Words and photographs from a Buttershug
Memphis is a great city, especially if you love blues. If you’re familiar with New Orleans, Beale Street is like the PG version of Bourbon Street: excellent food and great music but no b00bies. I had a great time, and the absolute best barbecue (and pancakes) that I’ve ever had in my life.
I don’t know what I was expecting, but Graceland didn’t really fit it. The house was beautiful on the outside and very gaudy 70s on the outside. The tourist ticket booth and shops are totally run down. They charge a small fortune to get in, so I’m not really sure where that money’s going but it certainly isn’t going into maintaining anything outside of Elvis’ actual property grounds. It definitely wasn’t a religious experience, just an experience.
Everyone should make this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. Though I’m not a huge Elvis fan, I live less than a day’s drive and there’s really no excuse for me not to go. Tacky as it was, I’m glad I made the visit.