Aug 22, 2016

Elvis Presley's Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee

Elvis may have left the building, but that hasn't stopped countless fans from visiting Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee each year. As one of the most popular homes in the United States, the former estate of Elvis Presley is now a museum, archive, national historic site, and shrine to the life and music of this undisputed rock and roll legend. 

graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmarkThe house was built in 1939, however it was on March 19, 1957 that Elvis Presley bought the property for $102,500. Situated on a 13.8 acre wooded estate, the southern Colonial mansion used to be on the outskirts of Memphis, but as the city grew it became surrounded by other properties. Today, as amazing as it is, Graceland is at the center of what can only be described as an unapologetic tourist trap dedicated to The King.  

Elvis would call Graceland home for two decades, before his untimely death here in 1977. Recognizing the enormous upkeep costs, Graceland was opened for public tours on June 7, 1982. He, along with his parents, Gladys and Vernon, and his grandmother, are all buried in the Meditation Garden on the property. 

graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark

Names and messages written on the brick wall surrounding Graceland.
graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark

Graceland remains a fascinating look into the life of Elvis Presley. From the kitsch 1970's decor of the Jungle Room to the upholstered ceilings in the pool room to the three televisions that Elvis would watch in his media room, the home is well kept and locked in time. Only the upstairs remains off limits. Still, there's no place better than Graceland to appreciate the man who revolutionized rock and roll. Elvis Presley is still very much alive in Memphis. 

graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark
Elvis Presley at Graceland ca. 1957



graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark


graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark

graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark



graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark
graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark


graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark


graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark

graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark

graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark

graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark

graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark

graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark

graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark
graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark


graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark






graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark


graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark

graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark

graceland tour elvis presley memphis landmark










elvis presley 3 grammy awards
Elvis Presley's three Grammy Awards.



Aug 19, 2016

Indy 500 | Indianapolis Motor Speedway

As my road trip took me north, I arrived in Indianapolis, Indiana on the eve of the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. With an estimated 350,000 in town to attend to the race, Indianapolis was understandably chaotic. I spent most of my time downtown that afternoon. 

indianapolis motor speedway 100th indy 500
I knew there was no way I'd be able to get inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, nor did I want to waste the limited time I had trying, but I couldn't pass up the chance to at least see it with my own eyes. Late in the afternoon I made my way through the traffic, and found I was one of the few cars heading towards the Speedway as everyone else was leaving for the day. 

I managed to find a spot to snap a few pics, and had a vintage Indy 500 postcard with me that I'd purchased earlier that day. The energy surrounding the venue was infectious, and even just wandering around Indianapolis for much of the day had me feeling connected. I was left buzzing from my brief visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but shortly after I was back on the interstate in a race of my own to reach Illinois before sundown.

indianapolis motor speedway 100th indy 500

indianapolis motor speedway 100th indy 500

indianapolis motor speedway 100th indy 500

indianapolis motor speedway 100th indy 500

indianapolis motor speedway 100th indy 500

indianapolis motor speedway 100th indy 500

indianapolis motor speedway 100th indy 500

indianapolis motor speedway 100th indy 500

indianapolis motor speedway 100th indy 500

A photo posted by Luke Fandrich (@editingluke) on

indianapolis motor speedway 100th indy 500

indianapolis motor speedway 100th indy 500