Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Clarksdale
Clarksdale is the Delta's most useful base - with more comfortable hotel rooms and mod-
ern, tasteful kitchens here than the rest of the Delta combined. It's within a couple of
hours from all the blues sights, and big-name blues acts honor Clarksdale on the week-
ends.
Sights
The
Crossroads
of Hwys 61 and 49, is the intersection where the great Robert Johnson
made his mythical deal with the devil, immortalized in his tune 'Cross Road Blues.'
Delta Blues Museum
MUSEUM
(
www.deltabluesmuseum.org
;
1 Blues Alley; adult/senior & student $7/5; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat)
A
small but well-presented collection of memorabilia is on display. The shrine to Delta le-
gend Muddy Waters includes the actual cabin where he grew up; local art exhibits and a
gift shop round out the revelry.
Rock N' Roll & Blues Heritage Museum
MUSEUM
( 901-605-8662;
www.blues2rock.com
;
113 E Second St; admission $5; 11am-5pm Tue-Sat)
A
jovial Dutch transplant and blues fanatic displays an impressive personal collection of re-
cords, memorabilia and artifacts that trace the roots of rock and roll from blues through
the '70s.
Festivals & Events
Clarksdale has two blues parties.
Juke Joint Festival
MUSIC
(
www.jukejointfestival.com
;
tickets $15; Apr)
There are more than 100 daytime and over 20
night venues at this three-day festival held in joints sprinkled in and around Clarksdale.
Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival
MUSIC
Aug)
Draws bigger names than the Juke Joint Festival.
Sleeping & Eating
