Elvis Trail, Mississippi and Tennessee, USA
Airing Date: Sep 25th, 2006
January 8, 1935. Where it all began...The Birthplace of Elvis Presley in Tupelo, Mississippi.
Here you can see, feel and touch where the King of Rock & Roll began his musical journey. Walk into the room where he breathed his first breath, take a stroll to his favorite location as a boy looking over Tupelo, and see first-hand how it all shaped a young boy from Mississippi into the international rock & roll music legend he is today.
The most significant landmark of Tupelo's modern history is a modest, two-room house where the King of Rock & Roll was born and the re-named "Elvis Presley" Park where the King whiled away the hours.
Sun Studio in Memphis bills itself as 'the most famous recording studio in the world' and, considering its alumni, it's a fair claim. Among the luminaries who recorded here are Howlin' Wolf, BB King, Ike Turner, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and, of course, Elvis Presley.
The room with its warped tiles remains active today and visitors get to hear great vintage audio clips and breathe the hallowed air.
Also in Memphis, on Elvis Presley Boulevard you'll find Elvis' 14-acre estate - Graceland. It's open for guests to take tours where the feature items are the living room, music room, Elvis' parents' bedroom, the dining room, kitchen, TV room, pool room, and "jungle" den in the main house.
Behind the house is Elvis's racquetball building and his original business office. Opened just recently was a section of the mansion that was previously closed to the public.
The tour now includes never-before-seen items like the desk from Elvis's personal office and an extensive collection of his stage costumes.
Beale Street in Memphis Tennessee has been playing the blues for more than half a century. The redevelopment of Beale Street is considered a catalyst in downtown Memphis' rebirth and the home of classic blues.
A range of clubs along the entertainment strip offer live blues bands and a chance for visitors to experience the musical movement that influenced Elvis and his career.
FURTHER INFORMATIONAir New Zealand Return to Los Angeles
From $1709 ex Sydney, $1792 ex Melbourne, $1795 ex Brisbane, $2011 ex Adelaide, $2263 ex Perth.
Prices available online and include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 28/8/06.
Connect to Memphis
From $458 one way.
Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 24/8/06.
US Airways - PH: (02) 9959 3696
Rooms from $118 a night
Twin share. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 25/9/06.
Sleep Inn - PH: 0011 1 901 522 9700
Car Hire from $59 a day
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Based on 7 days rental of an economy sized vehicle. Prices correct at 25/9/06.
DriveAway Holidays - PH: 1300 363 500
