Rooms are actually contemporary and modern, with fun photos of Elvis hanging on the walls. In Nola we started our Road Trip through Highway 61 to Nashville. The second most famous trip—pipped only by Route 66—is Route 61. Elvis knew it, too—his rock-and-roll is as rooted in the delta as a cypress tree in the lowland muck. "The Mother Road" was established on November 11, 1926, and ultimately stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Another form of therapy is luxury. 1 662 624 5992; www.cathead.biz), a blues music and folk art store that lists performances at local joints like Sarah's Kitchen (278 Sunflower Ave.; tel. It's is a collection of restored sharecropper shacks and boutique hotel rooms built inside renovated cotton bins (Hwy. Dennis. The “road trip” lies at the heart of American culture and has come to be a metaphor for freedom, and so it may come as no surprise that the internet is awash with recommended road trips across the US. From its beginning in Chicago, Route 66 headed south through Illinois and Missouri, and a small section of southeast Kansas. The stuffed snapper is highly recommended, and if you can, get a seat in the intimate and romantic courtyard. 1 901 543 5333; www.memphistravel.com); Mississippi Division of Tourism (tel. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors. They also do mean fried chicken and great ribs, and they serve beer to wash it all down. The plantations near New Roads, Louisiana would probably be pleasant in December while the bluffs around … 61 N., Tunica; tel. There's also an outdoor pool and a free hot breakfast. Just around the corner from Graceland (the hotel is literally steps away), the Heartbreak Hotel is a fun 1950's-inspired hotel that Elvis fans (and just visitors to Memphis) will thoroughly enjoy. Travel Blues Highway on Route 61 from Memphis to Merigold, Mississippi, for juke joints, hot tamales, and Morgan Freeman for a great Southern road trip. While in Baton Rouge, check out Doe's Eat Place. There are tour guides onsite and a short film to start off your experience. TIP: Ask to upgrade to one of their suites to really experience what it was like to be the King of Rock and Roll. When you're ready to call it a night, head to the Natchez Grand Hotel. In Clarksdale check the "who's playing" board (or the website) at Cat Head (252 Delta Ave.; tel. Blues Highway Itinerary: 10 Best Spots for a Music History Road Trip. He chose this stretch of road for good reason, it represents the best of Minnesota in so many ways. Catch a band and a down-home meal at actor Morgan Freeman's nightclub Ground Zero Blues Club (0 Blues Alley; tel. U.S. Route 61 or U.S. Highway 61 (US 61) is a major United States highway that extends 1,400 miles (2,300 km) between New Orleans, Louisiana and the city of Wyoming, Minnesota. This lakeside drive, Scenic 61, is part of the original Highway 61, following the 1899 wagon trail about 20 miles from Brighton Beach to the entrance to Two Harbors. Be prepared for remnants of ice and snow during the early spring and thunderstorms in late spring and early summer. Since there's so much to do and see, budget at least 2 hours. Pop in that Muddy Waters CD, roll down the windows and belt out a tune or two on the road down from Memphis town, along the Blues Highway. The former sharecroppers’ quarters-turned-super-cool-cabins for rent, also offer beer and a live blues lounge. Divert yourself west to the parallel Highway 1, a quiet two-laner running along the Mississippi's "Great Wall," a never-ending levee. 1 901 725 7527; www.topsbarbq.com), where the meat, if not the decor, is sublime. BB King Museum and Delta Interprative Center. Back in 1984, he promised his beloved Margaret that if she consented to marry him, he would build a palace to honor God. A Route 66 road trip is a driving adventure along what is probably the most famous road in the world. Soul, gospel, and R&B spill out of car windows and church doors. Schedules & Maps Fares Fares Go-To Card Pass Programs Store. With its garish, casino-based economy, Tunica looks like Las Vegas. They may call it the Blues, but road tripping through the area where this distinctive musical style was born will likely lift your spirits. It's right on 61, and it's fried chicken and peach cobbler Southern cooking at its best. The Union Station Hotel is an iconic Nashville establishment, and the perfect place to spend the night. 1 662 759 3842). Kings Blues Club. Also, King is buried in the back of the museum, so be sure to pay your respects. Highway 61 running south out of Memphis forms a legendary route along the Mississippi River evocative of a delicious slice of Americana represented by a genre of music known as the Delta blues. 1 901 529 4000; www.peabodymemphis.com), famous for the ducks that traipse through the lobby twice daily. This museum is housed in a former recording studio/record shop. Answer 1 of 4: Hey everyone, Me and my boyfriend are planning a 14 day road trip from Chicago to New Orleand (passing though Memphis, Clarksdale, Vicksburg, etc, following the Route 61 along side the Great River Road). It’s up to you where you’d like to start, but music lovers should turn their focus to the Mississippi section of the drive. 