Tennessee Attractions

Venue: Graceland    When: Daily

Even those impervious to the enduring charm of America's greatest icon succumb to the legendary and irresistible Graceland, in the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, Memphis, Tennessee.

Home to the King for 20 years, this gingerbread mansion, (originally a 500-acre farm inherited by a pressman's daughter, Grace, after the Civil war) is unsurprisingly one of the top tourist attractions in the US, with a multitude of camera-clad aficionados armed with personal audio guides ushered through everyday.

It contains a myriad of rooms extravagantly decked out in homage to Seventies interior design, including the famed Jungle Room, (decorated by Elvis himself) an African-style abode complete with running waterfall and shaggy floor, walls and ceiling. Another focal point is the Trophy Building, where disciples can immerse themselves in endless memorabilia, such as his enormous collection of gold records and awards, stage costumes, jewellery and photographs. The tour relaxes and culminates in the Meditation Garden; Elvis' final resting place and invariably a shrine to true devotees.

Following the domicile visit, a highlight of the Graceland experience is the Sincerely Elvis museum. Filled with personal family belongings and mementos such as photos, clothing and particularly home movies, the self-paced walkabout reveals the private side of the legend in a remarkable depth. Elsewhere, the Automobile Museum (featuring the famous 1955 pink Cadillac) is sufficient assurance of his coupe fixation, while a wander through the extravagant interior of his private jets (emblazoned with Elvis' personal logo the "Taking Care of Business" lightning bolt), complete with gold-plated toilet seats, is truly an experience in itself.

For those reluctant to call it a day the Walk a Mile in My Shoes film in the Bijou Theater reiterates the story of Elvis' extraordinary career while the unremitting souvenir shops (strategically situated as an exit to each exhibit) with their extensive Elvis paraphernalia will defeat even the most obstinate of shoppers.