If there is one thing that the kids are always asking for when we stay in a hotel, it is for a swimming pool. In the few times we stayed in a hotel during the pandemic, the majority of the time the pools were closed. Given the temperature in Memphis in August, I worked on locating an outdoor pool only to find out that they closed it after booking. No pool and some sketchy patrons left us a bit down hearted about being stuck in our hotel room. A quick inquiry about a venue change landed us staying in The Guest House at Graceland, a mere walk to where Elvis lived. This was a small chunk of Elvis themed paradise including live music, a theatre showcasing his movies at night, and fun Elvis décor. We happened to be staying the same time as the Teddy Bear group. Not sure who they were, we learned quickly when wanting to hit the pool that this was a national club for overweight/obese gay men. The kids didn't seem to notice as much as I did which I was just fine in keeping it that way.
This was the day for Victoria. The day when she could strut her stuff in her Elvis costume. And strut she did! She may have seemed out of place at any other hotel. However where we were staying, she was a mini-celebrity. Her sparkly personality fit perfectly including her adorable "thank you" whenever she was complimented. Most were surprised to learn that I made her costume.
After the shuttle dropped us off in front of Graceland, Victoria was greeted by a working saying "welcome home". Inside the home, she was given red carpet treatment compared to anyone else or with past tours that I've taken. It was such fun to hang back and watch this day unfold. She was photographed (everyone asked permission first) often and would pose without prompting making this all the more fun for those watching her.
Nothing seemed to change since the last time I visited. This is still one of my favorite rooms as I love the stained glass windows.
The entertainment room.
The jungle room. None of the kids could understand why anyone would want to have shag carpet put in.
The pool room with head to toe fabric.
Once through Graceland itself, it was off to the visitor center for more displays, interactive attractions, and souvenir shopping. This was Victoria's favorite car of all on display.
It took a bit of time but we finally found THE jumpsuit. The tone of the visit at this point changed to all our goals being accomplished. Now it was time to eat.
We ended up eating at the complex for simplicity and the kid's desire to hit the pool soon as it was a bit toasty. Inside there was a car one could sit in and enjoy their meal. Unfortunately, a couple was already there. That didn't stop Victoria from walking up to them requesting if we could have it. The couple kindly obliged with a "fee" of snapping a picture of this pintsized Elvis.
I will admit the pool at the hotel was a dream. I had no problem spend our afternoons cooling off here. We came up with any number of pool games including using the pool chairs as an underwater teeter totter.
That evening we journeyed downtown to Beale Street. This too has not changed much. Live music was drifting out of many establishments. I'm happy we were there early enough to avoid witnessing drunken behavior.
On Beale Street is one of the most eclectic stores I've ever seen. Inside is an old fashioned soda fountain with so many flavors it was hard to choose.
Micah went for a lemon-lime soda, Victoria a grape soda, and myself a pear soda. Izzy however chose a malt after explaining that these were similar to Whoppers.
Nearby is the historic Peabody hotel. I did think about staying here but decided against this as there was no pool. A unique feature is the Peabody ducks who live inside the hotel during the day. They spend their time swimming in one of the center fountains. At promptly 5pm, the duck master tells the tale of how this came to be (a joke) and why the ducks were kept. He then whistles which signals to the ducks its time to march on a red carpet to their elevator to be taken up to the top of the hotel where they will spend their nights only to return promptly at 8am the following morning. On the top of the hotel, the ducks have a miniature replica of the hotel complete with another fountain to keep them safe.
A quick horse drawn carriage ride through downtown ended our day on a happy note.
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