A 3-Day Itinerary for Mississippi: Blues, Food, and History

MISSISSIPPI DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 – Diverse art in Desoto County

The largest importer and grower of bonsai in the United States can be found just a 20 minute drive South from downtown Memphis. Brussel’s Bonsai Nursery, located in Desoto County, Mississippi, contains over 175,000 square feet of greenhouse space dedicated to bonsai. At your first stop in Mississippi, learn about the art of selecting, growing, and nurturing bonsai.

Next, drive to Hernando and explore the Blues Markers along the Mississippi Blues Trail. Take your time soaking in the rich musical history dedicated to artists like Gus Cannon, Jim Jackson, Robert Wilkins, Big Walter Horton, The Dickinson Family, Memphis Minnie, and Mississippi Joe Callicott.

Indulge in authentic southern barbecue at Memphis Barbecue in Desoto County. Your tastebuds will discover exactly why they’ve won over 10 World Championship Barbecue competitions.

After lunch, be sure to make a stop at Gateway to the Blues Museum in Tunica. Immerse yourself in the history of blues music and take the opportunity to record your own blues song with the museum’s interactive exhibits.

Taste the culinary culture of the American South for dinner at the iconic Hollywood Café. Don’t forget to try their deep-fried dill pickles.

Overnight in Tunica at one of the casino hotels and spend your evening trying your luck at the several gaming options available.

The Crossroads in MS

Day 2 – Highway 61 the Blues Highway

Rivaling Route 66 as the most famous road in America, hop on Highway 61, widely known as the Blues Highway and head towards Clarksdale. Explore the world-famous Delta Blues Museum and exhibits showcasing the historical impact of blues music. This museum even features a wax figure of Muddy Waters alongside the Muddywood guitar.

Groups looking for the “real deal” can find local Mississippi musicians carrying on the legacy of Delta Blues at both the Ground Zero Blues Club and Red’s Lounge, local juke joints known for their live authentic blues music.

Make time for a stop at the iconic Crossroads sign, symbolizing the legendary intersection where Robert Johnson allegedly sold his soul to the devil in exchange for musical talent. Then, follow Highway 49 to Greenwood and explore the 10 Mississippi Blues Trail Markers. Observe the most-visited final resting place of mysterious blues legend Robert Johnson at Little Zion Church.

Made famous by Bobbie Gentry and her “Ode to Billy Joe,” the Tallahatchie River Bridge is a must-visit landmark when visiting Mississippi. Dive into the significant history of the bridge and the mysterious tragedy that drove Gentry to write and record the song.

A quick 30-minute drive from the bridge lies Club Ebony. Located in Indianola, this historic venue has showcased several talented musicians including B.B. King. After purchasing the club in 2008, King transferred ownership to the B.B. King Museum to ensure the club’s preservation. Grab a bite to eat at Club Ebony and follow up by visiting the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, a perfect destination for groups to experience the rich cultural heritage found in Mississippi.

Journey back to Greenwood where groups can enroll in a cooking class with Viking Cooking School. Learn how to prepare southern specialties found throughout Mississippi and dishes featured in the hit movie, “The Help.”

Enjoy dinner in Greenwood at Crystal Grill and try their “Mile High Meringue” before settling in for the night.

Day 3 – Must-See Attractions in Cleveland and Vicksburg

Visit the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, the first Grammy Museum allowed outside of Los Angeles. Exhibits pay tribute to the state’s Grammy nominated artists, songwriters, and award winners.

Although no one knows the precise origins of blues music, many consider the home of Charley Patton the place where Delta Blues was born. A former 25,600-acre cotton plantation, Dockery Farms welcomes groups to visit the property and observe the several original structures still remaining. This historical site is a must-see attraction for passionate music lovers visiting Mississippi.

For lunch, dine in at Airport Grocery. You’ll be welcomed by a rustic atmosphere and delicious smells of true southern soul food. Don’t forget to taste the delta-style tamales!

Perfect for groups of all ages, take a trip back to your childhood and tour the Jim Henson Museum. Exhibits feature a tribute to the birth of Kermit the Frog and other beloved characters created by the legendary puppeteer.

Hop on Highway 61 again and travel to Vicksburg where you’ll find a noteworthy tribute to veterans of the Civil War. Featuring over 1400 monuments and memorials, the Vicksburg National Military Park honors veterans of the Siege of Vicksburg.

Be sure to make time for the Lower Mississippi River Museum. Travel groups can interact with exhibits showcasing the science behind the movement of the river, walk through an outdoor flood model, and observe fish native to the Mississippi River.

Your final stop when visiting Mississippi is where one of our nation’s most beloved beverages was first bottled. At the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, you’ll uncover the rich history as to how the savory sweet drink was first produced and packaged. Be sure to taste a crisp Coca-Cola directly from the birthplace of the beverage.

Spend your final evening at Walnut Hill, one of the South’s finest eateries. With a commitment to tradition, this place excels in old-fashioned southern cuisine and hospitality. Overnight in Vicksburg while you relax and reflect on the history and heritage of the soulful art, music and food found across the state of Mississippi.

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