Photo Left : In 2013 Chef Cole Ellis opened local favorite Delta Meat Market , located on Cotton Row , that serves not only as a full-service restaurant but also as a premium grocer of specialty meat , cheese and artisan goods . Photo Right : Airport Grocery , located on Highway 61 North in Cleveland , serves up authentic Delta cuisine , including fried catfish , hushpuppies and fresh-cooked potato chips . Photos by Dori Lowe
Downtown Cleveland offers a contrast to its historical sites with a vibrant arts and shopping scene . In addition to their stunning architecture and beautiful buildings , women ’ s boutiques , antique stores , bookstores , and art and décor shops line the extensive street , making Cleveland one of the best places to shop in Mississippi . The town ’ s claim as the “ Unofficial Pottery Capital of Mississippi ” is evident in places such as Peter ’ s Pottery and McCartys Pottery , both of which can be visited just a few miles away from Cleveland .
No visit to Cleveland is complete without a pilgrimage to Dockery Farms , often hailed as the birthplace of the blues .
This historic plantation was not only a hub for cotton production but also a crucible where musical talents mingled and developed . Today , Dockery Farms stands as a living testament to the Delta ’ s agricultural heritage and its profound influence on American music . Open 7 days a week , Dockery Farms is an incredible piece of history with a significance that is not easily matched . Make sure to watch the documentary at the station before exploring the influential site .
Cleveland ’ s culinary landscape reflects its rich cultural heritage . Visitors can indulge in Southern comfort food at local eateries , where classics like fried catfish and hushpuppies share
the menu with innovative dishes that fuse Delta flavors with modern twists . Whether enjoying a meal at a family-owned diner or sampling farm-to-table fare at a cozy restaurant , visitors are sure to savor the warmth of Southern hospitality in every bite . Delta Meat Market expertly prepares meats and local ingredients for one of the best dinners you will find in Cleveland . Additionally , Airport Grocery has a long , storied history and has been serving up its fried Mississippi catfish , famous barbecue , and Delta hot tamales for many years .
What truly sets Cleveland apart is its sense of community and preservation of tradition . Festivals throughout the year celebrate everything from the blues and arts to agriculture and cuisine , inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the Delta spirit . Whether attending the Crosstie Festival or joining in on a live music session at a local juke joint , visitors quickly discover that Cleveland ’ s soul lies in its people and their enduring passion for their heritage .
In Cleveland , every corner tells a story , and every note echoes with history . From the haunting melodies of the blues to the stirring narratives of the Civil Rights Movement , this town weaves a tapestry of culture that captivates and inspires .
Whether you ’ re tracing the footsteps of musical legends , exploring the legacy of the Civil Rights era or simply soaking in the warmth of Southern hospitality , Cleveland promises an unforgettable journey through time and sound — a journey that celebrates the Delta ’ s past while embracing its vibrant future . As you depart , you ’ ll carry with you not just memories of a place , but a deeper understanding of the cultural mosaic that defines the American South .
Brandi Perry and Dori Lowe , both Mississippi residents , are the authors of the book , “ 100 Things To Do in Mississippi Before You Die ” ( Reedy Press ), and co-owners of the blog , Backroads and Burgers . M
Among the exhibits at the museum is one that pays homage to Mississippi ’ s Grammy-winning artists , left photo , and another that features original clothing worn on the Grammy red carpet , right photo . Photos courtesy of GRAMMY Museum Mississippi
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