CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI–FEBRUARY 2026–For more than 150 years, Coahoma County has been home to vibrant Black communities that have been central to the development of the Delta. They played key roles in the farms that were the engine for region’s the economy, in transforming the music that created Clarksdale’s lore as “ground zero” for the Blues and in the Civil Rights Movement that changed America.

Clarksdale, Mississippi, is in Coahoma County, 70 miles south of Memphis, near the northwest border with Arkansas. This is where U.S. Highway 61 and U.S. Highway 49 intersect and for generations it’s been where cultures meld and traditions are formed.

With a well-documented history of its difficult race relations, Clarksdale’s stories mirror those found throughout the Delta. But what was once a segregated community changed due to local heroes’ efforts to win equality and justice so many years ago. Many leaders in the Civil Rights Movement here were only teens when they stood up for equality. Others were business owners who could not be fired for their activism and used their position to help so many others have a voice.

There are dozens of sites here, some home to thriving businesses, educational venues or gathering places, some noted merely by a marker, that tell the stories of important moments in the Civil Rights Movement. Others celebrate the region’s culture and music, both such integral parts of African American history in this region.

Civil Rights

The site of Vera Mae Pigee’s Beauty Salon (407 Ashton Street, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614), which burned down several years ago, holds an important place in Civil Rights history here. This was a successful business as well as a safe space for Civil Rights activities, organizing, and shelter, and is where members of SNCC and NAACP met and taught literacy classes in an effort to increase African American voter registration. 

The 4th Street Drug Store (213 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614) was owned by prominent NAACP leader Dr. Aaron Henry. He conducted voter registration activities and led boycotts of downtown merchants in the early 1960s. He was arrested and his home and pharmacy were firebombed. Today, the site is also home to a Mississippi Freedom Trail marker for Dr. Aaron Henry.

The Woolworth’s building (Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614) is a National Register of Historic Places site were a 27-stool lunch counter was the site of anti-segregation demonstrations in the 1960s.

Culture

Since its opening in 1944 the Riverside Hotel (615 Sunflower Avenue, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-627-3794) was known as a safe haven for African Americans. On the hotel grounds, 2025 saw the grand opening of the Riverside Hotel Interpretive Center–the Living Blues and Civil Rights Museum, which tells the many stories of the hotel’s role for 27 years as the Clarksdale Colored Hospital. It was also known as a safe place for traveling Black musicians to stay, when it opened as a hotel. The Riverside Hotel was the only Clarksdale hotel ever listed in “The Green Book,” a travel guide for African American motorists, published from 1936 to 1966. In 2023 it was added to the African American Civil Rights Network because of its role during segregation. It is now one of only 70 sites in the country with that designation. Some of the most famous musicians in history, such as Sonny Boy Williamson II, Ike Turner, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters and Sam Cooke frequented the hotel as they toured, performing in juke joints throughout the South.

The Delta Blues Museum (#1 Blues Alley, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-627-6820) is internationally acclaimed as a showcase of the history and significance of the Blues in this region. It is filled with memorabilia, photographs, recordings and more, telling the stories of Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Charlie Musselwhite and other legends. 

Crossroads Cultural Arts Center (332 Delta Avenue, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-483-1294) is designed as a space for learning about local history, storytelling through music and the visual arts. Its walls are covered with original work from local artists and intimate seating spaces allow visitors to enjoy the music performed on its small stage.

Music

Black churches have long been home to worship through song. They still represent a thriving part of the spiritual community here. There were many congregations throughout the county that hosted meetings, programs and Civil Rights events, including visits from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and they are still open for worship today, with gospel music filling their halls. 

The Blues, both traditional tunes and modern interpretations by creative new artists, can be heard most any night of the week here.

Red’s Blues Club (398 Sunflower Avenue, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-627-3166) is located in the former LaVene Music Center building and is internationally celebrated as one of the oldest juke joints still in operation. It has a decades-old history of booking Black musicians that dates back to the Chitlin’ Circuit and beyond.

Ground Zero Blues Club (387 Delta Avenue, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-621-9009) carries the name synonymous with Clarksdale’s place in the Blues world and carries on its rich traditions. Local and regional acts take to the stage every week.

