Graceland focuses on Elvis' life,
career, legacy

By J.J. Kindred

Visiting Memphis probably would not be complete without a visit to one of its signature destinations, Graceland.

The home of the legendary Elvis Presley, Graceland gives visitors the opportunity to experience how Elvis lived his life outside of the lights of stardom, and also presents a journey from humble beginnings to being the "King of Rock n' Roll."

Visitors experience an audio-guided tour with stories by Elvis and daughter Lisa Marie. They can see the rooms he lived in, relaxed and where he spent the most time with his family and friends.

The tour includes Elvis' living room, music room, his parents' bedroom, dining room, kitchen, family room and his well-known Jungle Room.

Other parts of the tour include his father Vernon's business office and his racquetball building, as well as his trophy building, featuring his gold and platinum records and other major music awards.

Various memorabilia from his career, including his more than 30 films and charitable activities, are also featured.

One of the mansion's biggest attractions is Elvis' car museum, featuring a drive-in theater with more than 30 vehicles including his pink Cadillac, 1975 Dino Ferrari, 1956 Cadillac Eldorado convertible, his Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Rolls Royce sedans, six-door Mercedes limousine and a John Deere tractor used on the mansion grounds.

In 1975, Elvis purchased a 1958 Convair 880 model and named it the Lisa Marie. A remodeling job he had done, which cost more than $800,000. Visitors can tour the jet and see its living room, conference room and a private bedroom.

The tours also feature shops, exhibits, a restaurant and the Heartbreak Hotel, where visitors can stay in Elvis and music-themed rooms.

For more information, visit www.elvis.com/graceland.