Mississippi Blues Trail

Welcome to my Blog!
Mississippi Blues Trail
I’m excited to take you on a journey through the heart of America.

This iconic route spans from New Orleans, Louisiana all the way up to Memphis, Tennessee,
and is filled with rich culture, history, and of course, music. This historical route, also known as the Mississippi Blues Trail, documents historic events using markers that tell the stories of influential people, places, and events that shaped the creation of blues music.

Keep in mind that with so much to explore, it may take multiple visits or one very extended trip to fully embrace this cultural treasure.  But our journey was not just about music; The Mississippi Delta offers much more than just a musical journey; It is pertinent to note that the subject matter also pertains to valuable artifacts from ancient Mississippi, Civil War history, DELTA HISTORY, and surprisingly JEWISH HISTORY. 

And what better way to enjoy these treasures than to incorporate them in your road trip through the birthplace of blues. Here you will discover some of Mississippi’s hidden treasures.

Our adventure started at Woodville, MS – the southernmost point on Highway 61.

Over six days, we made our way up north while stopping at various landmarks along the way. We couldn’t resist a visit to some fascinating museums that showcased not only blues history but also delved into important events like the Civil War.  

As we traveled further north towards Clarksdale, Mississippi – known as “the birthplace of Delta Blues” – we were greeted with more blues markers, and we even had the chance to visit the infamous “Crossroads” where legend has it that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for musical talent.

• One highlight for us was visiting Clarksdale, MS – known as “The Birthplace of the Blues”. Here we saw many iconic locations like Ground Zero Blues Club offering performances by local blues bands.
• As we continued our journey, we came across many hidden gems such as the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale and The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola. These museums gave us a deeper understanding of the roots of blues music and its impact on American culture.
  
• Moreover, we found ourselves immersed in blues history as we visited different markers, learned about Civil War sites, found ancient Indian mounds, and 1,000 year old trees in addition to discovering blues legends like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters.

The Mississippi Blues Trail is not just a road trip;
it’s an immersive experience that takes you through
the past and present of blues music.
It’s a reminder of how this genre brought people together
regardless of their background or differences. 

• For those eager to embark on their own journey down the Mississippi Blues Highway 61, I have created separate ITINERARIES highlighting specific areas of interest.
• These carefully crafted routes will guide you through a variety of cities and towns where you can immerse yourself in the rich culture that not only gave birth to this beloved genre but sets Mississippi apart from other states.

Mississippi Blues Trail: WOODVILLE
First stop (approx. 2 ½ hour drive from New Orleans)

Downtown Woodville

• Driving from New Orleans, it’s nice to pause and relax in Woodville.
• As we stepped out of our vehicle, we took the opportunity to stretch our legs, explore the local area, and seek out the Blues Marker.
• With only 928 inhabitants as of 2020, Woodville is a quaint town on the southern end of the Blues Trail.
• Discovering the sole Blues Marker in town served as our first destination.

Moving on to Natchez which is
40 minutes north of Woodville.

MAMMY’S CUPBOARD RESTAURANT:
Next stop… Lunch!

• Mammy’s is situated on Hwy 61, right before reaching Natchez.
• It is imperative to keep note of their operating hours as they are only open from 11am to 2pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
• Despite arriving within the designated time frame, we were disappointed to find them closed. The recent music festival in Natchez caused many establishments to shut down for a few days in order to recover.
• However, if you do happen to visit Mammy’s, please provide us with a review of your experience.

Mississippi Blues Trail: NATCHEZ
(approx. 40 minutes north of Woodville)

• I recommend making a reservation for two nights in Natchez, taking into consideration your travel plans. 
  
• During your stay, you can explore 4 BLUES MARKERS that hold significance in Civil War and slavery history, as well as visit historic mansions and a cemetery.
  
• For our trip, we selected the NATCHEZ GRAND HOTEL situated by the Mississippi River. The hotel offers immaculate and roomy accommodation with a stunning vista of the river, making it convenient to access notable attractions around the town.
  
• In addition, there are several lovely mansions serving as B&B’s – The TOWERS, STANTON HALL, etc..
  

Additional Info & Pictures for NATCHEZ Points of Interest:

NATCHEZ Historic City Cemetery
NATCHEZ Forks-In-The-Road Slave Market
NATCHEZ Rosalie Mansion

Our next overnight stay will be in Vicksburg, with an estimated drive time of 1 ½ hours
if there are no other planned stops. However, we did make several stops along the way.

Stop 1. Mississippi Blues Trail: OLD COUNTRY STORE – LORMAN, MS

If you have a taste for fried chicken and authentic Southern cuisine, then this is the perfect spot for you!

