Clarksdale, Cleveland and Greenwood Mississippi

Chasing the Blues

The Delta’s rich musical history can be explored through iconic locations such as the Gateway to the Blues Museum in Tunica and the famous Blue Front Cafe in Bentonia – the longest-running juke joint in Mississippi. In Clarksdale, music lovers can walk in the footsteps of legends at iconic venues like Ground Zero Blues Club, co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman. In Cleveland, the storied Dockery Farms stands a historic landmark where blues pioneers like Charley Patton, the “Father of the Delta Blues,” first developed the sounds and rhythms that would change music forever. Explore the life of guitarist and singer-songwriter B.B. King, one of the genre’s greatest ambassadors, at the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, and don’t miss the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland, where interactive exhibits celebrate the region’s profound musical influence throughout history.

Legacy Landmarks

Beyond music, several cultural and historical landmarks in the Delta reveal more of the region's past. These legacy sites reflect the diverse history of the Delta – from the music that defines its soul to the hard-fought battles that shaped its landscape. In Greenwood, you can delve into the area's Native American roots and its robust natural history at the Museum of the Mississippi Delta. Scenic outdoor experiences await at the Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge, a vast wetland area perfect for birdwatching and exploring the Delta's natural landscape. For a deeper connection to the Mississippi River, Tunica Riverpark and Museum offers exhibits detailing the river's role in shaping the Delta's culture, economy and history.

Serving Up Southern Comfort

From crispy catfish and mouthwatering barbecue to decadent pecan pie, the Delta's food scene is as soulful as its musical roots. Since 1941, Doe's Eat Place in Greenville has drawn foodies from across the country to sample their large, savory steaks. Trade in your knife and fork for an apron at the Viking Cooking School. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to prepare Southern classics and learn recipes passed down through generations. As a bonus, the school's hands-on classes will enable you to take some of the unforgettable flavors and techniques from the Delta back home with you. Don’t leave without ordering the time-honored tradition of delicious tamales and an RC Cola from the White Front Café in Rosedale. Can’t get enough? Greenville hosts a Delta Hot Tamale Festival that takes place each year in October.