Lined with a ton of blues related sites, Highway 61 has been dubbed “Blues Highway.” The iconic route features everything from great restaurants and museums to unique lodging and clubs. Read on for 11 can’t miss sites you’ll find along the legendary highway.
1. Ground Zero Blues Club (387 Delta Ave., Clarksdale)
Owned by actor Morgan Freeman, Ground Zero Blues Club is a restaurant by day and club by night – making it a great way to experience the music and food of the Delta. After filling up on specialties, like catfish and tamales, stick around for some live music, which is provided by an ever changing roster of Blues musicians.
2. Highway 61 Blues Museum (307 N Broad St., Leland)
The Highway 61 Blues Museum is filled with photos, 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 free for kids 12 and under.
3. Gateway to the Blues Museum (13625 Highway 61 North, Tunica Resorts)
Housed in a train depot that dates back to 1895, this museum is a must see for music lovers and history buffs alike. Though small, it’s packed with information and exhibits on how the blues genre was born and the role Tunica played in it all. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
4. Walnut Hills (1214 Adams St., Vicksburg)
Taking the concept of home style cookin’ to the next level, this Vicksburg eatery is located inside an actual house, giving diners the chance to experience true southern hospitality and local cuisine in an authentic setting.
5. Hollywood Café (1585 Old Commerce Rd., Robinsonville)
Although its rich musical history is a big part of this cafe’s allure, that's not all it has to offer. It’s also the home of the fried pickle. The perfectly fried creation was featured on the Travel Channel’s Food Paradise. Aside from the pickles, the menu includes everything from burgers to frog legs.
6. Blue and White Restaurant (1355 Highway 61 North, Tunica)
Serving the area since 1924, this restaurant has become a Tunica landmark. Running the restaurant is a family affair, complete with authentic southern recipes that have been passed down for over 70 years. Aside from a traditional southern fare, the Blue and White offers freshly made donuts and cinnamon rolls - all of which are served with a side of hospitality, of course.
7. Shack Up Inn (001 Commissary Circle, Clarksdale)
Taking the Mississippi spot on Thrillist’s list of "The Coolest Hotels In Every State," the Shack Up Inn offers visitors the chance to stay on the Hopson Plantation, which has remained practically unchanged since it was an actual working plantation. A completely unique experience, guests stay in authentic sharecropper shacks and are able to tour the grounds, which include an original cotton gin, seed houses, and other outbuildings.
8. White Front Café (902 Main St., Rosedale)
At first glance you may not even realize the small white wood frame house on Rosedale’s Main Street is a restaurant, but it just so happens to be a legendary hot tamale shop. Stop in and try the mouthwatering tamales, which are beef filled and wrapped in corn shucks.
9. The Onward Store (6693 US-61, Rolling Fork)
This general store and restaurant is known today for its delicious burgers, but that’s not its only distinguishing feature – it was the site of Theodore Roosevelt’s famous bear hunt, which ultimately resulted in the creation of the beloved Teddy bear. Visit today, and you can fill up on great food and history thanks to the variety of artifacts and memorabilia that fill the place.
10. McCarty’s Pottery (101 St Mary St., Merigold)
One of the Delta’s best treasures, McCarty’s Pottery includes a studio filled with locally produced pieces, an internationally acclaimed garden, and incredible restaurant. Be sure to allot some time to exploring this Merigold gem because you’re going to need it.
11. Goldie’s Trail BBQ (2430 S Frontage Rd., Vicksburg)
A great place to stop for a quick bite, this laidback eatery, which has been in business since the 1960s, specializes in barbecue and burgers. The menu also includes local favorites, like fried chicken and ribs.
So, have you visited any of the places list above? Have one to add to the list? Tell us in the comments section.
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