Elvis Presley’s home in Memphis, Tennessee has become a music mecca to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, when it opened it’s doors to the public in 1982. It now attracts over 600,000 tourists each year.
As a visitor to Graceland, you can go on a one of a kind journey through Elvis’ humble beginnings and rise to stardom with up close and personal looks at his life through videos, photos, personal mementos and artifacts, movie memorabilia and stage costumes. But your experience doesn’t have to be limited to that.
Here are 10 more unusual experiences you can have at Graceland.
1. You can meditate
Walk-up the famous Graceland driveway to the Meditation Garden, where the grave sites of Elvis and his family members are located. Pray, kneel, or quietly sing one of Elvis’s favourite hymns along with other visitors for a truly spiritual experience. The free morning walks to the Meditation Garden are held daily from 7 30 – 8 30am.
2. Get married
Have a wedding with a difference and tie the knot in a quaint wedding chapel in the woods next to Elvis Presley’s beloved residence. Every year thousands of couples pay homage to the King and each other in an Elvis-themed ceremony.
3. Eat peanut butter and banana taffy
Every foodie knows peanut butter and banana are a match made in heaven. It’s no surprise Elvis enjoyed the salty and sweet combination too. You can buy peanut butter and banana flavoured taffy from the Graceland gift shop or make a homemade peanut butter and banana sandwich to enjoy whilst you’re there.
4. Write a message for the King
Elvis encouraged fans to write on the brick wall that encloses the mansion’s grounds. It is covered with graffiti that express an admiration for the singer as well as petitions for help and thanks for favours granted.
5. Look for royalty
Prince William and Prince Harry visited Graceland on May 2, 2014, They were joined by Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie for a private tour of the estate. After the tour, a staff member was quoted as saying, “It is pretty special to have a future king take time to come visit The King.”
6. Be inspired
For many the charming and stately colonial-style mansion embodies the American Dream. As a poor small town boy Elvis promised his parents he would become rich and buy them the finest house in town, putting an end to years of struggle. He fulfilled his childhood promise and over the 20 years Elvis lived here, Graceland created countless memories for the many friends and relatives who were a part of Elvis’ life. Be inspired by his story to follow your dreams and passions too.
7. Make history
Graceland was declared a National Historic Landmark on March 27, 2006. So visitors can stroll through the same halls Elvis walked and know they are following in the footsteps of a music legend who changed pop culture forever.
8. Drink from Elvis’ water fountain
For die-hard fans you can drink water from the original water fountain Elvis drank from while living at Graceland. Located inside the Racquetball Building, you can take a snap for social media and impress your Facebook friends, whilst quenching your thirst. Watch Elvis Week host try for himself here.
9. Ride an automobile
Elvis loved cars and the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum displays some of his favorites. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2014, you can see over 20 vehicles owned by Elvis. Highlights include his famous Pink Cadillac, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, a Stutz Blackhawk, a 1975 Dino Ferrari, and some of his impressive motorised toys, including a go-cart, dune buggy and a pedal car.
10. Send a love letter
If you can’t make the pilgrimage to Graceland, send a handwritten love letter to Graceland.com. The cute initiative runs throughout the month of February so if you don’t have a Valentine’s Day date next year, leave the Heartbreak at home and write to the King instead.
