For Valentine’s Day to Anniversaries and Birthdays or Just Because, Mississippi really does have it all. Find more Mississippi travel ideas here.

The ideas shared here are perfect for the active adventurers to the relaxation revelers. For those looking for small towns, live music, fine dining, and historic sites. There are a number of great places for the perfect romantic getaway.

We’ve included a historic mansion, my favorite place along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a romantic cabin, and unique hotels (Fern Hollow, I’m looking at you). What you won’t find is recommendations for generica hotels, we’re sharing the best places that we’d stay at again and again.

Romantic Getaways in Mississippi

For the History Buffs

Duff Green Mansion – Vicksburg – Available on Booking.com

All the southern charm in the heart of the city. The mansion, built in 1856, invites guests to relax and enjoy being surrounded by numerous historical sites.

Located in Vicksburg, famous for its siege and home to the beautiful Vicksburg National Military Park, there is so much to see and experience in this historic city.

With this getaway you’ll experience exceptional food, history and fun while staying at a hotel that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Also, for legit haunted house lovers be sure to check out McRaven Home, Mississippi’s Most Haunted House.

For the Spa Sophisticates

The Alluvian – Greenwood – Available on Expedia.com

Located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, the Alluvian Hotel and Spa provides the ultimate romantic escape complete with luxury rooms and an air of romance. The Alluvian has an award-winning restaurant in-house serving up classic

Southern fare, while across the street guests will find the 7,000-square-foot luxury spa offering a complete menu of treatments.

Couples can enjoy cooking classes, or a full culinary weekend, at the Viking Cooking School, also located directly across the street from the Alluvian hotel in the charming town of Greenwood.

For the Beach Bums

The Roost Hotel – Ocean Springs – Available on Expedia.com

The Roost is a boutique hotel located in the picturesque coastal town of Ocean Springs. A beautifully restored historic building,

The Roost is walking distance from both serene sunsets at the Gulf of Mexico and delightful downtown restaurants offering the best of coastal cuisine.

If you’d like to indulge in a luxurious spa visit during your weekend getaway, head over to the spa at Beau Rivage Resort a quick minutes away.

Come Roost for a weekend retreat or a week long getaway.  You and your special someone will find yourselves charmed by all this laid-back beach community has to offer.

For the Retro Romantics

Hotel Chester – Starkville – Available on Expedia.

Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Starkville, Hotel Chester was built in 1925 as a full service hotel.

Not only has the historic hotel been lovingly restored, but the hotel’s unique Beer Garden was given a facelift in 2013 by world-renowned chef Gordan Ramsay during season 2 of his program, Hotel Hell.

Stroll the streets of this quaint college town and peruse the local boutiques, like CuRio candle shop, and delectable dining spots ranging from backyard BBQ at Little Dooey’s to white tablecloth dining at Restaurant Tyler.

Make your way to Starkville and share a craft beer or a delectable biscuit from The Biscuit Shop with the one you love.

For the Adventurists

Tishomingo State Park  – Book your stay at the Fern Hollow Treehouse located nearby.

For the outdoorsy types, Tishomingo State Park offers some of the state’s best hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and even rock climbing.

This breathtaking state park has six rustic cabins and one cottage available for rental, making it the ultimate retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.

Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains approximately 45 miles from Tupelo, Tishomingo State Park is steeped in history and scenic beauty.

The famous Natchez Trace Parkway, the premier highway of the early 1800s and a modern scenic parkway, runs directly through the park.

Discover the same timeless natural beauty that enchanted Indians and explorers centuries ago and treat your one and only to the great outdoors of Tishomingo.

For the Blues Lovers

Shack Up Inn – Clarksdale

Head over to Clarksdale where there is blues music and live entertainment every night of the week and is one reason this Mississippi Delta town is a great place for every blues fan.

And the perfect place to stay during a visit is none other than the Shack Up Inn.

Complete with tin corrugated tin roofs and cypress wall it’s an authentic Delta stay.

Located minutes from the legendary Crossroads, Hambone Art Gallery, Delta Blues Museum, Cat Head Delta Blues and many other blues music venues.

By the way, it’s really hard for me to pick a favorite out of this list, but if you forced an answer for my favorite romantic getaways in Mississippi I’d go with The Roost in Ocean Springs.

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The Cotton House is the self-proclaimed “living room” of downtown Cleveland. It blends southern tradition with modern luxuries, enhancing both your comfort and your Delta Blues Trail experience in one fell swoop.

Set right in the center of historic Cotton Row, you’ll enjoy a plethora of boutiques and shops just outside its doors.

