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There’s one thing moderately particular in regards to the Mississippi Delta in comparison with the remainder of america, and also you merely need to expertise it for your self to grasp what that’s.
That’s why heading out on a street journey throughout Mississippi to find elements of the Blues Path is a superb place to start out.
I got down to comply with the music, however discovered myself immersed in a world of barbecue joints, juke joints and surrounded by Southern Attraction.
Buckle up, and this isn’t simply any abnormal street journey; it’s a pilgrimage into the birthplace of American Music and the blues, the place legends like B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Robert Johnson carved their names into musical historical past.
From Vicksburg to Clarksdale, every cease alongside the Mississippi Delta Blues Path can be packed stuffed with tales, historical past, grit and allure and blended into one.
This street journey journey is extra in regards to the folks and the locations throughout the Mississippi Delta than it’s in regards to the sound that formed America.
Right here is my journey information to occurring a street journey throughout the Mississippi Delta to find elements of the Blues Path:
Guide your Mississippi journey with America As You Like It
I booked my street journey round Mississippi with America As You Like It, which took care of all my journey preparations and journey itinerary.
The group at America As You Like It’s skilled on the subject of reserving your good journey to america of America.
Remember to test them out when reserving your subsequent journey to america.
Begin your Mississippi street journey journey within the historic city of Vicksburg
Begin your Mississippi street journey journey by crossing the long-lasting Vicksburg Bridge, which stretches throughout the mighty Mississippi River, connecting Delta, Louisiana, to the historic city of Vicksburg, Mississippi.
In the event you want to additionally embrace a street journey throughout Louisiana, remember to take a look at my different street journey information; you may simply join the 2 states in case you have further time.
Remember to cease off in Vicksburg, and I’ve put collectively a complete information on what to find in your go to to the historic town of Vicksburg. Remember to take a look at this information, too.
I’d extremely advocate choosing up a Vicksburg Passport from the customer centre, which gives you a terrific checklist of must-visit spots.
Go to the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Centre
The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Centre is situated in Indianola, Mississippi, in your technique to Cleveland. Remember to cease off and pay a go to.
In the event you’re following the Mississippi Blues Path by way of the Mississippi Delta, the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Centre in Indianola is a vital cease.
This superbly curated house dives deep into the lifetime of blues legend B.B. King, from his early days choosing cotton to his rise as a worldwide icon.
Set in a renovated cotton gin the place King as soon as labored, the museum blends interactive displays, uncommon memorabilia, and highly effective storytelling to showcase not simply his music, however the cultural and social backdrop that formed it.
Guests can discover the evolution of the blues, the impression of segregation, and King’s enduring affect on music.
Additionally go to the memorial courtyard the place the King of the Blues rests, in addition to a tribute statue bench of B.B.King resting on his beloved guitar, Lucille.
It’s a splendidly put-together tribute to the king of Blues, B.B.King, and September 2025 marks a particular yr as it might have marked his a hundredth birthday. A well timed motive to go to and pay homage to the blues legend B.B.King.
In the event you’re in search of a chunk to eat, The Blue Biscuit is a superb spot throughout the street for a catfish plate. Or alongside the best way, cease off at Fratesi Grocery & Service Station for a Fried Olive poboy, which was sensational.
And remember to move by Club Ebony earlier than departing Indianola, an vital a part of Blues historical past. This nightclub hosted legends similar to Ray Charles, Rely Basie, B.B. King, Tina Turner, and James Brown.
Subsequent cease, drive in the direction of Greenwood
Greenwood, Mississippi, gives a soulful mix of historical past, music, and Southern allure that makes for an unforgettable cease on any Delta street journey.
Begin your day by strolling by way of Historic Downtown Greenwood, the place preserved structure and native boutiques evoke the city’s wealthy previous.
For lunch, swing by Bread and Butter Deli, a comfortable spot serving up hearty, wholesome sandwiches. The freshly made salad and pizza have been a sensible choice right here.
Dive deeper into the area’s heritage on the Museum of the Mississippi Delta, the place displays span Native American artefacts to Civil Warfare relics.
