Apr 5, 2021

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. 

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee


The 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. 

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

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. 

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee
Elvis Presley at Graceland ca. 1957

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee


Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Jungle Room Graceland Elvis




Apr 4, 2021

Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky

Opened in 1875, Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky is the iconic thoroughbred racetrack most famous for hosting the annual Kentucky Derby. In addition to horse racing, Churchill Downs also contains the Kentucky Derby Museum which features an array of artifacts spanning the history of the event. From the horses to the betting to the flurry of activity behind the scenes, my exploration of Churchill Downs made for an unforgettable day at the races.

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby






Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby



Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby
Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky ca. 1905

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky Derby