Cleveland is a beautiful city to take a walk and shop, with its brick-paved sidewalks, immaculate landscaping, and Victorian style lighting along the way.

The Cotton House

95 rooms fill this larger-than-life hotel, along with 6 elaborate suites. The classic guest rooms are warm and welcoming with a touch of luxury.

The meticulously chosen decor promotes relaxation and a sense of home, but with the flair that we all wish we had in our homes (Think: chandelier).

You’ll enjoy free WiFi, premium TV channels, a lush mattress under cozy sheets, and comfortable robes.

The Cotton House suites are truly a home away from home. (You’ll find the swoon-worthy chandeliers in the suites, too!)

All the same amenities of the guest rooms but with significantly more space.

A king bed graces the bedroom. The couch in the living area pulls out into a queen bed. A kitchenette enhances your stay.

Of course, no room in the middle of blue country would be complete without music and the Cotton House does not disappoint.

Each room lets you surround yourself with the sound of the blues favorites when you set the needle down on an old fashioned vinyl record set a top a classic record player.

Book your stay at the Cotton House right for our site. 

Eat & Drink at the Cotton House

You don’t even need to leave The Cotton House to find great, southern eats in Cleveland, Mississippi.

The Delta Meat Market

The Delta Meat Market is both a specialty grocer with meats, cheeses, and artisan goods, and a full-service restaurant. The dishes are steeped in southern tradition, true to The Cotton House vision.

Take advantage of the grab-and-go options when you’re in a hurry to get back to exploring Cleveland. Or make a reservation and stay awhile.

Honestly, the Delta Meat Market is not to be missed on your visit to Cleveland.

This restaurant is garnering national attention for good reason.

Delectable bites and an inviting atmosphere will make you want to stay a while. 

Oh, and did I mention the chef and owner is a James Beard award nominated chef?

There’s a reason that people are flocking to this establishment and a lot of that has to do with Chef Cole Ellis!

Bar Fontaine

On the rooftop you’ll find Bar Fontaine, an upscale bar and restaurant. Enjoy European-style cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.

And, of course, an extensive array of wines, cocktails, booze, and draft beer. I recommend finding a seat on the rooftop patio for a one-of-a-kind view of downtown.

This is the only place in Cleveland with a rooftop experience.

More Reasons to stay at the Cotton House

Right on the grounds of The Cotton House, you’ll find Balance Fitness Studio. Step into one of the classes offered, including yoga, pilates, cycling, and more.

For the foodies out there, see if the Cotton House offers any wine tastings, beer classes, a charcuterie demo, or a curated dinner with wine pairings during your stay.

Explore These Nearby Delta Destinations

Gateway Blues Museum – Where your trip to the Delta should begin

Mont Helena – includes a love story and a ghost story 🙂

Yazoo City – a MUST for those interested in the legend of the Witch of Yazoo, plus incredible food.

Rolling Fork, MS – Where the Teddy Bear was born

Leland, MS – 5 reasons to make the detour

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Blues fan or not, a visit to the Gateway to the Blues Museum will certainly leave you with an appreciation for this truly American music and the moving history surrounding it.

On sight, you’ll immediately be transported to the past as this rustic, 3,500 square foot museum is set in the midst of farmland.

At one time a train depot, the small building has been around for as long as the Blues!

Before you enter, make sure to get an iconic shot of this memorable museum with the stunning backdrop of the Mississippi sky.

Inside the Gateway to the Blues Museum

The History of The Blues

The Blues is so much more than simply a musical genre. In fact, it is arguably the music that made America.

A stroll through the museum will introduce you to the life and the people that created this soulful music. The Blues is an outpouring of their lives, their experiences, their survival.

See the faces. Read the stories. Let them bring the Blues to life for you.

Meanwhile, you can admire the beautiful collection of guitars throughout the museum. Each of the guitars (and various other instruments including harmonicas) was used by the famous and the not-so-famous across a variety of genres.

Interactive Exhibits

Speaking of guitars, one of the interactive exhibits allows you to try your hand at playing a lap steel guitar and a diddley bow.

If learning all about the Blues has you itching to try it yourself, the Gateway to the Blues Museum has an exhibit for that, too!

Local Bluesman, Memphis Jones, will walk you through how to write and record your very own Blues song. Take it home (via email) and show it off to all your friends who didn’t have the pleasure of joining you on your trip to the Gateway to the Blues Museum.

An Introduction to the Mississippi Blues Trail

The museum is just the beginning to all that the Mississippi Blues Trail has to offer. Equipped with an understanding of the history of the Blues through the artwork and exhibits of the museum, you’ll glean so much more from the rest of the nearly 200 Blues Trail markers.