1 901 523 2746; www.hogsfly.com) is justly famous for its dry ribs. If you’re into waterfalls, Gooseberry Falls isn’t to be … It's a beautifully restored 19th century railroad station. TIP: Upgrade to a room with a fireplace for extra charm. Route 61 (known as the Blues Highway) is an unforgettable journey and a delicious slice of Americana. Keep reading! 1 901 527 8870; www.americandreamsafari.com). In fact, the area is so rich in musical history that U.S. Route 61, which runs right through it, has been dubbed the "Blues Highway". But even if gambling isn't your thing, stop here for a meal at the Blue and White dinner (1355 Hwy. "The Mother Road" was established on November 11, 1926, and ultimately stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. I have been on two Mississippi road trips, including a Blues Trail road trip through the Delta region of the state. There's also the Delta Blues Museum in town, which has been honoring the area’s blues heritage for the past 36 years, and if you visit during the right time, you might even catch some blues on their stage. There's a 2,000 year old oak tree out front that adds to the beautiful ambiance of of the historic restaurant. Here you'll find Rosedale, a town famed blues musician Robert Johnson sang about. It's the perfect, laid-back, rustic Southern getaway. It's a big space that can get crowded, but it's got drinks and dancing late into the night. 1 601 359 3297; www.visitmississippi.org); Clarksdale Tourism (tel. Mostly it gives the flavor of what Highway 61 was like back in the day. Highway 61: The best road trip for music lovers. Seth Limmer, a rabbi from Armonk, New York, finishes his version of Neil Young's acoustic classic, "The Needle and the Damage Done"; then the owner of a Clarksdale music store picks up the pace with a rendition of Roger McGuinn's "Chestnut Mare." It offers overlooks, access to Lake Superior, shops, restaurants and lodging. They also offer overnight stays for diehard Elvis fans. Nearing the end of the journey, still north of Vicksburg, as old 61 is relegated to "business" status, you brake suddenly for what appears to be a fever dream on the right: a collection of plywood and brick towers rendered in white, pinks, reds, and yellows, with hand-painted Bible verses. The whole place feels like you're stepping back in time to the '50s. As with most places in Nashville, you'll find good music and good BBQ here. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music (926 E. McLemore Ave.; tel. If you're hungry grab a bite at Abe's Bar-b-q, which has been serving up the best BBQ in town since 1924. Next up is the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum in Memphis, TN. The Stax sound—driving, playful, passionate—gave voice to a new optimism rising from the region. Ready to hit the road? The hotel is just a two minute walk from the casino, and a couple miles from Natchez National Historic Park. Trip Tools Trip Planner NexTrip Alerts Find a Park & Ride Find a Stop or Station. 1 662 624 8329; www.shackupinn.com). You might hear an elegant receptionist announce she is "fixin'" to do something. This museum is a must-visit for any fan of the blues and blues history. The crowd shouts its approval. Book Hwy 61 For Your Next Event. The song is Prince's hit, "Purple Rain," played blues style. Wifi is free and there are channels on the TV that show only Elvis movies. As for where to spend the night, the Shack Up Inn may be one of the coolest places in America. The location is phenomenal, on a bluff with a beautiful view of the Mississippi River. En Nola empez á ba mos el Road Trip que nos llevaría hasta Nashville. Hey everyone, Me and my boyfriend are planning a 14 day road trip from Chicago to New Orleand (passing though Memphis, Clarksdale, Vicksburg, etc, following the Route 61 along side the Great River Road).We really want to have the Delta Blues experience and go to places not really aimed for turist - we want to get to know the local people, watch bands playing blues and just enjoy everrythong. Admission is $15 per person, or if you have a student ID it's only $10. Sometimes the music is played on guitars picked with calloused fingers in juke joints tucked under the pine trees. I enjoyed the rural quirkiness and found it necessary to budget extra time for entertaining unscheduled conversations. Answer 1 of 3: On Tripadvisor's Road Trips travel forum, travellers are asking questions and offering advice on topics like "Is December okay to visit or are things closed?". Memphis is alleged to have more than a hundred barbecue joints. "These are hardworking people, and maybe things aren't going their way. 1 901 333 1200; www.madisonhotelmemphis.com). 