Graceland: A living monument to a musical legend

I love Elvis. I have always loved Elvis. He was stylish, interesting, he seemed over the top, yet down to earth, and he just had an amazing star quality most people do not even closely possess. When traveling in Tennessee to see the solar eclipse this summer I had to stop in Memphis, and go to Graceland and see his house.

The house is a colonial mansion, but by today's standards, it's just an average house, maybe even a bit small. It is kept together immaculately and in the same exact way Elvis left it. Our arrival coincided with the 40th anniversary of his death.  As a result there was a lot more really sad older women with roses than is normally the case in Graceland. Our tour began in the museum when we had to buy a ticket to get on the bus to go to the house.

Upon entering the house it's hard not to notice the tacky-chic style of the living room with its stained glass peacocks and baby grand piano. Also, I thought it was strange there was a TV in every room, in Elvis' time having a lot TV's must have been a status symbol.

The backyard had a kidney shaped pool which was very small. I don't think I've ever seen a pool that small. I almost think a person could hit their head while diving into it.  

Elvis was very dedicated to his family. His parents and grandmother were buried in the back yard at Graceland in the meditation garden alongside him. They lived there even after he died, which was Elvis' intention for the house. He wanted to make sure his family was taken care of in all aspects of their life.

Graceland is so much more than just the house, it's a horse pasture, a playground, airplanes (two of them), and there is also a new hotel aptly named "The Guest House".

The clothing and cars are stored in the new museum areas and these areas are very large. Also, there is a hall for concerts to be played so the musical tradition is kept alive. The entire area is growing and taking Elvis' legacy right along with it. Even if you don't like Elvis, his impact on the world around him remains undisputed. He really was the king and his kingdom is still growing.