These markers span across the state and even throughout the world, six of which are right in Tunica.

Get a glimpse into each marker throughout the Mississippi Blues Trail Gallery within the museum.

Blues Trail Visitor Center Inside the Gateway to the Blues Museum

Once you’ve taken in all you can in the Gateway to the Blues Museum, be sure to chat with one of the Visitor Center employees for everything you need to know about the Blues Trail.

The Visitor Center has traveling information including the basics like hotels and restaurants, as well as all you need to know to continue on your Blues Trail experience.

Be sure to grab a souvenir before you leave the museum!

While you’re in the Mississippi Delta be sure to swing by Leland, MS and see why it’s worth the detour. 

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As a faithful fan of all things music, I couldn’t wait to explore this musical town!

There is so much you can pack into a weekend. I’m sharing some of my favorite things to do. I highly recommend getting to the Grammy Museum if at all possible (they are open on weekends). 

Also, grab some take-away lunch at Crave or Delta Meat Market and drive over to Dockery Farms for a picnic. It’s an incredible historic site and the refurbished cotton gin is worth the visit. Be sure to watch the video that plays on a loop during your visit. There is also the option to hear some blues music while there. Such a cool stop on my Cleveland, MS visit. 

If you can’t fit everything into a 2-night, 3-day visit I, personally, think you should stay an extra day or make plans to return. I was there for a 1-night, 2-day visit and can’t wait to go back!

Just a note, this also makes a great destination for a girlfriend getaway.

Where to Stay In Cleveland

I enjoyed a comfortable stay at The Cotton House which is right in the middle of downtown. I had easy access to so much that Cleveland has to offer right outside the doors of this modern, Southern hotel.

The Cotton House offers free wifi, premium TV channels, and comfortable robes. My favorite bonus amenity was an old-style record player complete with vinyls of some of my favorite blues musicians.

The suite I stayed in had a spacious sitting area where I could snuggle up in my robe and relax to the sounds of the blues.

Where to Eat in Cleveland

You will not have a hard time finding something to eat in Cleveland. The hard part will be deciding where to go. I’m sharing my favorites here and wrote more about Cleveland dining options that you’ll want to check out. 

Hey Joes & Mosquito Burrito are sister restaurants that are a must-visit in downtown Cleveland. Hey Joe’s offers classic burgers, salads, and sandwiches while Mosquito Burrito, obviously, has your Tex-Mex favorites. The open-air, outdoor patio with local, live music made this a favorite stop!

This is also the home of Keep Cleveland Boring, which is a non-profit organization on a mission to make Cleveland exciting through unique events throughout the year.

For coffee, Mississippi Grounds is the place to go for your morning cup o’ joe. Once the home of a service station, this unique coffee spot also offers breakfast, lunch, and dessert. 

Backdraft is an award-winning restaurant with, as its name suggests, a firehouse theme. They specialize in steaks and seafood, and boast a full service bar.  

The Delta Meat Market is both a specialty grocer and a full-service restaurant. I didn’t even have to leave the Cotton House to enjoy some of their meats and cheeses, to take advantage of their grab-and-go options, or to sit and stay awhile.

Whatever you choose to do, you’ll be glad you did. Chef and owner, Cole Ellis, is a James Beard award-nominated chef, and it shows in his delectable offerings!

Also located within The Cotton House is Bar Fontaine. Actually, Bar Fontaine is on top of the Cotton House!

This rooftop bar and restaurant is not to be missed. Not only does it offer European-style cuisine and an extensive array of wines, cocktails, booze, and draft beer, it also offers a one-of-a-kind rooftop view of Cleveland.

Things To Do In Cleveland

Cleveland is a beautiful town, with meticulously manicured landscaping, brick walkways, and victorian lighting. There is nothing quite like strolling along the historic downtown walking trail. 

I could have spent my entire weekend shopping, visiting art galleries, admiring antiques, and enjoying the unique dining. And, well, I did just that! And so much more.

The Sculpture Garden, located in the front of the Bologna Performing Arts Center, is unique and fascinating. Born of a vision to draw noteworthy attention to Delta State University, the Sculpture Garden is home to both temporary and permanent sculptures. You’ll find some of the sculptures scattered about downtown, as well.

McCarty’s Pottery is a stunning collection of handmade pottery. Offering one-of-a-kind pieces that range from artistic to functional, McCarty’s is the ideal place to pick up something to remember Cleveland by.

Be sure to stroll through the gardens and grab a bite to eat at The Gallery Restaurant. I ended up buying a number of gifts while here. There are so many great options you’ll have a hard time deciding which ones to take home. 

