cool with plenty of precious Presley memorabilia. Nearby is the old fairgrounds, where Elvis set the world on fire in 1956 with a legendary performance. The iconic statue is the soul of rock n’ roll.

See where Elvis got his first guitar

Don’t forget to visit the legendary Tupelo Hardware, not far from the boyhood home and still a working hardware store. As legend has it, Elvis’ mom Gladys brought him to the store in January of 1946, on his 11th birthday, so he could choose a birthday gift. Elvis wanted a rifle, but mama said no way. Instead she persuaded him to get a guitar, which he strummed for awhile before finally agreeing. She paid the $7.75…and the rest is history. The old-time hardware clerk tells the story so vividly –– pointing to the X on the floor where Elvis stood –– you feel like you’re there, watching a future king take his first step.