Graceland barely needs an introduction - it's Elvis' house, what more would you want, other than for the Man himself to still be welcoming visitors as they enter?!
A visit is imperitive for anyone who is in Tennessee and has even the smallest interest in music. The house has been kept in impeccable condition, exactly as it was when Elvis and the Presley family lived there. It is, to say the least, very 1970's, but the whole retro feel just adds to the vibe.
The house has everything, from the impressive main foyer where guests were greeted, to the basement which I defy any male not to want in their own house (pool table, bars, leather seats, 3 TVs....).
The outer buildings also house a great deal to see - his father's office, the gym/racketball court, the stables, and the sombre Meditation Garden where Elvis and his parents are buried.
The area has obviously been unable to withstand the legacy that comes with being home to Elvis, and there are plenty of tacky souvenir shops and cheap motels all around. But the official plaza across the road from the mansion has a great many extras on offer. You can see many of Elvis' vehicles in the car museum, climb aboard his 2 private planes, and there are special exhibits covering Elvis time in the army and his movie career.
You need - and would want - a good 3 hours at least to see everything without rushing. Even the torrential October rain could not dampen our experience. The only downside was that the free shuttle bus that runs on a loop from downtown Memphis (stopping at Sun Records and the Rock & Soul Museum also) stopped at 6pm, and that the driver left by our watch a little before 6pm, meaning that we had to make other arrangements back to town.
But this is no fault of Graceland itself, and still did not dampen the occasion. As avid music fans this was a wonderful place for us, but anyone who enjoys music and it's history cannot fail to enjoy the wealth of exhibits on show.
I will always remember my trip to visit Elvis.
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Advantages: walking distance to Graceland,set back off noisy rd,free airport shuttle Disadvantages: basic,shabby,breakfast very poor quality,noisy corridors,tiny bar area
Advantages: Very close - in Graceland, clean and functional, a bit of Elvis feel, FREE bus to Memphis Disadvantages: Not Elvis enough, VERY expensive souvenire shop, ordinary rooms
Oct 27th, 2009
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