If you go

Clarksdale is home to one-of-a-kind lodging options that will add to any Delta experience. Boutique downtown hotels, historic motels and rural farm shacks are all options here. And of course, the food of Coahoma County is legendary. The aromas, tastes and traditions found in area restaurants are clear signs that the influence of the Black communities of the Delta is still a part of the fabric of life here. Try these Coahoma County favorites:

Abe’s Bar-B-Q (616 North State Street, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-624-9947) is famous for its location as well as its food. It sits at the intersection of Highways 61 and 49, the legendary crossroads, and serves up legendary barbecue and hot tamales.

Our Grandma’s House of Pancakes (115 Third Street Clarksdale Mississippi 38614; 662-592-5290) is a local favorite for its breakfast specialties as well as juicy burgers and Southern favorites.

Blu Cotton Bake Shop (301 Issaquena Avenue, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-483-1637) serves up breakfast and lunch and is no ordinary bakery. It is also a popular art and music gallery.

At Josie’s (220 Yazoo Avenue, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614), a popular bar and grill, the catfish is a favorite but there are plenty more tasty dishes from which to choose.

Outside of town, Kenoy’s (4125 Friars Point Road, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-624-9030) is a legendary burger joint, famous for a two-fisted burger and fried pork chop sandwich. (They also offer banner and t-shirt printing.) And another Delta favorite, The Matchbox (311 Delta Avenue, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614; 662-624-7036) is known as a lively music venue with great food and good vibes.

The post Mississippi Delta Culture and African American History appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.

ABINGDON, VIRGINIA–DECEMBER 2025–Southwest Virginia spans 19 counties and is filled with diverse landscapes known for outdoor adventure, welcoming cities and towns with unique personalities and a passion for celebrating regional culture and traditions. Nowhere is that passion more evident than throughout Round the Mountain, Southwest Virginia’s premier artisan network. The program is celebrating its 20-year anniversary in 2025 and since its founding, has been dedicated to showcasing and supporting the region’s rich heritage of craftsmanship.

Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace (1 Heartwood Circle, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-492-2400) is the “home” of Round the Mountain and serves as a gateway to Southwest Virginia. With its exhibits promoting the region’s distinctive heritage, great outdoor recreation and scenic beauty and galleries showcasing the best in crafts and art from Southwest Virginia’s artisan network, it offers the perfect introduction to the region. From here, there are numerous other spots showcasing local craft and culture, and many have become centers for activities in their small communities. The small town of Floyd is just one example. The Floyd Country Store (206 South Locust Street, Floyd, Virginia 24091; 540-745-4563) is a restaurant and music venue filled with arts, crafts, preserves, soaps, lotions, music and books made by locals. This is also home to the Handmade Music School, dedicated to teaching old time, bluegrass and traditional music and dances from throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nearby, Bell Gallery & Garden (112 North Locust Street, Floyd, Virginia 24091; 540-745-4494) features the work of nearly 100 talented local and regional artists and craftspeople. That work includes pottery, baskets, jewelry, woodworking, leatherwork, weaving, blown glass and more. 

Burke’s Garden Artisan Guild (7154 Burkes Garden Road, Tazewell, Virginia 24651) is a hub of creativity in the small Tazewell County town dubbed “God’s Thumbprint” because of its bowl-shaped valley that offers breathtaking views. The guild’s gallery is filled with handmade quilts, paintings, woodworks and more, all made by local regional craftspeople. In Grayson County, The Treasury (1908 Courthouse, Independence, Virginia 24348; 276-773-3711) is filled with hand-crafted gifts and a fine art and craft gallery in a unique setting. There are traditional and contemporary works including pottery, woodwork, baskets, quilts, original paintings and books.

Many Southwest Virginia spots have been named as favorites by the writers and readers of “Travel & Leisure” this year. The 2025 lists of Best Small Towns in Virginia and Best Getaways include:

Damascus, known as a trail town because of its location on both the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Appalachian Trail, has a charming, walkable downtown, complete with an art trail, a mix of retail shops and the Damascus Trail Center (209 West Laurel Avenue, Damascus Virginia 24236; 276-323-3046) which serves as a regional hub for outdoor recreation, offering visitors information about the wide range of natural resources in the region. This is also home to the world’s largest celebration of the AT, Appalachian Trail Days, held each Mother’s Day weekend. The event combines a reunion of thru hikers with music, artisan vendor displays, hiking gear demos and a slate of activities.

