Memphis - The Home of Elvis with Debbie & Nick

 Memphis - The Home of Elvis 

Our American adventure in Memphis, Tennessee, kicked off with us exploring the soul of the South with music, culture, and classic cuisine.

It was off to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s iconic home. Wow- what an experience. Walking through his home felt like stepping into a time capsule from the 1970’s. The house was full of personality, from the wild green shag pile carpet on the ceiling of the Jungle Room to the gold accented living space that screamed rock ‘n’ roll royalty.

Standing at his grave side we all got a little emotional – there was something powerful about being in the place where such a legendary life both thrived and ended. 

After touring the mansion, we headed over to see his private airplanes and we actually got to go inside the ‘Lisa Marie’ jet. It was incredible! The plane had plush leather seats, a bedroom and even a gold-plated sink. It was like a flying palace and imagining Elvis’s cruising through the skies in that luxury was surreal. 

Seeing his dazzling outfits and his hit records so close up was just amazing. 

Our sightseeing tour took us along the Mississippi River, crossing the pedestrian bridge to Mud Island, taking in sweeping views and snapping photos by the iconic Memphis sign. From there, a stroll down Main Street revealed the city’s unique blend of modern charm and deep-rooted history.

We spent a moving afternoon at the National Civil Rights Museum. Located at the Lorraine Motel — the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. The museum offered a powerful, emotional journey through America’s fight for justice and equality. 

The streets well and truly came alive at night and there were so many great bars for us to pop in to. We stopped at Jason Aldean’s bar, enjoying a standout performance by Ben Chase. One evening  we dined at the legendary B.B. King’s Blues Club. Southern food and the blazing energy of the All-Star band made it a night to remember. From our upper deck perch, we danced, sang, and soaked up every note.

We headed to Memphis Zoo, and what a treat it was. It felt like we had been transported to different corners of the world. From the African Veldt to the Teton Trek, every exhibit was thoughtfully designed and full of life. One of the highlights was definitely the Giant Pandas where we learnt that Memphis is one of the few zoos in the U.S. that has them, and they were just as adorable and lazy as we hoped. The Zambezi River Hippo Camp was another favourite. Seeing hippos gliding underwater was oddly mesmerizing, and the underwater viewing area gave us the perfect perspective.

Today was like stepping into rock 'n' roll heaven as we headed to Sun Studio, the legendary birthplace of rock and roll. From the moment we walked in, it felt like time rewound—like we were brushing shoulders with musical ghosts. The small, unassuming building holds so much history that it's honestly hard to believe how much magic was made within those walls. Our tour guide was incredible—funny, passionate, and clearly a music lover. They walked us through the story of how Sam Phillips started it all, recording blues artists before discovering a young Elvis Presley. We stood in the exact spot where Elvis recorded “That’s All Right,” and chills ran down our spine. That tiny room launched a cultural revolution. There were original instruments, vintage recording equipment, and even the actual microphone Elvis used. We all got to take pictures with it. We also learned about other legends who recorded there: Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins—it's wild how many icons came through this one place. The tour ended with a quick browse through the gift shop, and we stepped back out into the Memphis sun feeling like we had touched a little piece of history. 

Continuing our music tour we visited the Rock 'n' Soul Museum in Memphis. It was like taking a deep dive into the heart and soul of American music. Located right on Beale Street, the museum offered a powerful look at how blues, gospel, and soul music emerged from the struggles and triumphs of everyday people, especially in the rural South. From sharecroppers with makeshift instruments to legends like B.B. King, Otis Redding, and Isaac Hayes, the exhibits told a story of resilience, creativity, and cultural revolution. The audio guide was packed with music clips and personal stories, which made the experience feel personal and immersive. It was especially moving to see how music helped break down racial barriers and gave voice to generations. 

The Wonders of the Isle of Wight with Russell & Brigitte

 The Wonders of the Isle of Wight 

Today’s outing took us to the iconic Alum Bay and the Needles. For those revisiting, it was a nostalgic moment; for others, it was a chance to marvel at the stunning natural beauty of the chalk stacks rising from the sparkling sea.

We headed to the Sand Shop where everyone chose a unique glass shape to fill with layers of colourful sand. The friendly staff helped seal our handmade souvenirs, that would make memory of our day.

At Alum Bay Glass, we watched master glassblowers create delicate figurines and vibrant vases – a fascinating display of artistry. The adjacent gift shop offered beautiful handmade items, many of which we couldn’t resist taking home. Next was the Isle of Wight Sweet Manufactory. We had the chance to witness the traditional process of making Iron Brew boiled sweets and even taste them straight from the batch. The air was filled with the sweet scent of mint humbugs and rhubarb and custards – pure nostalgia.

Today took us to Monkey Haven, the award-winning primate rescue centre on the island. As we approached, we could hear the melodic calls of the Lar Gibbons echoing through the trees – a magical start to our visit. We were fascinated by the variety of primates, from adorable marmosets and capuchins to the more elusive Diana and Colobus monkeys. We joined keeper Sarah for an informative and engaging talk about the Javan Langurs, one of whom entertained us with his playful antics. In addition to the monkeys, we admired a collection of rescued owls and ventured into the reptile and insect lodge, where we met creatures such as a royal python, water dragons, spiders, and an African Star tortoise.

How amazing is the Donkey Sanctuary. Here, we enjoyed a peaceful walk through the paddocks, meeting a variety of charming donkeys – many of whom were available for adoption. 

With the sun shining, we headed to Freshwater for a peaceful seaside stroll down to the beach.... 

....and of course a scoop (or two) of delicious ice cream 

Spirits were high as we set off for a relaxing garden stroll, followed by a session of archery. Everyone had a go, and Peter wowed us with a bullseye on his very first shot!

The evening entertainment always had us up on our feet dancing the night away. One particular night was made extra special when we got to meet one of the acts and he gave us all a  signed photographs

We made our way to Shanklin for a round of Pirate Adventure Crazy Golf, where the competition was fierce and fun. Iyt was lovely to see such great sportsmanship amongst the group. 

In the afternoon, we returned to Godshill to visit the enchanting Model Village, a beautifully crafted miniature version of Shanklin and Godshill as they were in the 1920s. The intricate railway and buildings fascinated us all. We couldn't believe how life like they were.