When I think of Memphis, two things immediately come to my mind – Elvis and BBQ. When talking with friends and family about traveling to Memphis, they always mention visiting Graceland or are recommending a great BBQ place for dinner. Having never traveled to Memphis despite its close proximity to where I grew up, I never experienced either one.

I got my first chance to visit Memphis last year when my hubby and I attended the Duran Duran concert. It was so cool and a fun time. Although, we did n0t get to see Elvis;  but we had a chance to sample some of its famous BBQ. When we got a chance for a return visit this year, we made sure to have Graceland on our places to visit.

My hubby and I left early Saturday morning.  The drive is always cool with my hubby because we talk the whole time and like to listen to music.

The first stop was Graceland. I did not know what to expect because I have heard mix reviews. Some people said they really enjoyed seeing the house, while others said it was not worth their time. I always want to have an open mind, so I was ready to go exploring.

We drove into the parking lot which is super huge and the parking attendant was very friendly.  We got out and walked to the Visitor Building and purchased our tickets.  We stepped up to the ticket entrance and we heard a voice over us say that we can go to booth six to purchase our tickets.  After using our AAA discount to save ten percent on the tickets, we briefly browsed the gift shop and then proceeded out of the building to take the shuttle across the street to the home. The first point is for you to take a photo and then it was a short wait for the bus.  We boarded a 25 passenger air-conditioned bus and were driven across the street.  First impression was that this was a two-story, well-kept home. I have to mention that the home was very well kept and the grounds were well manicured.

Graceland — Elvis’s home

After leaving the bus, our group stepped into the home to begin the tour. It was tight inside the house because everyone wants to take a look at each room. An interesting fact is that Elvis only had his guests on the first floor. And that he and his family were only allowed on the second floor. In respect for Elvis and his family, no one is allowed on the second floor. The tour of the home is not that long because your are only touring the first floor and the basement.

The stairs to the second floor are roped off, so no one can go upstairs.

Staircase roped off in Elvis home.

His interior decorating was an eclectic taste.  When you walk in to the kitchen, it is like you stepped right into the 1970s.

Elvis Kitchen

 Everything has been preserved from the time period, nothing has changed. It was interesting to see his taste in furniture and what fabrications he wanted in his home.

The game room was mind boggling with the fabric pleated ceiling and walls.  I actually thought this room was pretty cool.

Game room

The basement was very mod and Elvis had a lot of friends down there. It was said that Elvis watch watch three different televisions at the same time because the President had done this.

Basement

One of the most interesting rooms that my hubby took a picture of was the family room. I could imagine that a lot of guitar playing happened in this room.  Look at the wood and the hard edginess of the room.  This room embodies the 70s.

Family room

The house was smaller than I thought but it was such a great tour to see a glimpse of where Elvis and his family lived.

We had a blast!

JT and Hubby

We even got a glimpse of a little Elvis.

Little Elvis Impersonator

Stay tuned because there is more to the Graceland Experience!