End of the Line

Rollin’ On The River

Chapter 10

Mississippi River Cruise 2025

Wednesday, July 23

Having moseyed Northward upon the Mighty Mississippi River for 7 days, our relaxing trip was drawing to a close.

But, more was awaiting us at the end of the line in Memphis, Tennessee.

No lollygagging, sleeping in, or otherwise not on your toes on this last day, Everyone on board were required to be up and at ’em at near the crack of dawn.

A quick breakfast in the Sky Lounge and then time to leave the ship. Having pre-arranged transportation from the ship, we were driven to a motel near  the airport and soon after dropping our bags in our room, called a taxi and were driven to Graceland Mansion in time for our 10:30 reservation.

Graceland, the home of the late Elvis Presley, musician, singer, entertainer was the focus of this last day in Memphis, TN. On a busy street, it sets back from it on well-groomed grounds shaded by tall mature trees. Elvis’s mansion sits atop a higher knoll.

After a brief introduction at the entrance and receiving our audio headsets for our guided tour, we entered. The audio devices helped lead us through the home. My first impressions would be in the locality of “tacky”. Although the home did look comfortable and spacious, areas of the place were definitely on the wild and crazy side (and dare I say atrocious) including a totally plaid basement room and the jungle room with green shag carpeting in its entirety from floor, walls and ceiling. Weighted down in that ghastly green were heavy, oversized furniture with a definite jungle feel. Apparently, a lot of his jam sessions were in this room.

It would be interesting to know, had Elvis lived, how the house would look now. Hopefully he would have had better decorators. Don’t get me wrong with my take on Graceland mansion’s interior, it really is dated and a reflection of style in the early 1970’s and could be true to the era. I just don’t remember the 70’s being so lacking in taste. Money doesn’t buy taste or style.

Writing what I just wrote gets me  to thinking. In all the antebellum homes that we visited as we cruised up the Mississippi, those homes reflected the furnishings and styles of those years. And yet, somehow, in my thinking, I did not consider those homes to be outlandish or otherwise lacking in taste. In those homes, it is what I would expect. My opinion, whatever it is worth, is that Graceland mansion, even in its day was not a decorator’s prize.

Moving on.

Outdoors and in outlying buildings other parts of his life were also on the tour including his family history through photos and displays. A somber part of the tour is the Meditation Garden wherein are four large gravesites of Elvis, his mother and father, Gladys and Vernon, and his paternal grandmother Minnie May Presley. Elsewhere at Graceland rests his stillborn twin brother Jesse Garon Presley, daughter Lisa Marie and her son Benjamin Keough. It is humbling that to this day Elvis Presley has loving and devoted fans who honor him with flowers and mementos.

Across the street, from the mansion is the rest of Elvis’s property. A bus took us on the short jaunt and released us to the hot, humid climate. Luckily most everything to be seen is in air-conditioned buildings, exceptions being Elvis’s two airplanes, one large, the Lisa Marie, the other much smaller.

Elvis’s Automobile Museum houses over 20 of his vehicles. It is quite a nice collection.

Within the complex across from the mansion the ICONS collections display wardrobes, musician’s instruments and other artifacts from many other music artists and entertainers all influenced by The King of Rock and Roll such as KISS, Elton John, Dolly Parton, John Lennon, Ricky Nelson and many more. These displays were well thought out and included some videos from Elvis’s past. To think so many musicians are indebted to this remarkable man is quite extraordinary.

By this time, I was feeling pretty overwhelmed trying to take in all of these things relating back to Elvis. But more was to be seen. Briefly, one room dedicated to his gold and platinum records displayed  those records extending high and wide upon a wall.

Another mind-blowing room displayed a vast array of the jumpsuits worn by The King. Encased in displays that extend upwards of 20 feet  these stage costumes are works of art. Imaginative, colorful, vibrant and flamboyant, it was surprising to see how extensive was his wardrobe.

Reportedly, a banana and peanut butter sandwich was an Elvis favorite . Since it was offered in the onsite Glady’s Restaurant, I ordered it for lunch. All I will say is, I tried it. Not something I would probably eat again.

Despite the heat and humidity, as I had noted previously, most of the Elvis experience was indoors. It is worth seeing allowing one to better understand his life, especially, for me, his love for his family. All the other stuff is glitz and glamour – in my opinion.

We had time to chill back at the motel before an Uber drive took us back to Beale Street. Not yet dark, open to pedestrian traffic, the street was alive with activity, street performers and a huge motorcycle show, bikes lined both sides of the street. I was taken with all of the neon signage, adding a colorful glow to the atmosphere, much as it was in New Orlean’s French Quarter.

I wrote in the last chapter that the last evenings entertainer on The American Splendor, Brad Birkendahl, had invited us to hear him play at Blues City Café on Beale Street. We did just that. He had just started playing as we sat down. Ordering a half slab of BBQ ribs accompanied with thick cut French fries, baked beans, coleslaw and Texas toast. That, with drinks, covered the entire table.

The dinner was great and so too Brad’s band. Not only a gifted vocalist, but he also played multiple instruments including guitar and horn. The rest of his band were perfect and in sync with all the music and songs they presented. During a break, he saw us and stopped to chat, expressing his thanks for stopping by. It was our pleasure to include this experience as a wrap up of our trip.

A brief stop at the famous Peabody Hotel, just to check it out and we were then back on our way to our hotel for our last evening in Memphis.

To enlarge any individual photo, click on that image

If you are looking for a nice, relaxing, laid-back experience that includes some of the important history of America, a walk back in time, music and traditions, beautiful old antebellum mansions, characters who helped shaped America’s destiny and cities that grew up along the Big Muddy and their influence on this country, you cannot go wrong.

Not to be forgotten are current characters and players who made our experiences so memorable and who will leave their personal marks on many lives.

(An unsolicited plug: American Cruise Lines did a great job. I would recommend them and look forward to experiencing another river trip in the US).

Early the next day, Thursday, we were soon on our way back home, bracing for re-entry into the Phoenix furnace where temperatures rose to nearly 110°.

Don’t fall for that “but it’s a dry heat” line. Even with lower humidity HOT is HOT!

As I conclude this narrative of “Rollin’ On the River”, I’ve taken pleasure in sharing it with you. May all my stories enlighten, entertain and encourage you to get out and experience this awesome world.

I encourage readers of these blog stories to share with others.

Don Kline.