GRACELAND REVIEW
Elvis fan? Doesn't matter! Why would you not want to tour the "king of rock and rolls" mansion? People of all ages could benefit from learning a little music history during this trip. Fan or not, if you have the opportunity to travel to Memphis, TN. don't miss out on this experience of a life time!
I decided to drive to Graceland on Monday, March 28,2016. Beginning my trip from Douglasville, GA. it took me about 5 hours to arrive at my destination. This included a Starbucks run, a bathroom break, and a stop in Tupelo, MS. to visit Elvis Presley Birth Place. This is where it all began! Its also where i suddenly realized i was not in the current year of 2016 anymore!
Back on the road again for the long stretch. Is it me or is the interstate getting browner and more bumpy! Oh please god don't let me have a flat tire. Nope the road just sucks. I hear that the Graceland Mansion has been untouched since Elvis death in 1977. Pretty sure the roads have not be repaved since then either. I'm not going lie folks, once i arrived the area was just run down. I was very glad i picked Heartbreak Hotel because it was probably the nicest place around.
Once we arrived around noon and realized TN is an hour behind GA we had plenty of time to check in to the hotel, pick up our tickets and eat lunch. The Mansion was right across the street. To my surprise the Graceland parking lot was attached to our hotels so it was a quick walk over to what i call Elvis Land! His 2 planes were parked over there too. We did not wait in any lines and hopped right on the shuttle. I was handed an iPad and headphones and was at Elvis front door within 5 minutes! Suddenly i was in Elvis living room realizing i had a faulty iPad in one hand and trying to take pictures with my phone in the other. As I walked down a side hallway and stood in front of his parents room I finally hear sweet John Stamos voice tell the story of the Presley family moments spent in each room. John does an outstanding job narrating and really helps you almost envision the memories there.
Oddly as I walked through the house a warming feeling of familiarity came over me. The colors, patterns, designs, statues, pink bathroom etc reminded me of my childhood. I remember seeing similar decorations in my parents, grandparents and friends parents homes. There was even Lisa Marie's old rusted swing set outside next to the old white ranch style fence that of course had horses behind that fence. I wondered if the horses were Lisa or Priscilla's! Did you know they still come stay at the Mansion during holidays and still eat family dinners there on that gorgeous dining room table?
Hallway after hallway of awards, gold records and trophies, movies and outfits. Did i mention his cars and gold plated airplanes..... oh my! I even heard there were warehouses out there full of his things. Just remember if you go in just visiting you will probably leave singing "I cant help falling in love with you"!
Don't forget to check out these places too. Pyramid, Sun Studio, Beale street, and BBQ
REVIEW YOU GURU GIVES GRACELAND 8 OUT OF 10 STARS
