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If you’re looking for a Mississippi road trip that’s a little off the beaten path, consider spending a weekend in the Mississippi Delta. This region is steeped in history and culture, and there’s plenty to see and do. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your Mississippi Delta weekend.
Thanks to my friends at Visit Mississippi for sponsoring this press trip.
Table of Contents
Where to Eat
Airport Grocery (Cleveland)
This quirky restaurant in Clarksdale is a must-stop for anyone visiting the Mississippi Delta. The store is known for its Southern cooking, and the corn tamales and burgers are especially delicious. Don’t forget the fried pickles, they’re incredible.
Hooker Grocer (Clarksdale)
In Clarksdale, you’ll find this great place to grab a bite and listen to live music. The menu features Southern classics like shrimp n’ grits and catfish po’boys. Plus, the portions are generous, and the dessert is delicious.
Bluesberry Café (Clarksdale)
A café in Clarksdale, this is the perfect place to start your day. Or, check out the back alley at night, where you can find live music. Our group sat for hours listening to blues.
Our Grandma's House of Pancakes (Clarksdale)
It would be a crime to visit the Mississippi Delta and not eat pancakes. Our Grandma’s House of Pancakes is a local favorite, and it’s easy to see why. The pancakes are fluffy and delicious, and the coffee is strong.
Queen's Reward (Tupelo)
This family-owned meadery in Clarksdale is a must-stop for anyone who loves honey. The mead is delicious, and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable about the product. If you’re lucky, you can tour the back where they make it. If you’re like me, and want your wine to taste like koolaid, you’ll love mead. Even the “dry” stuff is good because it lacks tannins like wine has, giving it a super-smooth taste that’s even palatable for my tastebuds.
Museums + Tours + Activities
Ground Zero Blues Club (Clarksdale)
This club is co-owned by Morgan Freeman, and it’s a great place to see live music. It’s located in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and it’s a must-stop for any music fan.
When we went, we got to have a private performance by James “Super Chikan” Johnson, who is the nephew of famed Big Jack Johnson. His stories are really entertaining, and don’t forget to bring cash—a CD is $20.
Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art (Clarksdale)
This store in Clarksdale is a great place to find Mississippi Delta souvenirs. They sell everything from stickers to albums to CDs. If you want to know what’s happening in the Blues scene, this is the place to find out.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to pet the resident pet. Is it a dog? Is it a cat? Only visitors will know.
Gateway to the Blues Museum (Tunica Resorts)
This museum is located in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and it’s a great place to learn about the history of the Blues. The museum is small but well-done, and it’s worth a visit if you’re interested in learning more about this genre of music.
Grammy Museum (Cleveland)
This was by far my favorite museum I’ve ever been to, and that was the consensus of our group of travel creators, too. We could’ve easily spent hours and hours here. It’s located in Cleveland, Mississippi, and if you’re a music fan, you’ll love it. It’s interactive and fun, and you can learn about all different genres of music.
B.B. King Museum (Indianola)
Learn about the life and work of Mississippi’s most famous musician at the B.B. King Museum. The museum is located in Indianola, Mississippi, and it’s a great place to spend an afternoon.
Elvis Birthplace Musem (Tupelo)
If you’re a fan of the King, pay a visit to his birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi. The museum is small but informative, and it’s interesting to see where Elvis grew up. You can check out the small house (it has two rooms) and even the church. The church has an interactive exhibit, too.
Tupelo Hardware (Tupelo)
This store in Tupelo, Mississippi, is a must-stop for any Elvis fan. It’s the place where Elvis bought his first guitar, and it’s a functioning hardware store still. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about Elvis, and they have some great stories to share. The “X” is where Elvis stood.
The Crossroads
Located at the intersection of Highway 49 and Highway 61, The Crossroads is a famous spot in Mississippi Delta lore. It’s said that this is where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for musical talent. Even if you’re not a believer, it’s fun to take a picture at the crossroads.
Where to Stay
Travelers Hotel (Clarksdale)
This hotel is in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and it’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to the action. It’s right in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, and it’s a great base for exploring the area. Railroad employees used to stay here back in the day.
Hotel Tupelo (Tupelo)
This is a new hotel located in Tupelo, Mississippi. It’s close to all the attractions, and it’s reasonably priced. The rooms are clean and spacious, and the staff are incredibly friendly.
You can even check out bikes to ride around the city—it’s not too far from Tupelo Hardware.
Looking for other travel ideas? Check out my other travel posts.
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