Dockery Farms is a must-see stop in Cleveland! It was once a thriving cotton plantation, widely considered the birthplace of the blues. Check out the newly refurbished Cotton Gin and be sure to watch the video there, as well as the video located underneath the service station. I enjoyed exploring Dockery Farms at my leisure and also enjoyed a picnic lunch. I was there mid-week and had the entire place to myself. 

At the Delta Center for Culture and Learning, an entire wall displays face casts of blues legends both living and deceased. These incredible plaster castings were created by a blind artist named Sharon Mcconnell. The Delta Center for Culture and Learning is also the home of the Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area.

The Grammy Museum is 26,000 square feet of interactive and exciting exhibits celebrating the power of music. You will also find some sculptures that made their way to the grounds of the Grammy Museum from the Sculpture Garden. This was closed when I was in town, but I’ve heard so many great things about this museum. I’ll be sure the go back when the museum is open. 

The Railroad Heritage Museum celebrates the fact that Cleveland owes its existence to the railroad. Thousands of artifacts, photographs, and documents bring the significance of the railroad back to life. Walk through the 1941 Illinois Central caboose and admire the largest O gauge model railroads in the Southeast.

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Or maybe you’re looking to drink the same water that so many successful authors grew up on in Greenville.

Even if all you’re looking for is a mild, dependable climate to enjoy for an indefinite amount of time, I’ve got the ideal lodging for your visit. It’s called The Lofts at 517.

The Lofts at 517

The Lofts at 517 resides in the historic Sears Building in downtown Greenville. The restoration of this site in the midst of the historic district has revitalized the area.

You can’t miss The Lofts at 517 sign that is reminiscent of the Sears sign that used to grace this building 50+ years ago.

The Lofts offers both luxury hotel rooms and extended stay apartments. The apartments include a full kitchen, washer and dryer, internet, and free parking inside the first floor of the building.

The spacious hotel rooms, like the apartments, boast a modern and appealing decor. You’ll also find a washer and dryer set in the hotel rooms.

Your stay at The Lofts will be truly unique as it doesn’t have the typical feel of a hotel. There is no lobby. Instead, all of the check-in information you’ll need comes through email and text message.

The Downtown Grille

Nestled in right next to The Lofts at 517 is The Downtown Grille.

This high-end restaurant offers fresh and local cuisine and an excellent bar. You can choose from dishes that include lamb, shrimp, or salmon.

The steak is cooked to perfection, but tastes even more exquisite when accompanied by something from the bar.

Room service for The Lofts apartments come from the fine foods served at The Downtown Grille.

You can also book their private room, appropriately named the Blues Room, for special events.

Nearby Things To Do 

● The Greenville History Museum – housed in another restored, historical building, the museum does an excellent job of introducing you to Greenville. You’ll walk through significant events that made Greenville what it is today, including the 1927 flood.

● Greenville Writer’s Exhibit – Inside the William Alexander Percy Memorial Library is this exhibit honoring Greenville’s rich literary heritage.

● The Mississippi Blues Trail – Take an unforgettable journey through the history of the music that made America: the blues. Several Blues Trail markers are nearby The Lofts.

● Birthplace of Kermit the Frog – This quaint museum celebrates the life of the Muppets creator, Jim Henson, and his favorite frog.

The Lofts at 517 offers a comfortable and luxurious stay while you visit Greenville and its surrounding towns.

After a day full of blues music, gambling, and dining,

The Lofts will welcome you in for a peaceful stay and a restful night’s sleep.

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Before you let your mind go where it doesn’t need to be, The Hooker Hotel and the Squeeze Box are highly rated AirBnBs that celebrate the blues and are the perfect place to stay in Clarksdale, MS.

You’ll find them side by side right in the heart of historic Clarksdale, Mississippi. This little town in the Mississippi Delta is the kind of place that should be on every blues fan’s bucket list.

Both the Hooker Hotel and the Squeeze Box make for ideal lodging for experiencing Clarksdale up close and personal.

The Perfect Place to Stay in Clarksdale

The Hooker Hotel

If you’re a fan of the blues, you probably recognize the name John Lee Hooker. The Hooker Hotel stands in homage of this great bluesman. And he certainly was great!

You’ll find his name in the Blues Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. And that’s not even the half of it.

The Hooker Hotel is in Clarksdale because it is believed he was born in this bluesy town. You don’t need to have any idea who John Lee Hooker is, though, to thoroughly enjoy this 745-square-foot AirBnB. It is a two-bedroom guest suite in the midst of the historic Arts & Culture District of Clarksdale.

On the ground level of the former Clarksdale Telegraph Building (circa 1897), the Hooker Hotel is newly renovated to reflect its roots. It truly is a work of art in itself.

