Tupelo

Tupelo is a city in Northeast Mississippi best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Born in a small two-room house on January 8, 1935, Elvis's humble beginnings in Tupelo have become a pilgrimage site for fans worldwide. The Birthplace of Elvis Presley, a modest shotgun house now surrounded by a park, draws visitors from around the globe. Beyond its most famous son, Tupelo is the largest city in Northeast Mississippi and serves as a regional commercial hub.

The city's other major draw is the Tupelo National Battlefield and Brice's Cross Roads National Battlefield Site, commemorating Civil War engagements. The Tupelo Auto Museum houses a remarkable collection of vintage automobiles, and the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo offers family-friendly entertainment. Tupelo sits on US Route 78 between Memphis and Birmingham, making it a convenient stopover on cross-country drives through the Deep South.

Tupelo's climate features hot, humid summers (highs in the 90s°F/32°C) and mild winters (highs in the 50s°F/10°C). The area receives moderate rainfall year-round. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons for visiting, with comfortable temperatures and colorful foliage in the surrounding hills.

By Plane

Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP) is served by Contour Airlines with flights to Nashville International Airport (BNA). Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) is 1 hour 10 minutes south with flights to Atlanta. Memphis International Airport (MEM) is 1 hour 40 minutes northwest with extensive domestic service via Delta and six other airlines. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is about 2.5 hours southeast.

By Car / Road

Tupelo is on US Route 78, between Memphis (100 miles west, ~1 hour 40 minutes) and Birmingham (150 miles east, ~2.5 hours). The drive from Jackson is approximately 3 hours via US-45 North.

Tupelo requires a car to see freely. A tour bus will keep you on the main tourist trail. The downtown area and the Elvis Presley Birthplace are walkable, but attractions outside the city center require driving.

• Birthplace of Elvis Presley (306 Elvis Presley Dr, +1 662-841-1245): M–Sa 9AM–5PM, Su 1PM–5PM. The modest two-room shotgun house where Elvis was born in 1935, now preserved as a museum and park.

• Tupelo Auto Museum (1 Otis Blvd, +1 662-842-4242): M–Sa 9AM–4:30PM, Su Noon–4:30PM. $10 adults, $5 children 5–12. Remarkable collection of vintage and classic automobiles.

• Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo (2272 North Coley Rd, +1 662-844-8709): M-Sa 9AM–4PM, Su 11AM–4PM. Family-friendly zoo with buffalo and other animals.

• Tupelo National Battlefield (2083 Main St, +1-800-305-7417): Commemorating the Civil War battle fought here in July 1864.

• Brice's Cross Roads National Battlefield Site: Site of the 1864 Civil War battle where Confederate forces under Nathan Bedford Forrest defeated a Union detachment.

• Tupelo Furniture Market: Thousands of furniture retailers meet twice a year at this major industry event.

• Tupelo Flea Market (at the Tupelo Furniture Market): Second weekend of every month (except during furniture markets). Arts, crafts, furniture, clothing, candy, and more.

• Cadence Bank Arena (375 E Main St, +1 662-841-6528): Concerts, sporting events, and entertainment.

• North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (1800 W Main St, +1 662-842-8433): Classical and pops performances.

• Natchez Trace Parkway: The parkway passes near Tupelo, offering scenic driving through the hills of Northeast Mississippi.

• Harvey's (424 South Gloster Street, +1 662-842-6763): Local favorite for Southern cuisine.
• Vanelli's Bistro (206 W Main St, +1 662-844-4410): Italian-influenced bistro in downtown Tupelo.
• Neon Pig Cafe (1203 N Gloster St, +1 662-269-2533): Popular spot for casual dining.

• Budget: Various motels along US-78 and major highways.
• Mid-range: Hilton Garden Inn (363 East Main Street, +1 662-718-5500): Check-in 3PM, check-out Noon. Comfortable rooms in the downtown area.
• Upscale: Cart Barn Inn (74 Country Road 259, Bruce, +1 662-983-7829): A bed and breakfast in the countryside near Tupelo with Wi-Fi and satellite flatscreen TV. $99–169/night.

• Mall at Barnes Crossing (1001 Barnes Crossing Rd, +1 662-844-MALL): Regional shopping center with major retailers.
• Tupelo Hardware (114 W Main St, +1 662-842-4637): A local institution.

• Oxford (70 miles west, ~1 hour 15 minutes): University of Mississippi, William Faulkner's Rowan Oak, and the Square.
• Memphis, Tennessee (100 miles northwest, ~1 hour 40 minutes): Beale Street, Sun Studio, and barbecue.
• Jackson (165 miles south, ~3 hours): State capital with museums and civil rights landmarks.
• Natchez Trace Parkway: Scenic 440-mile drive from Natchez to Nashville, with Tupelo as a convenient starting or stopping point.
• Birmingham, Alabama (150 miles east, ~2.5 hours): Civil Rights District and Vulcan statue.