There’s one thing slightly particular in regards to the Mississippi Delta, and also you merely must expertise it for your self to know why 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 Allure.
This isn’t simply any extraordinary 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 will probably be packed filled with tales, historical past, grit and attraction 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 happening a street journey throughout the Mississippi Delta to find elements of the Blues Path:
E-book 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 staff at America As You Like It’s skilled with regards to reserving your good journey to the US of America.
Make sure you test them out when reserving your subsequent journey to the US.
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.
When you want to additionally embody a street journey throughout Louisiana, you should definitely take a look at my different street journey information; you’ll be able to simply join the 2 states in case you have further time.
Make sure you 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. Make sure you take a look at this information, too.
I’d extremely advocate selecting up a Vicksburg Passport from the customer centre, which gives you an important 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 option to Cleveland. Make sure you cease off and pay a go to.
When 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.
The museum house dives deep into the lifetime of blues legend B.B. King, from his early days selecting 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 reveals, 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 2025 marks a particular 12 months as it might have been his a hundredth birthday. A well timed purpose to go to and pay homage to the blues legend B.B.King.
When you’re on the lookout for 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 you should definitely go by Club Ebony earlier than departing Indianola, an necessary a part of Blues historical past. This nightclub hosted legends corresponding to Ray Charles, Depend Basie, B.B. King, Tina Turner, and James Brown.
Subsequent cease, drive in the direction of Greenwood
Greenwood, Mississippi, affords a soulful mix of historical past, music, and Southern attraction 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 had been a good selection right here.
Dive deeper into the area’s heritage on the Museum of the Mississippi Delta, the place reveals span Native American artefacts to Civil Battle relics.
My favorite part needed to be the guitar exhibition, which had a collection of completely different guitars from years previous.
Whereas in Greenwood, pay homage on the Mississippi Blues Path marker honouring Robert Johnson’s gravesite, situated on the Little Zion M.B. Church. A robust tribute to one of many Delta’s most iconic musical legends.
Cap off your night with dinner at Fan and Johnny’s, a neighborhood favorite recognized for its creative 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
Situated 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 properties every provide their very own character and quirks.
With classic furnishings, old fashioned floorboards, and a entrance porch that may take you again, the Flats really feel much less like a lodge and extra like a residing museum.
Go to Dockery Farms – cotton plantation and sawmill
Dockery Farm grew to become the first centre for music in Mississippi, the place it laid its basis and located its voice for what we name Delta Blues as we speak.
For almost three many years, the plantation was intermittently the house of Charley Patton, an important early Delta blues musician.
Patton himself realized 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 the fantastic thing about following the Mississippi Blues path, because it’s the locals who will share tales on what they know in regards to the Blues story.
And it’s as much as you to piece collectively your individual puzzle as you comply with alongside the path.
Historians have traced blues again to Patton and his contemporaries round Dockery Farm and that’s why the world is thought to be the supply of Delta blues.
As we speak, 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 attraction
Cleveland, Mississippi, affords a mix of music heritage and laid-back attraction that makes for an unforgettable go to.
Begin with a keep on the Cotton Home Cleveland, A Tribute Portfolio Lodge, the place trendy consolation meets Delta class.
For lunch, seize a burger and a chilly brew at Hey Joe’s, a neighborhood favorite with a unusual vibe and environment. I liked 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 partaking 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, creative flavours.
And the evening 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
When 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 more true.
Begin your journey on the Travelers Hotel, a stylishly restored downtown gem that when housed railway employees and now blends industrial stylish with heat Delta attraction. 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 alleged to have struck a legendary take care of 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 affords 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 one year of stay performances at iconic venues like Ground Zero Blues Club (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, The state’s oldest music museum, that includes Muddy Waters’s cabin and a treasure trove of blues memorabilia.
Go to Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art, half document retailer, half gallery, half customer centre, this quirky store is a hub for blues lovers and an important spot to search out out what stay performances will probably be on the town.
And when the evening winds down, sip a daring craft brew at Red 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 Tours 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 experience offers you insider entry to the soul of Clarksdale.
A novel private tour which centered on regional id and a greater understanding of the land that fashioned the blues.
All from the consolation of a Jeep Wrangler. It is a good tour for small teams desirous 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 option to join with the panorama that created the blues.
From half a day to in a single day expeditions, seize a paddle and hit the Mississippi River.
The staff are unbelievable and has a great deal of data and tales in regards to the Mississippi River. Make sure you 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 option to Memphis from Clarksdale, you should definitely cease off in Tunica and go to the Gateway to the Blues Visitor Centre.
Situated alongside the legendary Freeway 61, the Gateway to the Blues Customer Centre dives into the roots of American music.
Housed in a restored 1895 practice depot, this charming museum and welcome centre affords travellers a vivid journey by way of the start and evolution of the blues.
Inside, you’ll discover interactive reveals, uncommon devices, and private tales that remember the style’s deep Delta heritage.
Whether or not you’re recording your individual blues monitor 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 my Mississippi street journey weblog
Thanks for visiting my weblog and trying out my information to happening a street journey round Mississippi.
I hope all of the above data has helped with your individual journey planning.
Have an incredible street journey round Mississippi exploring the Blues Path.
Try my Mississippi street journey YouTube video information
Try my Mississippi street journey journey video. You’ll be able to watch the video from this journey right here:
