Peeking into to someone’s underwear drawer (metaphorically, of course) is one of the biggest tourist draws in the United States with visitors in the millions flocking to famous homes like the Mount Vernon, Monticello, and Graceland. Not surprisingly, the White House is at the top of the list, but you might be surprised to learn that Little Graceland, a private shrine to the King in deep south Texas, takes the number six spot.
At least that’s what it says on the sign posted on Simon Vega’s Los Fresnos house. While that fact may be as questionable as the Elvis shaped toast and used towel memorabilia that circulates among fans, it is certain that Mr. Vega is the real deal. He is no ordinary Elvis fan-as if such a thing exists, but he was actually a friend of the King, and served with him in the army from 1958 to 1960. Apparently, the two were close enough that Elvis gave his good conduct medal to Vega before he left Germany, sparking a lifelong passion for collecting all things Elvis.
Eventually, Mr. Vega’s collection (or his wife’s patience) outgrew his home so he moved the records, T-shirts, and collectors’ plates to the second story garage and created a museum that he named Little Graceland. Like most good obsessions, that was only the beginning. Vega added a gate across his driveway that replicates the gate at Graceland and installed a rock wall reminiscent of the wall covered with signatures that surrounds the famous home. Vega, then, created his own nod to the birthplace of Elvis in Tupelo, MS-an exact replica about the size of a doghouse.
Simon Vega’s passion seems to have rubbed off. Each year he hosts a festival in January and August to commemorate the birth and death of Elvis that is attended by over 1000.
Address: 701 W. Ocean Blvd. Los Fresnos, TX (Look for the green gates on the south side of Hwy 100)
Admission: By appointment. Call (956) 233-5482 Donation accepted
I would've never thought I'd find a shrine to Elvis in Texas! Very interesting especially the personal connection to the Man, Elvis. Heartwarming in a way.
Beautiful photos 🙂
What a quirky place to visit!
Certainly never would have guessed that there was a mini-Graceland in Texas. Definitely weird and wacky!
Ah – aren't obsessions grand? While I do not have what it takes to be a good collector, I do appreciate the single mindedness that it takes. I hope his Elvis obsession gives him and others much pleasure.
I was scratching my head when I saw the mailbox – must be someone's idea of a joke, I'm thinking. But Mr. Vega's the real deal. Lovely way to pay tribute to a pal.
This is incredibly random! But it looks pretty cool!
Weird and wacky is right, but interesting none the less. I'll have to take my mom, who is a huge Elvis fan, there.