Elvis Presley Graceland – An Historic Treasure

Graceland is a place revered by many. To Elvis fans around the world, this stately, old colonial house on the outskirts of downtown Memphis is almost sacred.

Love for the King and the devotion to preserving his legacy is very much evident in and around Graceland as well as its visitor’s centre, both of which encompass a most fitting tribute to Elvis, his life and his music.

A visit to Graceland is like a pilgrimage to many Elvis fans. The King, after all, touched many people with his music, creating a cultural phenomenon like no other.

At the beginning of his career, Elvis challenged the conventions of the staid conservative 1950’s, climbing the charts with hit after hit while captivating audiences with his unique style and persona, propelling him to international super-stardom.

Entrance to Graceland - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Entrance to Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith

Admittedly, before visiting Graceland I never quite understood the fascination with Elvis. While my parents were big Elvis fans, I was only nine years old at the time of his unfortunate passing.

Maybe it’s because of this that his life and music never really resonated with me. A visit to Graceland changed that. Graceland is a wonderful tribute to Elvis and his times and I came away impressed, not just with Elvis the man but with the home and exhibits that make up this historic site.

Graceland lounge room and sitting area - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Entrance to Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith

When touring Graceland each visitor is equipped with earphones for a self-guided audio tour that takes you through the house room by room. This audio tour brought Graceland and its exhibits alive and I especially enjoyed the first-hand accounts from Lisa Marie Presley of what life was like at the house.


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After this tour head back to the equally impressive visitor’s centre where Elvis’s planes and many cars are on display.

One of the many cars on display at Graceland - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
One of the many cars on display at Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
The infamous Pink Cadillac Elvis gave to his Mother - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
The infamous Pink Cadillac Elvis gave to his Mother – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith

Whether you are an Elvis fan or not, this is one visit that I would highly recommend. Graceland is not just an Elvis attraction but more a national historic site to be treasured.

Graceland dining room - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Entrance to Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Graceland kitchen. Note the carpet on the floor - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Entrance to Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Graceland TV room - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Entrance to Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Pool room with fabric walls and ceiling - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Entrance to Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
The Jungle Room complete with carpet ceilings - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Entrance to Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Graceland recording studio - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Entrance to Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
One of countless Gold Record awards lining the hallways - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Entrance to Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Graceland memorabilia room - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Entrance to Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
One of the many Elvis Presley costumes on display - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Entrance to Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Graceland swimming pool and pool house - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Entrance to Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
One of the two private aircraft that shuttled Elvis and his family - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Entrance to Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Interior of smaller of the two private jets - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Entrance to Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Interior loungeroom of large private jet - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Entrance to Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Private jet dining area - Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith
Entrance to Graceland – Photo credit Jason Dutton-Smith

About the author

An American / Australian writer, Todd Sturm contributes travel and airline related feature articles for travel brands, publications, websites and blogs. Todd has also worked in the airline industry on both sides of the Pacific, with nearly 20 years experience. His travel passions range from airlines, cruises and luxury hotels, to national parks, historic sites and off-the-beaten-track adventures.

Comments

  1. Sharon Perkins says:

    Jason – I love reading your travel articles. I feel inspired to go to Chicago next spring!!

    Sharon Perkins

  2. embedded computer says:

    Thanks for your sharing,I appreciate this.keep up the good work.

  3. Elaine Knight says:

    Believe it or not I went to Graceland, seven years ago it was my biggest wish to go there and my husband took me. Its out of this world, a wonderful place. Took loads of photos.

    1. Hi Elaine, so glad you enjoyed it as much as we did. I have to admit I enjoyed it much more then I ever thought I would. Great history and glad they are preserving it the way they are.

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