If you go to this page - there is even a pic of much younger Jack/my classmate - cutting the ribbon years ago.

http://www.elvis.com/graceland/

Also - check this for the opening of the London Museum/Branch:

http://www.elvis.com/photos-video/photos.aspx?aid=107

Tomsd, we had a great mother daughter trip to Nashville and Memphis
Sat summer. We both loved Graceland, but we both loved Elvis! It was great for us to see his home.

Amen Willowjane. I will always remember when a young Elvis first started singing and shaking (You ain't nuttin but a Hound Dog, etc etc) - and our parents were aghast while we young fans were stoked.

About 10 years ago - I was in Vegas for a golf equipment show - and my ole classmate Jack was there at the time - as they were having a one time - Elvis Memorabilia sale at the MGM Grand and he gave me a pre-show tour. http://articles.nydailynews.com/1999...seum-graceland

I was interested in one of the pistols that Elvis carried around - but alas - when the bidding started - it quickly zoomed to over $50,000, so no peashooter for moi.

My friend Jack said that somebody even brought an old Cadillac to the MGM - and said Elvis had given it to him and he was going to donate it back as it was the right thing to do, or some such. Apparently Elvis was very sympathetic to the downtrodden - having himself come from humble beginnings - and would sometimes just hand somebody the keys to the car he was driving.

He was as one and only.

willowjane, thanks for posting the the links to the places you are staying. The place on the BI looks stunning.

tom, are you next gonna tell me that you are best friends with George Klein?

wj, love, love, love the places you are staying. When is this trip?

Tom, it sounds to me like you need to get to Graceland! iceeu2 - we leave in two weeks!! Our first trip to Hawaii and I can't tell you how excited I am....I can hardly stand myself.

Never met George - but did meet another member of the Memphis "Mafia" - who had some very interesting pictures.

Willowj: Was just checking on airfares from SD to Memphis for the next do last weekend in Oct. Dang expensive right now - and if I had to choose between the mini-reunion (did see a number of the college lads last Fall when I went back to for the USC game at Notre Dame and also stayed in Chicago) - or fishing for big Tuna/Marlin at Cabo - well - think Cabo wins, but still trying to figure out how to do both.

If my wife can't get away - one of the other guys and I are talking about getting a cheap room somewhere (the others are staying at the Peabody) and having all the guys over for a deja vu kegger while the wives go shopping or whatever they have organzied for the day.

Golly - we haven't had a good old fashioned keg party since waaaaaaay back in the 60's in Denver.

I would recommend the Talbot Heirs - right across the street - great little room with kitchen and sitting area. Then you could cross the street - watch the dang ducks and have a drink.

LOL and thanks for the recommendation. Gotta see those ducks wondering around like they own the place, eh?

So, are you gonna eat ribs at The Rendevous? Where did you go to school that this reunion is taking place? Christian Brothers? Ole Miss? Memphis State? Dyersburg State?

I've only had drinks in the bar, but I LOVE the feeling of the Hau Tree Lanai. It's very unique with tables right down on the sand. So I can't speak to the food but the restaurants is lovely and a very special setting.

hmmm... i was just reading over on the Trip Advisor Honolulu forum, and a local person posting mentioned they thought the quality at Hau Tree had gone down a lot in the past few years.

Suze, thanks for the thoughts! I went ahead and made the reservation and I guess i will just have to see how it goes. I will report back.