Following the Blues Trail
Mississippi’s rhythm runs through juke joints, river towns, and open roads, where every note reflects the roots of American blues.
Since it's creation, the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale has preserved, interpreted, and encouraged a deep interest in the story of the Blues. Established in 1979 by the Carnegie Library Board of Trustees and re-organized as a stand-alone museum in 1999, the Delta Blues Museum is the state's oldest music museum.
The Elvis Presley Birthplace is a historical site and museum in Tupelo, Mississippi, dedicated to the preservation of the birthplace of the King. The site has become a popular tourist attraction among music-lovers from around the globe. Tour the shotgun house where Elvis was born, attend a church service in the chapel where he sang gospel, and pick up a souveneir from the on-site gift shop.
Co-owned by Morgan Freeman, the Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi, is a popular bar and restaurant, with live music and good ole' southern eats celebrating the region's rich blues heritage.
Advertisement
Jackson, the City with Soul, has been Mississippi's state capital since 1821. From the Civil War to its modern urban renaissance, Jackson's story is uniquely Southern and entirely American. Feed your soul at Jackson's iconic restaurants, catch live music, and tour the world class Mississippi History and Civil Rights museums.
Located in the foothills of Northeast Mississippi, Tupelo is the epicenter of America’s music where in 1935 the world’s greatest entertainer was born in a two-room shotgun shack. Visitors can experience the first part of Elvis Presley's story at his Birthplace, visit the hardware store where he bought his first guitar, and eat at his favorite Johnnie’s Drive-In. Picturesque downtown Tupelo offers unique shops, art galleries, and great southern cuisine.
The Gateway to the Blues Museum and Visitors Center on Highway 61 is the best first stop on a journey through the Delta. This rustic train depot, circa 1895, is a must-see attraction for all music lovers. The museum tells the remarkable story of how The Blues was born and the role Tunica played in building the genre’s legacy.
The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center tells the story of King’s life, his career, and stories of the Delta—its history and music, social mores and race relations, literature and legends, adversities and successes. You’ll find it in B.B.’s hometown of Indianola, which sits squarely in the middle of the Mississippi Delta, the land that gave birth to American music.
The state-of-the-art GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, the only other GRAMMY Museum outside of Los Angeles, covers all genres of music and tells the story of the GRAMMY award and its winning artists through interactive exhibits.
Built as the Armour Smokehouse in 1906, this legendary Jackson landmark is an icon of Mississippi's rich heritage. Featuring an on site music museum, gift shop with Mississippi-made products, and live music, this restaurant in downtown Jackson is like no other.
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi is where fun meets relaxation. You can enjoy top-notch gaming, dine at great restaurants, and unwind in stylish rooms. The beachfront location is a big plus, letting you enjoy the Gulf Coast views while having plenty of entertainment options right at your fingertips. It's a solid pick if you're looking for a lively yet laid-back getaway.
Checking out the Lyric Theatre in Tupelo is a chance to experience live performances in a historic venue that exudes charm. This beautifully restored theater hosts a variety of events, from concerts to community productions, showcasing local talent and diverse genres. The intimate setting enhances every performance, making it easy to feel connected to the artists. Enjoy a night out in downtown Tupelo and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene that the Lyric Theatre has to offer.