Graceland
“We’re lost in a cloud with too much rain. We’re trapped in a world that’s troubled with pain. But as long as a man has the strength to dream he can redeem his soul and fly.”
Elvis Presley, If I Can Dream
We drove through Mississippi today on our way to Memphis Tennessee. I got to see cotton fields for the very first time. They looked like happy little plants covered in tiny clouds, but the history of this crop in the USA has a darker side and I couldn’t help but think about that. There is a lot of history in this part of the United States and Ron and I have been trying to teach the kids about it as we travel. I have been learning a lot as well.
Our campsite is just over the Tennessee/Arkansas state line, which is the Mississippi River. Crossing the mighty Mississippi was pretty neat! Ron was born in Arkansas, so it was fun for the kids to know we were staying in “Daddy’s State”.
Once we got to our campsite the kids checked out the playground of course. Then, after a quick lunch we were off to see Memphis. We only had a few hours to explore, so we visited Graceland. We listened to Elvis Presley music all day in the car and it reminded me of the road trips we used to take to Winnipeg to visit my Grandma when I was little. My mom and dad used to listen to Elvis Presley on the long drives from Northern Manitoba.
Graceland was fantastic to see. First, we toured the mansion, which was kept just as Elvis left it. Nothing has been moved or changed in the home since 1977, and I loved seeing his decorating style. The green shag in his famous jungle room brought me back to my childhood. I remember shag carpets well. Elvis was the King of Rock and Roll and walking through his home and catching just a small glimpse of his life was amazing.
Apparently after all the tours are over Graceland once again becomes a home. Lisa Marie (his daughter and only child) visits Graceland often and even has family dinners in the dining room. She describes Graceland as a playground, and after touring the home and the estate and watching some of the family home movies that played along the tour, I believe her. It was clear that Elvis adored her.
The front living room The upstairs remains closed out of respect for Elvis and his family The dining room where Lisa Marie and her family still have dinners The room for Gladys Presley at Graceland The kitchen, which was apparently always busy The famous Jungle Room shag with local furniture from Memphis The walls and ceiling of the games room are covered in fabric Games room TV room and bar Graceland estate The racquetball court. This was apparently the last place Elvis relaxed with friends before he died. The resting place of Elvis and his parents
After our tour of the mansion we walked through his private jet named Lisa Marie. Wow!! The King definitely travelled in style. Ariel and Wyatt were impressed by his 24 karat gold flecked sinks. Our final stop was the Elvis Presley Memphis entertainment complex. There, we got to see his cars, motorcycles, golf carts (which he apparently loved to drive all over his estate), legendary costumes, artifacts and personal mementos. I will say it again, wow what a life he had. He had so much talent and I am sad that his life ended so soon.
Ron and I were still talking about Elvis’s life over dinner at The Flight restaurant in downtown Memphis. What a story. We enjoyed our little flights of food and wine and headed back to camp. Along the way home we drove past Beale Street in downtown Memphis. It was a Saturday night and packed the street. Beale Street was a prominent place in the history of blues music and apparently Elvis himself would frequent the clubs along this street to listen.
Once we got back to camp and tucked the kiddos into bed, I Googled answers to questions I still had about Elvis Presley. This kept me busy until it was time to say goodnight. If you are in Memphis Ron and I recommend visiting Graceland. It was so interesting.
Goodnight from Arkansas!