In recognition of Elvis Presley’s achievements and contributions to American culture and musical history, Graceland was designated National Historic Landmark on March 27, 2006. Fewer than 2,500 historic places carry the title of National Historic Landmark.
We took the self guided tour of the once home and burial site of Elvis. His mother, father and twin brother (still born) are also buried here. Johnny and I wondered how his life would have been if his brother was alive.
Elvis at the age of two with his parents, Vernon and Gladys Presley
As we were taking our tour and me taking pictures along the way, I noticed a white spot in all of my photos. So, I wondered if the lighting of the rooms and photos where designed in a way so your photos would not turn out. Well, that was not the case. Remember the morning rain storm, well I video taped it with my camera and got it wet. The moisture stayed inside half of the lens, which created this nasty white spot. Oh and than to top it off, I dropped the camera on the lens, with the lens open. Thanks to my wonderful husband, he fixed it. So to not take anymore chances with the camera, we purchased two disposable cameras. I have very few good digital photos.
Formal Living Rooom w/Baby Grand Piano
Bar
Our tour extended us to the automobile collection and airplanes that Elvis owned.
The most famous automobile is the pink Cadillac.
One of the planes he bought was purchased from Northwest Airlines and he named it after his first daughter, Lisa Marie.
Elvis lives....
We departed Memphis around lunch time and arrived late in the afternoon back in Arkansas to John’s sister (Landy) and Brother-in-law (Steve) for some R&R on Big Red. He needs new tires and an oil change. We put on over 4000 miles from the last we were here. What better place to do this than here. Steve is a car buff and has ALL the tools to work on cars. He owns a 51 Mercury, which has been completely restored and rests above (hydraulic car rack) a Grand Torino that he purchased to pull the engine and put in the Mercury.
Instead of having Landy’s famous Spanish Pork Chops and Rice, she put together a bar-b-que tri-tip dinner for us that was just a delicious. Steve was in charge of the drinks. He made Landy and I an awesome Cosmopolitan. Which he made every night we were there.
In the evening, Steve took us for a drive to a lookout point in Hot Springs Village.
Johnny and Steve at Lake Lago lookout.