Abingdon is surrounded by mountains, entrenched in history and filled with creative arts venues, but this picturesque revolutionary-era downtown is perhaps best known as a culinary destination. More than 30 locally owned restaurants bring flavor, atmosphere and creative culinary flair to any visit. The Tavern (222 East Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-628-1118), is in one of Abingdon’s oldest buildings, built in 1779, and the atmosphere, both inside and on the courtyard, is unique. The diverse menu is complemented by an extensive beer and wine list and full bar. Rain (283 East Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-739-2331) is a local favorite that has an inventive menu and artsy atmosphere. From soups, seafood and steaks to distinctive drinks and desserts, the choices are creative and yummy. Foresta (190 East Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-206-8490) offers an ethereal atmosphere with its ever-changing Italian/Mediterranean menu. 

Wytheville, the only town in the world with its name, is truly one of a kind. Its classic downtown area is full of gems, including unique lodging, dining and entertainment options. Wytheville is known for its homegrown attractions. One-of-a-kind stops here include Big Walker Lookout (8711 Stoney Fork Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-663-4016), the oldest and highest private attraction in Virginia. It sits at an elevation of 3,405 feet and offers a spectacular view of the Appalachian Mountains and Virginia farmlands. Beagle Ridge Herb Farm (1934 Matney Flats Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-621-4511) is Southwest Virginia’s premier lavender farm, featuring 14 themed display gardens and the Flying Flowers butterfly house. The Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre (170 Malin Drive, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-0891) is a 200-seat German-themed venue which presents outstanding Broadway style professional musical productions. Before each performance a four course, themed, plated meal is served.

Meadows of Dan, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is known for its charming rural character. One of the parkway’s most photographed places, the historic Mabry Mill (Milepost 176, 266 Mabry Mill Road SE, Meadows of Dan, Virginia 24120), is just up the road and offers beautiful scenery in every season. The small community includes a host of specialty shops and it is said that musical performances sometimes just spring up in unexpected spots around town. This is also home to Primland (2000 Busted Rock Road, Meadows of Dan, Virginia 24120; 855-876-6593), an upscale resort popular with golfers, families and travelers who enjoy curated experiences, from outdoor adventures to food and wine events.

Bristol is known as the birthplace of country music and is home to the popular Birthplace of Country Music Museum (101 Country Music Way, Bristol, Virginia 24201; 423-573-1927). The 24,000-square-foot Smithsonian-affiliated museum documents the famous 1927 Bristol Sessions and highlights how this rich musical heritage still thrives in the Appalachian region and beyond, through multiple theater experiences, interactive displays and stationary exhibits. Its downtown is Bristol’s shining star. It features an Arts and Entertainment District, Shopping District and a historic downtown walking tour.

There is a diverse collection of music attractions across the region. Significant stories and amazing experiences can be found at out-of-the-way venues like these: 

Country music is celebrated and music royalty is remembered at the Carter Family Fold (3449 A P Carter Highway, Hiltons, Virginia 24258). Every Saturday evening from February to November, performers take the stage at the unassuming Carter Family Memorial Music Center, where the first family of country music came of age and the legendary Johnny Cash held his final live performance.

Dr. Ralph Stanley is known for his distinctive style of singing and banjo playing. Stanley and his brother, Carter, began performing as the Clinch Mountain Boys in 1945, and later as The Stanley Brothers. His Dickenson County roots and primitive Baptist upbringing are chronicled in the Ralph Stanley Museum (249 Main Street, Clintwood, Virginia 24228; 276-926-8550). Exhibits depict his life, from his musical beginnings playing what he referred to as “mountain music” to his Grammy Award-winning performance in the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” 

The Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts (203 North Church Street, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-706-4010) is fulfilling a mission to preserve, promote and provide learning experiences rooted in the culture and heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Letterpress, painting, pottery classes and many others range from beginner classes for four or more to once-in-a-lifetime workshops with instruction from world-renowned luthier Wayne Henderson.

The post Accolades, Anniversaries and Music Royalty Across Southwest Virginia appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.

WOODSTOCK, GEORGIA—FEBRUARY 2026—Located only 30 minutes northwest of Atlanta, Woodstock offers a vibrant arts scene with music as one of its highlights. On any day of the week, visitors will discover live music at the city’s many performance venues, restaurants and brewery stages. Festivals and musical events occur year-round as well. Come for the vibrant downtown full of boutique shopping, culinary delights, outdoor adventure and other artistic attractions, but don’t miss the exciting music scene that is Woodstock. 

