Elvis Presley brings a huge amount of tourism revenue to Memphis and the state of Tennessee. Most famously, his home, known as Graceland, draws a number of visitors each year. Graceland acts as a museum to Elvis' legacy. The house offers daily tours of the land, complete with a view of Elvis' grave site. Rooms in Graceland are set up with Elvis memorabilia, including stage costumes, instruments and other personal items. In addition, some rooms preserve the look they had when Elvis was alive. Graceland has special events that bring in more tourists, from the annual Christmas light displays that are set up the same way Elvis himself displayed the lights to special Elvis Week décor, celebrating Elvis' birth week. On the same stretch of Elvis Presley Boulevard, visitors can view Elvis' famed Cadillac, his private jet and several souvenir shops. Tourists can also stay at the Heartbreak Hotel.
In addition to a scenic natural draw of Gatlinburg, the town is also home to a number of Ripley's attractions. Located on the same strip of highway, Ripley's owns and operates eight different attractions, each of which bring tourism to the area. The Ripley's Believe it or Not! Museum showcases classic Ripley's oddities, such as two-headed animals, the famed Fiji mermaid and interactive exhibits. Ripley's Marvelous Mirror Maze lets visitors make their way through a hall of mirrors, while Ripley's 3D Moving Theater allows visitors to sit and enjoy simulated rides, moving along with the action in the movie. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies allows tourists to get a taste of a number of different marine settings, such as coral systems and rainforests. Other Ripley's attractions include Ripley's Haunted Adventure, Ripley's Davy Crocket Mini-Golf, Ripley's Old MacDonald's Farm Mini-Golf and the Guinness World Records Museum.
Nashville is known as the home of country music, and for many country stars, the Grand Ole Opry is where it all began. The Grand Ole Opry has kick-started the careers of numerous country stars. The likes of Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Minnie Pearl and Reba McIntire have all graced the stage here, and country newcomers feel a performance here is a hallmark in their careers. The stage was once housed in Ryman Auditorium but a permanent home was built in 1974. Visitors can take in a show at the Opry House or take a historic tour through the building. In addition, the Gaylord Opryland Resort, reopening in November 2010, offers country fans a place to stay while they visit the Opry House.
