The day began much like Day 3—a morning workout in the hotel gym followed by work. Fortunately, Big Cypress Lodge had a rather nice business center, where I holed up for a few hours, still in the company of some fish, so I didn’t feel too lonely.
With just a quick two-hour drive from Memphis to Little Rock, today’s journey was our shortest yet—giving us the perfect opportunity to make an iconic stop: Graceland.
Finally Visiting Graceland
Graceland had always been on my list, but since Memphis itself never topped my must-visit destinations, I wasn’t sure when I’d ever make it there. This roadtrip ended up being the perfect opportunity.
I grew up in a household that listened to Elvis, so his music was always familiar to me. His larger-than-life persona, legendary career, and tragic ending made him one of the most intriguing figures in entertainment history.
Pulling up to Graceland, we expected to see the mansion immediately—but instead, we arrived at what felt more like a theme park entrance. Complete with exhibits and attractions, the experience started with a short pre-show video recapping Elvis' life, before we boarded a shuttle that took us through the gates of Graceland itself.
Stepping Into Elvis’ World
Before Elvis owned Graceland, it was owned by Ruth Brown Moore and her husband, Dr. Thomas Moore who built it in 1939. Ruth was actually the niece of Grace Toof, for whom the property was named—hence, Graceland.
The home was originally part of a 500-acre farm, passed down through generations of the Toof family. Elvis didn’t purchase Graceland until 1957, when he was just 22 years old, paying $102,500—a huge step up from his childhood home in Tupelo, Mississippi.
Walking through the front door, I felt like I had stepped into a time capsule. Everything—from the decor to the layout—felt frozen in time, offering a glimpse into Elvis' life as it once was.
As I wandered through the house admiring all of the over-the-top decor and quirky style, I couldn’t help but think wow, Elvis actually once lived here...he walked these hallways, he ate in this dining room, he had jam sessions in the Jungle Room. It was all rather surreal.
Inside Graceland: A Peek into Elvis' Life
While Graceland’s upstairs remains off-limits (as it was Elvis’ private living space, where his bedroom remains untouched), the first floor and basement are open to visitors.
First Floor Highlights:
The Living Room – The first room you see upon entering. Decorated in white and gold, it features peacock stained-glass windows and a 16-foot sofa, used for hosting guests.
The Music Room – Separated by peacock glass panels, this space housed a piano and TV, where Elvis often had jam sessions with friends.
Elvis’ Parents’ Bedroom – One of the few bedrooms open to the public, belonging to Vernon & Gladys Presley.
The Dining Room – A formal black-and-white marble dining area with a chandelier where Elvis hosted family meals.
The Kitchen – Surprisingly modest, but always always stocked for Elvis' famous late-night cravings
The Jungle Room – The most famous room in Graceland, featuring green shag carpet on the floor (and ceiling!), Polynesian-style furniture, and an indoor waterfall. In the 1970s, Elvis turned this into a recording studio, where he recorded some of his final songs.
The Basement Highlights:
The TV Room – One of Elvis' favorite spaces, featuring three TVs side by side (so he could watch multiple channels at once), a mirrored ceiling, and his "TCB – Taking Care of Business" logo.
The Bar Area – Built into the TV Room, this fully stocked bar featured a mirrored backsplash and padded leather countertops, perfect for late-night entertaining.
The Pool Room – Draped in pleated fabric, this space housed a pool table where Elvis and friends played countless games.
Exploring the Graceland Grounds
After touring the house, we headed outside to explore the rest of the estate. Our first stop was Vernon Presley’s Office where Elvis’ father handled his finances and business affairs.
Next, we wandered through The Trophy Building, which housed an overwhelming collection of Elvis’ memorabilia and personal artifacts—everything from report cards and paychecks to family photos and home videos.
We also got a glimpse of The Racquetball Building where Elvis played one of his favorite hobbies. It also houses a piano he played on his final night.
The final stop of the tour was the Meditation Garden, a peaceful yet somber area where Elvis, his parents (Gladys & Vernon Presley), his grandmother (Minnie Mae Presley), and his daughter (Lisa Marie Presley) are all laid to rest.
As we boarded the shuttle back to the theme park entrance, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions—amazement at everything Elvis had accomplished in just 42 years, sadness for the toll of fame and how his life was cut short, but also gratitude for the chance to step into his world, even for a moment.
Onward to Little Rock
We arrived in Little Rock just in time for dinner and headed straight to The Root Café, a quirky, farm-to-table spot in downtown Little Rock known for its welcoming vibe and locally sourced ingredients.
It was the kind of place where you could linger over a meal, sip a couple of drinks, and get lost in conversation—which is exactly what we did. Before we knew it, the restaurant was closing, and it was time to call it a night.
Final Thoughts on Day 4
Visiting Graceland was an experience I’m truly glad I had. It offered a fascinating look into Elvis’ life, legacy, and influence on music and culture, making it easy to appreciate just how much of an icon he was.
From exploring a piece of music history to ending the day with a great meal in Little Rock, Day 4 was a perfect blend of nostalgia, sightseeing, and good food.
Bonus Photos:
The tour also included a walk through Elvis’ car collection, showcasing some of his most iconic cars and reflecting his love for luxury, speed, and style.
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