Graceland--- Where Elvis Lives

While Justin's parents were in town for a short visit, they decided they wanted to tour Graceland, so we put Jackson in is Rockn'Roll Memphis T-shirt and made our way to the place were Elvis lives. While none of us are huge Elvis fanatics, it was actually surprising at how much we enjoyed it. (I so wish I had my camera ready when one of the first people we saw there seriously had the exact same Elvis hairdo!...weirdos)The first stop of the tour was Elvis's Mansion. There were so many cool rooms and so much information, that I could only fit some of my pictures in this collage. They turned a couple of the buildings outside into trophy rooms and it is insane how many awards he received. It seemed as though every song he ever sang was a #1 hit and worthy for an award. I loved the mansion because it really made Elvis seem real to me. The only part that peeves me is that you can't go upstairs into his "private" area out of respect. Made me so curious that I had to do some research about it when I got home. Supposedly the upstairs remains basically untouched since his death. There are still his clothes, underwear, and socks still in his drawers and his products and what not still sprawled all over his bathroom counters. The only people allowed up are Lisa Marie Presley (his daughter) and Priscilla Presley (wife). All sorts of people have been turned down access to it, including President Clinton. Rumor has it though, that Nicholas Cage has been up there and sat on Elvis's throne after he married Lisa Marie for a short 108 days.... Makes me wonder what they are hiding up there... Elvis himself (dum. dum. dum.)?!?!?! :)Some of Elvis's concert costumes...The Meditation Garden. Still to this day Graceland is sent flowers daily to be layed by his grave. Next to him, lies his parents and a grandparent I believe.Jackson paying his respect to Elvis... okay really it was he was just running around wild because he couldn't stand sitting in is stroller for this long. In front of his private jet "Lisa Marie". This plane was huge! Inside the jet. The seat belt buckles on his jet were plated in 24 karate gold!And the last stop... his car museum. He had so many eccentric cars and motorcycles, it was crazy! My favorite was of course the Pink Cadillac displayed in all it's glory. This car has inspired certain songs including Bruce Springsteen's "Pink Cadillac"
"I love you for your pink Cadillac
Crushed velvet seats
Riding in the back, oozing down the street
Waving to the girls
Feeling out of sight
Spending all my money on a Saturday night
Honey, I just wonder what you do there in back of your pink Cadillac"

Oh and look at that beauty on the right: A LINCOLN CONTINENTAL! Gotta love the fact that in high school I drove the same boat that Elvis drove! After visiting Graceland, my interest in Elvis has peeked and I don't know, I just might become a huge fanatic myself! I was just about to buy a $3000 imitation Elvis concert outfit and anyone think I could get away with sporting an Elvis hairdo?!

Oh and I can't forget Corkys! After the day at Graceland we introduced Donna and Bill to some good ole Memphis BBQ at Corkys.
Jackson enjoyed a rib and wasn't afraid of our waitress this time! :)