Speaking of art, the Hooker Hotel is full of artwork curated by local artisans, all true to the Delta Blues. From the bottle tree that greets you at the entrance to the painting of John Lee Hooker himself, and even the repurposed bathroom door, the entire flat is a nod to Mississippi talent.

Each of the two bedrooms in the Hooker have king size beds with vintage “Magic Fingers” included. It has all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

But an excellent bonus is its location. Everything you’re looking for in Clarksdale is within walking distance of the Hooker’s
entrance.

Right across the street is the Hambone Gallery. Around the corner is the Ground Zero Blues Club, co-owned by none other than Morgan Freeman, and plenty of other restaurants to choose from.

Of course, the Hooker Hotel’s full kitchen begs to be used as well.

The Squeeze Box

The Hooker Hotel’s sister site, the Squeeze Box, is surprisingly spacious for it’s 425-square-feet. It is located right next door to the Hooker Hotel and still in the former Telegraph Building.

Inside you’ll find stunning and fascinating artwork throughout, also from local artisans. 

Stepping inside either the Hooker Hotel or the Squeeze Box is stepping back in time. The artwork and decor celebrate the blues down to the smallest detail.

The Squeeze Box is also on the ground floor and boasts a veranda right outside the door. It has one bedroom with an amazingly comfortable king size bed and an X-ray style photograph display serves as the headboard.

The Squeeze Box also has all the amenities you could hope for in an AirBnB and even more.

The Hooker Hotel and the Squeeze Box may have names that are… unique. But there aren’t better places to stay in Clarksdale, Mississippi and makes the perfect accommodation for a girlfriend getaway.

Everything this Delta Blues town has to offer is both outside and inside the doors of the Hooker Hotel and the Squeeze Box.

More Mississippi Delta Fun

• Tunica RiverPark & Museum
• Gateway to the Blues Museum
• 5 Funtastic Reasons to Detour to Leland, MS

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Southern Hospitality Perfected in Cleveland, MS

Find Your Balance in Cleveland, MS

Take A Look Back

One-Of-A-Kind Finds in Cleveland, MS

Music and the Arts in Cleveland, MS

Why Cleveland, MS

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Located between Memphis and Vicksburg, it’s a unique destination with a deep love for music, both past and present, a downtown packed with boutique shops, and, most importantly a culinary scene that has people taking notice. 

How does one ever decide where to eat though when the choices are overwhelming?

As a rule, most of us will only eat two dinners during a weekend getaway which can cause some of us to panic. How do you ever decide?

Keep reading as I’m about to spill the beans on the best places to eat in Cleveland, MS.

Food of the Mississippi Delta

Food is such a major part of travel. Not only do we want to discover unique things that a place has to offer we also want to be a part of their food culture, even if it’s only for a day or two.

Here you’ll find recipes that have been passed own through generations to chefs on the cutting edge of creating new flavors and dishes to tempt your palate. 

From refined dining to kickin’ it casual there’s something for everyone to try in Cleveland MS.

The hardest part will be deciding what you want to eat, but never fear, we got you. Here’s our top four choices of where to eat in Cleveland MS. 

Where To Eat in Cleveland MS

Get ready for your mouth to water because we’re sharing where to eat in Cleveland and you’re going to want to go.

A Visit to a James Beard Award Nominated Chef

In 2013, after spending 13 years in Charleston, Nashville and Kiawah Island, Chef Cole Ellis returned to his hometown of Cleveland to open Delta Meat Market, a butcher shop, restaurant, bar and boutique grocery.

Located in the Cotton House Cleveland Hotel, his menus, as well as his retail shelves, feature fresh local produce, proteins and homemade specialties.

The market is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and, upstairs, the rooftop Bar Fontaine features dinner service and an extensive spirits menu, all to be enjoyed with a view of downtown.

Hey Joe!

Just up the street, Hey Joe’s is known for burgers and beer. It’s also known for good times, good music and good works.

This modern-day juke joint is the epitome of the hometown local hangout and it is committed to feeding both the body and soul of this town.

Hey Joe’s, has a commitment not only to quality food–specialty burgers and sandwiches are the fare–but to craft beer and live music.

Profit from monthly specials is contributed to selected local charities and the restaurant and its sister eatery, Mosquito Burrito, are active in local community efforts to produce annual events aimed at keeping downtown vibrant.

Airport Grocery

Airport Grocery is touted as a “quintessential Cleveland establishment” offering true soul food that continues to withstand the test of time.

What began as a Depression-Era grocery store has been passed down among generations and families.

