10 Reasons To Drop Everything And Visit The Mississippi Delta
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Daniella DiRienzo
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Filled with amazing history, music, and food, it doesn’t get much better than the Mississippi Delta. The region of the state has so much to offer, a visit should be on everyone’s bucket list; and for Mississippi residents, the trek would make a perfect road trip. Should you decide to take our (great) advice, here are 10 places in the Delta that you’ve got to check out.
This iconic Greenville eatery first opened in 1941…as a honky tonk. Eventually, Doe’s transformed into a full time restaurant, and has since become known for its hot tamales, award-winning steaks, and southern classics.
Located near Greenville is the small town of Leland, which is home to this musically-themed museum. The Highway 61 Blues Museum is filled with photos, art, instruments, and artifacts that document the state’s contribution to the blues. This museum is definitely worth a visit and won’t break the bank - admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and kids 12 and under are free.
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A visit to this prehistoric Native American site is your chance to learn about those who inhabited the Delta long ago. Considered one of the largest and best-preserved sites in the southeastern United States, the Winterville Mounds are truly a sight to see. The 42-acre site consists of 12 mounds, two large plazas, and a museum, and the best part is that admission is free.
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Kermit the Frog has only one birthplace and its right here in Mississippi. Packed with Henson family photos, muppet memorabilia, and a human-sized Kermit, the Jim Henson Exhibit in Leland is a must for all those Muppet lovers out there. Admission to the museum is free, but donations are accepted.
Tucked away in the small town of Merigold, this family-owned pottery studio and gardens are truly hidden gems. The internationally acclaimed garden is filled with beautiful plants, trees, and flowers and features several terraces, cypress fences, and fountains. When planning a trip to this Merigold treasure, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to stroll through the gardens because there is a lot to see and you don’t want to miss any of it.
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The entire state of Mississippi may be referred to as the birthplace of the blues, but real music enthusiasts know that it all began on this very farm, which once employed several future music legends, including blues pioneer Charley Patton. Now a stop along the Blues Trail, Dockery Farms is open year-round for touring. The tour may be a short one, but it’s packed with history and free.
When it comes to things to do, this Delta town is definitely not lacking. No matter your interests, you’ll find something to pique them in Cleveland. The town is home to Delta State University, which boasts an amazing sculpture garden – one that is constantly changing thanks to new exhibits being added every couple of years. The Railroad Heritage Museum, which is free to visit, is also located in Cleveland and features a huge model train and a ton of information on the role the railroad once played in the town. Cleveland also hosts a ton of festivals and events, including Arts in the Alley, farmers markets, Missis-SIPPIN’ Saturdays, and an annual Oktoberfest. And don’t forget, the town is also the site of the newly opened GRAMMY Museum.
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Even though the city of Cleveland has already been mentioned, the Delta Meat Market is worthy of its own spot on this list. The "hometown specialty grocery store" offers locally grown produce, a full service butcher shop, and mouthwatering made-from-scratch lunches, which are served Tuesday through Saturday.
If you’re a history buff, a visit to Vicksburg is a must. One of the most historic cities in the nation, Vicksburg is home to the renowned Vicksburg National Military Park, which includes over 1,000 monuments that range in size from busts to a Pantheon replica you can walk inside. Aside from the military park, the city’s history comes to life on a daily basis through impressive architecture, the Old Courthouse Museum, and the Anchuca Mansion and Inn.
Forget traveling south of the border for good hot tamales. It turns out you only have to travel to the "most southern place on earth," the Mississippi Delta. Over the years, the culinary creation has become a staple in the region, which spurred the creation of the Mississippi Hot Tamale Trail. The culinary trail spans from Tunica to Vicksburg and includes a ton of amazing restaurants. For a map of the entire trail, click here.
Want to learn more about must-visit spots in the state? Check out “Here Are 10 Of The Oldest Towns In Mississippi… And They’re Loaded With History.”
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