If you love blues and history, there’s no better place to visit than Clarksdale. Considered the birthplace of the blues, it’s where legends like Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson strummed their first guitars and James “T-Model” Ford played the iconic Red Lounge.
In this one-day itinerary, prepare to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of blues history that has woven its way through the very fabric of this iconic town. From legendary musicians to hallowed grounds, you’ll embark on a captivating journey through the heart and soul of Clarksdale’s blues heritage.
A Morning Exploring the Mississippi Blues Trail
Before delving into blues history, grab breakfast at Bluesberry Café. Home to delicious Southern eats, you can fill up on classic dishes like eggs and biscuits or pancakes. And on Saturday and Sunday mornings, be serenaded with smooth tunes of live blues music.
After breakfast, it’s time for a self-guided walking tour of the Mississippi Blues Trail. Keep an eye out for the markers which designate the stops and provide insight into each establishment’s history. Start on Sunflower Avenue at the Riverside Hotel. This historic hotel was once a popular destination for blues musicians like B.B. King. Next, head to The Blues Crossroads, a street corner where legend says blues musician Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for fame.
Other markers to check out include the birthplace of Ike Turner, the Hopson Plantation Commissary, a former cotton plantation turned museum where you can learn about sharecropping culture and its connection to the blues, and The New World – a neighborhood that cultivated blues, ragtime and jazz music at the turn of the 20th century.
Once you’ve explored the trail, make a detour to the Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art, Inc. This fun and funky shop combines a record store, art gallery and souvenir stand. When you walk in, you’ll know this place is special, from the mismatched posters on the windows to the chaotically organized shelves of vinyl, photographs and knickknacks. Pick up a record of your favorite blues artist (or discover a new one), take home a shot glass or browse the art and books on display.
An Afternoon of Blues History
Enjoy a quick lunch at Abe’s BBQ, a casual barbecue joint with a bluesy touch that serves favorites like savory ribs and pulled pork. Or enjoy Spanish cuisine at Atzimba Mexican Restaurant – try the chile relleno with rice and beans.
Next, head to The Delta Blues Museum, the oldest music museum in Mississippi. Here, you’ll find a series of rotating and permanent exhibits celebrating musicians such as B.B. King and Big Mama Thornton. See the guitars of legends John Lee Hooker and Big Joe Williams on display. Explore the Muddy Waters exhibit, which features a portion of his former home. You’ll also find an extensive collection of blues artifacts, from musical instruments to recordings, sheet music, costumes and paintings. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, such as the “American Delta,” a look at modern Delta Blues culture through the eyes of young women and “Rhythm and Roots,” highlighting music from the Delta’s Asian, Caribbean and Indigenous American communities. Don’t skip visiting the Gift Shop, where you can pick up CDs, posters and clothing.
An Evening of Blues Beats
Round out your day with dinner and entertainment at Ground Zero Blues Club, a local favorite known for its relaxed atmosphere and graffiti-style décor. Owned by actor Morgan Freeman, this club provides an authentic blues experience with live music from the best of today’s Delta Blues musicians. The menu features mouthwatering dishes such as hot tamales, catfish BLTs and fried green tomatoes. Have a sweet tooth? Don’t skip the fried pecan pie.
After dinner, grab a drink from the bar and enjoy performances from the local talent whose roots tie back to the legends that came before, such as Kent Burnside, Lala & Element 88 and Cruz the Dame.