1 662 627 3239). If you're lucky, Mr. Pat Thomas will play guitar while you peruse the exhibits and memorabilia in the three rooms. Here you can see some awesome artifacts, like Isaac Hayes' car or Booker T. Jones' keyboard, all while learning about the amazing history and influence of the Stax record label. © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, © 2015- Inside, the air swirls with cigarette smoke and guitar chords being thumped out by a local band. "And by leaving they took their music to the world." On the surface, it’s not much different than most small, Southern towns, except you can’t seem to go more than a couple feet without hearing the whine of a harmonica. 1 901 726 5473), a juke joint three miles north of touristed Beale Street. In fact, the area is so rich in musical history that U.S. Route 61, which runs right through it, has been dubbed the "Blues Highway". The US Route 61, or simply Highway 61, is one of the most iconic figures in American road trip culture. Route 66 is the ultimate American road trip and we've put together a comprehensive 2 week Route 66 itinerary to help drivers navigate this historic route. During July and August—peak travel months—expect sometimes sweltering temperatures, over-crowded attractions, and higher rates for lodging. Right next door is the Delta Blues Museum (#1 Blues Alley, Clarksdale; tel. Some of the best music in the world came from Stax, and this museum is an absolute must-visit if you're traveling through Memphis. A road is a road, but sometimes it's more. While no longer a working store, it is an enduring testament to the faith of Reverend H.D. King Museum in Indianola, Mississippi! But, even if you don't end up staying, at least poke your head in and gawk at the ornate lobby. This is an especially great place to stop if you're a history buff. There's loads of antiques and chandeliers, and free wifi so you can stream some blues music to enjoy in the privacy of your cozy room. To learn more about the history of the small towns along the Blues Highway, visit the Rural Life Museum. Running from Minnesota down to New Orleans, this iconic route is known for Mississippi River views, great food and blues music. Using an old travel guide, Cathy drives a period Cadillac the length of Minnesota Highway 61 exploring the secrets of places long gone and spinning stories about people… Hwy 61 featured in Gazelle Magazine article. PA 61 begins at US 222 Bus. Today, what's worth singing about are the Mexican tamales at White Front Café (Main St., Rosedale; tel. You begin by learning about the roots of blues and country, and how this genre of music started on farms and plantations, and then you'll move on up through the years. The ultimate road trip planner to help you discover extraordinary places, book hotels, and share itineraries all from the map. When you first walk in you're given a set of headphones that guide you through the exhibits. Here in Clarksdale, they have the blues, and they claim to have had the blues first. T hey may call it the Blues, but road tripping through the area where this distinctive musical style was born will likely lift your spirits. ... Route 61 - Road Trips Forum. 1 601 638 1163). So did John Lee Hooker, Bessie Smith, and B.B. The 17-story Madison has a distinctly European sensibility with down-home warmth. But it's important to note that Clarksdale goes hard from Wednesday to Saturday night, but come Sunday through Tuesday it's pretty dead. If you want a relaxing and peaceful stay, you can't get much better than the cottages at The Cajun Village in Sorrento, Louisiana. Highway 61, headed north from Duluth Minnesota to Thunder Bay over the Canadian border, immortalized in Bob Dylan’s song. There are self-guided tours across the 40-acre living history Burden Plantation. Tonight travelers and locals alike gather around platters of barbecued chicken for a jam session. Hopson's attracts an eclectic mix of fans, writers, artists, and other free spirits eager to travel the byways of the delta and sample the famed Mississippi hospitality. Spend the night on the plantation at the Shack Up Inn. This is not far from the storied blues crossroads where legend says the devil walks, guitar in hand, at midnight. Immerse yourself in the culture by following in the footsteps of the Blues greats, and discover what inspired them to make music so profound that it was dubbed "soul" music. Downtown's Rendezvous (52 S. Second St.; tel. No trip down the Blues Trail is complete without a stop at the Highway 61 Blues Museum. Plan to spend time in the heart-shaped pool, and the jungle-themed lounge. The blues are cheaper than therapy.". It's stunning. Route 61 - Saturday - WESTBOUND This is a local favorite, casual dining steakhouse. For your last stop, grab dinner in Biloxi, Mississippi at Mary Mahoney's Old French House. For a great place to stay in NOLA, the Cornstalk Hotel is a gorgeous Victorian house that's surrounded by an iron fence that looks like cornstalks. A must-visit in Clarksdale is the Ground Zero Blues Club. Muddy Waters rode the Blues Highway. 