In the heart of the Mississippi Delta is the legendary town of Clarksdale, Mississippi. Just 75 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee, Clarksdale sits where highways 61 and 49 intersect at the fabled crossroads. Clarksdale welcomes travelers to spend some time and experience the fun and funky, the music and myths and the heroes and history that are part of life in this authentic, unvarnished jewel of the Delta. They will also find a mouth-watering mix of Southern food and an eclectic collection of lodging options.
Clarksdale is about as close as you can get to the birthplace of the Blues and a visit here comes with a one-of-a-kind soundtrack. Those who love any genre of music will appreciate the Blues influence that shaped artists across the country and around the world. This is home to the legendary crossroads where influential bluesman Robert Johnson is said to have sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his fame.
This town is steeped in deep Delta culture and history. And many of the region’s stories and legends have roots here. This was once home to W.C. Handy, Muddy Waters, Son House, Ike Turner, Little Junior Parker and many others. Their amazing stories are still being told, and their music plays on as Clarksdale boasts live music seven nights a week. Full weekly “Sounds Around Town” calendar can be found at visitclarksdale.com. Whether at a downhome juke joint or a street corner stage, the Blues plays on. The world-famous Delta Blues Museum showcases the importance and influence of this uniquely African American genre. The modest museum is filled with memorabilia, photography and even the cabin from Stovall Farms where Muddy Waters lived.
There are other intriguing stories here, too. Clarksdale is the childhood home of one of America’s most-performed playwrights, Tom “Tennessee” Williams. This locale and its people became central to some of his most famous works. Today his story is told in the Tennessee Williams Rectory Museum and during an annual literary festival that bears his name.
Of course, food is a big part of the story here. There are Delta hot tamales and Southern soul food, for sure. There are also a surprising number of ethnic and specialty restaurants. Roadside barbeque joints, downtown cafes and off-the-beaten-path local favorites are all part of the food scene here. In addition to the old-school restaurants, Clarksdale also boasts a tasty array of newer offerings — from locally roasted coffee to gourmet burgers and fine dining.
All this is set amid the wide-open landscapes and waterways of the Delta. So of course, there’s outdoor entertainment, too. From paddling the Sunflower River and enjoying Moon Lake, with its landing and overlook, to taking a guided excursion on the mighty Mississippi in a handmade wooden canoe, visitors can kick back, relax and experience the Delta like a local.
Clarksdale and Coahoma County are also home to a surprising collection of lodging options. From brand-name to boutique hotels, from downtown lofts to artsy apartments, from B&B’s to Mississippi’s first hostel, there really is something for everyone. Nearby Delta shacks offer blues travelers a truly unique, rural experience.
Visit Clarksdale’s historic downtown, and you’ll find dozens of signs and markers highlighting the people and places that made history here. You’ll also find an eclectic downtown shopping experience. Within just a few streets, there is cool clothing, local art, vintage guitars, custom harmonicas, vinyl records, Southern books, seasonal plants, Mississippi pottery and more — the perfect souvenirs from a perfect trip.
A bit edgy, a bit nostalgic, Clarksdale combines the gritty character of a small Delta town and the warm welcome of a Southern Sunday gathering. With its music, history, outdoor recreation and more, Clarksdale is the heart of the Delta and the soul of the Blues. It is the perfect spot to begin any visit to the amazing Mississippi Delta.
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