Chicago to Graceland(Memphis). Any tips??

boy_wonder

Hi Folks

Looking for travle tips and booking advice.
I'm booking a hoilday for 6 people to go to Graceland (Memphis) for 10 days in May and was wondering if anyone has ever been? I was there 3 years ago and drove down from Chicago and it took 7 hours.
I was thinking of something similar this time but was wondering if anyone has done this drive and is there anywhere worth stopping at along the way for an overnight stay. Is St Louis worthwhile and much of a detour?
Also looking for apartment like accomadation for Chicago near the lake if anyone knows of sites etc. as we will probably stay in Chicago for 7 out of them 10 days.

How can i do this cheap without compromising a decmt level of comfort??
Need good links to sites etc like expedia etc
Looking to stay in the hearbreak hotel too, is it worth it??

Thanks for your time

Irish Gunner

Stayed in the Hearbreak hotel, across the road from Graceland

Bit tacky but worth it. They have a love heart swimming pool play Elvis songs everywhere. Pictures of the King in the bedrooms and a channel showing Elvis movies all night. Good to stay there just to say it. Only problem was drinking time as they closed early 10 o clock???

Graceland is worth it and all the museums, his plane etc and gun and car collection.

Stayed in the Red Roof inn, near Sun Studios very basic but perfect. Sun Studios very small but good vibe from it. Also go to the peabody to see the ducks on the red carpet very surreal. Also Beale Street on a sat good blues

Memphis bit run down in relation to cities like NY Boston etc but good vibe from it and the people are nice

Also go to see the Rev Al Green on a Sunday. Check first to see if he is going to be there well worth it

Enjoy your trip

Kinkade

I live in Chicago and have made the drive to Graceland a few times. Yea, teh trip is about 7 to 8 hours. IMO, Graceland is way over rated. But then I'm not much of an Elvis fan. The best way to go is to rent a large car. Lots of comfort. St. Louis is a great place for a stop. You can go atop the arch or catch a Cardinals game.

boy_wonder

How far of a detour is St Louis??
Last time i drove it we didnt have a stop over. I know Graceland is way over rated but dont let my old man hear you say that!! I think he's expecting to meet Elvis himself there.
My trip is only for 10days so dont know whether St Loius would be worth it unless the Cubs were in town that weekend:) .
Also looking to stay in a Condo. Can you recommend any sites etc. I'm looking at something like below

http://www.vrbo.com/46269

Was in Chicago for a summer few years ago and stayed in something similar.

Ruu_Old

Dont bother with St.Louis, pretty lame apart from the arch thingy. you might want to try and look for an Extended Stay hotel, they are apartment style hotels and might suit you guys better.

boy_wonder

Ok thanks for that.
I know Chicago pretty well , when i say well i mean nightspots so i need more family stuff to do like cubs, white sox , museum of science etc. Any good ideas? Cheers