1 901 946 2535 http://www.staxmuseum.com/) is named for an influential 1960s label that recorded such talents as Otis Redding, the Staple Singers, and Isaac Hayes. The steak, beef tamales, and honey-covered drop biscuits are highly recommended, plus their bartender is an award-winning mixologist who crafts delicious cocktails! So, plan your road trip accordingly. About 2 hours south of Memphis and Little Rock is the town of Clarksdale, Mississippi. King, you have to stop at the B. With Don McKellar, Valerie Buhagiar, Earl Pastko, Peter Breck. The museum is also pretty hands-on, and you can mix your own music and even play the guitar, or sit in the same chair at B.B. Highway 61 running south out of Memphis forms a legendary route along the Mississippi River evocative of a delicious slice of Americana represented by … Back on the road south of Clarksdale, you'll notice that Highway 61 is a lot of four-lane now, slicing through the flat, black earth of the delta as easily as a silver knife through moist cake. There are rockers on the front porch and you could spend forever just hanging out for the afternoon. 1 800 221 3536; www.visitvicksburg.com, —Text by Andrew Nelson, adapted from National Geographic Traveler, Road Trip: The Blues Highway, Tennessee and Mississippi, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/road-trips/blues-highway-road-trip.html. Another favorite is Tops Bar-B-Q (multiple locations, including 1258 Union Ave.; tel. Clarksdale, MS’s claim to be the birthplace of the blues can be traced to the blues greats that have called Clarksdale home: Son House, John Lee Hooker, Junior Parker, Ike Turner, Eddie Boyd, Sam Cooke, Muddy Waters, Pinetop Perkins, Earl Hooker, Lil Green, Big Jack Johnson and the list goes on. By now, you should be an expert, so go ahead and sing along. If you’ve had enough scenic tours of mountains and fresh air, head out onto the iconic Blues Highway, the famous Route 61 that leads to Nashville, Memphis, and finally to New Orleans, with the sweet and passionate tunes of Soul, R&B, and Jazz in the air. Also consider the stately Peabody (149 Union Ave.; tel. Sleep on high thread-count sheets at the Madison Hotel in downtown Memphis (79 Madison Ave.; tel. himself sat in. "Highway 61 was the road by which black people left Mississippi to find better opportunities," a museum spokesperson says. It's a wonderful tribute to one of America's most prolific musicians. 1 662 621 9009; www.groundzerobluesclub.com). Also known as the Blues Highway, this route takes the adventurous driver from the Mississippi Headwaters in the northern state of Minnesota all the way to Cajun Country in New Orleans, in the southern state of Louisiana (and vice versa). The best time to take a road trip on Route 66 is from late April to early October. Highway 61 originates in New Orleans and runs nearly 1700 miles to the Canadian border just north of Grand Portage, Minnesota. Route 66 was one of the United State's first continuous stretches of paved highway, and served as a major path for those who migrated west. If you're referring to US Highway 61, you'll have to elaborate as it's quite a long highway, extending from near the Gulf of Mexico to near the Canadian border. He might take you to Wild Bill's (1580 Vollintine Ave.; tel. While in Memphis, visit Lauderdale Courts, where Elvis Presley and his parents lived from 1949 til 1953. Hey everyone, Me and my boyfriend are planning a 14 day road trip from Chicago to New Orleand (passing though Memphis, Clarksdale, Vicksburg, etc, following the Route 61 along side the Great River Road).We really want to have the Delta Blues experience and go to places not really aimed for turist - we want to get to know the local people, watch bands playing blues and just enjoy everrythong. The setting is the old commissary of the historic cotton farm, the Hopson Plantation (www.hopsonplantation.com) in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Sometimes a road sings. Today, you can see the room that Elvis slept in. From its beginning in Chicago, Route 66 headed south through Illinois and Missouri, and a small section of southeast Kansas. Tales of the Road-Highway 61 is a scenic, historic 440 mile trip with host Cathy Wurzer down iconic Highway 61 revisiting the early days of automobile travel. The North Shore drive along Lake Superior is the most scenic stretch of road in Minnesota and possibly the entire Midwest. Best time to travel down the Blues Highway: Since summer is high season for all of the towns along the route, spring and fall are the best times to travel if you're hoping to avoid high hotel rates, crowds, and the often-sweltering Southern heat. Starting in Nashville, you've got to hit up B.B. Welcome to Margaret's Grocery (4535 N. Washington St., Vicksburg; tel. 49, Clarksdale; tel. Once you reach Vicksburg, pull over at Goldie's Trail Bar-B-Q, which has been around since the 1960s. Reading Highway 61 Revisited, I felt I was sharing a limited time, all-access pass to people and places that I would not have been able to find on my own.