If your summer is looking a little staid, then add a little rock 'n' roll tourism to it! Check out our picks for the best of the best in rock-themed destinations, where you can pay tribute to your icons or just ride a roller coaster named after them. Rock on!
THE CLASSICS
MEMPHIS, TN: Known as both the "birthplace of rock 'n' roll" and
"the home of the blues," Memphis seems to have it going on music-wise,
and is sort of a one-stop-shop for all your historical rock 'n' roll
needs. First off, there's Graceland, 13.8 acres of pure and
unadulterated Elvis; his birthplace and estate which was turned into a
museum in 1982. Graceland is statistically the second most visited
private residence in US after the White House, and the museum features
many an Elvis artifact (some Vegas jumpsuits, gold records, his car
collection, and his bedroom which has apparently been untouched since
the day he died). If you're planning a summer trip, might we recommend
August 9-17, aka Elvis Week, when thousands of Elvis fans descend upon
Graceland for a week of Elvis-centric activities ranging from concerts,
to film screenings to the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. For a
slightly less fanatical time, head to Sun Studio, where the likes of
Johnny Cash, Elvis, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis et. al. were signed in
the 1950s. Forty-five minute tours of the studio begin on the half hour
and run from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. And for a less structured
experience, head to soul legend Al Green's church, the Full Gospel
Tabernacle, where he preaches every Sunday when he's in town.
Graceland, 3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, TN, (901) 332-3322 Sun
Studio, 706 Union Ave., Memphis, TN, (901) 521-0664; Full Gospel
Tabernacle, 787 Hale Rd., Memphis, TN, (901) 396 9192
DOLLYWOOD: Dolly Parton's themepark, founded in 1986 and located in
Pigeon Forge, TN, is fun for the whole Dolly-obsessed family. Created to
look and feel like a 19th century Appalachian town, the park features a
two-room replica of Dolly's Locust Ridge childhood home; real-life
artisans making lye soap and carving chairs; a chapel named after the
doctor who delivered Dolly; a 30,000-square-foot aviary which houses the
country's largest collection of non-releasable bald eagles; and of
course, your run-of-the-mill roller coasters and amusement park rides.
If you find yourself a little overheated, head next door to Dollywood's
Splash Country, a Dolly-themed water park. Be sure to head 'wood-ward
August 16 or 17, when Ms. Parton brings her "Backwoods Barbie" tour to
Dollywood.
Dollywood, 1020 Dollywood Ln., Pigeon Forge, TN, (800) 365-5996
ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME: If you find yourself in the middle of the
country for whatever reason, head to the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. The
Cleveland landmark houses a permanent collection of rock artifacts,
temporary special exhibits (this summer's interesting-sounding "Mike
McCartney's Liverpool Life" exhibit features black and white photos
documenting the birth of the British invasion), and the actual Hall of
Fame, which includes a wall with all of the inductees' signatures. Every
other Wednesday this summer, the museum's hosting a series of "Cleveland
Sessions," free concerts on the museum's main stage featuring a
selection of local rock bands.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd, Cleveland, OH,
(216) 515-1228
LIBERACE MUSEUM: In a strip mall a few miles east of the Vegas Strip is
the truly amazing Liberace Museum, which celebrates the life and legacy
of the flamboyant entertainer. You might want to wear sunglasses,
because visiting the museum is a very sparkly experience. The museum is
the home to the world's largest rhinestone and features Liberace's
rhinestone-studded pianos, cars, jewelry and stage costumes. It also
houses a replica of Mr. Showmanship's Palm Springs bedroom. If your
visit has you feeling frisky, head to Good Times, a gay bar located in
the same mall.
The Liberace Museum, 1775 E. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, NV, (702)
798-5595
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