Clarksdale Travel Guide
Explore the culturally rich city of Clarksdale, Mississippi with our complete travel guide. Discover the top places to visit, hike and bike routes, must-try dishes, and more.
- Introduction to Clarksdale
- List of Places to Visit in Clarksdale
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Clarksdale
- Best Things to Do in Clarksdale: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Clarksdale
- Food and Drink Scene of Clarksdale
- Where to Stay in Clarksdale: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Clarksdale: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Clarksdale
- Best Time to Visit Clarksdale
- Do’s and Don’ts of Clarksdale
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Clarksdale: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Clarksdale
- Where to Go Next from Clarksdale: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Clarksdale
Clarksdale is a small city in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, known for its rich cultural heritage and contribution to blues music. It is also home to various museums, monuments, and outdoor attractions that offer a glimpse into the city’s past. Whether you are a music enthusiast, a foodie, an outdoor adventurer, or a culture buff, Clarksdale has something to offer everyone.
List of Places to Visit in Clarksdale
- Delta Blues Museum
- The Crossroad
- Ground Zero Blues Club
- Red’s Lounge
- The Rock & Blues Museum
- The Riverside Hotel
- The Shack Up Inn
- The Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art
- The New Roxy
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Delta Blues Museum
The Delta Blues Museum is a great place to learn about the history of blues music in the Mississippi Delta. It houses an impressive collection of music instruments, recordings, and memorabilia, including Muddy Waters’ guitar and one of Robert Johnson’s original gravestones.
The Crossroad
Fans of blues music will know the story of Robert Johnson and his famous crossroad deal with the devil. Visit the site where this deal was allegedly made and take a photo with the iconic crossroads sign.
Natural Attractions of Clarksdale: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Quapaw Canoe Company
Explore the Mississippi River with Quapaw Canoe Company. They offer guided canoe trips, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding tours that showcase the scenic beauty of the Mississippi River Delta.
Hopson Plantation
Hopson Plantation is a historic cotton farm that offers visitors the chance to experience the life of a Mississippi Delta sharecropper during the early 20th century. Explore the restored sharecropper shacks and the cotton gin, and learn about the plantation’s history.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Clarksdale
Sunflower River Trail
The Sunflower River Trail is a scenic walking and biking trail that follows the path of the sunflower river through downtown Clarksdale. The trail takes in several historic sights, including the birthplace of Ike Turner, the Cutrer Mansion, and the Carnegie Public Library.
Best Things to Do in Clarksdale: Activities and Tours
Ground Zero Blues Club
Ground Zero Blues Club is a music venue co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman and Clarksdale native Bill Luckett. It regularly hosts live music events and features both national and local blues musicians.
Week-Long Itinerary for Clarksdale
| Day | Activity | |—–|———-| | 1 | Visit the Delta Blues Museum & The Crossroads | | 2 | Explore the scenic and historic sites of Hopson Plantation | | 3 | Take a walking tour of downtown Clarksdale | | 4 | Rent a bike and ride along the Sunflower River Trail | | 5 | Experience live blues music at Ground Zero Blues Club | | 6 | Go canoeing or kayaking with Quapaw Canoe Company | | 7 | Enjoy the local food and drink scene with a culinary tour |
Food and Drink Scene of Clarksdale
Must-Try Dishes
Hot Tamales
Hot Tamales are a staple food in the Mississippi Delta region. They are made with cornmeal, meat, and spices, and wrapped in a corn husk before steaming. A popular spot to try this dish is Abe’s BBQ.
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a southern classic dish. If you’re looking for a plate of excellent fried chicken, check out Yazoo Pass.
Local Beverages
Yazoo Beer
Yazoo Brewing Company is a locally brewed beer that is becoming increasingly popular in the region. Many bars and restaurants in Clarksdale feature this beer in their drink menus.
Sweet Tea
Sweet Tea is a regional tradition in the south and a perfect pairing for any southern meal. Most restaurants in Clarksdale offer Sweet Tea on their drink menu.
Where to Stay in Clarksdale: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
The Shack Up Inn
The Shack Up Inn provides accommodation in restored sharecropper shacks. It’s an excellent option for a unique Mississippi Delta and Clarksdale cultural experience.
The Riverside Hotel
The Riverside Hotel is an iconic hotel in Clarksdale, famous for being the place where Bessie Smith passed away. The hotel has maintained its authenticity and features historic memorabilia throughout the property.
What to Buy in Clarksdale: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art
Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art is the go-to spot for locally made souvenirs. You can buy artwork, jewelry, CDs, and records, all related to Delta Blues music.
Local Culture and Customs of Clarksdale
Clarksdale is deeply rooted in blues music traditions and provides rich cultural heritage and history. If you attend any events or music clubs, be sure to respect the customs and engage with the locals.
Best Time to Visit Clarksdale
The best time to visit Clarksdale is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities are at its peak. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can get chilly.
Do’s and Don’ts of Clarksdale
Do:
- Attend live music events and festivals related to blues music heritage
- Engage with locals and learn about their customs and traditions
- Try the local cuisine and drink
Don’t:
- Disregard local customs and cultural traditions
- Leave prepared for outdoor activities without proper gear and water bottle
- Litter in the city
Safety and Health
Safety in Clarksdale
Clarksdale is generally considered a safe city; however, visitors should exercise standard safety precautions, such as using common sense and securing valuables.
Health in Clarksdale
Visitors should take precautions against mosquito bites, as there have been reported cases of mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus in the Mississippi Delta region.
Getting to Clarksdale: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Clarksdale
The closest airports are Memphis International and Mid Delta Regional Airport. Both airports are approximately 90 minutes’ drive from Clarksdale.
Bus Stations Near Clarksdale
Greyhound bus has a stop in nearby Batesville. From Batesville, you can rent a car or hire a taxi.
Other Options
The best option for getting to Clarksdale is to rent a car. Several rental car companies have locations at Memphis International Airport.
How to Get Around in Clarksdale
The best way to get around Clarksdale is by car, bicycle, or on foot. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available.
Where to Go Next from Clarksdale: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Clarksdale is a fantastic base for exploring other parts of the Mississippi Delta region. Some nearby destinations and excursions include Oxford, Greenwood, and the Yazoo River.
Conclusion
Clarksdale is a hidden gem within Mississippi and a must-visit destination for blues music enthusiasts and anyone interested in history, culture, and outdoor activities. Use our comprehensive guide to planning your visit and make the most of your time in this beautiful southern city.
