Modified from story written by Barbara Wayman which originally appeared in AAA's Home & Away magazine.

Everybody needs a bit of “Southern” in them says actress Elisabeth Röhm, referring to old-fashioned values surrounding the appreciation of family, beauty, food and life. Although she was born in Europe and raised in New York, Röhm says her schooling in the South as a college history major made a permanent imprint.

She visits several times a year, taking an afternoon to drive around midtown to enjoy the architecture,” said Röhm. “Sometimes I fantasize about moving to Memphis. It’s decadent. It’s a place where the senses really bloom.”

Music

Several excellent music museums tell the story of how these bluffs along the Mississippi River became the nexus of gospel, soul, blues, rockabilly and country sounds. At the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, a AAA GEM attraction, visitors can explore the shifting cultural and social forces that merged so many sounds.  “Memphis is an edgy city, and I’m not surprised it has inspired artists to express themselves,” said Röhm.

But it’s the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll and Elvis, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, that set Memphis apart.  “Memphians are proud of Elvis,” Röhm said.  Elvis Presley’s Graceland, a AAA GEM attraction, is one of the most visited private residences in the country. Highlights include the Hawaiian style Jungle Room, part of Elvis’ car collection and two of his private planes — the Hound Dog and the Lisa Marie — the latter featuring a blue-suede bedroom. Children love the theatrics, said Röhm.

At the funky Sun Studio, where the King began his career at Jerry Lee Lewis’ piano, guests can pose for photos where Elvis recorded his breakout hit, That’s All Right.

Food and Nightlife

While there’s no trace of a twang in her accent, Röhm’s blue eyes light up when she talks barbecue. As the pork barbecue capital of the world, Memphis has decadent culinary delights not to be missed. “I really love ribs, shrimp and grits — all of it,” she said. When in Memphis she never misses a trip to Rendezvous for ribs, even if everyone else is on a diet.

When night falls, the action takes place on historical, neon-lit Beale Street, a 1.8-mile stretch that helped shape the Memphis blues sound. Catch live acts nightly at Alfred’s on Beale, B.B. King Blues Club and Rum Boogie Cafe.

For the Kids

With a young daughter, Röhm is something of a connoisseur of zoos that promote survival of the species. At the Memphis Zoo, visit the reigning stars, pandas Ya Ya and Le Le, the nocturnal animal exhibit and Once Upon a Farm, which showcases domesticated animals associated with 19th-century farm life.

Enjoy the Memphis Area Transit Authority’s restored vintage trolleys that loop through downtown, horse-drawn carriages that line up at night outside the Peabody offering 30-minute guided tour. In warmer weather, paddlewheel boats offer sightseeing and dinner cruises along the Mississippi.

Near Beale Street, the Peabody Memphis is the grand dame of downtown, one of the most significant hotels in the South. It’s said the Mississippi Delta begins in the lobby. Today, crowds gather to watch five resident mallards parade along the red carpet, to and from the elevator for a swim in the lobby fountain.

Elisabeth’s Picks

STAY: The Peabody Memphis is legendary. My cousin got married there, so I definitely have some good memories.

EAT: After the Rendezvous, my favorites are Creole-inspired. Try the glamorous Circa by John Bragg or Restaurant Iris. At the romantic Mollie Fontaine Lounge, in an old mansion, follow a great dinner downstairs with music and cocktails upstairs.

PLAY: Memphis In May International Festival, a AAA GEM event, is a three-day music festival that captures what Memphis is all about. You can’t beat the barbecue festival.

DO: The way to really know a city is to drive through its neighborhoods, see the houses and get a feel for it. Spend time just meandering through the residential areas.

Elisabeth Röhm has starred in One Life to Live, Angel, Law & Order and Heroes