My favorite part needed to be the guitar exhibition, which had a choice of completely different String devices from the years.
No go to to Greenwood could be full with out paying homage on the Mississippi Blues Path marker for Robert Johnson’s gravesite. A tribute to one of many Delta’s most legendary musicians.
Cap off your night with dinner at Fan and Johnny’s, an area favorite identified for its ingenious Southern fare and vibrant environment. The Banana bread pudding was a good way to finish the night.
Keep in a single day on the Tallahatchie Flats cabin
Positioned alongside the banks of the Tallahatchie River in Greenwood, Mississippi, the cabins at Tallahatchie Flats provide a soulful escape into the guts of the Delta.
These restored Forties-era sharecropper houses every provide their very own character and quirks.
With classic furnishings, old skool floorboards, and a entrance porch that can take you again, the Flats really feel much less like a lodge and extra like a residing museum.
Dockery Farms – cotton plantation and sawmill
Dockery Farms started in 1895 as a sprawling 25,600-acre cotton plantation and sawmill.
What began as a timber operation shortly developed right into a thriving agricultural hub, drawing hundreds of staff who cultivated cotton and constructed a vibrant neighborhood.
With its personal railroad terminal, common retailer, fuel station, college, and boarding homes, Dockery Farms turned greater than a office; it was a neighborhood.
Dockery Farm turned the first centre for music in Mississippi, the place it laid its basis and located its voice for what we name Delta Blues right now.
For almost three many years, the plantation was intermittently the house of Charley Patton, crucial early Delta blues musician.
Patton himself discovered from fellow Dockery resident Henry Sloan and influenced many different musicians who got here right here, together with Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Brown and Tommy Johnson.
The Mississippi Blues Path plaque right here merely says: “Birthplace of the Blues?”
Nobody is aware of the exact origins of the blues, that are misplaced in time.
That’s form of the great thing about following the Mississippi Blues path, because it’s the locals who will overtly share tales on what they know in regards to the Blues story, and it’s individually open to interpretation.
And it’s as much as you to piece collectively your individual puzzle as you comply with alongside the path.
All we’ve got remaining from these instances are recorded songs and lyrics from these early pioneers of the Blues to inform the tales of the artists.
The whole lot else comes all the way down to tales which were handed by way of the generations of the Mississippi locals.
Historians have traced a lot blues again to Patton and his contemporaries round Dockery and Drew that the realm is regarded by some because the supply of Delta blues.
Right this moment, Dockery Farms stands not solely as a monument of the Mississippi Delta’s previous however as a sacred birthplace of the blues.
Cleveland, music heritage, and laid-back allure
Cleveland, Mississippi, gives a mix of music heritage and laid-back allure that makes for an unforgettable go to.
Begin with a keep on the Cotton Home Cleveland, A Tribute Portfolio Resort, the place trendy consolation meets Delta class.
For lunch, seize a burger and a chilly brew at Hey Joe’s, an area favorite with a unusual vibe and environment. I cherished the deep-fried pickles right here, to not be missed.
Then dive into the wealthy musical legacy of the area on the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, an interactive tribute to the artists who formed American sound.
Placing a highlight on music’s previous, current, and future, with a particular show on the Delta’s deep musical roots.
Guests can discover the museum showcasing the GRAMMY Awards to the cultural impression of blues, gospel, and soul, all whereas participating with multimedia shows that make the expertise really feel private and alive.
Because the solar begins to set, head to the rooftop at Bar Fontaine for craft cocktails and panoramic views that seize the spirit of the Delta.
Dinner on the award-winning Leña Pizza brings wood-fired perfection with daring, ingenious flavours.
And the night time comes alive with stay music at 8 West Grille, the place the rhythm of Cleveland really takes centre stage.
Clarksdale, Mississippi: the Birthplace of the Blues
In the event you’re chasing the heartbeat of American music, Clarksdale, Mississippi, isn’t only a cease; it’s the Birthplace of the Blues.
