Graceland, How, What, If

[Tommy]

Hi Everybody,

If you've been to Graceland, what are you impressions after visiting?

What interesting things did you pick up on while there?

If you haven't been yet, let us know your feelings about going and what you would like to see.

Tommy

[Mez]

I have a job interview in Memphis next month, so it's as good an excuse as any to visit Graceland I think- have never been before, so haven't really got a clue what to expect.

[Tommy]

Mez,

You will have a great time at Graceland. It's a wonderful place. I feel Elvis' presence so when I was there. Anything we can do to help you with let me know. Did you look up things to do on the net? Don't forget to take along a Magic Marker Pen to write on the stone wall at Graceland.

Thank you for your reply and good luck with your job!

Tommy

[NEA]

Hi,

I first visited 'THE House on the hill' a couple of years ago and it was everything I dreamed of and so much more.

No words can describe the feelings you feel when you visit the Mansion of your Idol, especially when your Idol is the one and only 'King of Rock 'n' Roll'. From your first steps inside the hallway to the tranquil beauty of the walk to the Meditation Gardens, it's an emotional rollercoaster ride that will have your mind conjuring up images of THE Man living there between 1957 and 1977 - it's your choice, pick a year...any year...he's always there.

Beautiful.

NEA.

[Tommy]

Nice memories NEA. I feel the same when I went too. I could just imagine him there and it's so peacful up there with all those nice trees.

Thank you for sharing,

Tommy

[Jungleroom76]

GREAT QUESTION TOMMY!!!

I've been to Memphis twice...the very first time I was there was in October, 1987 and it was a very surreal experience! The very first time we drove down Elvis Presley Boulevard, I fully expected to hear ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA playing as we approached the mansion!! It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, just staring at the mansion sitting in all of it's grandiose splendor up on that hill!!! That time, I toured the mansion twice and at that time, they still had tour guides conducting the tours around the house, telling you all of the details about each room, etc. Even touring the house twice, I felt like I had missed things and just couldn't wait to get back for my next visit!!

The second time I visited, was during Elvis Week 2000!! It was so neat to compare the 2 visits...the first visit during a non-Elvis week, when I was more or less just another tourist versus the second trip where I was obviously a die-hard Elvis fan taking in all the sights and sounds of Elvis Week!! If you have never been to Elvis Week, you owe it to yourself to attend at least a couple of days during the week, if possible! It was so neat to talk to so many Elvis fans, to meet new friends and renew old friendships....all while standing in the shadow of THE mansion!! During this visit, I also toured the house twice...once using the new cassette taped tour guide and the other time without it. While it was nice hearing the cassette taped tour, I think I enjoyed the second tour more when I could concentrate on the things I wanted to see and look at, and not necessarily what highlights were being talked about on the tape! Again, if you do visit Graceland and you have the time and the means to do so, I would HIGHLY recommend trying this style of touring the house...once with the taped guide and once without!!

Visiting Graceland is a surreal experience to be sure....and I absolutely can't wait to get back again!!!

TCB!
Mike

[Tommy]

Hi Jungleroom 76,

Nice to hear from you and your description of Graceland. I have been twice too. I took some really cool photos inside. I loved the whole experience. I want to go back again! Wow I'm glad you have been there.

Thanks again,

Tommy

[Jungleroom76]

That is SO cool that you were able to get some pictures inside the mansion....I know how strict they are about not using flash photography, and any of the photos that I tried to take inside without a flash just didn't turn out!!

Have you been during Elvis Week Tommy? If not, you REALLY owe it to yourself to go at that time....there are SO many things going on, including all of the free performances that take place around Graceland Crossing. LOTS of Elvis impersonators and tribute artists, which are fun to watch (in my opinion!!)!! It costs a lot more money at that time, unfortunately...that is the BAD part!! All of the meetings, activities, etc. that Graceland plans for Elvis Week usually have an admittance fee (which sometimes can be quite high, depending on the activity)...so make sure you save all your pennies and nickels if you go during Elvis Week! But you really do owe it to yourself to go at least once during Elvis Week, just to soak in the whole atmosphere!!!

TCB!
Mike

[0349054]

Graceland during Elvis week is magical. I want to go during his Birthday next, it would be quieter.

[Tommy]

Hello,

Yes I guess I'd better go during Elvis Week, thanks for the nice information about Elvis Week. I took my camea one that I can open the lens aperture used fast film 400 without the flash. This was on my second trip, learned from the first one about no flash. So I went more prepared the second time.

Thank you for the replies,

Tommy

[Mez]

why don't they like you using a flash? are you not really meant to take pictures?

