Pop Culture Monuments Not to be Missed

This week just about knocked me off my feet. As a child of the 80′s, I’ve grown up listening to the musical genius of Michael Jackson, watching him slowly mentally collapse into the problems of his childhood, and stand as a man trying to rebuild the parts of himself that he had left. One such monument of this part of his life is Neverland Ranch, a sanctuary MJ built for himself, reminding me a lot of my own sanctuary, Disneyland, and I could totally understand the sentiments that went with all the legal battle trying to keep this castle from collapsing.

With news of MJ’s leaving us this week, it’s also been reported that Neverland will become a monument to the King of Pop, similar to the museums and parks left behind by other culture icons of our time. When this happens, I will meet you at the front of the line. Till then, feast your eyes on some of the other places where pop meets travel, and plan a trip around the monuments to our celeb brethren.

Dollywood

Country gal Dolly Parton is alive and well, and so is her namesake park, Dollywood. More amusement than museum, this Smoky Mountain Disneyland is riffling with trademark Dolly-ness, from thrilling twisting coasters through “abandoned mining towns” to 125 lush green acres of festivals and food. You can even soak those boot toes in six water attractions throughout this Pigeon Forge park.

2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard, Pigeon Forge, TN

Graceland

Could there be a more fitting monument for a King? Elvis’ old residence is now a mecca for fans and curiosity seekers alike. The Memphis mansion features mega rooms of Elvis artifacts, including a jungle room, sparkling white living room, and peacock-adorned music room. Photography is not allowed inside this epic monument, so bring a sharp memory and hunka hunka burnin love of knowledge for the King.

3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, TN.

Liberace Museum & Foundation

This sparkly monument is not for the weak of heart. As decadent as the shiny entertainer, visitors to the Liberace Museum should prepare for diamond-studded musical history. Besides the obvious bejeweled outfits the masses come for, the musical ace had a collection of amazing piano’s worth checking out. History buffs and the hungover will enjoy this intellectual break of neon Vegas.

1775 East Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas, NV.

The Australia Zoo- Home of the Crocodile Hunter

When Croc Hunter Steve Irwin passed away during one of his many environmental documentary trips, the news stunned animal lovers. He always knew it was one of the risks you take, helping endangered species and interacting with those we know little about, but it was so unexpected to the rest of us, that it was full media manic hysteria for the next few weeks. Instead of basking in death, I believe in fully celebrating the lives of great people we no longer have in the flesh. The Australia Zoo tops my list because of this. Besides the great conservation efforts this zoo is a part of, you can see, first hand, the work of the Crocodile Hunter, and just see, even if only a little bit, why the risk was one he had to take.

1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD, Australia

For more pop culture icon stops, visit AOL’s new map to the stars, Where It’s At, or Jaunted, the pop fiends guide to traveling around the World.