Year-round music and performing art venues

There are numerous music and performance venues to choose from in Woodstock, so there’s constantly something for everyone. For instance, MadLife Stage & Studios brings in live music from local musicians to national touring artists every night of the week—plus some comedy shows too. The venue includes a full restaurant and bar, outdoor patio and a separate indoor music room. And, as the name suggests, recording artists come here to tape their latest creations, which means you’ll never know who might show up in downtown Woodstock.

Pure Taqueria hosts DJ Nights every weekend on their rooftop bar, making it a great venue for dancing under the stars while overlooking the night lights of downtown Woodstock. Almost every weekend, visitors will discover live music—not to mention craft brews—under the city’s landmark elm tree in Reformation Brewery’s expansive backyard.

For a more mellow vibe, Wine Down Wednesdays at Adair Park always features a local singer-songwriter performing on the terrace.

Recurring annual musical events

Woodstock, like most of the Atlanta metropolitan area, enjoys a mild climate. Even at the apex of summer, nights at this elevation can be comfortable and relaxing. So naturally, outdoor music spaces are a must.

The Woodstock Summer Concert Series welcomes a diverse variety of performers each summer, from iconic original artists to energetic tribute acts. The free amphitheater concerts under the summer stars occur every second Saturday from May through September. Parking is available nearby, but free shuttles also run to and from the event from three locations. 

The 2026 concert season promises an extraordinary mix of iconic anthems, award-winning artists and crowd-pleasing tributes set against the heart of downtown Woodstock. On Saturday, May 9th, Black Jacket Symphony returns to the Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater to open the 2026 season presenting Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet and other hits. On June 13th, Grammy, ACM, CMA and CMT award-winning country star Carly Pearce takes the stage to share her authentic storytelling and powerhouse vocals. At the third concert in the series on July 11th, legendary R&B and funk powerhouse Midnight Star will captivate downtown Woodstock with their signature blend of infectious grooves and soulful melodies. On August 8th, the Pop 2000 Tour with Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC, O-Town and LFO will bring you right back to the early 2000s. For the final show of the season on September 12th, electrifying Elton John and Billy Joel tribute band Face 2 Face will pay homage to the two iconic piano legends. For more information on these shows, click here. 

Another outdoor venue in downtown Woodstock is the Woodstock Arts Event Green, a place to witness outstanding arts performances in a variety of genres, including the organization’s Lantern Series, which consists of different genres, backgrounds and ideologies in hopes of bringing the community together to find a literal and figurative common ground. The organization also engages an extensive theatre program that includes musical theater. 

If you go

Come for the live music and stay to experience the rest of what Woodstock has to offer. Woodstock offers a variety of lodging options, spectacular dining experiences, shopping and more. For information on annual events and year-round happenings such as walking tours, seasonal markets, festivals, concerts and more, visit VisitWoodstockGA.com/events/ or make a stop at the Woodstock Visitors Center at Dean’s Store (Woodstock Visitors Center at Dean’s Store, 8588 Main Street, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 770-924-0406) located in the heart of downtown Woodstock.

The post Woodstock, Georgia: A Cultural City Where Music Thrives appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.

NORTH ALABAMA–MAY 2024–Spanning the state’s 16 northernmost counties, North Alabama’s history and culture are a part of the region’s current identity in a multitude of ways. Its world-class bass fishing and award-winning barbecue are just two examples. These successes have grown from an ongoing respect and willingness to share generations-old traditions. The stories of its people live on, too. Places like Ivy Green, the Helen Keller Birthplace (300 North Commons West, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-383-4066) and the Jesse Owens Museum (7019 County Road 203, Danville, Alabama 35619; 256-974-3636) tell those stories of perseverance and inspiration. 

