Here is one of Elvis' yummy birthday cakes!Because we toured his birthplace on his birthday, we were treated to birthday cake, in addition to touring all sites for free! (Elvis' birthday gift to us) No birthday party is complete without singing "Happy Birthday," and this was definitely done! See my Facebook profile for a video of the special birthday song. There were at least 300 people in attendance, including family members, childhood friends, and some of his greatest fans!
We decided to share our cake!
Tupelo, MS is the birthplace of Elvis. His childhood home, where he lived until he was 13, is on display as well as his childhood church. The house has been preserved and completely set up to allow tourists to walk through and take pictures. The home is a very small 2 bedroom shack.
The outside of the home!
Ashley and I on the porch swing!
Ashley and I on the porch swing!
The wood burning stove, and the dining room (complete with Elvis' highchair!)
The 3 of us in the bedroom;
I believe this is a note to Elvis from a fan...
We were also given the opportunity to tour his childhood church, Tupelo Assembly of God. The building has been restored to the best of ability. The building is the same, the pulpit is the same, but other aspects were restored or replaced. Elvis' 2nd cousin gave a beautiful presentation before showing a short video of a church service similar to the time when Elvis attended as well as video documentation of the restoration process!
Assortment of pictures of the church. The gentleman in the 3rd picture somewhat adopted us that day. He was constantly asking if we were enjoying ourselves and making sure we saw everything! (He is one of the chairmen of the organization that runs the Elvis Birthplace and Museum)
Assortment of pictures of the church. The gentleman in the 3rd picture somewhat adopted us that day. He was constantly asking if we were enjoying ourselves and making sure we saw everything! (He is one of the chairmen of the organization that runs the Elvis Birthplace and Museum)
The original pulpit
Sitting in a pew waiting for the presentation and service!
Other attractions include a small museum that chronicled the life and career of the King. Pictures were not allowed of this, but it was very nice. Several pieces of memorabilia were displayed including some costumes and family pictures.
No Elvis birthday party would be complete without some devout fans. Below are some pictures of one of our favorite fans we saw. I'm a little young to understand the obsession with the King, but I will never judge someone! After all, I am the girl who obsessed with concerts. :)
Of course, there was a gift shop complete with pretty much any piece of Elvis memorabilia one could ever want! As for our own purchases, we each bought a t-shirt and a birthday cup, as well as some other individual items.
Brittany and Ashley showing their Vanna White skills with his records!
Ashley LOVES Elvis! :)
Other items worth mentioning include the statute of 13 year old Elvis and the "Fountain of Life" which were in the courtyard area.
Ashley is reading the map making sure we aren't missing anything!
Last but not least we each took pictures with the life size cutouts of our favorite Elvis costume:
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at the Elvis Birthplace and Museum! Next stop on our Elvis tour: Graceland!
LOVE this! looks like you guys are having a blast! :)
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