Finished an awesome trip on Thursday 9/19 – Million Dollar Melodies - with Trips Unlimited led by Tour Directors Frances Manzitto and Amy DeFrancesco. I highly recommend anyone to take this trip when it’s o%ered again. We traveled to Nashville, TN, had dinner at Paula Deen’s Restaurant then o% to take a back-stage tour at the Grand Ole Opry prior to the show. We were able to see the dressing rooms the artists use prior to their performances, as well as historic pictures and memorabilia throughout. The show was Fabulous!! We saw 8 performances by talented Country and Western performers. What a night! Accommodations at the Club Hotel were great. The next day we were o% to tour the iconic tourist attractions of Nashville. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Studio B Recording Studio and Johnny Cash’s Museum. So much history to see and hear. Our night was topped o% with a group dinner that included a surprise visit by Mark Alan Cash, nephew of Johnny Cash. Frances knows Mark well and was able to set this up. Mark shared his personal life stories with his Uncle Johnny. And to top it o%, Mark came to our hotel and gave us a personal performance of some of his original songs. The next day we travelled to Johnny Cash’s Hideaway Farm and Story Tellers Museum in Bon Aqua, TN. We were graced by the owner’s Brian and Sally Oxley’s many stories about Johnny Cash and other artists that frequented the Farm. The house and outbuildings are full of many of Johnny’s personal belongings that Brian has acquired from family members. Hard to top a visit like this. We hopped back in the van and made our way down the road to Jackson, TN to the Legends of Music Museum. We were surprised again with a visit by another relative of a late great C&W performer – Stan Perkins – son of Carl Perkins. He told us so many stories about his dad and traveling the world with him. We enjoyed a private concert of Stan singing Blue Suede Shoes and other songs of his father’s. The museum holds so much history, and a must see in the Jackson area. On the road again, we made our way to Memphis for our 2-night stay at the Guesthouse at Graceland. What a hotel. Just a few blocks from Graceland. Much of the façade and some touches in the interior remind you of Graceland. A great dinner in the hotel. Our next morning began with our tour of Graceland and the Lisa Maria and Hound Dog 2 (planes). I recommend using the Audio Tour option to get all the details about the Mansion and grounds. Then, o% to tour Sun Studio, where Rock N Roll was born. The famous picture of the Million Dollar Quartet (Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis) is a prominent feature. Then onto the Memphis Rock n Soul Museum, so much to see and hear. We topped o% our evening with dinner on Beale Street at Blues City Café. Another surprise visit – Jerry Lee Lewis III (goes by Lee), youngest son of the Killer – Jerry Lee Lewis. Great Balls of Fire! The stories Lee told us. So personal and entertaining - Our lips are sealed on some of the tales he told. The next morning, we had breakfast at one of Elvis’ favorite breakfast restaurants – the oldest in Memphis – The Arcade. Of course, you’ve got to get the grilled Peanut Butter and Banana sandwich (like I did). So good. Our step on guide showed us all the historic spots around Memphis, which included a stop at the famous and historical Peabody Hotel where we had front row standing to watch the ducks walk down the red carpet to the lobby fountain. Then we were on the road again to Branson. Upon arrival in Branson, we attended the Presley Family Country Jubilee Show. How funny. The talented family sang many favorites from years ago. They’re the oldest music theater on the Route 76 “strip”. We had a leisurely morning the next day, and after lunch we attended the Dean Z Ultimate Elvis Show. What a performance. The King was definitely in the house. You would swear you were back in time seeing the King at one of his performances. To top it off, our Tour Director, Frances, (did I mention she knows everyone, everywhere) was able to get our small group of 8 a backstage visit with Dean Z himself. We were the only group in the entire theatre that was provided this privilege. What an honor. And another surprise for our group. After a short rest at the hotel, we were off again for another show. This time to the Grand Finale of the trip – we attended the Million Dollar Quartet Show at The Playhouse at Shepherd of The Hills. Man O’ Man, What a Show. The Quartet showed up. The performers were phenomenal in portraying the Greats – Elvis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. There was a whole lot of shaking going on in that theater. Absolutely a must see in Branson. This was a 5 Star Trip through Trips Unlimited and led by Frances Manzitto and Amy DeFrancesco. Top notch all the way. Attention to detail was superb. You’ve got to check out Trips Unlimited Catalog for 2024 year-end trips and the new 2025 trips. You will not be disappointed. As someone said on our trip, the days may seem long sometimes, but Life is short, so be sure and enjoy it while you can.