[rickster]

hi folks,
I visited memphis/graceland for the second time in january this year, it was a 40th birthday present from my fiancee. I clearly remember the very first time i went (2 years ago and in january again), the first thing i remember seeing as we arrived in the evening was the lisa marie being lit up by the spotlights around her, i distinctly remember thinking 'yes son, you have arrived in the promised land', we went up e.p. boulevard turned around and came back down only to see graceland so beautifully lit up with all the lights and natvity scene etc, the feeling that hit me was awesome i did'nt know what to think or do on the moment i saw the mansion.
Nothing could prepare me for the trip that i was to take around the house, as has been said already i experienced every single emotion that a person can go through, walking through the front door i half expected elvis himself to be standing at the top of the stairs to welcome me in, no matter what the weather is like outside the mansion always feels so warm and homely to me and it's a feeling that dont have even in my own house!!.
The hall of gold was the first thing that really sent shivers through me, i have seen it hundreds of times in books on film etc, but nothing can prepare you for seeing it with your own 2 eyes, it really hammers home the point that elvis was indeed a very unique and extraordinary person with a god given talent and these were accolades to testify to the fact.
As you go through the house there is moments where you think you have seen it all, but all that changes as soon as you see the meditation garden, I remember standing there feeling every single ounce of pain that a person could endure and the tears came very very easily, all i could really think was that it was not fair that he should no longer be with us and that he deserved a long a fruitful life as opposed to the one that he had at the end.
I thought after visiting the first time that surely the second time would be easier, but no, it was even harder to comprehend, it was a dream come true to visit, as i left i kissed a coin, threw it in the fountain and promised 'E' that i would come back and see him again, and you can bet your sweet a** that i will.
To anyone who has never been, SAVE ALL YOU HAVE AND PLEASE VISIT THE HOME OF THE KING, YOU WON'T BE DISSAPOINTED. cheers for reading this, rick.

[Tommy]

Hi Rick,

Wow thank you for your memories of Graceland and Elvis. How emotional your trips were. It can be very emotional it's hard to go by Elvis' gravesite.

I've never been at Christmas, I bet it was just beautiful.

Thanks again,

Tommy

[Tommy]

Hi mez,

Because of the light it can do damage to the furnishings and they want to protect it. They keep the light out even the curtains are closed. I have seen photos with the curtains open, but these are rare (those are probably the ones taken for commerical reasons) and of course you can buy photos of Graceland inside and out from the stores there.

Thanks for your queston,

Tommy

[Wendy56]

Well, I have never been in Graceland... I had planned to visit it five years ago, but those planes failed because of school and some other things (like money... I'm "a bit" close to EU but it would be, still, kind of expensive trip ).
I wanted to go Graceland for my 21th birthday (to celebrate Elvis' and mine, both at once ) but I guess I better wait a little longer. I wish I can visit that wonderful place on August of 2007. That occasion is gonna be a truly especial one, so maybe is a nice idea to wait and be at Elvis home for his 30th anniversary of... you know...
I try to don't feel sad. I haven't gone to Graceland yet, but I own some cute souvenirs that a friend of mine gave to me while ago. Those are part of my treasure.

[Tommy]

Hi Wendy,

Sounds like a plan, going on the 30th Anniverary I think that would be just awesome

I understand how expensive it is. But you'll get there one day.

Thank you for your nice reply

You are such an asset to TCB,

Tommy

[Jungleroom76]

I WOULD LOVE TO GO BACK TO MEMPHIS FOR THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2007!!! SADLY, WITH THE COST OF EVERYTHING GOING UP THESE DAYS, THAT PROBABLY WON'T HAPPEN...

But I am anxious to see what exciting events EPE will plan for the 30th anniversary, especially since Mr. Sillerman took over!!

TCB!
Mike

[Tommy]

Yes, it will be interesting to see what Mr. Sillerman will be doing since he took over. One thing the EPE catalog went "Waydown" and not Elvis' song either! The catalog used to be so much better and much more merchandise to purchase.

I hope some nice things will come out of the 30th Anniversary Like Elvis On Tour Special Edition!

Tommy

[Jungleroom76]

The EPE catalog is a whole other issue that I will refrain from getting into....

I hope EPE/RCA/Turner-MGM will do something with ELVIS ON TOUR to commemorate the 30th anniversary (if not sooner!) of Elvis' passing -- what publicity that would garner if a special edition of EOT were to be tied in with the 30th anniversary of Elvis' passing (and the 25th anniversary of the original release of EOT as well!!)!!

If so, look for me Tommy....I'll be in line right behind you when ELVIS ON TOUR: SPECIAL EDITION goes on sale!!!

TCB!
Mike

[Tommy]

Thank you all for your replies about visiting Graceland.

Tommy