Vegas, Southern Style

On our continuing journey home we have found ourselves in Tunica, MS, near some casino action (funny how that happened). We arrived on the 26th and will leave the 29th. Sam's Town Casino has an RV resort at a very reasonable rate. Having checked out the other RV resorts at the other casinos, I can say that if you're coming to Tunica in an RV Sam's Town is the best option.

Of course the evening we arrived we had to go out and survey the surroundings. We checked out a couple of the casinos playing at Sam's Town and the Grand. Fun and lively.

The next day we explored the other non-casino areas including the town of Tunica and the River Park situated on the Mississippi River. Tunica is actually a nice little town and if I might make a recommendation, if you pass through, eat at the Blue and White Cafe. In operation since 1937, the breakfasts are great and lunch looked good, too. I didn't have the camera with me so no pictures of the town, but it is scenic with a nice Historic District.

The pic above are of the River park Museum and the dock that holds the Tunica Queen Riverboat hosting play and dinner cruises. Also on the dock are some Ecotour airboats that take you on a cruise up and down the river. I didn't ride them, but if I get back this way probably will.

Today, we took the drive Memphis, about 30 miles north of here, and checked out Graceland - home of Elvis Presley. Very impressive. I have to admit, the Presley corporation/business machine has done a wonderful job of maintaining the residence and Elvis' memorabilia. I do believe they could do a little better for his fans in the way of the tourist trap associated with the attraction. The place did have a sort of Disneyland feel, especially with the diners (not very good) and some of the services available. But hey, it brings in the bucks, which in turn keep the place alive.

The house itself is very nice and was an old farm estate Elvis bought when he was 22 years old. Not bad. The tour included an audio headset that lets you walk through the estate and listen to an essay of the life and times of the King of Rock and Roll.

Throughout the house are the memories of an extraordinary personality that was one of those larger than life persons that come across every once in a while. Everywhere are the awards he earned through music, tv, and movies. Pictures of the family and friends he loved, the toys he was always playing around with, his cars and planes, and footages of great moments in his life.

I am always pleased, of course, when I am reminded that some of these great persons did some pretty amazing, though ordinary, things with their lives. In this case was Elvis' serving in the army in the late 50's. It wasn't much time, but he finished it with honor and selflessness, when he could've side stepped the whole issue using the money and resources available to him. Good show mate.

Elvis passed on in 1977 and his earthly remains rest on the estate grounds along with his parents and his paternal grandmother. A simple marker also remembers his stillborn twin brother. I was amazed that, 30 years after his passing, his fans still come in huge numbers from all over the world to remember him. Quite a statement of the legacy he has left behind.

Though highly commercialized, I still recommend this as a place to come and see. Just eat before or after you visit.

Tomorrow we will be back on the road heading south on our way home. Who knows where we will be next or see that is worth posting on the blog.