Blue Suede Shoes

Elvis' private plane, "Lisa Marie"

"I'm leaving town, baby
I'm leaving town for sure
Well, then you won't be bothered with me hanging 'round your door
Well, that's all right, that's all right
That's all right now mama, anyway you do"

Elvis blasting on the Radio, we crossed the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge into Tennessee, dancing in our seats along to the music of a legend who called Memphis home. As we had come to Memphis with the sole purpose of visiting Graceland, it seemed only fitting to roll into the great city while enjoying "That's All Right Mama," one of Elvis' most popular songs, which he recorded 60 years ago!

Memphis is located on the East side of the Mississippi river on the border of Tennessee and Arkansas. A city with so much soul you can feel it as soon as you step out of your vehicle, Memphis is a must see location for anyone interested in American pop culture. The city in and of itself has so much to offer with it's unique vibe and finger-lickin' good food that you will never want to leave. However, with only 2 nights and one day to experience this sensational city we dedicated our time to Graceland, promising ourselves we would one day return.

Graceland! Home of the King! Elvis Presley was a musical pioneer who helped change the way the Western world listened to music. Elvis owned various properties across the U.S. However, his main home is in Memphis, Tennessee. While visiting Graceland I learned more about Elvis then I had expected, learning that he was more amazing than I could ever have imagined. When you think Elvis, you think Rock & Roll, rebellious youth, wild parties, sexy ladies, sinful music, and THE American heart-throb. Yet, Graceland shows you that Elvis was so much more than this. He was an unbelievably talented man, performing in over 30 successful films, recording 150 billboard hits, and producing ten number one albums. He was a true patriot, serving his country despite the exemptions his celebrity status could have afforded him. But above all he was a philanthropist, generously donating both money and belongings not only to organizations but to people that he met who touched his heart.

Arriving at Graceland, you take a trolley to the historic home which is a modest size for such a legendary super star. Walking through the front doors is like stepping out of a time machine into the 70's. The home is kept in pristine condition and the tourist accessible areas are highly controlled in order to preserve it for future generations. A white sitting room with beautiful stained glass windows leading to a grand piano leads you to imagine Elvis sitting at that very piano rocking away to a song he was trying out for the very first time. Making your way through the building you eventually make it to the kitchen, which is the ultimate time capsule in the home, carpeted, and complete with the finest appliances money could buy. Downstairs, a media room with 3 TVs sits next to a fancy bar to the left of the stairs and to the right of the stairs sits a wild billiards room designed to perfection for the era.  In the background, clips of Elvis giving interviews or performing for screaming crowds add to the ambiance.

From the main house we went into three other buildings: a recording studio, the gym & racquetball court, and a building filled with hundreds of awards and historical Elvis memorabilia. I knew Elvis was a mega super star who was extremely successful but the number of golden, platinum & diamond records on the wall was astonishing! It was fascinating watching him in interviews and seeing the real original outfits he wore. Leaving the trophy room we went to pay our respects to Elvis and his family in the meditation garden where they are all buried together.

Graceland is more than just the home of Elvis Presley, while visiting the home of the king you can also choose to wander through the automobile museum, take a tour of Elvis' private jets, learn about Elvis in Las Vegas, or experience some of Elvis' history in Hawaii. As travel addicts, we chose to visit the automobile museum and the private jets. Elvis' car collection is jaw dropping and would make Gas Monkey Garage drool at the stunning classics in pristine condition. However, though the cars were cool, my favorite thing was the jets. It is unfathomable that a private citizen, especially in that day and age, could own and customize a full size jet for their own personal travel around the country. Walking through the planes it is hard to believe they aren't from the set of a Hollywood production and it was a real experiences that I will never forget.

Graceland was hands down the most interesting historic pop culture site I have been to thus far. I fell in love with Elvis all over again and wish I could have enjoyed some of the true Elvis experience while he was alive. However, it wasn't just Graceland that I found myself enamored with but the city of Memphis itself. Having found the best breakfast in Memphis at the Blue Plate Cafe Downtown and sinking our teeth into some mouthwatering BBQ at Charles Vergo's Redezvous Charcoal Ribs our taste buds have been tempting us to go back ever since. The food, the people, and the entire vibe of Memphis, Tennessee is unique to any other town in the South and I, for one, am looking forward to the next time I find myself in Memphis.