Small Town, Big Vibes in the Mississippi Delta
Right in the heart of the Delta, midway between Memphis and Vicksburg on historic Highway 61, Cleveland, Mississippi is different. They say this small town has big vibes. That’s high praise in the Mississippi Delta, a region known around the world for its legendary musical vibe. But in Cleveland, the vibe isn’t just big, it’s unique.
Speaking of music–and big–and unique–Cleveland is home of the GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi! This interactive and engaging attraction celebrates music of all genres. The 28,000-square-foot center includes two dozen exhibits with films, memorabilia and more, as well as a 130-seat state of the art soundstage. Permanent and rotating exhibits are as varied as music they represent.
That eclectic atmosphere also extends throughout the destination. While you may hear a traditional Blues riff coming from a hot local night spot, you’re just as likely to hear rock or new country along the streets of this small town with big vibes, anchored by local music promoters and non-profit organizations. Cleveland’s music scene is lush and varied, just like the Delta land itself. From the Deep Roots music shows to the Bologna Performing Arts Center on the campus of Delta State University, music and the arts are a huge part of the vibe here.
Daytime finds visitors strolling between unique retail shops and dining establishments. As they wander, they rub elbows with locals, because this downtown is where residents want to be, too. It’s no wonder Cleveland has been named one of Southern Living’s “Best Small Towns in 2019” and a Smithsonian Magazine “Small Town to Visit.” The heart of town, now as in its beginnings, centers around the railroad. The popular Crosstie District is a vibrant, walkable downtown, anchored by the Railroad Heritage Museum, which is home to an amazing “O” Gauge model train exhibit, one of the largest in the country.
Many choose to make Cleveland their hub during a Delta trip, enjoying the variety of downtown activities and outstanding restaurants in between adventures to nearby attractions. Dockery Farms, known as the “Birthplace of the Blues” is just a short drive away and a must-see for Blues enthusiasts. Art lovers want to visit famed McCarty Ceramics in Merigold and Peter’s Pottery is in Mound Bayou.
Lodging options include a choice from limited service hotels, perfect for those active Delta day trips, to full-service luxury. The newly opened Lyric Hotel brings Delta traditions and modern luxury together in Cleveland’s West End District. This 65-room boutique hotel is the centerpiece of the new lodging, dining and entertainment scene. The Cotton House Cleveland offers a full-service hotel experience like no other in the region. Its name and Cotton Row location invoke Cleveland’s rich past while its boutique design, amenities and service are today’s best. Guests can also enjoy the creations of James Beard Award nominated Chef Cole Ellis with a signature dining experience at Delta Meat Market or a relaxing meal at the rooftop Bar Fontaine.
Add to all this a healthy dose of Southern Hospitality, and you have the unique combination that is Cleveland. Whether as part of complete Delta tour along the Mississippi Blues Trail or special getaway to explore this small town with big vibes, a visit to Cleveland is sure to add a great vibe to any trip.
Events
Restaurant Week, January – Each January the best of Cleveland’s restaurants participate, offering special plates at special prices for a special cause.
Anotherfest, April – Keep Cleveland Boring’s Spring music festival that takes place at various venues throughout downtown Cleveland. Multiple bands perform at each venue showcasing some of Cleveland’s best businesses along with the region’s best original music.
Crosstie Arts & Jazz Festival, April – Downtown Cleveland comes alive with fine artists and quality crafters showing their works, music filling the air and activities for the whole family. Enjoy the fun under the oaks at the Bolivar County courthouse grounds.
Deep Roots: Live Downtown! – A free spring/summer music series featuring selected local musicians from the Deep Roots roster performing various genres of roots and Americana music in downtown Cleveland.
Pour Mississippi Beer and Music Festival, May – Each May, Pour Mississippi showcases craft brews from across the state and beyond. Visitors sample beers of their choice in their very own cool, custom Pour Mississippi sampler glass. Live music and food events also highlight the annual event.
Octoberfest, October – For nearly 40 years Cleveland has celebrated fall at this two-day festival highlighted by a Memphis Barbeque Network sanctioned competition. Arts and crafts, music and children’s activities also fill the streets during this popular community event.
Otherfest, October – Keep Cleveland Boring’s Fall music festival features more than 20 bands, representing a broad range of genres, over two days. Otherfest has been supporting touring bands since 2006. The festival takes place on Highway 61, just north of Cleveland city limits.
Cleveland Bites, November – A food festival like no other, Cleveland Bites brings more than 20 restaurants to the town green each November. Food tastings, cocktails and family fun are all a part of the day’s highlights.
