The day after the big storm dawned bright and sunny. This was appropriate as we were about to check another one off our bucket lists, Graceland! Yes, both of us had Graceland on our bucket lists. John has been an Elvis fan "forever", and as for me, well, I became a fan as a very young kid. One of my brothers, Steve, was/is a huge Elvis fan. In my family you couldn't miss the sound of "The King" permeating up the stairs for everyone to hear. So, it was off to Graceland with high hopes. We were not to be disappointed.
Here's Suz, outside the Graceland complex.
Once you purchase your ticket, you then get on shuttle buses that take you across the street to the Graceland mansion. Here's a view from the street, looking in. Did you know Graceland encompasses 13+ acres? We had no idea.
Here's my "Mr Wonderful" on the steps leading into Elvis' home. What a dream come true for us! Many people say that they are surprised at the size (or lack thereof) of the home. Visitors are NOT allowed upstairs at all, but the main floor and the basement did seem somewhat small for such a huge star. Somehow, that fact endeared him more to me. He didn't need the biggest house in Memphis. Graceland was built in 1939 and Elvis was the second owner. He purchased the home and acreage in 1957 at the age of 22, for around $100,000. The home and property was named "Graceland" by the first owners and Elvis decided to keep the name because his mother liked it :)
Again I must remind everyone that the photos taken inside were done without flash. Many didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped, but that's okay. Here's a shot of the living room. This home is a time capsule, still the same from the day Elvis died in 1977.
The dining room.
We went downstairs and saw the "Jungle" room. Again, not great quality, but you can see the green shag carpet on the floor.... the exact carpet was also on the ceiling. We were told that Elvis actually did some recording in this room, but I can't remember which song(s).
Here's a close up of the chair seen above. Gotta love how the arms were carved to look like... well, like some jungle creature!
After touring inside the main home, we went outside. Who knew Graceland had horses? Apparently Elvis kept horses as well.
There are several other buildings on the property. One of which houses the "Hall of Gold". I guess we shouldn't have been surprised that Elvis had SO many gold records?! Amazing.
Here is one of my personal favorites. It's the song I remember playing on our old record player downstairs as a small kid. Over, and over, and over.
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Another building showcases many of Elvis' jumpsuits and awards.
Just love this portrait of the young Elvis. We learned he was such a down to earth kind of guy, giving lots and lots of money to charitable institutions and needy persons.
We then went out to the "Meditation Garden". Here, Elvis is laid to rest next to his mother, his father, and his grandmother.
I love this portrait of a very young Elvis and his parents. Did you know he was a twin? I think I'd heard that years ago, but had forgotten it. His twin brother, Jessie Garon Presley was stillborn 35 minutes before Elvis Aaron Presley made his appearance. Imagine if there had been TWO like Elvis?! We considered going to his birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi but didn't make it. Elvis and his parents moved to Memphis in 1948.
Here's another view of the graves. The grave closest to us in this photo is his grandmother's, Minnie. I had no idea that she lived at Graceland with him!
We went to several exhibits across the street from Graceland. His airplane, the "Lisa Marie" is there, as well as stuff about his movies, his car and motorcycle collection, and how he loved Hawaii. Shoot, I sure wish I'd been able to see him in concert! Guess this is about as close as I'll ever get.
Here's our buddy, the White Knight.... checking out one of Elvis' Cadillacs, and on the table inside his private jet!
We enjoyed nearly everything about Graceland. The folks who work there, while well organized, really don't seem to have their heart in it. Definitely not like Disneyland, where everybody is all smiles and pleasant. Oh well, it didn't really affect our enjoyment of this very special place. One thing that bugs some folks is that there are gift shops every time you turn around - although not in the mansion itself. It IS a money making venture, so I guess that's not too surprising. I didn't find it annoying. It's pretty easy to ignore a gift shop, even if you are forced to walk right through it.
Elvis' demise was sure one sad story. Unfortunately so many big celebrities get caught up in prescription drugs and other bad stuff. I'll never forget the day he died. It was the day my first born son came home from the hospital... his name is Aaron. Seems fitting, somehow.
Next up.... we head further south again!
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