Yes, I'm pretty sure Elvis died in 1977. I don't think he lives on a UFO with Bigfoot or anything like America's most reputable tabloids might have one believe. Who knows? What I can say is (1) if you like classic Americana attractions, (2) you like even just a few Elvis songs, and (3) you find yourself in the Memphis area, then swing by Graceland.
We visited the compound in 2010 while on a road trip back to Austin (we were driving back from Illinois, on the trip wherein I discovered just how cold winter gets up there). I was not expecting much from Graceland, thus it was pleasantly surprising to find out how much fun the tour is. Highlights for me included the Trophy Building and (of course) the airplanes. If memory serves, there is a minor upcharge for the airplane tour. Pay it, as this is the best part (I am an aircraft enthusiast, so take this rec with a grain of salt). Back to the Trophy Building: it's pretty cool and definitely drives home the impression of Elvis' success as a musician.
There are other things to do in Memphis. There is, of course, Beale Street, along with the ducks at The Peabody Hotel and the scale model of the Mississippi River at Mud Island. But, this is Elvis' birthday and I think he'd have been most amused by the Bass Pro Shops in the enormous Memphis Pyramid (a steel and glass edifice which rivals the majesty of the Luxor in Las Vegas). The Memphis Pyramid was once the home of the Memphis Grizzlies as well as being a concert venue. To my knowledge, this and the Luxor are the best pyramids the United States has to offer and I like to think that if Elvis had lived into the 1990's he would have suited up and rocked both venues in some kind of crazy retirement tour.
No comments:
Post a Comment