50 Nights of Lights, November/December – The festivities begin in November with a fabulous tree lighting, as downtown is filled with more than 100,000 lights. Live Christmas music fills the air as downtown stores welcome visitors to their holiday open houses and a variety of programs, activities and, of course, shopping highlight the celebration, which runs through New Year’s Day.
Fast Facts and Trivia
- Cleveland has been named one of Southern Living’s “Best Small Towns in 2019” and Smithsonian Magazine’s #2 “Small Town to Visit.”
- Cleveland was named for President Grover Cleveland. The town began formation in 1869 and because of the Louisville, New Orleans & Texas Railroad that ran through the middle of town, people were drawn to Cleveland from a variety of outlying areas.
- The Marshall Plan, a plan for relief of postwar Europe, suggested by Mississippi native Will Clayton, was first announced here May 8, 1947 by Under Secretary of State Dean Acheson at a meeting of the Delta Council.
- The historic downtown shopping district of Cleveland boasts dozens of locally owned boutiques, galleries and shops.
- In the center of town, the Martin and Sue King Railroad Heritage Museum features exhibits, artifacts and the largest O-gauge model train in the state!
- The award winning Mathews-Sanders Sculpture Garden is a stunning display of work on the campus of Delta State University in Cleveland. The permanent collection includes 30 pieces, many of which have been placed over the campus. Pieces are also displayed at the nearby Grammy® Museum and in downtown Cleveland.
- Cleveland is the home of Delta State University, the DMI Entertainment Industry Studies program and Recording Studios, the Bologna Performing Arts Center, which attracts nationally acclaimed performing artists, Broadway tours and concerts and the Wright Art Center Gallery.
- Dockery Farms, five miles outside of town, is touted as the birthplace of the blues. The Blues Trail marker and two videos complement this outstanding historic landmark.
- The garden at McCarty Pottery is listed on the Smithsonian registry of gardens. The linear garden is inspired by French artist Piet Mondrian.
- Cleveland’s Delta Meat Market is the culinary vision of chef Cole Ellis. Ellis was named a semifinalist for the 2017 James Beard Award “Best Chef South,” and Delta Meat Market has been recognized for its butchery program, food service and catering in Bon Appetit, Southern Living, Delta Magazine and Garden & Gun. Most recently, Ellis was listed as #3 in Southern Living’s Best Chefs of the South in 2019.
- Bolivar County is home to 19 Mississippi Blues Trail sites, including these Cleveland sites:
- Cleveland and Delta State University is home to a MS Writer’s Trail marker for former DSU Professor Dorothy Shawhan.
- Civil rights pioneer Amzie Moore lived in Cleveland and was an instrumental leader of the Freedom Movement in Mississippi. His home was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2008 and is now an interpretive center open to the public.
- Cleveland is the home of the GRAMMY® Museum Mississippi. One of only two GRAMMY museums in the world. This exciting and interactive celebration of the power of music provides a one-of-a-kind visitor experience—engaging, educational, celebratory and inspirational. The 28,000 square foot facility has more than two dozen exhibits and a 130-seat sound stage.
- Cleveland is the home of baseball great Dave “Boo” Ferriss. Ferriss first gained recognition for a brief, brilliant career with the Boston Red Sox. After a shoulder injury ended his career, Ferriss returned to Mississippi and embarked on a 26-year career as the head coach of Delta State University’s baseball team.
- Deep Roots is a city-wide music initiative with the goal of building community through the development and promotion of roots music and musicians that help build Cleveland’s identity as a “music city.”
- Keep Cleveland Boring is a community organization dedicated to doing just the opposite of its name. Their aim is to provide entertainment by creating original events unique to the Delta and by promoting various events already taking place in Cleveland. Keep Cleveland Boring wants to make Cleveland an entertainment hub for the Delta and beyond.
- While Delta State University’s official mascot is the Statesman, its unofficial mascot, the Fighting Okra, gets much more attention! There are plenty of stories as to the origin of the okra moniker, but in the 1990’s the student body officially voted in support of the Fighting Okra as its unofficial mascot.
- Legendary basketball player and coach Margaret Wade is from Cleveland. During her tenure as Delta State University’s women’s basketball coach, the team won three consecutive AIAW Women’s National Championships. (That three-year stretch also included a 51-game winning streak!) The Wade Trophy, given to the top female collegiate basketball player, is named in her honor. Her statue can be seen in front of the Walter-Sillers Coliseum
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