• This establishment has been highly praised as Mr. D & his “World’s Best Fried Chicken,” and even featured on the acclaimed show “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” hosted by Alton Brown.
• The chicken was truly delicious, but it would be difficult to claim it as the absolute best in the world – although it certainly ranks among the top contenders.
• Additionally, their buffet offers a variety of mouthwatering Southern dishes to choose from.
• However, the cherry on top was undoubtedly Mr. D’s heartwarming performance of a song dedicated to his grandmother’s perfectly crafted cornbread.
• Without a doubt, this eatery is one not to be missed!

Stop 2. Mississippi Blues Trail: WINDSOR RUINS

• Experience the beauty of the Mississippi backwoods on a unique drive to the WINDSOR RUINS, located off the usual route.
• It’s just a short 10-15 minute detour that will take you back to PORT GIBSON via Hwy 61.
• As you make your way, keep an eye out for KUDZO, also known as the “vine that ate the south,” as it can be seen covering plant life throughout the area.

Stop 3. Mississippi Blues Trail: PORT GIBSON

• As we journeyed further north towards Vicksburg, our route took us through the quaint town of PORT GIBSON, a mere 15-minute drive from Windsor.
• Our visit to this charming location consisted of a brief stop to read the designated blues markers and capture some photos before continuing our way to Vicksburg. Notably, two prominent Blues Markers can be found here conveniently located along Hwy 61.

Stop 4. Mississippi Blues Trail: McRAVEN HOUSE, Vicksburg, MS

• Located just a short 30-minute drive north from Port Gibson in Vicksburg, the McRaven House is considered to be one of the top haunted houses in the United States.
  
• Affectionately known as “The Time Capsule of the South,” this historic residence was constructed during three separate time periods: 1797, 1836, and 1849.
• Its rich history and rumored paranormal activity have garnered attention from various media outlets including A&E, The Travel Channel, and 48 Hours.
• In addition, numerous magazines have featured articles on this spooky location due to reported sightings of apparitions within its walls.

Although the evening tour is highly recommended, unfortunately we were only able to take the day tour.
Nonetheless, it was still a worthwhile stop.

Mississippi Blues Trail: VICKSBURG   

Vicksburg was another quick overnight stop on our Mississippi Blues Highway 61 trip. But we soon realized that it was not enough time to fully appreciate all that this place has to offer. One of the highlights of Vicksburg is its plethora of historical landmarks. With a two-night stay, you can take your time and truly immerse yourself in the stories and events that have shaped this city. Unfortunately, we only had one night to spare, so we had to make the most of our limited time. Check out the detailed ITINERARIES  created to help plan your trip.                                                                                                                                                                           

Arriving early afternoon left us time to visit the following points of interest:

• 6 BLUES MARKERS scattered throughout Vicksburg. These markers pay tribute to iconic figures such as William R. Ferris who was born in Vicksburg, the famous Blue Room which has been in business for over 30 years, and Marcus Bottom which was once a historic African American community.
• We also came across the Red Tops and Willie Dixon’s marker – often referred to as “the poet laureate of the blues”. As music lovers ourselves, seeing these markers was definitely a highlight of our trip.
• One stop that stood out for us was the CIVIL WAR MUSEUM located in downtown Vicksburg. This impressive museum was put together by one man who has painstakingly documented material facts and slavery during the Civil War. The attention to detail and depth of information here is truly remarkable.
• Just a few doors down from the Civil War Museum, we found ourselves at the COCA-COLA MUSEUM. Here, in 1894, Coca-Cola was bottled for the 1^st time. This charming attraction showcases decades of Coca-Cola memorabilia and is a fun way to learn about the history of this beloved beverage.
• Additionally, we headed down to the waterfront just before sunset where 32 life-like pictorial murals awaited us. These murals tell the colorful history of Vicksburg and are a must-see for any visitor. 
• For accommodation, we opted for the RIVERWALK CASINO which provided us with a beautiful view of the river – perfect for a relaxing evening. And while we do enjoy gambling we were too exhausted to partake .
  
• When traveling north the next morning, it is highly recommended to visit VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK. The park features a one-way road that encircles the entire area, allowing for a scenic drive. Along the way, there are designated areas for pulling over and learning about the historical significance of the park. If you have an interest in Civil War history, plan on spending one to two hours exploring this site.

We are back on the road en route to Clarksdale, a mere two and a half hours north of Vicksburg.
However, due to our planned stops along the way, our journey will take slightly longer.

