Graceland became a macabre playground for flashlight explorations of neglected rooms and the hushed telling of scary stories. Some hauled sleeping bags to an upper balcony for camp-out views down toward town, out at mountains, and up to stars. In the years since, the efforts of preservation-minded townsfolk, alumni, and family descendants have rendered Graceland glorious again. Millions of dollars later, the magnificent house is a noble country inn and conference center run in part by students in the college's hospitality and tourism degree program. The Great Hall features a massive fireplace, stained-glass windows, and towering oil paintings.
Native woods dominate the oak billiards room, cherry library, maple parlor, and walnut mantels.
A broad stairway sweeps among columns, balusters, and exposed ceiling beams. A majestic wraparound porch and well-appointed guest rooms complete Graceland's riches to rags to riches saga. I settle in to my room, a spacious, antiques-filled, octagonal chamber. The place looks great. Canopy beds, marble baths, ornate plaster medallions, tall bay windows, and ample Oriental rugs accent the 11 guestrooms in use.