Rustic and comfortable, the full bar and pool tables entice folks to stay and enjoy the company, but it’s the hot tamales and crawfish tails, the barbecue, the burgers and the ribs, that have kept people coming back through the years.

House-smoked pork, Mississippi catfish po’ boys, and legendary gravy fries are tops on the menu

Find out more about dining, as well as shopping and entertainment options, online at VisitClevelandMS.com.

A Few Tips About Visiting Cleveland MS

Downtown is the heart of this hip town. Mainstreet is centered around an original rail line and features a historic depot, housing a visitors’ center.

The town green features an open space for outdoor events and is looped by a multi-purpose trail used by locals and visitors alike.

Of course, music is a part of the Delta. And it’s a big part of Cleveland, home to the GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi.

Celebrating the music of all genres, this amazing facility has two dozen exhibits, films, memorabilia and more, as well as a 130-seat state-of-the-art soundstage.

See why we recommend Cleveland for your next Girl’s Trip!

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If you ever happen to find yourself in the Mississippi Delta, I recommend strolling through the small town of Leland.

The Historic Highway 61, also known as the Blues Highway, runs right through the heart of this sweet, little town.

Here, you’ll find the Blues Museum, the Wildlife Heritage Museum, and the Outdoor Hall of Fame. But if you’re looking to make a quick detour to Leland, MS, these are the five excellent reasons that won’t add much time to your trip.

Birthplace of Kermit the Frog

Leland is best known for being the boyhood home of the creator of the beloved Muppets, Jim Henson.

As such, Leland claims the title of Birthplace of Kermit the Frog. Henson spent a significant amount of his childhood, as the story goes, enjoying the nature Leland has to offer alongside his buddy, Kermit Scott.

It’s believed the famous frog was named after Henson’s childhood friend. 

To commemorate the honor of being Henson’s boyhood home, you’ll find a two-room museum dedicated to Henson and the frog that made him famous.

Browse through memorabilia and photos, and get your picture taken with an oversized plush Kermit. Chat with the curator who is full of Muppet knowledge and enthusiasm. And, of course, grab a souvenir or two.

This charming museum is very quaint, but well worth the stop as you pass through Leland, especially for Muppet fans.

Know Before You Go:

• It’s located on the banks of the Deer Creek and provides an excellent place to have a picnic.
• There is restroom inside the museum, making the museum a perfect place to stretch during a road trip.
• Admission to the museum is by donation, it’s worth a couple dollars per person to enjoy this piece of history.

4 Blues Murals in Leland, MS

It wouldn’t be a detour through Leland without cruising along Main Street to admire the Blues Murals!

I love finding murals when I travel and the mural in Leland did not disappoint. The historic downtown is only a couple blocks long so you can easily park the car and walk to these. 

The first mural (corner of 4th and Main streets) depicts musicians who were born or lived in the immediate area. The mural was painted by local artists.

It is a beautiful display of the following musicians:

Caleb Emphrey, Sam Chatmon, Eugene Powell, Lil’ Dave Thompson, Alex “Little Bill” Wallace, Eddie Cusic, Willie Foster, Johnny Horton, Joe Frank Carollo, Harry “Bub” Branton, Pat Thomas, Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Jimmie Reed, Boogaloo Ames, Little Milton, and James “Son” Thomas.

You can find Johnny Winter’s signature near the mural.

The second mural (corner of 3rd and Main streets) honors a local band called “Doc’s B’s.” Doc Booth is featured on the sax with Boogaloo Ames on keyboard. They used to play at Lillo’s Italian Restaurant every Thursday night.

While they likely don’t play there anymore, Lillo’s might be a great dinner stop!

The third mural (also on the corner of 3rd and Main streets) celebrates “The King of the Blues,” B.B. King. This was the first mural to be approved by the King himself. Six decades of Mr. King’s life are featured through this mural.

The fourth and most recent mural (corner of Broad Street and South Deer Creek Drive) “Honors the Life and Music of Mathis James Reed.” Better known as Jimmy Reed, this Blues legend is forever commemorated on the building of Stovall’s On The Creek.

You could easily spend some quality time in Leland, Mississippi. But even a quick detour to the small town is very rewarding.

Enjoy the fond memories of the classic Muppets, admire the memorable murals, and grab some local eats.

You’ll be glad you took the detour to Leland!

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With a name like Yazoo City you have to stop just to check it out for the name alone which comes from the nearby river. 

In spite of a devastating fire in the early 1900s and a catastrophic flood in 1927, Yazoo City is a thriving town in Yazoo County in the Mississippi Delta.

One of its memorable features is the colorful block of Main Street. And right in the midst of that colorful block is the Main Street Hotel.