Stop 1. Mississippi Blues Trail: ROLLING FORK, MS

• The influence of Muddy Waters can be felt throughout Rolling Fork. In fact, visitors can pay homage to him by visiting the Blues Marker located in front of a replica of his childhood home. This is a must-see for any music lovers or those interested in learning more about the roots of blues music. 
• But that’s not all this town has to offer. For art enthusiasts, a visit to LEE’S COTTON PICKER ART is a must. This unique shop showcases beautiful pieces of artwork made out of remnants from devices used to extract cotton from the boll. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Did you know that Rolling Fork has ties to one of America’s most beloved toys?

• In 1902, President Teddy Roosevelt visited this town with hopes of hunting a bear. However, being the conservationist he was, he refused to shoot an already trapped and tied up bear.
• From this incident came the birth of the popular children’s toy – the TEDDY BEAR! 
• And speaking of bears, keep an eye out for wood carved bears scattered throughout town. These sculptures were created as a tribute to President Roosevelt and his memorable visit. They add even more character and charm to this already delightful little town.

Unfortunately in March 2023 the town was almost completely wiped out by a devastating E4 tornado.
Take time to stop in for a visit and help support Rolling Fork’s recovery efforts.         

Stop 2. Mississippi Blues Trail: MONT HELENA
(5 minutes north of Rolling Fork on Hwy 61)

• This ancient Indian mound, dating back 1,000 years, stands as a testament to the culture and traditions of the Native Americans who once inhabited this land.
• Atop the mound sits a house built in the 1800s, which is currently a private residence and not open to visitors. Therefore, it is important to respect their privacy and refrain from pulling into their driveway.
• However, Mont Helena makes for a quick but fascinating stop on the side of the road. Visitors can take in the impressive sight of the mound and snap some photos before continuing on their journey.
• It serves as a reminder of our rich history and allows for appreciation of the stunning landscape surrounding it.

Highway 61 stretches ahead, leading through endless fields of soybean crops.
The journey continues for approximately 1 ½ hours until
reaching the city of CLARKSDALE.
As the miles pass by, take in the scenic views of the vast agricultural landscape.
Meanwhile if time allows, take some quick stops for blues marker sites listed in the ITINERARIES.

Stop 3. Mississippi Blues Trail:  SHACK UP INN (located just outside Clarksdale)

• In summary, the Shack Up Inn is a unique lodging experience that offers guests a taste of history and rustic charm. 
• Once known as the Hopson Plantation, the Inn features restored sharecropper shacks and grain bins with corrugated tin roofs and cypress walls.
• While providing basic comforts for overnight stays, the Inn has also hosted various renowned names in music and film including Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Morgan Freeman, and Samuel J. Jackson.
• Guests can enjoy live music performances and workshops during their stay at this one-of-a-kind destination.
  
• Cotton Pickin’ Blues Blues Marker is located here.

Mississippi Blues Trail: CLARKSDALE

Of course, no visit to Clarksdale would be complete without diving into its rich musical heritage.
This small town has produced an extraordinary number of pioneering blues and soul musicians whose roots run deep within its streets.
Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Sam Cooke – these are just a few names that have called Clarksdale home and left their mark on its timeless sound.

• One of the great things about staying in Clarksdale is its central location, making it the ideal starting point for day trips and adventures. 
• Unique lodging, hostels, luxury lofts, and commercial hotel rooms give you a variety of places to stay. (If not staying at Shack Up.)  
• Explore the town, venture out on day trips, shop the downtown Arts & Culture District, and visit historic blues markers.
• With everything this town has to offer, chose from live music in several different venues, visit the world famous Delta Blues Museum, or attend any of the dozen or more festivals taking place throughout the year. A must, stand at the “Crossroads” where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil.

In the early 20th century, Clarksdale was known as the “Golden Buckle of the Cotton Belt”
and was home to African-American farm laborers and white plantation owners.

• Clarksdale has produced an extraordinary number of pioneering blues and soul musicians with musical roots that run deep. 
• Greats such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Sam Cooke, Big Jack Johnson, W.C. Handy, Robert Johnson, Ike Turner, the Staple Singers, and Pinetop Perkins.
  
• Clarksdale is also home playwright Tennessee Williams.

Following are the clubs we visited…

• Ground Zero Blues Club, Red’s Blues Club, Hambone’s, and Bluesberry Café are popular venues for live blues music in Mississippi.
• Ground Zero and Red’s offer a unique “southern cool” atmosphere of cluttered décor and phenomenal music. However, Red’s has more of an intimate ambiance.
• Hambone’s is a newer addition to the scene and secondly, while we were there we caught a performance by a keyboard player Lala. She is, to say the least, an interesting performer. Seek her out when making the rounds.
• For those looking to start their day with good food and live music, Bluesberry Café is the place to go also highlighting it’s “southern cool” décor.
• Overall, these clubs offer an authentic blues experience in Mississippi that should not be missed on any itinerary.

