12. Memphis, TN

Memphis calls itself the "Home of the Blues" and the "Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll," and the city definitely revolves around music. I don't even want to get into the rest of the attractions because I don't really think they matter all that much. There is probably some interesting history behind the town (with Casey Jones and other interesting facts and figures), but the primary reason for going to Memphis is for the aura. The aura feeds off of the energy and feeling created by blues and rock 'n' roll.The die-hard Elvis fans, or anyone with the least amount of interest in him for that matter, should check out Graceland. You will not find Elvis Presley here or even clues as to how to find him... he is dead, so start getting used to that idea. The tour (which is narrated by Lisa Marie... an audio guide) will give you some interesting information on the legend, his music, and the way he lived. His house is an amazing piece of work, and everything in the area has an Elvis theme (Don't forget to check out the Heartbreak Hotel).To learn some of the history of the city and the music behind it, check out the W.C. Handy Performing Arts Park, Sun Studio, and the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. And then live it. Take a stroll down Beale Street and check out the nightlife. The bars cater to fans of live music, especially blues. The best way to learn about the music is to feel it. Ask around for which musicians to check out and talk to the other people watching and listening. You are bound to learn more than you could ever expect. If your timing is lucky (or planned), you may even have the opportunity to see a living legend (nationally, internationally, or locally popular... they're all worth seeing).Memphis is definitely a place where music lives. You can feel it in the city before hearing a note, and hearing it makes you part of it. One of the greatest things about music is the improvisation, so do not be afraid to improvise while exploring the city. Do the things you wouldn't normally do, talk to the people you wouldn't normally talk to, and become part of Memphis... "I see friends shakin' hands, sayin' how do you do... they're really sayin' I love you (Satchmo)".