I can’t say that I am a huge Elvis fan.  Some of his earlier music is great, but I don’t recall intentionally listening to it when I was younger.  Still, Elvis’ contribution to music, mainly rock and roll, is a part of our American history.  So, when in Memphis, it seems a shame not to visit Graceland.

We purchased the tour that included the various museums, his planes, and his mansion.  The Graceland exhibits reminded me of a theme park but without the rides.  I have to say one of the most interesting exhibits was the hall of jumpsuits.  So many sequins!

The best part was the tour of his mansion.  A bus will take you over, and you get an iPad and headphones which guides you through the house.  The front room isn’t as crazy as I was expecting.  The gaudiest part may have been the stained glass peacocks.  The dining room and kitchen were something you would likely see in any home in the 70s.  The media room downstairs was hysterical with its three TVs and blue and yellow decorations, and the game room was completely covered in fabric.  The “jungle” room wasn’t nearly as I had imagined.  It just felt like someone’s grandma got a kick out of visiting Hawaii and decided to decorate their living room.

To top off the afternoon, we enjoyed a grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich and a cold bottle of milk.  The tickets were a bit pricey, and I would have, if I could, just toured the mansion.  I am glad we went.  Now off to watch an Elvis movie.

From Jason:

I love Elvis! in the movies.  I am a fan of his music when he was younger but not as much in the later years.  But there is just something about his movies that make me smile.  They are simple and fun, with no real plot, but Elvis does what he did best being cool, charming the girls, and singing great songs.  Mechelle is right; the peanut butter and banana sandwich was fantastic!