HOTEL IN YAZOO CITY

Main Street Hotel

The best hotel might just be the Main Street Hotel in Yazoo City. It is as unique as it is fun.

The rooms span across the second floor of the historic Main Street buildings.

Each room has access to the balconies that look out over the street where festivals, fairs, concerts, and other activities are often held.

The eclectic decor and style of each room are true to the uniqueness of this city.

Colors and patterns grace every area with plenty of local art and antique furniture.

You’ll even find claw-foot bathtubs in the bathrooms.

Premium sheets on comfy beds with air conditioning in each room ensure a restful night’s sleep.

The Main Street Hotel gives the feel of home with its cozy accommodations.

But it is important to note that not every room has a window.

Their website has a comprehensive list of their rooms and the amenities, including whether or not there is a window.

The favorite suite among their 16 rooms is called the Honey Girl Suite. It is one of the most spacious with a king size bed, a pull out bed, a full kitchen, and a fantastic view of the street.

WHERE TO EAT IN YAZOO CITY

YAZOO DONUTS

Breakfast isn’t included at the Main Street Hotel, but only steps away you’ll find plenty to eat.

Down just a couple of blocks, you’ll find Yazoo Doughnuts. The perfect breakfast stop.

Along with fabulous doughnuts, the menu offers breakfast sandwiches, pigs in a blanket, croissants, and more.

They have an excellent selection of delicious donuts. We ordered a selection of donuts plus a cinnamon roll to share and we were not disappointed. Also, the coffee will cure your caffeine craving.

UBONS BBQ

Lunch at Ubons BBQ is an absolute MUST! Ubons is the home of the BBQ Princess, Leslie Roark Scott, who carries on her family’s longstanding tradition of cooking up great BBQ for the world.

I sat down with Leslie and enjoyed lunch while she shared stories of bbq, competitions, the restaurant industry, and the struggles of staying afloat during the time of Covid. 

In 1992 Leslie was the first female to win a Memphis in May sanctioned Grand Championship. Since then Ubons has been conquering any number of competitions including the Jack Daniels World Championship and the Best of the Best.

They have also been invited to numerous festivals around the country including NYC’s BBQ Block Park, Chicago’s Windy City Smoke Out and St. Louis’ Que in the Lou.

In addition, you might have been fortunate to see them on BBQ Pitmaster, Smoked, Chopped Drillmasters and Chopped Impossible.

You will be so glad you stopped by for lunch. Order up a meat combo plate with some collard greens, baked beans, and fried squash.

Try their comeback sauce–seriously, I’m pretty sure comeback sauce is just a southern thing that I wish would make its way north.

Currently, you’ll need to call in your order or place an order at the walk up window to get it to go. There are a couple picnic tables out front you can sit at as well.

P’Reaux’s Mudbugs & Shrimp

Continue to soak up the quirkiness of Yazoo City by enjoying dinner at P’Reaux’s Mudbugs & Shrimp. Sink your teeth into true Mississippi cuisine at this unsuspecting restaurant.

Grilled oysters, boudan balls, crab, shrimp, catfish, burgers, steaks, and so much more. We threw down on crawfish kickers, fried okra, fried green tomatoes, bbq shrimp and smashed red potatoes and I didn’t have one ounce of guilt. 

See if you can grab a seat in the cool old school bus located out back. 

The restaurant is an easy and safe walk from Main Street Hotel. 

Things To Do In Yazoo City

GLENWOOD CEMETERY & THE WITCH OF YAZOO

One of the best things to do in Yazoo City is a visit to Glenwood Cemetery. This cemetery is on the top 40 list of places to stop along the Mississippi Delta.

Famous local author, Willie Morris, wrote a book claiming that the witch who burned Yazoo down in 1904 was buried in this cemetery.

The legend of the Witch of Yazoo goes like this:

“According to the legend, the old woman lived on the Yazoo River, and was caught torturing fishermen who she lured in off the river.  

The sheriff is said to have chased her through the swamps where she was half drowned in quicksand by the time the sheriff caught up with her.  

As she was sinking, she swore her revenge on Yazoo City and on the town’s people.  

“In 20 years, I will return and burn this town to the ground!”  

No one thought much of it at the time.  Then came May 25, 1904…

The Fire of 1904 destroyed over 200 residences and nearly every business in Yazoo City – 324 buildings in total.  

Many theories evolved as to how the fire started, but none were conclusive.

The most popular theory is that the fire started in the parlor of a young Miss Wise who was in preparation for her wedding to be held later that day.  

While this is quite possible and certainly innocent enough, it is the strange and fierce winds that were blowing on that fateful day, unusual for the time, that lead many to blame the witch.  

