One day in Clarksdale — an hour-by-hour itinerary

One day in Clarksdale

From the Blues Breakfast to the last set, an hour-by-hour way through the town.

If you only have a day, this is the order that works. It assumes you slept in town — if you did not, add ninety minutes of Highway 61 at the front.

Morning

10:00 — Blues Breakfast

Bluesberry Café, 235 Yazoo Avenue. Eggs, grits and bacon with a band already playing. The only music in town before noon.

Museum

11:30 — the museum

#1 Blues Alley Lane, in the 1918 freight depot. Muddy Waters' cabin from Stovall Farms, the Muddywood guitar, and an hour that explains everything you will hear tonight.

Midday

13:00 — the crossroads and the walk

Highways 61 and 49, then Sunflower Avenue past Red's and the Riverside Hotel. Take the folded map from the museum desk on your way out.

Afternoon

16:00 — records

Buy the album of whoever is playing tonight, and get it signed after the set. That is the whole argument for buying it in town rather than online.

Dinner

19:00 — catfish

Ground Zero kitchen, 387 Delta Avenue. Fried catfish, fried green tomatoes, and a table you do not have to leave when the music starts.

Evening

20:00 — the set

Same building. Wednesday it is the jam; Thursday to Saturday it is a full band. Cover at the door, or here.

Late

23:30 — Red's

395 Sunflower Avenue, if it is open, and it usually is. Low ceiling, red light, the hat goes round. This is the part people remember.

Last call

02:00 — upstairs

If you booked a loft, you are already home.