Mississippi Blues Trail: Day Trips ITINERARIES out of Clarksdale

Day One’s Journey

• Heading north towards TUNICA we made two quick stops along the way – STOVALL FARMS and FRIAR’S POINT.
• We made sure to take some time at both places to read the markers, snap some photos, and then continue on our journey.
• Once we arrived in Tunica, we enjoyed a visit to the Delta Blues Museum and had a delicious lunch at the Hollywood Café.
• It was a perfect day filled with interesting sites, and great food!
• For more ideas on places to visit along this route, be sure to check out our ITINERARY post!

Day Two’s Journey

• Heading southeast towards GREENWOOD, MS along the way, we made a few stops in TUTWILER, MS and MONEY, MS – which is known for its Civil Rights Freedom Trail and a monument dedicated to EMMETT TILL.
• Continuing Money Rd., we arrived just outside Greenwood where we were able to pay our respects to ROBERT JOHNSON at his gravesite and memorial.
• Greenwood offers plenty of things to do and see, making it the perfect place to spend some quality time. You can visit iconic landmarks like the Tallahatchie Bridge, which was immortalized in the famous song “Ode to Billie Jo.”
  
• Take a leisurely drive down Grand Boulevard or cross over Kessler Bridge for stunning views.
  
• And don’t forget to stop for lunch at the Crystal Grill for a delicious meal!
• Afterwards, we headed southwest for a peaceful nature walk at SKY LAKE PRESERVE – the only place in the world where you can see 1,000-year-old bald cypress trees.
• For more ideas on places to visit along this route, be sure to check out our ITINERARY post!

After our stay in Clarksdale concluded we returned to Natchez for another evening’s visit before returning to New Orleans,
wrapping up our journey along the Blues Trail with a few more stops along the way!

Day Three’s Journey

Let’s embark on a journey through the rich heritage and culture of Mississippi, from Cleveland to Natchez. 

• Our first stop is PO MONKEY’S in Merigold, MS. This charming shack will transport you to the authentic juke joint experience. 
• Make sure to also visit the Grammy Museum in CLEVELAND, MS. Here, you can dive into the history of Mississippi Blues Music then down the road explore Dockery Farms, one of five iconic Blues Trail Markers found in Cleveland. 
• In INDIANOLA, MS, pay your respects at B.B. King’s Museum and grave before indulging in some scrumptious pecan treats at the Pecan House. Don’t forget to visit three more Blues Trail Markers here! Maybe grab a meal at The Blue Biscuit across from B.B. King’s museum. 
• Next up is LELAND, MS – a small town with a big blues legacy. Fun fact: Johnny Winter’s family hails from here and so does Jim Henson of Muppet fame. 
• As we backtrack a just few miles north towards GREENVILLE, MS, make sure to stop by for two more Blues Trail Markers.
• And just 10 minutes further north lies WINTERVILLE INDIAN MOUNDS– an ancient site that will leave you captivated by its intriguing past.
• Our final destination is EMERALD INDIAN MOUND – a must-visit spot with breathtaking views.

All-in-All this has been an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Mississippi Delta. 
I hope these itineraries give you some inspiration for your future trip to the Mississippi Blues Trail.
Stay tuned for more travel blogs from me!

Here are two helpful posts to assist you in organizing your trip, along with everything else you need to consider.
With numerous alternative ITINERARIES and plenty of other must-visit BLUES MARKER sites, these resources will make planning a breeze!

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HAPPY TRAILS!

This blog contains a lot of information for those that wish to explore above and beyond! 
The Table of Contents below lists all posts.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Clarksdale Blues Markers
Clarksdale Points of Interest
Greenwood Blues Markers
Greenwood Points of Interest
Indianola Blues Markers & Points of Interest
Leland Blues Markers & City Info
Natchez Blues Markers
Natchez City Legacy
Natchez Points of Interest
Old Country Store – Windsor Ruins – Port Gibson Blues Markers 
Po Monkey’s – Cleveland – Greenville Blues Markers
Rolling Fork Blues Marker & Mont Helena Indian Mound
Stovall Plantation – Friar’s Point – Tunica Blues Markers
Tutwiler Blues Markers & Emmett Till Story
Vicksburg Blues Markers
Vicksburg City
Vicksburg Civil War Museum & Coca-Cola Museum
Vicksburg McRaven House
Vicksburg National Military Park
Woodville Blues Markers & City
Mississippi Delta History & Jewish History
Mississippi Indian Mounds
Mississippi Sky Lake Preserve
Mississippi Itineraries