The King of Rock 'n' Roll. We don't need any more than that. We know that title refers to Elvis, although Elvis didn't relate to that title for himself. He always said Fats Domino was the King of Rock.
Graceland Tour
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
My Mom loved Elvis, and she and Dad went to see him in concert. I love his music, too, and the hubby and I visited his home, Graceland. Our visit to Graceland in Memphis included a full tour of the Elvis Presley Memphis Entertainment Complex and Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion. Graceland was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006. I hope you enjoy the Graceland photos from our tour.
1. The Guest House at Graceland Bus
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
We stayed overnight at The Guest House at Graceland. The hotel is really nice, and every night between 10 and 11, they have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich station in the lobby. The signature sandwiches were yummy!
We boarded the Elvis Entertainment Complex bus and picked up audio equipment for the self-guided tour. It is a short ride across the street to the Graceland Mansion. One of the most memorable parts of the tour for me was going through the Graceland gates and Elvis singing Welcome To My World on the audio presentation.
2. Elvis Presley's Memphis Home, Graceland Tour For Fans
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
Elvis purchased Graceland and the adjacent grounds in March 1957 for $102,500. When he made the purchase, he was working on his second movie, Loving You. Today the owner of Graceland is Riley Keough, Lisa Marie's daughter and Elvis Presley's granddaughter. Elvis's Graceland home is now estimated to be worth more than 500 million dollars.
3. Graceland Porch Entrance
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
Inside the Graceland Mansion, we took the self-guided audio tour. The tour guide kept the groups moving and answered questions. The audio tour included commentary and stories by Elvis and his daughter, Lisa Marie. My photos will help you see what the inside of Graceland looks like today.
4. Living Room at Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
The first stop inside Graceland is the foyer and you can look into Elvis' living room, dining room, and his mother's bedroom. Elvis received his special guests in the living room. I would love to go back for Christmas at Graceland when the lawn and home is decorated for Christmas.
5. 15 Foot Sofa in Graceland's Living Room
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
The sofa was originally metallic blue and cost $1,375 .00 in 1957. Elvis later had it reupholstered in white.
6. Graceland Living Room Fireplace
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
The fireplace in the living room has a mirrored glass and marble surround. The clock above the mantle screams the 1960s.
7. Elvis Portrait in the Foyer of Graceland
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
Most visitors think Elvis is holding a chair in the photo that hangs at the bottom of the stairs in the foyer but it is actually a bike rim given to him by a DJ. The DJ interviewed Elvis at Ft. Hood and rode the bike to the interview in Texas.
8. Graceland Dining Room
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
The dining room is where Elvis and family ate their meals.
9. Photo of Priscilla and Lisa Marie
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
This photo of Lisa Marie and her mother Priscilla hangs in the living room.
10. Graceland Kitchen
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
Elvis updated the kitchen in 1974 with the latest gadgets, including two televisions. Elvis had one of the very first microwaves available, costing around $1000.
11. Graceland Jungle Room - Mid-Century Modern Lamp and Decor
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
Elvis referred to this room as his Den. Visitors began calling it the Jungle Room after Graceland opened to the public.
12. The Jungle Room at Graceland
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
This was his favorite room in the home. What do you think about that shag carpet? I grew up with shag.
13. The Pool Room at Graceland
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
The walls and ceiling of the pool room are covered with pleated fabric, a total of 350 yards. It took several men 10 days to cover the room in fabric.
14. Graceland Pool Room with Fabric Covered Walls
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
The pool room had the only wood-burning fireplace in the mansion. Eventually, Elvis and his family stopped using the fireplace, fearing all the fabric would go up in flames.
15. Graceland TV Room
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
The décor in the TV room is very unique, with a black-and-yellow color scheme and an art deco look, and then, the quirky monkey statue.
16. Watch 3 Televisions at Once Graceland
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center inspired the three side-by-side tv sets. There is also a stereo system and a pull-down movie screen.
17. Gladys Presley Bedroom at Graceland
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
Elvis's Mom, Gladys, passed away in 1958 and the room was redesigned for persons who occupied the room later. The room has been returned to look similar to when Gladys lived there.
18. Back View of Graceland
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
The back lawn at Graceland is quite large and nicely shaded with large trees.
19. Horses and Pasture at Graceland
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
Elvis loved horses and when he wasn't working, he loved riding around the grounds of Graceland. There are currently four horses stabled at Graceland.
20. Graceland Swimming Pool
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
21. Meditation Garden
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
The Meditation Garden is beautifully landscaped, and Elvis, his parents, and his grandmother are buried here along with Lisa Marie and her son. Their final resting place is in a peaceful setting. It is believed that Pricilla Presley will also be buried at Graceland.
22. Elvis And Lisa Marie Graves at Graceland
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
23. Graceland Ticket Prices
Image Credit: Graceland..com
24. What Does The Graceland Mansion Tour Consist Include?
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
The tour of Graceland includes the living room, Elvis's parents' bedroom, the 70's kitchen, the incredible TV room, the pool room, the famous over-the-top Jungle Room, Elvis's father's office, the Trophy Building, the 1977 version of the Racquetball Building, and the Meditation Garden.
25. How Much Time Is Needed To Tour Graceland?
Image Credit: Kathy Owen
26. The Guest House At Graceland
Image Credit: The Guest House At Graceland dot com
While visiting Memphis and Graceland we stayed at The Guest House At Graceland. Our stay was very enjoyable and I highly recommend the hotel. It is one of the largest hotels in Memphis with 450 rooms reflecting Elvis’ personal style, with designs inspired by Graceland Mansion. The Guest House At Graceland offers various packages and prices.
Drayton Hall Plantation
Drayton Hall Plantation
I hope you have enjoyed my photo tour of Graceland. I visited a historic plantation near Charleston and you can see photos and read about it here.. What Natural Patina Looks Like | Drayton Hall Thanks for being here, Kathy
Author:Â Kathy Owen
Kathy Owen is the founder of the home decor blog Petticoat Junktion where she shares tutorials on painting furniture and upcycling thrifty finds into unique home décor. Her DIY projects have been featured on the Home Depot Blog, Plaid Crafts, Behr Designer Series, and in numerous magazines. Kathy’s newest website is HappyHomeDIY.com
Dlorah I Friesen
Thank you for sharing. Enjoyed the photos.
Marietta.Walker
Hi Kathy,
Talk about a time warp! Thank you for showing the pictures. I would have loved to have seen even more! Eerie to see the graves. Fame and fortune brought that family so much, including a lot of grief.
Thank you for sharing. I don't comment a lot but I read all your posts!
Regards
Marietta
Pam Hall
Thank you so much for sharing your photos with us and giving us some background information about your tour.