Tennessee a must on any cross-country trip
To be initiated into the ranks of true Elvis Presley fans, it is considered almost required to make a pilgrimage to Graceland.
Graceland was Presley’s home in Memphis, Tenn., from 1957 until his death in 1977, said Bobby Davis, media coordinator for Graceland.
“You can have a full Elvis experience when you come to Memphis,” Davis said.
Not only can tourists visit Graceland, they can also stay at the Heartbreak Hotel and eat at Elvis Presley’s Memphis.
At Elvis Presley’s Memphis visitors can eat the same items Elvis liked to eat, Davis said.
If visiting in August, tourists can experience Elvis Week 2002, he said. This is an annual event held in observation of Presley’s death and this year marks the 25th anniversary.
“The highlight of the week is the Elvis concert,” Davis said.
The concert features Presley’s real-life band and Presley himself. Presley will be singing via video, and Presley’s vocals have been lifted out from the music. The band will be playing back-up live.
Davis said the culmination of the week will be a candlelight vigil held from Aug. 15 at night until the early hours of Aug. 16, the day Presley died.
Elvis Week 2002 will be held from Aug. 10 through Aug. 18.
Davis said 600,000 people visit Graceland yearly and anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 daily depending on the season.
Visitors can take the “platinum tour” which includes the mansion, Presley’s two airplanes, the Elvis Presley automobile collection and the “Sincerely, Elvis Collection.” This tour costs $25 for adults and $12 for children, ages 7 to 12. Visitors can see just the mansion for $16 for adults and $6 for children.
Another Tennessee attraction that may draw visitors is Dollywood.
Deep in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Dolly Parton created her own amusement park and named it Dollywood.
Parton grew up in the Smokies and wanted a showcase for the beauty of the land, according to the media resource Web site for Dollywood at www.Dollywood.com.
According to the Web site, Dollywood features music, shows, attractions, crafts and rides.
Each year Dollywood hosts performances from country music performers. This lineup is known as the “Sweet Sixteen.”
According to a press release, artists scheduled for this year are The Charlie Daniels Band, Sawyer Brown, Keith Urban, Jessica Andrews and others. Last year Dollywood brought in other performers such as Toby Keith, Brad Paisley and Montgomery Gentry.
Two performances take place every Saturday night from May 26 through Sept. 1.
Dollywood is Tennessee’s No. 1 attraction in attendance, according to the Web site. During the 2001 season Dollywood counted 2.3 million visitors.
The park has many rides including the Tennessee Tornado, the world’s first spiral roller coaster.
According to the Web site, Dollywood is also home to the largest interactive tree house in America called the Dreamland Forest. Inside children of all ages can enjoy “various gadgets and
gizmos.”