Miniature Graceland Holiday Lighting

Roanoke, Virginia

The Epperly family has been hard at work reviving their homegrown attraction to its former glory. Things looked grim for Miniature Graceland a few years ago, when Elvis fan and creator Don Epperly became too old to maintain it. A huge tree fell in a 2005 storm, blocking access to the Epperly's side yard, where the miniature buildings were slowly deteriorating.

Don Epperly's son Mike took up the cause in 2006, and wrote to us with this update: "Guys, we're up and ready for Christmas, with all the lights on and Elvis Christmas music playing in the background. Miniature Graceland is well on it way to a full recovery."

"It has been a lot of fun making this come back to life. I have had a lot of visitors since I started. I started this out of love for my mother and my father, who loved Elvis."

Mike has extended an invitation to roadside and Elvis fans to visit during the holidays: "Hope to see all of you there. Plus will have a candle light Ceremony on the 16th of August [2007]. Look forward to seeing everyone there for this event."

If you make it to Miniature Graceland, let Mike know we're all fans of his efforts to save this important roadside landmark!