Memphis Shopping Starts at Graceland
First and foremost, for the Elvis fans on your shopping list, nothing beats Graceland and its neighbor, The Guest House at Graceland, when it comes to finding the perfect gift. With items ranging from clothing to jewelry to collectibles, Graceland is a mecca for shoppers in search of the just-right gift for Elvis fans. Right next door, The Guest House at Graceland is the latest addition to the neighborhood. The hotel gift shop is packed with many of the same items available at Graceland, but the gift of a stay at The Guest House of Graceland may well be the ultimate experience for Elvis superfans. The AAA Four Diamond-rated, 450-room hotel, just a short walk from Graceland, is earning rave reviews since opening in late October. Elvis aficionados will appreciate daily screenings of Elvis movie classics in the Graceland Guest House Theater and the classic Southern fare on offer at Delta’s Kitchen. Fun activities include Elvis trivia in EP’s Bar & Grill and karaoke in the Lobby Lounge.
If you’re staying at The Guest House at Graceland and your evening plans involve taking in the music and club scene over on Beale Street, leave the driving to us. Hop aboard the hotel shuttle ($5 per person) and head out a bit early to check out some of the city’s most iconic shops. The shuttle runs daily from 6 p.m.–10 p.m., connecting The Guest House at Graceland to the legendary historic district.
The A. Schwab Trading Co. at 163 Beale St. is open to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. Established in 1876, A. Schwab is an authentic general store — and the only original business remaining on Beale Street. Merchandise can run toward the kitschy with everything from local crafts to love potions and candy to T-shirts in the mix, but the highlight may well be the old-fashioned soda fountain. Grab a seat and take a spin, order a malted milkshake and surrender to memories of simpler times.
Also on Beale Street, the aptly named Strange Cargo is known for its music memorabilia and quirky merchandise. If your shopping list includes unusual souvenirs and gag gifts, this is the place to shop.
A short walk from Beale Street, Stock & Belle, on South Main Street, is the epitome of eclectic. The loft-like space (even though it’s on the first floor) boasts a surprisingly balanced blend of home furnishings, décor and fashion. It’s the kind of place that invites casual browsing. Be forewarned: It’s also the kind of place where browsing will likely lead to buying. Right next door, Stock & Belle’s sister property, 387 Pantry, is foodie nirvana, offering a mouth-watering selection of artisanal foods, local meats and cheeses, gift-worthy cooking utensils and hard-to-find ingredients.
For truly one-of-a-kind gifts — Seriously! There’s a one-of-a-kind section — set your compass for the museum shop at the National Ornamental Metal Museum. Located on the outskirts of Chickasaw Heritage Park overlooking the Mississippi River at the site of a late 19th-century U.S. Marine hospital, the museum shop offers truly unique jewelry, furnishings, décor and even kitchen utensils.
A bit further afield, the up-and-coming Broad Avenue Arts District is home to City & State. Self-described as “an artisan-centric store that celebrates quality, heritage and fair trade,” City & State collects and curates timeless clothing, crafts and home furnishings. Stop by for a Lumberjack Latte (maple, pecan and cinnamon), browse the merchandise and don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with the shopkeeper. City & States prides itself on knowing the stories behind the items it collects and sells.
I have a soft spot in my heart for Falling Into Place. Also located in the Broad Avenue Arts District, the home and lifestyle boutique is a dream-come-true for owner Mary Claire White. The native Memphian knew when she was just 13-years-old she would eventually open a shop “where people could not only shop, but have an experience they would remember and want to share.” During my first visit to Memphis, I was immediately enchanted by the bright storefront. Falling Into Place offers handcrafted jewelry, gifts, ceramics, botanicals, original art and hand-made candles and other unique gift items. This is a place where you’re sure to find memorable gifts.
And just like that, everything on your holiday gift list will fall into place.
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