Cruise to memphis-graceland

[TonyNo]

Here's the initial route for the info that I plugged in. Three rest stops at the ~2-hour marks. Can easily be tweaked for lots of stuff. It also has the ability to plan for gassing up based on tank size and MPG.

Time Mile Instruction For Toward
Summary: 549.3 miles (8 hours, 40 minutes)
8:00 AM 0.0 Depart Wyndham-Northwest Chicago [400 Park Blvd, Itasca IL 60143, United States, Tel: +1 (630) 773-4000] on Local road(s) (South) 120 yds
8:00 AM 0.1 Turn RIGHT (West) onto CR-26 [Thorndale Ave] 0.1 mi Elgin-O'Hare Expressway
8:00 AM 0.2 Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto I-290 10.6 mi I-290 / Chicago
8:12 AM 10.8 At exit 15A, turn RIGHT onto Ramp 0.4 mi I-294 / Indiana
8:12 AM 11.2 *Toll road* Merge onto I-294 [Tri-State Tollway] 26.1 mi
8:39 AM 37.3 Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto I-80 3.5 mi I-80 / I-57 S / Iowa
8:43 AM 40.8 At exit 151A, take Ramp (LEFT) onto I-57 92.6 mi I-57 / Memphis
Resurfacing between Ashkum and Gilman (SB) (July 12, 2010 - November 30, 2010)

10:02 AM 133.4 Rest break (15 mins)

10:17 AM 133.4 Stay on I-57 (South-West) 143.6 mi
Construction between Mattoon and Arcola (SB) (January 18, 2010 - November 19, 2010)

12:18 PM 276.9 Rest break (15 mins)

12:33 PM 276.9 At exit 109, stay on I-57 (South) 131.5 mi

12:37 PM 281.6 Refuel before here (last refuel was 281.6 miles ago)

Construction between West City and West Frankfort (SB) (September 30, 2010 - February 28, 2011)

2:05 PM 386.4 Entering Missouri
2:24 PM 408.5 At exit 1A, take Ramp (RIGHT) onto I-55 14.2 mi I-55 / Memphis

2:36 PM 422.7 Rest break (15 mins)

2:51 PM 422.7 At exit 52, stay on I-55 (South) 118.0 mi
3:35 PM 475.1 Entering Arkansas
4:31 PM 540.7 Merge onto I-40 [I-55] 7.5 mi
4:37 PM 547.7 Entering Tennessee
4:38 PM 548.2 At exit 1, turn RIGHT onto Ramp 0.2 mi Riverside Dr / Front St
4:38 PM 548.5 Keep RIGHT to stay on Ramp 0.3 mi Riverside Dr / Front St
4:38 PM 548.8 Keep STRAIGHT onto Arkansas-Riverside Dr [N Riverside Dr] 0.3 mi
4:39 PM 549.0 Turn LEFT (East) onto Monroe Ave 0.3 mi
4:40 PM 549.3 Arrive 211 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN 38103

SUMMARY
Driving distance: 549.3 miles
Trip duration: 8 hours, 40 minutes
Driving time: 7 hours, 55 minutes
Cost: $97.38

[Camaro Lover]

Tony.... I love it....

[Lawdog]

Thanks Tony I think the only part of that I didn't agree with was we should probably stay on 355 south all the way to 80 to 57 and take 57 south, see if your program redoes the route that way, how long it would be, is it longer cause I thought that staying on 355 might keep us away from traffic more, not sure?

I haven't had time yet to tweak the route, been busy today.

[Lawdog]

Well if we don't have 25 then we will just have to wait to get a table, no big deal, the ribs will be worth it

[TonyNo]

Thanks Tony I think the only part of that I didn't agree with was we should probably stay on 355 south all the way to 80 to 57 and take 57 south, see if your program redoes the route that way, how long it would be, is it longer cause I thought that staying on 355 might keep us away from traffic more, not sure?

I haven't had time yet to tweak the route, been busy today.

It's only a few more minutes.

[Lawdog]

I am so pumped about this endeavor, I've been listening to Elvis all day In the car, lol

[Octane]

My wife and I visited Graceland during our Honeymoon in September.

DEFINITELY a worthwhile trip!
Also, it is 100% worth the price for the VIP treatment!

Get there when they open, there is enough to do to have a jam packed day up until they close.
Oh, and don't forget to eat a Peanut butter & banana sandwich!

[Lawdog]

I might even get the Elvis themed suite and live like the king,lol.

[Camaro Lover]

Bill if you get this suite it would be great.... but I would have to get you these.




Long live the KING!!

[Orange5thGen]

Have to get those in YELLOW and crome lenses.........

[Lawdog]

Hell Yeah!! Ill actually wear them (im not saying constantly or back here in chi-town, but maybe while were there for awhile), sideburns and all, lol

[Lawdog]

Hey Boys and girls I need three more cars to sign up to start talking to Graceland about Group Rate and Group VIP Tours. We should have 10 cars signed up on this trip minimum. Its easy peasy, nine hours there, nine hours back, and in between, we got Friday night-great rib joint planned, Saturday Tour, Saturday Afternoon and night to have more fun. You have five months to save a few bucks for the trip and the hotel is not all that bad nor the tour price for an all day tour of the house, cars, airplanes,...

[Camaro Lover]

How soon should we book the rooms?

I am ready to book mine now.

[vuduman67]

Looks like the wife and I might be in! Not 100% sure yet but its a good possibility, basically we just need to verify we are free for the dates.
I did a little research for those interested. The average temp in Memphis in April is 63 degrees. Since the trip dates are late in april I would think we should hit 60 without a problem. A interesting thing for Saturday evening could be the Beale Street Historic District. Should be nice enough out to walk but might be a little chilly so if thats in the plans I would bring some warmer clothes LOL Here is a link to a site that tells you about it.
No Cover Charge for Beale Street Historic District - Beale Street, Memphis, TN Blues & Rock N' Roll

Long live the King...

PS Ill pay my dues and officially become a member by then! I cant stay illegitimate forever LOL

[TonyNo]

At that point, 63° will feel nice and warm!

Beale Street pub crawl!