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Delta Travel Diary

Culinary creations add to the first-class atmosphere at KC's, one of Cleveland's many delightful restaurants.

A good friend of mine, who grew up in Cleveland, always told me that if I ever came to the Mississippi Delta, I had to make this a stop. "If you like great food," he'd say, "my hometown is the place to go."

Down Home Southern Cooking and Much More

So here I was at midday, at the intersection of Highways 61 and 8. I had arrived in Cleveland - and I was hungry. With so many places to choose from, I decided to visit more than one. First stop, the Country Platter for some Delta soul food, then a snack at the Airport Grocery, where the Blues comes with the barbecue. And finally, dinner in a more formal setting at KC's, a first-class affair.

One of the Best Small Towns in America

I can see why my buddy is so proud of this place. Recognized as "one of the 100 best small towns in America," Cleveland is vibrant, almost cosmopolitan. But it still retains a small-town charm and takes pride in its history. If you're looking for family vacation ideas or a great weekend getaway, I highly recommend Cleveland, Mississippi as a destination of choice.

Cleveland offers many specialty shops and boutiques in its downtown Historic Crosstie Shopping District.

Cleveland Shopping

Needing to stock up on some more gifts for the folks back home, I made a visit to The Historic Crosstie Shopping District in downtown Cleveland. I discovered a real diversity of specialty shops, antique stores and cafes in a very peaceful setting. I also made a trip to McCarty Pottery and Peter's Pottery, just outside the city limits, where I watched local artisans at work, creating their famed pottery out of Mississippi mud.

Blues Heritage

For Blues lovers, a little musical history is in order. Did you know that the Delta Blues has its roots at the old Dockery Plantation near Cleveland? Charley Patton, known as the "the father of the Blues" called the Plantation home. Cleveland is also where the legendary W.C. Handy, after listening to a local string band play, declared, "tonight an American composer was born." Cleveland became an important hub for Bluesmen from around the area. Their impact is still felt today.

I was ready for another Blues "fix", so I sauntered down to a couple of juke joints thick with Blues. I also made a visit to the Bologna Performing Arts Center, which has earned recognition as one of the premier houses for arts and entertainment in Mississippi and the Southeast.

The Dahomey National Waterfowl Refuge provides the perfect venue for sighting more than 200 species of birds.

Events & Festivals

Cleveland is also known for its many special events throughout the year. Each April, local and regional artists display their artwork at the popular Crosstie Arts and Jazz Festival. Then there's Octoberfest, which draws more than 15,000 visitors to its famous barbecue contests, arts and crafts, antique car shows and live music. And in November, the city is illuminated by Christmas lights strung along the downtown walking trail and in store windows, while merchants serve cider and holiday treats.

Fishing, Hunting, & Wildlife

Before I left, I was able to drop a fishing line in one of the area's seven lakes. Cleveland is perfect for those who love the outdoors. There's the Great River Road State Park for viewing wildlife or hiking on trails that lead right down to the Mississippi River, and the Dahomey National Waterfowl Refuge for bird watching or hunting.

Thanks for the tip old buddy. Cleveland was a blast. Next stop: Greenville, Mississippi.

www.visitclevelandms.com
800-295-7473

Mississippi Delta Tourism Association
P.O. Box 68 - Greenville, Mississippi 38701
Toll Free: 877-DELTA MS