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Published: August 27th 2013
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We started out early on Tuesday morning anxious to get to Memphis to check out Graceland, Beale St. and Mud Island. We had visited these sites many years ago had great memories of them all and were excited to see how the current versions compared to those in our minds eye.
The RV Park was luckily right across the street from Graceland so we hurriedly settled into our campsite and walked across the street to purchase our tickets. The last time we visited ( maybe 20 years ago?) the ticket line and waiting area was packed with tourists and we had to wait probably an hour to board the shuttle for our tour. Happily, this time we waited only about 5 minutes before we were loaded on to the shuttle ( after having our picture made for purchase later) to tour Elvis' mansion.
I have to say the mansion was even more impressive than last partly due to it being less crowded and feeling less rushed. The living room with it's beautiful blue stained glass peacocks and extra long white sofa and the jungle room, the living area with the jungle motif furnished with a hawaiian flair personally by
View from the Drive
This is the view of Graceland as you drive up the private drive, from Elvis Presley Boulevard. Elvis were the best.
The display rooms with Elvis' almost endless gold and platinum records and the rooms displaying his numerous stage costumes and movie paraphernalia were equally impressive.The car museum ( the highlight being Elvis' Momma's pink cadillac) and his two personal airplanes ( the larger and most extravagant being the Lisa Marie) were awesome.Two new exhibits '68 Special ( detailing Elvis' comeback TV Special that year and Elvis' Hawaii ( self explanatory) were great too.
After a brief rest, we headed down to Beale St., music row in Memphis and where the Blues were born. Had a great dinner at the King's Palace and then walked the streets taking in the beautiful sunset, neon signs and the music resonating from almost every club and bar in the three block area. We also had to stroll through the Peabody Hotel (yes, the one the ducks made famous)- beautiful as we recalled.
Wednesday morning we packed up, left the motor coach in storage at the RV park and headed downtown to eat breakfast, take a quick look at downtown Memphis and visit Mud Island. We found a great breakfast cafe, the Blue Plate Grill, which happened to
Elvis' Living Room
This room is furnished just as it was when Elvis last left Graceland. The couch is solid white, custom made, and 15 feet long. be located at a street named " November 6th Street", which is Kenny's birthday! Had to get a picture of him with the sign! My curiosity got the best of me and I had to google the sign. It was named to commemorate the date that the citizens of Memphis voted to build a new power plant.
We loved Mud Island as much as we recalled. After a quick trip on the Suspension Tram to the Island, we toured the Mississippi River Museum which includes a huge replica of a Rive Paddleboat and of the Mississippi River from beginning to end.
What a great time in Memphis! After Mud Island we headed on to Nashville and checked in at the Nashville KOA. That evening we decided to chill out and take in a movie. Our choice was " The Butler" with Forrest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey. We really enjoyed it and recommend it to all.
Thursday morning we were picked up by Grayline Tours for a combination Nashville Highlights and Grand Legends tour. That morning we rode the bus around downtown Nashville and saw many of the state buildings, parks, the Parthenon ( Nashville's replica of the
Meditation Garden
Elvis had this meditation garden installed just a few years before his death. It was said to be one of his favorite places at Graceland. He is buried here, as is his mother, grandmother, and father. original) and toured the Ryman Auditorium,the original location of the Grand Ol' Opry. The afternoon included a tour of the Opryland Hotel and a backstage tour of the new Grand Ol' Opry building.
We had a wonderful time and Kenny and I even sang on the stage of the new Grand Ol' Opry standing on the round circle of wood from backstage of the old Ryman auditorium. We stood on the same floor as the classic greats such as Hank Williams and Patsy Cline, as well as the newer artists such as Vince Gill and Taylor Swift and sang " You're the Reason God Made Oklahoma"!
Even for those of us that like country music but are not rabid fans, it was a special moment! Tomorrow on to Pigeon Forge and Dollywood!
Life Is Good!
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