All Shook Up: Elvis’ Tupelo Experience
Expiration: Jan 31st 2027
Embark on a journey through Rock ‘N’ Roll history in Tupelo, MS! Sign up for the All Shook Up: Elvis’ Tupelo Experience digital pass and explore the origins of Tupelo’s favorite native son.
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
Tupelo Hardware Co
This is one of 15 significant sites in Elvis' formative years in Tupelo marked with bronze plaques on the Elvis' Tupelo Driving Tour. Tupelo Hardware undoubtedly played a major role in the life of Elvis Presley. The hardware store was where Gladys, Elvis' mother, purchased his first guitar and put music in the hands of a boy who grew to become a musical legend. The story goes that Elvis was very upset because Gladys refused to buy him a rifle for his 11th birthday, so a store employee tried calming him down by handing him a guitar that he then started strumming. He then decided upon the guitar instead of the rifle.
Elvis' Homecoming Statue
In September of 1956, poised to become a mega superstar of historic proportions, Elvis and his family were welcomed home by a parade, thousands of screaming fans, and the Governor of Mississippi. He performed two shows and received the “key to the city” of the little town where he was so humbly born. This statue was placed to commemorate that concert and was based on a photo by Roger Marshutz of Elvis reaching into the crowd to touch their hands.
Tupelo Visitors Center
This is one of 14 significant sites in Elvis' formative years in Tupelo marked with bronze plaques on the Elvis' Tupelo Driving Tour. Check out the displays focused on Elvis' childhood in Tupelo inside the Tupelo Visitors Center. Situated in what was once the Shake Rag Community, Elvis was influenced by the sanctified gospel and blues music he heard which contributed greatly to the style he made famous. Be sure to visit the Elvis' Tupelo Driving Tour marker and the Mississippi Blues Trail Marker outside the Tupelo Visitors Center.
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Relics Antique Marketplace (former Tupelo Garment Factory where Gladys Presley worked)
Located in the former garment factory where Gladys Presley worked while pregnant with Elvis, Relics boasts two floors with over 117 booths filled with antiques, handmade and repurposed items, and so much more.
Mud Creek Swimming Hole
This is one of 14 significant sites in Elvis' formative years in Tupelo marked with bronze plaques on the Elvis' Tupelo Driving Tour. Elvis and friends would sneak to this hole so their mothers wouldn’t know they were swimming unsupervised. Take a stroll to the overlook at Mud Creek.
Milam Junior High School
This is one of 14 significant sites in Elvis' formative years in Tupelo marked with bronze plaques on the Elvis' Tupelo Driving Tour. Elvis attended school at Milam when his parents decided to move to Memphis and gave a farewell performance singing "Ole Shep" for his classmates.
Lyric Theatre
Home to Tupelo Community Theatre, the Lyric was originally designed for operas and plays followed by an adaptation to show moving pictures in the 1930s. Purchased in 1985 by the local community theater group, the building interior was refurbished and the neon and marquee lighting was upgraded. A marque relighting event was held in 2010.
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Lee County Library
This is one of 14 significant sites in Elvis' formative years in Tupelo marked with bronze plaques on the Elvis' Tupelo Driving Tour. Elvis received his first library card from the Lee County Library which might have spawned his love of reading comic books and dreaming of becoming the hero in the stories. Pop inside to see the library card on display.
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Lawhon Elementary School
This is one of 14 significant sites in Elvis' formative years in Tupelo marked with bronze plaques on the Elvis' Tupelo Driving Tour. Elvis first attended elementary school at Lawhon.
Just Love Coffee Cafe - Tupelo MS
This hand-roasted speciality coffee café serves up a "waffled" menu all day, everyday. Try the Pink Cadillac or The Skinny Caddy, both Elvis-inspried sips to get your caffeine fix while exploring Elvis' Tupelo.