The flames were said by witnesses to have jumped through the air, as if driven by some supernaturally forceful winds. This is one of the eeriest facts of the story.

Area weather reports from May 25, 1904, make no mention of high winds in the area.

A group of citizens made their way into Glenwood on the day after the fire, and found the large chains around the grave of the witch broken in two.”–VisitYazoo.org

Visit the eerie, broken grave marker, surrounded by heavy chain just as it was described in Willie’s book. It’s been said that the heavy chains surrounding the grave are constantly being repaired, only to fall apart again shortly after without any explanation. 

I find the story both fascinating and sad. I’d love to know the witch’s side of the story. My guess, it might be a lot different that the account given by the sheriff.

However, the witch’s story is lost to death and time, but she did leave Yazoo City with an epic legend that is well worth exploring.

Be sure to stop by Willie Morris’ grave just a few steps away 

BOUTIQUE SHOPPING

Browse the colorful downtown boutiques and gift shops to find everything from the latest fashion trends to antiques and home decor. You could spend a couple hours looking around the stores. If you only have time for a couple I highly recommend stopping in at The Downtown Market, Junkyard Dog Salvage Company and Good Hope.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Nearby you’ll find the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge which has thousands of acres for recreational use by birders, hikers, hunters, and fisherman.

HISTORIC BELL ROAD

Because I’m ALWAYS on the hunt for the interesting and the weird I have to share this little gem with you:

“Once a Native American trail, this sunken roadway later served ox-drawn carts.  The road, still in use today, is so narrow that only one vehicle can pass through at a time.  At one time, a bell was located at both ends to warn that someone was entering… and so it became known as Bell Road.” —VisitYazoo

BLUE FRONT CAFE

Not too far away in Bentonia is the Blue Front Cafe. An authentic Mississippi Delta “juke joint” where the world-famous Bentonia Blues was born and where you can still hear it today.

Opened in 1948 it’s considered the oldest ACTIVE juke joint in Mississippi. 

Rolling up to the Blue Front Cafe you’ll find a small aged white and blue building settled in next to an old cotton gin that is now a music venue.

Out front, shirts hanging from the porch overhang are covered in plastic that blow in the gentle breeze and some locals sit in the shade watching life unfold along a dusty road and trains go by in this tiny piece of the Delta. 

Inside Blue Front you can find everything from a hot lunch to cleaning supplies for home. Just like in the old days the juke joint provides anything a local might need but has the added bonus of some of the best blues music in the Delta. 

The day we visited we were able to meet the owner, the one and only Jimmy “Duck” Holmes. He is one of the most celebrated rural blues musicians performing today and is known as the last of the Bentonia bluesmen.

Meeting him was an honor, but then he invited us to sit down and played us some blues music (swoon).

I could have left the Mississippi Delta then and there and the trip would be one for the memory books.

What an incredible treat to have a private concert with Jimmy “Duck” Holmes.

If you’re a music lover you know exactly what I’m talking about. Music will always have the ability to speak to my soul and the Bentonia blues did not disappoint.

UPCOMING EVENTS: BENTONIA BLUES FESTIVAL

You can have this same experience and so much more if you visit during the Bentonia Blue Festival, usually held each June.

The festival started as a small event in 1972 at the Holmes family farm until it moved to downtown Bentonia in 2006. Since then, the festival has grown from an audience of a couple hundred to ten thousand, so the festival was moved back to the farm to accommodate all the visitors. 

The festival attracts blues performers and fans from around the world. 

Oh, and here’s a fun little fact. Jimmy (can we be on first name basis or is that too forward?) made a cameo appearance in Keith Richards’ new video Hate It When You Leave (he’s a 4:14).

YAZOO CITY FAQ’s

WHERE IS YAZOO CITY LOCATED?

Yazoo City is located in the Mississippi Delta about 50 minutes north of Jackson, MS and about 3 hours south of Memphis, TN.

Here are some estimated drive times from the surrounding area:

Yazoo City, MS to Jackson, MS: 50 minutes

Yazoo City, MS to Cleveland, MS: 1 1/2 hours

Yazoo City, MS to Clarksdale, MS: 2 hours

Yazoo City, MS to Natchez, MS: 2 1/2 hours

Yazoo City, MS to Baton Rouge, LA: 3 1/2 hours

Yazoo City, MS to Birmingham, AL: 4 1/2 hours

WHAT IS YAZOO CITY FAMOUS FOR?

It is home of the Bentonian Blues and Jimmy “Duck” Holmes

When you find yourself in the Mississippi Delta don’t miss the chance to visit the City of Yazoo; a friendly, quirky kind of place. 

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