Top 5 Reasons To Visit Cleveland, MS
SING THE BLUES
A famous quote from B.B. King reads, “You can say it all started right here.” As the birthplace of blues, the Mississippi Delta has become a pilgrimage destination for musicians and fans worldwide. Through the Mississippi Blues Trail, the Delta keeps the blues alive, and the Cleveland area is home to an important stop –Dockery Farms. This famous farm was often referred to as a gathering place for famous bluesmen after a grueling work week. It was also known as the “Birthplace of the Blues.” Charley Patton, Pops Staples, and Henry Sloan were among the artists who resided on and around Dockery Farms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They would gather at the farm after a long week to sing, play, and write the haunting songs that influenced rock ‘n’ roll and jazz music.
Some of the biggest musicians were also influenced by this new style they developed. Currently, T Bone Burnett, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and Rosanne Cash are among the musicians and producers who serve on the foundation’s council to support the preservation of the land as well as education regarding the music, agriculture, and history of the Mississippi Delta. Additionally, they occasionally stop by to perform. On the Mississippi Blues Trail, there are 18 locations, Dockery included, in Cleveland and Bolivar County.
COTTON HOUSE HOTEL
Cotton House is on the charming but bustling Cotton Row in downtown Cleveland, making it the ideal base for your Delta weekend and a destination in and of itself. This boutique hotel with 95 rooms and 6 suites has 2 fantastic dining options, both run by Cleveland’s very own semi-finalist of the James Beard Award, Chef Cole Ellis (More on him to come!). The location is unbeatable as it’s only a few steps away from numerous Cleveland landmarks. The hotel at Cotton House is original in that it incorporates the Delta’s long and illustrious music history throughout.
Additionally, there is no shortage of music in this hotel and the Delta. When you put a record on one of the numerous record players scattered throughout the property, you need to increase the volume and experience a time capsule. Cotton House is a one-of-a-kind hotel that combines elements of the old and new South to celebrate the spirit of this close-knit community of hardworking and hard-playing people.
VISIT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM
In addition to the original in Los Angeles, Cleveland is home to the only GRAMMY Museum in the world. It’s believed that several would-be visitors will even get a surprised hearing that a town as small and rural as Cleveland, Mississippi, is home to the second GRAMMY Museum in the world. Many visitors are still unaware of the fact that Mississippi, particularly the Mississippi Delta, has one of the richest musical histories and lasting legacies of any place on the planet until they have explored the exhibits and Mississippi Gallery.
You can anticipate engaging educational movies, interactive experiences, and cutting-edge exhibits, which span genre and time during your trip down this enormous cultural gem’s “red carpet”. The GRAMMY Museum further honor numerous influential Mississippi musicians, reveals the history of the adored awards show, and celebrates the entire music-making process.
EXPLORE THE FOOD SCENE
Chef Cole Ellis, who is the chef and owner of Delta Meat Market and was a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award, has worked to revitalize Cleveland’s food scene since moving back to his hometown in 2013. The market, which began as a modest grocery, jumped on its growing success and moved in 2019 across the street to Cotton House’s lobby. Delta Meat Market is currently a specialty meat, cheese, and artisanal goods boutique and a counter-style restaurant serving innovative dishes that are deeply rooted in the Mississippi Delta’s Southern culinary traditions.
Furthermore, Chef Cole owns and operates Bar Fontaine, a chic indoor-outdoor cocktail bar and restaurant in Cotton House that serves contemporary small plates that are influenced by Europe and are driven by the area. Everything from oysters of the Gulf Coast to pasta made by hand is expertly paired with a large selection of craft cocktails, wine, and bourbon here.
You shouldn’t miss Hey Joe’s, a funky, popular live music venue and restaurant just down the road that serves three everyday staples: high-quality food, craft beer, and original live music. By hosting festivals, trivia nights, and other events, Hey Joe’s has been a strong advocate for the region’s cultural revival. People who enjoy soul food should go to The Senator’s Place. Since Senator Willie Simmons and his wife opened their restaurant in 2003, they have provided locals and visitors alike with family-style Southern fare in communal, banquet-style seating. After spending the morning exploring, you can stop here for an outstanding experience.
POTTERY, ANTIQUES, AND BOUTIQUES
Pottery enthusiasts travel to Merigold, a small town in the Delta, to shop at McCarty’s Pottery. In addition to the numerous treasures made from distinctive Delta clay, this small town has charming homes and excellent dining options. Take a stroll through the lush McCarty gardens while you’re there and reserve a table at their tranquil hotspot restaurant, The Gallery. Then take Highway 61 north to Peter’s Pottery, another popular destination for handmade Mississippi pottery. And discover the history of this location.
A charming walking trail is lined with neatly organized gift shops, art galleries, and boutiques in the center of Cleveland’s Crosstie historic district. Unique gifts and decor for the home can be found at The Cleveland Commons and Neysa’s Fireside Shop; Antiques and treasures can be found at Moonstruck Flea Market; and Women’s Clothing Wishing Well.
On the Delta State University campus is where you’ll find the Bologna Performing Arts Center (BPAC). Built-in 1994, this cutting-edge facility serves the entire Mississippi Delta with a wide range of cultural and educational offerings. There is a fully operational stage, an orchestra lift, and two performance venues at the Bologna Center: the separate recital hall with 145 seats and an 1154-seat theatre. You can catch celebrity concerts, Broadway shows that tour the country, dance companies, theatre, and more on the Main Stage. BPAC will present Beautiful and Allman Betts Band for the next year – The Musical Based on Carole King.