No trip to Memphis would be complete without a visit to the home of Elvis Presley, Graceland. I have actually visited Graceland a total of four times since moving here eight years ago! Of course, my reason for so many visits is because I’ve had out-of-town family members wanting to tour the home. I grew up with Elvis’ music in my home, as my parents were huge fans. Who wouldn’t be a fan!
The most memorable Graceland moment was when I helped one of my nephews out with a school project — the Flat Jacob project. Yes, in spite of the embarrassment and mortification of my children, I hauled Flat Jacob all over Memphis taking tourist pics! Flat Jacob did not want to miss out on the goodness of Elvis’ music either.
According to Wikipedia:
Elvis purchased Graceland in early 1957 for approximately $100,000 after vacating an east Memphis house located at 1034 Audubon Drive. He moved because of privacy and security concerns, and the opposition of neighbors to the raucous behavior of the many fans who slowly cruised by his home. Elvis moved into Graceland together with his father Vernon Presley and his mother Gladys.
Graceland is a large white-columned mansion sitting on 13.8 acres. It has become the secondmost visited private home in America with over 600,000 visitors a year. The mansion is constructed of tan limestone and consists of twenty-three rooms, including eight bedrooms and bathrooms. The entrance way contains four Temple of the Winds columns and two large lions perched on both sides of the portico. One of Presley’s better known modifications was the addition of the Meditation Gardens, where he, his parents, Gladys and Vernon, and grandmother are buried. A small stone memorializes Elvis’ twin brother, Jesse Garon, who died at birth.
Graceland should definitely be on your itinerary when you come to Memphis. There are several packages available for this site. If you have time constraints, choose the mansion tour only option. It is by far the best part of the Elvis Presley experience!
Below is a Graceland tour video courtesy of YouTube. Enjoy!