Nestled deep within the Delta, this gritty, soulful city pulses with stay music, smoky barbecue, and Southern hospitality.
Because the saying goes, “Come for the blues, keep for the folks,” and it couldn’t be extra true.
Begin your journey on the Vacationers Resort, a stylishly restored downtown gem that after housed railway staff and now blends industrial stylish with heat Delta allure. Plus, it’s strolling distance from most venues.
Simply down the street lies the legendary Crossroads at Highways 61 and 49, the place bluesman Robert Johnson is claimed to have struck a legendary cope with the satan. Whether or not you purchase into the legend or not, it’s a ceremony of passage for any blues pilgrim.
Hungry? Clarksdale delivers:
– Abe’s Bar-B-Q has been serving ribs and tamales since 1924.
– Hooker Grocer and Eatery dishes up trendy Southern consolation with a facet of stay music;
– Stone Pony Pizza gives artistic pies and chilly beer.
– Home of Pancakes is a beloved breakfast staple amongst the locals.
– Relaxation Haven Restaurant surprises with Lebanese-Southern fusion, don’t skip the kibbeh.
Music by no means sleeps right here, with twelve months of stay performances at iconic venues like Floor Zero Blues Membership (co-owned by Morgan Freeman), the intimate Hambone Artwork and Music, and the gritty, heartfelt Bluesberry Café.
For a deeper dive into the Delta’s soul, go to the Delta Blues Museum, comply with the Mississippi Blues Path, and discover Cat Head Delta Blues & People Artwork—a unusual hub for data, artwork, and native lore.
And when the night time winds down, sip a daring craft brew at Purple Panther Brewing Co., the place the vibe is as laid-back and genuine as Clarksdale itself.
When you’ve walked the streets of Clarksdale, heard its music, and tasted its soul, you’ll perceive why so many travellers return many times. It’s a particular place that it’s a must to uncover for your self.
Expertise Delta Bohemian Excursions with Chilly Billy Howell
Hop aboard Delta Bohemian Excursions with Chilly Billy Howell for a one-of-a-kind, distinctive tour of the Mississippi Delta by Jeep.
Equal elements historical past, humour, and storytelling, this trip provides you insider entry to the soul of Clarksdale.
A singular private tour which centered on regional id and a greater understanding of the land that shaped the blues.
All from the consolation of a Jeep Wrangler. It is a good tour for small teams eager to find out about Clarksdale and the Mississippi Delta.
Discover the Mississippi Delta River by paddle
For a change of tempo, paddle the mighty Mississippi River with the native Clarksdale firm, Quapaw Canoe.
Quapaw Canoe Firm guided journeys provide an immersive technique to join with the panorama that birthed the blues.
From half a day to in a single day expeditions, seize a paddle and hit the Mississippi River.
The group are incredible and has a great deal of information and tales in regards to the Mississippi River. Remember to seize a paddle and have a great deal of enjoyable on a canoe journey.
Cease off in Tunica and go to the Gateway to the Blues Customer Centre
In your technique to Memphis from Clarksdale, remember to cease off in Tunica and go to the Gateway to the Blues Customer Centre.
Positioned alongside the legendary Freeway 61, the Gateway to the Blues Customer Centre dives into the roots of American music.
Housed in a restored 1895 prepare depot, this charming museum and welcome centre gives travellers a vivid journey by way of the beginning and evolution of the blues.
Inside, you’ll discover interactive displays, uncommon devices, and private tales that commemorate the style’s deep Delta heritage.
Whether or not you’re recording your individual blues observe within the mini studio or searching for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, the centre units the tone for an unforgettable Mississippi expertise.
Thanks for studying this weblog about my Mississippi street journey
Thanks for visiting my weblog and testing my information to occurring a street journey round Mississippi.
I hope all of the above info has helped with your individual journey planning.
Have an incredible street journey round Mississippi exploring the Blues Path.
Remember to take a look at my Mississippi street journey YouTube video information
Take a look at my Mississippi street journey journey video. You may watch the video from this journey right here:
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