Everyone knows a musician named Elvis Presley. Well with the new Elvis movie out (which is highly recommended by the way), we cannot help but be interested in the iconic Elvis home, Graceland.
Now something that some may not know, is that this land that we call Graceland, was originally part of a 500 acre farm. Elvis purchased 13.8 acres of this land in 1957 when he was just 22 years old for $102,500. Graceland used to be outside of the hustle and bustle of Memphis, Tennessee, but is now surrounded by the city. Due to the high cost of maintaining Graceland after Elvis’ death on August 16, 1977, it was decided to open the home to tours in 1982.
Since the Graceland mansion is now open for tours, our own Aimee Ness took a trip to visit this iconic mansion. The Colonial Architecture is breathtaking, and surrounded by beautiful landscape. Now inside, there are unique designs in every room. Some of the most interesting rooms are the pool table room, which is covered, and I mean covered in fabric. Then there is the jungle room. Yes, a jungle room! This room has green shag carpet on the floor and the ceiling and has a waterfall.
Inside the home was kept just how Elvis designed it. There are many improvements to the land surrounding Graceland which now has a hotel. The hotel has the prestigious AAA 4 Diamond rating. The land also has an Elvis museum and an automobile museum.
Graceland hosts over 500,000 visitors per year and it is the most famous toured house after the White House. In 2006 Graceland was declared a National historic landmark, which became the first landmark recognized for significance related to rock and roll.
Just imagine walking the home of the iconic Elvis Presley. There are so many things to look at, and even more to think about when you are walking the halls. Just think, the reason he decided to purchase Graceland is for the 13.8 acres. What would you do with that amount of land? Maybe have a cookout with your family and play some of Elvis’ most famous hits! I think that sounds like the perfect night.
