Growing up in a family where Elvis has always been loved by most, it’s no wonder I’m a huge fan. I can’t remember a time of not knowing of Elvis. As a kid, at my grandparent’s house, we’d all gather in the living room to watch Elvis on the TV. You would hear that famous intro music, and excitement would start to build, then Elvis would step on stage. We’d all be mesmerized by his voice, stage presence, flashy outfits, and his charming good looks! I have two Aunts that were lucky enough to attend one of his concerts. One of them was actually placed on stage when an overexcited crowd began to push her. The officer gave her a firm warning of “DON’T MOVE!” and she obeyed. I don’t know how she managed to stay still as Elvis Presley himself, in all his jumpsuit glory, looked her right in her eyes as he walked past! I’m normally a rule follower, but I don’t know that I would’ve done the same in that particular situation! My other aunt smiles when she remembers that night. She always describes Elvis as being so beautiful. She closes her eyes as if she’s reliving the memory. I enjoy listening to them describe that exciting evening. All of the stories, TV concerts, and the Elvis movies watched with family, and the magnetism of Elvis himself, have all led me to become the fan I am today. I love going to Graceland, and no matter how many times I’ve been, too many to count lol, the excitement is always there. Come along with me as I share my most recent trip.

We always make sure to do an early morning walk up on our trips to Graceland. The morning walk up is free and available every morning from 7:30 till 8:30am. It’s open to the public, and it’s an opportunity to walk up the driveway to Graceland and visit Elvis’s gravesite.

The Tour

Graceland Archive Ultimate VIP Tour

This trip to Graceland we did the “Inside the Graceland Archive Ultimate VIP tour” this experience is absolutely fantastic! You start the tour by being shuttled across the street. Then, you pass through the famous gates adorned with music notes and Elvis silhouettes. Up the driveway sits Graceland, but for now you’re taken past the house and into a building out back. This is where the excitement begins! You’re led over to a locked cabinet which contains some of Elvis’s personal items. These items are always changed out, so the tour is different every time. I’ve held Elvis’s belts, a microphone, and his car keys on previous tours. It’s always exciting to see what you’ll get to touch during the white glove experience part of the tour!

This time the tour guide opened the cabinet and there it was, a ring fit for a king! Elvis’s TCB ring! The ring is so beautiful in person, photos don’t do it justice. I was so excited as I put on my white gloves, and my eyes lit up as I was carefully handed the ring! There I was, standing there holding Elvis’s ring??!!!! How can this be?! It still brings a smile to my face. I know Elvis fans will understand my excitement! Then unfortunately they take the ring back lol. It’s ok though, there’s still lots of exciting things ahead! Next stop is the Archive room, which includes over 1.5 million artifacts! Yes, you read that right! It’s amazing that there is so much information and artifacts still available all these years later. You get to see some of those up close and hear stories that go along with them. You also learn how the database works, which was very interesting. No photos are allowed in the Archive room, which is understandable. Next stop is a room on the back of the house. It is for VIP guests to look at additional items. They included Elvis’s gold social security card and the custom gold key to his Stutz!

Now it’s time to walk around the side of the house and up the driveway. This area is off limits to the general public. However, you’re VIP today!

Up the steps and right through the front door. Then you step into the home of the King of Rock and Roll!

To your right is the Living Room. It has a custom made long white couch and white carpet flooring, and beautiful stained glass panels featuring peacocks.

To your left is the dining room and as you can see it was beautifully decorated for Christmas! I’m sure Elvis enjoyed lots of delicious southern meals at this dining table. Perhaps he had a few fried Peanut Butter and Banana sandwiches too.

As you walk through the home you get detailed facts about each room. It’s hard to pick a favorite room. I like different aspects of each one. Still, I’m always a little more partial to the “Jungle Room”. Knowing that Elvis made recordings here, makes this room a little more special. I can picture Elvis and the guys, and surely some starry eyed girls that had been invited, hanging out, telling road life stories, and hearing an occasional laugh from Elvis. If you’ve ever heard him laugh, you can’t help but smile. IYKYK right? As you leave the house, you view Elvis’s office, the horse pasture, and a barn out back. You then enter another building that’s filled to the brim with even more memorabilia. Next you walk past his swimming pool and then visit his racquetball court. You can then take a moment to remember Elvis at his gravesite. His gravesite is usually covered in flowers and teddy bears from fans all around the world.

Then it’s back on the shuttle and across the street to Elvis Presley’s Memphis. This complex is an amazing place filled with souvenir shops, places to eat, and you guessed it, more memorabilia! You’ll see Elvis’s cars, boats, records, and my favorite, the Jumpsuit Room! This room is filled to the ceiling with beautiful jumpsuits worn by the king himself!

You’ll definitely be amazed at the amount of memorabilia that fills this complex.

You’ll get the opportunity to view Elvis’s jets, the Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II. Don’t forget to stop and sign the stone wall in front of Graceland. It’s an Elvis fan tradition! Elvis made such an impact in this world. He is still touching lives today, I’ve met so many people that I now call friends, all because of our shared love for Elvis! Have you ever signed the wall at Graceland? Do you have a favorite room? An Elvis adventure you’d like to share? Leave it in the comments! I’d love to hear all about it!

Till next time TCB 🐝

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