While we were waiting to get on a bus to take us to Graceland, workers there had us take a picture with a backdrop of Graceland’s gates. Our picture turned out okay, but we were too cheap to purchase it. Besides, I wanted to hit the gift shop after the tour. (I ended up purchasing an Elvis Boulevard street sign and post cards.)

We felt the workers there were disorganized when they were trying to get the buses to arrive and load the people up. We even witnessed a couple of workers getting snippy with each other during this. But, finally, our group was loaded and taken to Graceland.

Overall, I enjoyed the Graceland tour, but I didn’t appreciate the audio version of the tour. I find audio tours annoying. I prefer a live person to give a tour. However, touring Elvis’ home was fascinating, even if it had a pretty tacky decor with shag carpet and brightly colored kitchen appliances. But I guess in the’60s and’70s, this decor was hip.

My partner and I thought the best part of the tour was viewing all the records he earned in his career. It was unbelievable—a wall-to-wall collection. And we thought his jumpsuits were extremely elaborate, with sequins and capes. On the more sober side, the memorial site (Meditation Garden) on the grounds was pretty emotional. Some people were crying, mourning over the King. We read memorial messages addressed to him from all over the world. It was evident that this man was loved and missed by thousands worldwide.

I highly recommend you go to Graceland. After leaving there, you will have more insight into this man: his love for his family, especially his mother and daughter, Lisa Marie; his love for his "roots" (he gave a lot money to different charities in Memphis); and his love for his music and fans. In addition, this is great way to pay your respects to the King.

Tickets for touring the house are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 62 and older and students, $7 for children 7 to 12, and free for children 6 and under. This tour takes 60 to 90 minutes. The platinum tour includes the mansion tour and self-guided tours of Elvis’ two custom airplanes, the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum, and a memorabilia museum called Sincerely Elvis. The ticket price for this is $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students, $13 for children 7 to 12, and free for children six and under. This tour takes 2.5 to 3 hours.

The grounds are impeccably maintained, and I enjoyed the audio tour, as it lets you go at your own pace. The foundation that manages Elvis’ estate has done a great job of organizing tours and displaying his movie artifacts and costumes for all of his fans to enjoy. This is a definite must-see if you happen upon Graceland!

It is a must for everyone. I would suggest doing the entire tour, too. It is more expensive, but you get a lot for your buck. Plus, the airplane is really very cool.

They did a wonderful job of redeveloping the area around Graceland, as well as the actual presentation of Graceland itself. The audio presentation was done wonderfully and really engages you.

If you are there either in August or in January, you get to hit Graceland on Elvis's birthday or the anniversary of his death. Both will make Graceland much more crowded, but the experience is pretty different. There will be flower bouquets all around his grave from numerous countries and in every language imaginable. Plus, you may even be lucky enough to be part of the midnight vigil. Interesting, very interesting.

Go to Graceland; it is a can't-miss in American culture and a Memphis tradition. Have fun!