Gone to Graceland

by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

If you've swooned over some of the Elvis songs, then it may be time for you and yours to go to Graceland. A visit to Memphis is not complete without a tour of one of the South's most famous homes. Since its doors opened to the public in 1982, millions of fans have strolled among the opulent hallways of the two-story mansion, passing through the gates decorated with musical notes and the figure of a man playing a guitar.

Your tour of Graceland begins at the Visitors Center, located across the street from Elvis' home. Next to the Center stands Elvis' custom jet, the "Lisa Marie", and his custom touring bus. Don't pass by these, figuring "you've seen one airplane, you've seen them all." The jet contains seven rooms, a closed-circuit TV system, a queen-sized bed, and gold sinks in the two bathrooms. Elvis spent an over $800,000 customizing this airplane, which he referred to as "The Pride of Elvis Presley Airways." Parked beside the "Lisa Marie" stands the "Jet Star," another Presley airplane.

After you tour the airplanes, return to the front of the Visitors Center, where a van will transport you to the front steps of Graceland. A guide will greet you in front of this special home to begin your 90 minute tour.

The first stop in the home is the dining room, where Elvis enjoyed late dinners--usually at 9 or 10 o'clock. Across the hall in the living room and music room, you can imagine the times Elvis spent at his gold piano or on the enormous couch he had custom-made for the room. A stained glass peacock overlooks the room--a symbol of everlasting life.

These are the only rooms of the first story open to the public, and all of the second floor remains closed. Elvis' Aunt Delta still lives at Graceland, so a large portion of the house is still private.

From these front rooms, you'll head down a mirrored staircase to the TV room and Pool room. Elvis loved TV, and he kept three sets side by side so he could watch all the networks simultaneously, an idea he got from President Lyndon Johnson.

Elvis' favorite room was a den called the Jungle Room. Acoustically designed so it could be used as a recording studio, the room is dominated by green shag carpet, a rock wall complete with a waterfall, and a huge chair resembling an African carving. He recorded "Moody Blues" in this room, and enjoyed many breakfasts with his daughter Lisa Marie here.

Leaving the house, you'll see Elvis' spectacular collection of cars, and the pasture where his beloved horses roamed. Nearby stands the Trophy Room, filled with Elvis' costumes, jewelry, scrapbooks, and Army uniform. An 80-foot "Hall of Gold" is lined with the gold and platinum records which represent over one billion record sales--one record that's never been broken.

Next on the tour is the recreation center, containing a raquetball court, pinball machines, and a piano where Elvis Presley played his final notes just hours before his death on August 16, 1977.

Last, a quiet stop at the grave of Elvis Aaron Presley, buried beside his parents and his grandmother. Built beside a fountain, the cemetary is a quiet tribute to Memphis' hometown boy.

Reservations are encouraged. You may order tickets online at www.elvis.com/graceland/.

GETTING MARRIED AT GRACELAND Would you like to get married at Graceland? You can't get married in Elvis' home but you can say "I do" at the Graceland Mansion Chapel in the Woods, located adjacent to the famous house. The chapel will accommodate up to 50 guests and has special touches to remind you of its location. You'll exchange vows in front of a stained glass window that's a replica of the stained glass transom over Graceland's front door. If conditions permit, you and up to six of your guests can have wedding photos made on the front steps of Graceland following the ceremony. For more information, see www.elvis.com/graceland/chapel

Photo courtesy Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau

copyright Paris Permenter and John Bigley