Celebrate Elvis’ 75th Birthday at Graceland this week

by Katie Hammel on

Had he lived, Elvis would be turning 75 years old on January 8. Superfans can celebrate with a week of parties hosted Graceland from January 7 to 10.

Events include a day tour of Tupelo, where Elvis grew up, book signings from authors of books on Elvis, fan club events, and panel presentations from close friends and associates of Elvis. There will be musical performances, including a gospel concert of Elvis songs and a performance of tunes from Elvis done by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

Several birthday and dance parties will also be offered. The Elvis 75th Birthday Bash on Beale is just $15 and includes a night of drink specials, live music, and partying at clubs up and down Beale Street on January 9.

Tickets for all events are available online until 5pm Central today. After that, you can purchase them at the door for each event (pending availability) or at the Graceland Guest Services office.

Graceland to get a makeover

by Melanie Nayer on

In need of a little pick-me-up, Heartbreak Hotel is undergoing a makeover to help revive its natural beauty. The owners of Graceland the Heartbreak Hotel are putting together redevelopment plans for the famous hotel and Elvis’ home.

The owners are no strangers to makeovers. Robert Sillerman, the owner of the “American Idol” franchise, also owns CKX Inc., the company that bought controlling interest of Elvis Presley Enterprises in 2004. According to an interview with Memphis’ The Commercial Appeal, Sillerman is ready to revive the Memphis hotspot for the millions of visitors that grace Graceland each year.

These redevelopments have been in discussion for years – a $250 million proposed plan would include a demolition of the visitors center and a revitalization of the hotel, which would include larger and upgraded facilities.

“Heartbreak Hotel, despite the fact it was built as anything but a luxury hotel, maintains the highest occupancy of any hotel in the state of Tennessee,” Sillerman said in an interview. “What we’re talking about is an extension of something that has proven to be successful that will be undertaken by the type of experts who can fulfill the vision.”

The redevelopment discussions start in a few weeks when Sillerman and his planning committee arrive in Memphis to plan phase one of the facelift. Within 90 to 120 days after the planning session, “we’ll have a very specific idea of what it is we’d like to do,” Sillerman said.

We’ll have to wait a few more months to see what redevelopment decisions the owners of the famous Memphis mecca decide on but in the meantime, here’s hoping the soul of Graceland remains perfectly in tact.

[via The Commercial Appeal]

Odds are, you’ll be on a smaller plane

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Airlines are using the little planes for longer runs, these days. According to the Las Vegas Sun, the average regional airline flight hit 461 miles in 2008, up profoundly from 274 miles in 2009. That’s an increase of 41 percent! This is an industry-wide trend, so shopping around isn’t likely to help you get a larger jet. The major carriers are relying on regional affiliates, so you’ll probably be out of luck. The regionals fly more than half the flights from some pretty hefty airports, including LaGuardia, O’Hare, Milwaukee, Raleigh and Memphis. And, these airlines account for 45% of the traffic at Atlanta’s Hartsfield International, the busiest airport in the United States.

American Airlines and United announced that they were adopting this approach back in September, particularly at airports such as Chicago and Denver. Delta has moved its Washington-to-New York shuttle to one of its regional carriers, as well.

[Via USA Today]

Justin Timberlake opens eco-friendly golf course

by Katie Hammel on

Justin Timberlake – singer, dancer, actor, restaurateur, golfer, and. . . eco-innovator? That’s right, the guy who “brought sexy back” is also responsible for the first Platinum LEED certified golf course in the United States. The course also received the first Audubon International Classic Sanctuary certification in the U.S.

The Memphis, Tennessee golf course, originally called Woodstock Woods, was set to be auctioned off and turned into a development when JT and partners decided to save it. Timberlake, who learned to golf on the course, invested $16 million into features like irrigation systems that use rainwater to keep the grounds lush and electric golf carts powered by the sun.

The course has been renamed Mirimichi Golf Course and opened on July 25.

Delta wonders about Atlanta

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Is Delta playing chicken with Atlanta? The airline is getting ready for negotiations with Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport … and has opened by threatening to lean on secondary hubs like Memphis and Cincinnati. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution questions the airline’s likelihood of pulling the trigger, though.

Delta is concerned that the costs of running through Hartsfield-Jackson, the world’s busiest airport, could be twice as high as those of other airports. Moving two-thirds of connecting traffic away could save a pile of cash for a company in a perpetually struggling industry.

When you need an expert, you can always find one to take your side, it seems. Airport consultant Jerry FitzGerald believes that pulling out of Atlanta could cost Delta a good chunk of business traveler dollars – and that Memphis or Cincinnati may not be able to cover the difference.

Well, like anybody sitting on the tarmac, all we can do is wait and see.

[Via USA Today]