TENNESSEE

World's Largest Guitar
Jack Daniel's Distillery
Tennessean Presidents
Carnton Plantation
Sun Studio
Peabody Ducks
Graceland
Tennessee State Capital
Grand Ole Opry
Largest Rubix Cube
Women's Basketball HoF
Pigeon Forge

Graceland

(Memphis, Tennessee)

Excerpts from Beth:
Every time we travel and discuss our upcoming plans with relatives, friends and coworkers, there is always an attraction that stands out in the collective consciousness of the masses. What is the Tennessee attraction that gets the, "Are you going to visit" inquiry? Graceland, of course.

We were lucky enough to score a campsite right across the street from Graceland with a sea of RV's and streets named, "Hound Dog Way" and "Love me Tender Boulevard." We walked right next door to the Graceland parking lot and followed the maze of walkways to purchase our ticket. Our most expensive tour of the trip included an audio tour of the King's mansion and grounds. After waiting 20 minutes to get on the bus we were shuttled across the street to Graceland.

Let me begin by saying that although Graceland is a big, nice house . . . that's really all it is. Don't expect an expansive plantation or giant mansion. Not only that, but this big, nice house is decorated in extremely tacky 70's styles with shag carpet (that was not limited to the floors) and dark wood paneling everywhere, bright colors, crazy fabrics and mirrors on the walls. I felt like I had stepped right back into my youth.

The tour wound through all the rooms on the first floor as well as the garage, racquetball court, trophy room and grounds. On the tour, the unpleasant demise of Elvis (if you believe he's dead) is fairly glossed over in favor of touting his musical ability, groundbreaking hip gyrations and commercial appeal. The gravesite is priceless. Mobs of fans were crowded around; snapping photos, crying and praying. On the bus ride back across the street one rabid fan grilled the bus driver on the requirements for working at Graceland since that was her "ultimate goal."

Graceland was not my favorite house tour, but when in Memphis, you MUST strap on the sideburns and lace up your blue suede shoes. Millions of Elvis fans can't be wrong.

http://www.elvis.com/graceland/