The Blues has been noted as America’s only original music, and it began in the Mississippi Delta, where you'll find plenty of down home blues and southern hospitality.

Founded by John Clark in 1848, Clarksdale, Mississippi is located allow the Sunflower River. Here the soulful sounds of the Blues settles into your soul and takes root. It's no wonder, Clarksdale has been the home to many great blues artists. Among the masterful musicians who have walked the streets of Clarksdale are John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Sam Cook, Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, Charlie Patton, and W.C. Handy.

Blues Alley

For a taste of the south drop in at the The Dutch Oven, Mennonite Bakery & Sandwich Shop, a one-of-a-kind dining experience featuring pastries, pies, cakes, and soups and sandwiches prepared in the tradition of its Mennonite proprietors. The Dutch Over is located in the Blues Alley area at the Clarksdale Station Depot, which was built in the 1920s, and has been renovated.

It is here you'll discover several exciting places to explore, including the Delta Blues Museum where you can learn about the blues, purchase music, and other souvenirs. Let the Soulful Rhythm Of Mississippi Blues move you while enjoying a sampling of down home cooking and great music at the Ground Zero Blues Club, which native Mississippian and Oscar-winning actor, Morgan Freeman co-owns.  

Muddy Waters And Hopson Plantation

Also found located on display at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale is the cabin where legendary bluesman, Muddy Waters was raised, which was moved from the Stovall Plantation to its current location. Step back in time at Hopson Plantation, located at 8141 Old Hwy 49 in Clarksdale and browse through an old commissary filled with antiques and artifacts pertaining to the culture surrounding the Mississippi Delta.

Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art

For a bit of shopping drop by the Cat Head, located at 252 Delta Ave in Clarksdale, where we found a collection of Delta blues CDs and videos, southern books and blues & folk art, photography, live music, and books on all things Southern. Check out the Cat Head's website and in-store chalkboard to follow Blues Acts performing Greater Mississippi Delta area.