My Graceland Experience: I Will Always be an Elvis Fan
My Memories of Elvis
From my first glimpse of the famous rock star when I was very young, I longed to meet this fabulous man. I was barely old enough to walk or talk when the Elvis bug first hit me. As years went on I watched him on television, I bought his records, I went to the local theaters as his movies came out and the effect of an everlasting attraction left an impact on me still very strong to this day. I will always be an Elvis fan.
Elvis became a strong influence on the American youth of the 50s and 60s. It is no wonder he became known as the King of Rock and Roll. But Elvis had many interests which also gave people cause to follow his career, a career which would span three decades while he was here and many more after his sudden death. Tears and grief became present for millions of Elvis Presley fans all over the world. I am about to tell you how I felt after finally visiting Graceland, a trip I never imagined I would ever have the opportunity to enjoy.
Walking into The Mansion
Walking into the mansion was like a trip to the 1970s. Everything left as it was when Elvis and his family lived there. In the front living room his piano was sealed behind a glass casing as with all the door ways to those where people were not meant to get close to, but preserving this for generations to come makes Graceland an experience many more will be fascinated by.
The dining room with its fine furnishings was just as though Elvis was expecting us. The table was set as though it was waiting for a fine meal and the crystal chandelier lit the room with an elegance of royalty. The kitchen was simple, but the well layout was meant for preparing meals fit for a king. I could almost imagine his mama standing by the stove cooking up a family favorite.
The television room with the bar and massive sofa spread around the room would have entertained a large group. You can almost imagine the guest he gracefully became host to. This was followed by the pool table room with its fabric covered walls and ceiling which every item left you in a bit of a time warp. Traveling on into the jungle room with its unique fur covered furniture and animal décor left many a visitor in a state of awe as they exit out onto the carport.
Long Live The King
As we stroll out the back walk way through the carport and past a swing set which Lisa Marie played on as a child, we entered the building where other Elvis memories were made. There is a replica model of the “shotgun” house in Tupelo, Ms. where Elvis was born on January 8, 1935. It was a simple home with a small town lifestyle. They moved to Memphis in 1948.
Graceland has stables and horses behind white rail fences. Topping off the Graceland experience is the swimming pool and behind it lays a memorial garden where the king and three of his family members are laid to rest. He left us much too soon. The memorial is a special place to pay respect to a legend we held so dear. I could almost hear him singing his gospel music as I thought of him. I am sure I am not the only fan who could feel a strong present of Elvis as I toured his estate. Long live the king as his memories live in our hearts forever and ever.
Thank you Lisa Marie
On the opposite side of the highway Elvis displays are plentiful from his record displays to his automobiles and planes along with much more. Even his John Deere tractor which was once used on the grounds was in showcase condition which had been beautifully restored. Every Elvis fan should see this. I can set my mind at ease now that after fifty years of admiring Elvis Presley I finally got to take the tour. A big thank-you goes to Lisa Marie for sharing Graceland with her father’s devoted fans. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts with a big hunk of burning love.
