The King of Rock and Roll definitely made his mark on Las Vegas, that continues today. Here are 10 places where Elvis' spirit lives on...
Westgate Hotel 3000 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV, 89109
Formerly the International Hotel (then the Las Vegas Hilton, then the LV) is where Elvis performed his legendary 636 sold out shows - often performing 7 days a week, 2 shows a night between July 1969 and December 1976. But this wasn't his first foray in Vegas. The previous visit was disastrous so this new show quite literally was make or break for him... During this time, Elvis was in peak form and had incredible stage presence and some 2.5 million people were witness to these record-breaking shows. Elvis set the stage for all residencies to come.
Elvis Statue 3000 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV, 89109
To mark his incredible Vegas run, a statue of Elvis was erected in the lobby at the Westgate Hotel, previously the International Hotel. Interestingly, the plaque states he performed 837 shows, but this has proven to be incorrect. Be sure to grab a picture with bronze Elvis next time you visit Las Vegas!
Elvis Presley Blvd
This iconic street is located between Las Vegas Blvd (at Circus Circus) and Paradise Rd (at the Westgate Hotel) is Elvis Presley Blvd.
Elvis Weddings
Las Vegas is the Wedding Capital of the World, so what better way to marry your loved one than with Elvis as your minister. The Graceland Wedding Chapel (the world's first Elvis wedding chapel) offers a variety of wedding packages, renewal and commitments and is located at 619 Las Vegas Blvd. The Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel also offers a variety of options to choose from. The reality is that Elvis weddings are so popular, pretty much every chapel offers them!
Tribute Shows
It just wouldn't be right if there were no Elvis Presley tribute shows in Las Vegas! You can see Elvis's hits throughout the years performed in All Shook Up at the Alexis Park Hotel on E. Harmon Blvd. Another show you can check out is 'Big Elvis', who performs at Harrah's very fun Piano Bar on Thursdays and Fridays between 2pm-5pm!
Golden Steer Steakhouse 308 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102
This Vegas staple opened its doors back in 1958 and proclaims to be the oldest steakhouse in Vegas. This one-time hot spot was a favorite of celebrities who used to come here back in the day to enjoy a meal after their show. Each had their favorite booths and today, you can request Elvis' booth when you make a reservation. This extremely traditional steakhouse has maintained it's glamour of days gone by.
"Viva Las Vegas" Filming Locations
"Bright light city gonna set my soul, Gonna set my soul on fire!" My personal favorite Elvis movie by far (and maybe I'm biased) is Viva Las Vegas. This fun 1964 movie epitomizes the swinging 60's and is a great advertisement for everything Vegas. Scenes were filmed at Lake Mead, the Flamingo Hotel, McCarran Airport, the Tropicana Hotel, ULNV and Little Church of the West (the oldest wedding chapel in Las Vegas)! Whilst they may not all look the same now, they are still all in Vegas!
Planet Hollywood / Aladdin Hotel
It may not be called the Aladdin Hotel anymore - and the original hotel may have been demolished in April, 1998, but this will always be known at the location of Elvis' wedding to a 21-year old Priscilla Beaulieu on May 1, 1967 in room 363.
Opportunity Village
Every Las Vegas local knows about Opportunity Village, a center providing people with disabilities enrichment, empowerment, and employment opportunities. What some people may not know is that Elvis Presley Enterprises actually contacted with Opportunity Village to hand-make all of the scarves that Elvis would hand out at all of his shows. Today, to keep that tradition alive and to help raise funds for the center, you can buy your own hand-painted scarf or tie made by the staff.
Pink Cadillac Tours with Eddie Powers
Rounding out this list is a fun tour you can do with the 'Best Elvis in Las Vegas', Eddie Powers. He'll pick you up at your hotel in his open top pink cadillac and take you to the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, by the Little Church of the West and the former International Hotel, along Wedding Chapel Row and Fremont Street - all the while singing your favorite Elvis tunes! Check out his page for more info.
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