Don't you just love the planning aspect of a vacation and something exciting to look forward to? I do! We are people who research our vacations ahead of time in so many different ways. Mostly, we're looking for good food and entertainment. I like to identify driving directions, interesting things we'll see along the side of the road, and places to eat! From Memphis to Clarksdale we followed smaller highways passing teeny tiny towns, older homes, flooded properties, and Blues Trail highway markers. We stopped at a few interesting sites, so if you're interested in this aspect check out http://www.msbluestrail.org/ to figure them all out.
This road trip took us southwards to Clarksdale, Mississippi. The "Crossroads" at Highways 61 and 49... home of the Blues... a unique, interesting, small southern town. First stop - Abe's BBQ because there was so much good press online. Abe's is located on State Street in Clarskdale right at the intersection where Robert Johnson supposedly sold his soul to the devil to play the guitar. Abe's has been in business since 1924 and the ribs were absolutely as delicious as promised. But... if you're allergic to anchovy (shellfish) or worchestershire you won't be able to enjoy the sauce. And every last thing in this place has sauce on it. Abe's surprised us with their tamales and chile which were divine. But I've had better here in Arizona. Which brings us to my hubby's chili dog sandwich for dinner. Two hot dogs on a burger bun with a slap of chili and cheese. Definitely NOT as good as the ribs. Enjoy the ribs, the bbq pork sandwich and the beans - they are yummy! Take a peek at what Abe's got cookin' at http://www.abesbbq.com/.
We also visited the Delta Blues Museum with plenty of good artifacts including Muddy Waters' cabin. This museum is downtown and easy to find and will only take up an hour or so of your time. If you're a true blues fan, you'll love it. Their website with more information can be found at: http://www.deltabluesmuseum.org/.
Now, there is probably a good bit of nighttime entertainment in downtown Clarksdale but we opted to hang out in our overnight accommodations at the Shack-Up Inn. We were still recuperating from some serious fun in Memphis still and a quiet evening was perfect. Like I said, we are researchers ahead of our trip. We had found Shack-Up Inn online and couldn't wait to stay here. Shack-Up is an old cotton plantation with cabins and shacks scattered about the property. We lodged in "Bill's House" which was a three bedroom, two bath, two story funky and quirky home. We were greeted at check-in by a very friendly employee who gave us the low-down on Shack-Up. There are nights with entertainment, but not the night we were there. Oh, well. But there were fresh donuts at check-in and the following morning from a downtown donut establishment next door to Abe's. (They were already sold out the next morning at 9:00am - yikes!) As we settled in after dinner we began to notice the antiques scattered throughout Bill's House. They literally cover every cabinet, counter, shelf, sill, and table. Yearbooks, bottles, bird cages, kitchen implements, musical memorabilia, masks, trees, a piano and hot tub, etc. everywhere the eye can see and then some. We sat for several hours playing cards and every few minutes would find something new and interesting. It's hard to describe such a place - you've just gotta try it for yourself. Bill's House rents for $250 per night and sleeps 6 very comfortably but you could put an extra 2 on the sofas if need be. Their website can be found at http://www.shackupin.com/ with all kinds of information and pics to satisfy your curiosity. If you find yourself in Clarksdale for whatever reason - make your way to Shack-Up Inn. I heartily reccommend it.
Next up... Jackson, Mississippi and on into NOLA!
Deb :)
No comments:
Post a Comment