Perhaps none of the stories here is more pervasive and enduring than that of music. The first of those intertwined music and the Tennessee River, which winds its way across this region. While it provides the foundation for much of the recreational and economic activity here, it is also known as an inspirational force. Legend suggests that the Native American Yuchie Tribe in the region called the Tennessee River “the singing river” because the flowing waters sounded like a woman singing. The story grew to claim that a woman lived in the river and sang songs that protected her people. In the late 1830s, a young teenage Yuchi girl named Te-lah-nay was living near the river and was one of many Native Americans removed from the region. After being forced to walk to Oklahoma, she listened and heard no singing in the waters there. Convinced she would die if she stayed, she escaped and spent five years walking back to Alabama. Her story is immortalized by Tom’s Wall (13890 Lauderdale County 8, Florence, Alabama 35633; 256-764-3617), built by her great, great grandson Tom Hendrix. It consists of 8,000 pounds of stone, is the largest un-mortared rock wall in the United States and the largest memorial to a Native American woman. Each stone represents one step of her journey. 

Perhaps it is the enduring spirit of Te-lah-nay that inspired the music that followed here and continues to be such a vital part of the region’s legacy today. 

In 1959, FAME Recording Studio (603 Avalon Avenue, Muscle Shoals, Alabama 35661; 256-381-0801) was established and became the first successful, professional recording studio in Alabama. When Arthur Alexander’s 1961 hit, “You Better Move On,” was recorded, it launched the famous Muscle Shoals sound. That sound was a result of the collaborations of local studio musicians who became known as The Swampers, who were later immortalized in the Lynyrd Skynyrd hit, “Sweet Home Alabama.” Those musicians opened a studio of their own, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio (3614 Jackson Highway Sheffield, Alabama 35660; 256-978-5151), where even more hits where recorded. Famously, Cher’s album, 3614 Jackson Highway, depicted the studio on its cover.

Famous bands and singers, including Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, the Osmonds, Mac Davis, Duane Allman, Rolling Stones, Bob Segar, Paul Simon and many, many more, came to Muscle Shoals to record hit songs at these studios. As a result, Muscle Shoals became known as “The Hit Recording Capital of the World.” Both continue to operate as working studios, as well as being popular tourist attractions, offering tours of the restored facilities.

The internationally acclaimed documentary, Muscle Shoals, was released in 2013, told the story of FAME and its founder, Rick Hall, and featured segments with many local musicians and internationally recognized recording artists. The film’s success spurred an interest in the music history of the region among a new generation of music lovers.

North Alabama music attractions 

Alabama Music Hall of Fame (617 Highway 72 West Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-381-4417) chronicles the outstanding achievements and the music of Alabamians. “Father of the Blues” W.C. Handy, “Father of Rock and Roll” Sam Phillips, Jason Isbell and Percy Sledge (“When a Man Loves a Woman”), all Shoals natives, are among the prestigious inductees. The vast collection of memorabilia from the lives and careers of more than 1,000 stars, representing all styles of America’s music, is on display.

W. C. Handy Birthplace, Museum & Library (620 West College Street, Florence, Alabama 35630; 256-275-3128) contains the most complete collection in the world of the personal papers and artifacts of the “Father of the Blues.” Handy was born in the simple log cabin in 1873 and the hand-hewn logs seen today are original to the structure.

Unique live music venues

Live music is still a big part of life throughout the Shoals area and can be found nearly every night of the week in area venues. Some of the unique venues throughout North Alabama include:

Rattlesnake Saloon (1292 Mt. Mills Road, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-370-7220) This old-fashioned saloon is built into the shelf of a rock outcropping. With swinging doors and a large porch, the unique venue hosts live music on weekends and serves sandwiches, wings and more.

The 8,000-seat Orion Amphitheater (701 Amphitheater Drive NW, Huntsville, Alabama 35806; 256- 964-9556) is an exceptional regional entertainment venue and was featured on Billboard’s global Top Music Venues 2024 list. Festivals events past performances 

Looney Tavern Entertainment and Cultural Center (22400 US-278 Double Springs, Alabama 35553; 205-489-6569) includes a 1500-seat outdoor amphitheater and a 300-seat indoor theater where a variety of shows and concerts are held year round. The indoor venue, the Dual Destiny Theater, is the stage for events ranging from Bluegrass concerts to murder mystery dinner theatre to holiday music festivals.

The performance line up at the Princess Theatre (112 2nd. Avenue NE, Decatur, Alabama 35601; 256-350-1745) includes touring Broadway musicals and concerts on national tours as well as local performing groups, from children’s theater and choral concerts to plays and musicals. The 677-seat art deco setting offers a one-of-a-kind environment for entertainment.

The post They Say There’s Music in the Water appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.