Ladies, You've Got to Plan a Girlfriends Getaway to Cleveland, Mississippi

If you and your girlfriends are sparring over where to head for your annual group vacation, allow us to settle the debate. This year, head to Cleveland, Mississippi, a delightful town in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.

A great road trip for many reaches in the South, Cleveland is situated halfway between Memphis and Vicksburg on historic Highway 61 with something that appeals to every kind of traveler. Below, five fun things to do while journeying around this happening burgh.

1. Visit the GRAMMY Museum.

The GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi (800 W Sunflower Rd, Cleveland, MS 38732) shows visitors a ball of a time with exhibits on music from a large array of genres, incredible films, and memorabilia from beloved artists. Running now through August 30th, 2020, be sure to check out Stronger Together: The Power of Women in Country Music.

2. Check into the Cotton House Cleveland.

You’re going to wish you extended your trip by a day or a million at the recently debuted Cotton House Cleveland (215 Cotton Row, Cleveland, MS 38732), perched on Cleveland’s Cotton Row. The 95-room boutique hotel is pet-friendly and has a fitness studio —if you choose to work off some of the delicious food you’ll be eating around town. Should you choose to stay on premises for a meal, you’ll be thoroughly impressed by the fare at Delta Meat Market or at the rooftop eatery, Bar Fontaine, both helmed by James Beard Award-nominated Chef Cole Ellis.

3. Go antiquing.

And clothing shopping. And whoops you-forgot-your-sorority-sister’s-birthday shopping. Downtown Cleveland has a wealth of noteworthy shopping experiences from independent retailers, whether you seek books (Cotton Row Bookstore) or vintage collectibles (Moonstruck Flea Market). If you’re feeling wiped from shopping, grab a treat at The Sweetery or a meal at Catfish Cabin in nearby Boyle.

4. Explore the Martin and Sue King Railroad Heritage Museum.

You and your gals will delight in learning more about the town’s history at the Martin and Sue King Railroad Heritage Museum (115 South Bayou Rd, Cleveland, MS 38732). The fascinating space teaches you plenty of fascinating facts about Cleveland’s historic roots and also hosts an O-gauge model train exhibit. (Perhaps next time you can bring your kids, but for now, revel in the quality time with friends.)

5. Spend some time on the Mississippi Blues Trail.

Though you could easily spend a long weekend without leaving downtown, carve out an afternoon or full day to see some of the sites featured on the Mississippi Blues Trail, which includes 19 spots around Bolivar County. One of our favorites? Dockery Farms (229 Hwy 8, Cleveland, MS 38732), home of blues pioneer Charley Patton, and often referred to the place where Delta blues music originated.

For those who have visited before, what’s your favorite thing to do in Cleveland?