You know you have arrived in Memphis when you see a statue of Elvis on every corner. We stayed at the Downtown Sheraton Hotel as this was where we were going to meet up with our tour group for the Mississippi cruise.
However, we planned to have a few days exploring Memphis. We decided to use the Hop on Hop off bus to get a feel of the city and places to see.
The first stop we wanted to see was Graceland, Elvis Presley's mansion and museum. We walked to where the bus was to stop but we couldn't find the bus stop sign or the bus. Finally, a city tourist helper flagged down the so called bus. It was a bomb, a small van which shuddered its way noisily around the city and we paid 23 bucks for this. Just as well the ticket lasted for 2 days.
We started with the mansion. It was quite impressive.
His den,
The Jungle room
His gold records, there were so many.
More of his records, achievements and some of his outfits. This was in the handball courts near where he died. There were many more rooms full of his outfits.
There was a whole building full of his cars.
You sure get around! Thanks for the tour, I have never been to Graceland.
ReplyDeletei'm laughing at the hop-a-bus rattle-trap! glad it delivered you safely!
ReplyDeleteThat brings back memories ! We had been there in the 80th, and there were soooo many fans, we had to wait and line up to get an entrance ticket ! We also saw his private airplane with a seat belt over the double bed which made us laugh, and the bus in which he toured around. What you call "den" was actually his TV room where he used to shoot on the televisions when he didn't like the program ! That's at least what the guide told us. He also had a shooting gallery and a Karate exercise room. We also had seen the kitchen and the graveyard. Maybe it's not so interesting anymore as his fans are dying out ....
ReplyDeleteHi Diane, thanks for sharing your tour of Graceland, I've never been there.. The mansion from the outside is gorgeous.. Your hop on bus sounds awful, a warning for other tourists. Have a happy day and week ahead!
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous of your adventures in Memphis. Presumably Elvis did not travel by bus very often - or perhaps it was the inspiration for "All Shook Up"!.
ReplyDeleteThe hop-on bus sounds like a great idea, and at least it did get you where you were going. I've never been to Graceland, but I do enjoy some of his music.
ReplyDeleteWow that sure is some mansion. And I love the idea (from Gattina's comment) that he used to shoot at TV programs he didn't like! I look forward to hearing about your tour on the Mississippi.
ReplyDeletei thought the hop on hop off bus sounded good, i guess not.. the outside of the house doesn't look like him at all, i mean what i thought he would live in, the den is more like what i would picture him in. love the cars
ReplyDeleteAmazing place, I can't believe how many gold records he has. This must have been a highlight. X
ReplyDeleteI like the look of the den, or tv room. The cars must have been amazing to see too.
ReplyDeleteOh I would love to go to Graceland one day it is high on my places to see list
ReplyDeleteDid you shake, rattle and roll on that bus, Diane? Oh no, sorry, that was Bill Hailey. I imagine visiting Gracelands would be a real buzz. You had a wonderful adventure, didn't you?
ReplyDeleteWe've never been to Graceland, so I really appreciated your photos. I'm sorry about that sorry bus, however.
ReplyDeleteSuch is life in that bus..something you won't forget. Lovely tour.
ReplyDeleteI liked visiting Graceland, to have a look in one's personal life and wondering what to do with all those cars!
ReplyDeleteThat bus must have been quite a bone shaker. I have never been to Graceland. Our son has twice, once on his own while traveling across country and a few years later with his wife. I remember being shown similar photos. Yours gave us another nice tour.
ReplyDeleteLooks like an interesting place to see! Love the last car though and how neat the house was decked out for Christmas too! Glad you arrived safely back at your hotel though.
ReplyDeleteFantastic - especially the Pink Cadillac!! I'm sure it's all very touristy, but I couldn't go to Memphis and NOT see Graceland!!
ReplyDeleteThis was a fascinating post. I have not been to Graceland it seems to over the top but that is part of the fun of it I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab experience Diane.. Just been back to catch up on your travels.. I've not ever really been keen to visit the US, but it certainly sounds like you guys really enjoyed yourselves. How long were you there ?
ReplyDeleteThe legend stays forever.
ReplyDeleteGreetings,
Filip
Great to see your adventures continue around the world Diane. Had to laugh at John's (Stargoose & Hanglands) comment about the bus! Keep safe on your travels and wishing you a wonderful Christmas wherever you may be at the time.
ReplyDeleteAMAZING! I have never been there so it was a treat to see Graceland through your lens.
ReplyDeleteSo cool Diane ... what an experience to look around and soak up the atmosphere. Great photos and thanks for taking us with you :D)
ReplyDeleteHello There, I enjoyed your post today. I have never seen Graceland --and probably will never see it. I never did care much for Elvis... BUT--your pictures are great. Sorry I haven’t been around much lately. I do try to read blogs—but just haven’t commented very much lately like I usually try to do. Please don’t give up on me. Hopefully my life will be back to ‘normal’— whatever that is (ha), sometime in January.
ReplyDeleteI did get a cortisone shot in my knee —which has helped with the pain somewhat. In January, I will most likely have meniscus tear surgery…. BUT—in the meantime, I plan to have a fantastic Christmas —and hopefully get to see my kids/grands… God is Good.
Hugs,
Betsy
Wow--what a house and tour, Diane! Elvis' hay day was a little before my time but of course I did hear his music growing up. Sorry about that rattly hop on and off bus--- do most tourists get aroudn there by car?
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see this just for old times sake. Those buses sound just awful.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. We've traveled to that area several times, but never stopped at Graceland!
ReplyDelete