G R A C E L A N D   -   H O M E   O F   E L V I S

Memphis, Tennessee

I buy my ticket then get in line for the shuttle bus. A bus is required because Graceland Mansion is located across a busy street. Apparently they didn't want to erect tourist facilities on the estate, a good decision on their part. I decide to just pony up for the tour of Graceland Mansion. Other options include:

• Elvis Presley Automobile Museum
• Sincerely Elvis Museum
• Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II Tour
• Watch the film Walk A Mile In My Shoes

Here's my ticket. I'm not sure what to expect when I walk in the front door. I've heard second and third-hand that Graceland is really tacky and outrageous; shag carpets, gaudy fixtures, lots of mirrors, etc. Regardless, I'm entering this tour with an open mind.

The self-guided tour includes this audio player with admission. As I make my way around the self-guided tour I'll see numbered placards that are prominently displayed. All I have to do is punch in the number I see to get an audio recording of the associated exhibit.

While waiting for the next tour bus to arrive, the facility offers overhead audio and video entertainment to help pass the time. Since the tours run all year long, space heaters have been installed to help take the chill out of the Tennessee air during cold spells.

Ahhh, the seemingly mandatory photo shoot. Let's see if they try to sell me my photo at the end of the tour. I'd only be interested in buying it if the scene was of Elvis singing on stage and I can stick my face through a hole in place of Elvis' face. This particular background scene is just way too pastoral for my tastes.