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Clarksdale
Overview
Clarksdale is a town of 15,000 people (2020) in the Mississippi Delta. About an hour south of Memphis, this little podunk town draws visitors from all over the world for its blues clubs and blues history.
Facts
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Source
WBP almanac
External sources
Media
From Wikipedia29 words
WBP editorial3
The blues capital’s quiet streets
Beyond the drum‑filled venues, Clarksdale’s streetscapes whisper a different kind of rhythm. Pedestrians who linger at the intersection of Dock Street and Front Avenue will notice modest storefronts that double as living‑room galleries, where local artisans showcase hand‑woven baskets and reclaimed‑wood furniture. The city’s historic district, though small, retains 19th‑century brickwork that frames contemporary cafés serving single‑origin coffee sourced from nearby farms. A walk at dusk reveals the subtle glow of neon signs marking dive‑bars that have been neighbourhood hangouts for generations, offering a glimpse into everyday life that tourists often overlook.
Connecting with the cotton fields
A short drive north of the city brings you to the expansive cotton fields that have shaped the region’s economy and culture for over a century. Guided tours, often led by third‑generation farmers, explain the modern techniques that balance mechanised harvesting with sustainable soil practices. Participants can try their hand at sorting lint, an activity that brings the tactile history of the area to life. Stopping at a family‑run roadside eatery en route back to town gives you a taste of “catfish and hush‑puppies” prepared with recipes handed down through the same families who once worked the fields.