Johnnie's Drive In
The oldest operating restaurant in Tupelo, Johnnie's Drive-In opened in 1945 and they will celebrate their 80th anniversary this year. Take advantage of the drive-in and carhop service or simply go inside and sit in the Elvis booth. Cash only.
Jailhouse Rock Mural
Local artist Kit Stafford painted this eye-catching mural of young Elvis showing off one of his signature dance moves on the side of the alley next to Van Atkins Jewelers in Downtown Tupelo. The mural, commissioned in 2017 as part of the Off The Wall: Changing the ARTmosphere in Tupelo Brick by Brick project, depicts Elvis wearing standard jail-issued blues with jail cell bars behind him. The movie, "Jailhouse Rock," was released in 1957 starring Elvis Presley.
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Elvis Presley Birthplace
The most significant landmark of Tupelo's modern history is a modest, two-room house where the King of Rock & Roll was born January 8, 1935. From this humble beginning, Elvis Presley began his swift rise to become the world's most popular entertainer. The house, built by his father with $180, draws over 100,000 visitors each year from across the world and is part of the 15-acre Elvis Presley Park. The home is a Mississippi landmark and the centerpiece of the park which also includes a museum that chronicles his life, "Elvis at 13" statue, Elvis' childhood church, and more.
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Elvis Guitar Trail at Vanelli's Bistro
Vanelli's Bistro opened in 1975 and continues to offer an amazing menu built with Greek and Italian cuisine. For more than 50 years, the Greek salad has been a staple on their menu. It's worth every bite!
Eat Like A King mural at King Chicken Fillin' Station
Painted by local artist Kit Stafford in 2018, visitors to King Chicken Fillin' Station are greeted with the King of Rock 'N' Roll, encouraging everyone who enters to “Eat like a King.”
Dr. William Robert Hunt’s Office
This is one of 14 significant sites in Elvis' formative years in Tupelo marked with bronze plaques on the Elvis' Tupelo Driving Tour. Located in what is now The Main Attraction, Dr. William Robert Hunt’s office was housed on the second floor of this building. Just before dawn, January 8, 1935, Dr. Hunt delivered Jesse Garon Presley, who was stillborn, and 35 minutes later delivered Elvis Aaron Presley.
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Crave
Tupelo's dessert café and gourmet coffee shop features The Shakerag, a whiskey-flavored espresso drink with caramel. Named for the historic African-American neighborhood where Elvis was influenced by the rhythm and blues music he heard there, enjoy a sweet treat while sitting under the lights in the alleyway.
Cafe 212
Cafe 212 is a locally-owned lunch shop with an eclectic atmosphere featuring work from local artists. Cafe 212 serves gourmet sandwiches, homemade soups, desserts, and delicious salads Monday through Friday from 11 am-2 pm. Try the Blue Suede Grill, their version of Elvis' favorite peanut butter and banana sandwich.
Becoming Statue at Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum
Channel your inner Elvis, spread your cape, and capture your moment with the King at the overlook of the Elvis Presley Birthplace. The Becoming Statue features two likenesses of Elvis symbolizing his transformation from a small-town boy to an international music icon.
1970s Jumpsuit Elvis
Located in the alleyway between Reed's Ladies' Department and Reed's Mens' Department, this three-dimensional mural of Elvis, created by local artist Morris McCain, looks like he is standing right next to fans for photographs. It also includes the titles of his first and last singles, “That’s All Right” and “Way Down,” and the trademarked phrase, “Cradle of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” representing Tupelo.
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1950s Elvis Mural by Reed's
Nationally recognized graffiti mural artist Ryan “ARCY” Christenson was commissioned to create this large-scale mural of Tupelo’s beloved son live during the 2018 Tupelo Elvis Festival. Each piece he creates exhibits his particular style, which is a crossover of traditional graffiti, with bright splashes of color, mixed with traditional photo-realism. ARCY leaves a hidden Mickey Mouse in his works as a nod to his children. See if you can find the hidden Mickey.
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