Features: Cleveland

In the heart of the Mississippi Delta, you’ll find a city that offers modern amenities with a thread of authentic, Mississippi Delta Blues running throughout its character. That city is Cleveland—with the famous Highway 61 running north and south of this historic and entertaining place…and once you discover what all it has to offer, you’ll want to visit soon.
 
Start with finding out more about how Delta Blues music has its roots in Cleveland and surrounding towns like Merigold, Rosedale, and Mound Bayou. While there is a thriving contingent of Blues musicians in the area, there is always a need to preserve the history and legends of how the Blues began and how it has evolved over the years. The Delta Center for Culture and Learning is instrumental in chronicling the Delta. The Center, located on the Delta State University campus in Cleveland, strives to promote a broader understanding of the history and culture of the Mississippi Delta by offering frequent seminars and conferences.
 
In the early 1900s, many aspiring musicians came to the Cleveland area because Charley Patton, considered by many to be the “Father of Delta Blues,” called it home. More specifically, Charlie Patton called Will Dockery’s Plantation home. The Dockery Plantation was established in 1895 and provided a key asset to the Blues movement—the Peavine railroad, which connected the Plantation to Rosedale and Cleveland. The railroad meant a broader audience could experience the Blues, and musicians could more easily combine their talents. Dockery Plantation, though no longer in operation, is a fabulous place to feel the spirit of the Blues.
 
In addition to experiencing Blues attractions in Cleveland and nearby areas, you’ll also want to take advantage of the outstanding outdoor opportunities that await you. Cleveland and the entire Bolivar County area provide hunting and fishing as well as bird watching and hiking. The Mississippi flyway provides a natural setting for more than 200 species of birds, and the Dahomey National Waterfowl Refuge in Bolivar County is the perfect venue for sighting these beautiful creatures. The area’s seven lakes offer fishing and boating, and the Great River Road State Park includes lush woodlands, perfect for hiking and a scenic route along the mighty Mississippi River. The Park’s recreational facilities include a 30-acre oxbow of the Mississippi River known as Perry Martin Lake, where visitors can navigate the lake in paddleboats or hike the nature trail to explore and catch a view of wildlife including deer, turkey and a variety of birds.
 
One thing Cleveland is famous for in the Delta and all across the state is its wide variety of outstanding dining options. Restaurants abound in this town. Places like A La Carte Alley with offerings such as chicken enchiladas with caramelized onions and roasted red peppers, or how about trying the Airport Grocery, right off the tarmac at Cleveland Municipal Airport, where you’ll find great burgers, barbeque, crawfish and tamales.
 
Speaking of tamales, the Mississippi Delta is famous for them, and delicious places like Delta Fast Foods in Cleveland are one reason why. And despite the name, you'll find more than just super tamales at John's Homestyle Hot Tamales, which is a drive-thru only establishment, so pick some up as part of your road trip in the Delta.
 
KC's Restaurant is a four-star restaurant featuring “eclectic, modern, American cuisine with global influences”. Casually elegant, the atmosphere prepares you for an unparalleled gastronomical extravaganza with items such as Mississippi quail with fried green tomatoes and barbeque balsamic glaze; Australian lamb loin with asiago cheese grits soufflé and roasted garlic lamb jus; and chocolate molten lava volcano cake served with Tahitian-vanilla bean ice cream. Don't miss experiencing KC’s—one of the region's top restaurants.
 
In need of a caffeine fix? The Bean Counter will perk you right up. Interesting flavor
combinations and an inviting space filled with college students, professors, and professionals will make this a memorable stop.
 
But remember, there is more to the Delta than Blues music, outdoor recreations and great restaurants—there’s plenty of unique shopping to be found, too. Long ago, farmers scattered across the Delta would congregate on Cotton Row in downtown Cleveland to bring their finest harvest to market. Today this Historic Crosstie Shopping District offers a diverse array of specialty shops, antique stores and cafes within the Crosstie District. The recent addition of a walking trail offers picturesque and comfortable seating areas. Visitor information is available at the Cotton Row Bookstore. Outside the city limits of Cleveland in the neighboring communities of Merigold and Mound Bayou you’ll find McCarty Pottery and Peter’s Pottery. These local artisans create their famed pottery out of Mississippi mud and it is definitely worth the short trip to see it all for yourself.
 
As you can tell, Cleveland is a cultural center of the Delta, which is why recently the city was named to the Certified Cultural Corners program by Mississippi’s Governor Haley Barbour. This program helps towns preserve and promote their cultural heritage significance.
 
So if you’ve never experienced the Mississippi Delta or if it’s time for another trip to explore more, make your next stop Cleveland, Mississippi, and find out how this town is celebrating and showcasing its culture, history, outdoors and authenticity for you to enjoy.