Your Delta adventure begins in ClevelanD

Discover Why Cleveland is a Top Southern Small Town

Recognized by Southern Living and Smithsonian Magazine, Cleveland, Mississippi blends small-town charm with a lively Delta lifestyle. Spend the day exploring a walkable downtown filled with boutiques, galleries, antiques, cafés, and restaurants, then soak in the college-town energy of Delta State University. It’s no surprise Cleveland ranks among Mississippi’s best college towns and a great place to live for all ages.

Where American Music Became a Global Treasure

GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, the only GRAMMY Museum outside of Los Angeles, is located in Cleveland and draws visitors from around the world who want to learn about America’s music in the birthplace of America’s music. The $13-million facility features state-of-the-art interactive displays and exhibits that are focused on the history of American music, the music industry’s most prestigious award, the GRAMMY. It’s fitting that the museum be located in Mississippi, as Mississippi has, per capita, more GRAMMY winners than any other state in America.

50 Nights of Lights Lights Up the Delta

Each year from mid-November through the New Year, Cleveland, Mississippi becomes a must-see holiday destination during its signature 50 Nights of Lights celebration. More than one million Christmas lights transform the charming downtown into a festive wonderland, with towering displays—some three stories high—stretching along a scenic half-mile greenway through the historic district.

Visitors can enjoy weekly holiday events like trolley rides, a Thanksgiving-Day-style parade, Santa visits, and seasonal festivities for all ages. Downtown shops and boutiques join in with dazzling window displays, creating a real-life, walkable “Hallmark Christmas” experience. With one of the most impressive Christmas light displays in Mississippi, 50 Nights of Lights makes Cleveland the perfect place to celebrate the season.

Birthplace of the Blues

Just outside Cleveland, Mississippi, lies Dockery Farms—hailed by B.B. King as where the Blues truly began. Often called the Birthplace of the Blues, this legendary plantation was home to Delta blues pioneer Charley Patton and a proving ground for musicians who shaped American music. Blues lore says a young Robert Johnson was turned away from Dockery’s “Frolicking House,” a rejection that led to the infamous crossroads legend nearby.

Today, Dockery Farms is an open-air museum, free to explore and rich with history. If you’re coming to Mississippi to experience the Blues, start where it all began—right outside Cleveland.

Discover Cleveland’s Pottery Scene

With two of America’s most celebrated pottery destinations just minutes away, Cleveland and Bolivar County make a compelling case as Mississippi’s Pottery Capital. McCarty’s Pottery and Gardens in Merigold and Peter’s Pottery in Mound Bayou have drawn collectors and visitors from around the world for decades. Shaped by distinctive Delta clay and master craftsmanship, these iconic studios—along with McCarty’s lush gardens and Peter’s warm, welcoming atmosphere—define the region’s pottery legacy. Rare McCarty and Peter’s pieces can also be discovered in Cleveland’s antique shops, making the area a must-visit for pottery lovers.

Elevated Stays with Southern Soul

Whether you’re visiting Cleveland or exploring the Mississippi Delta, the city offers the best in luxury accommodations. From the downtown charm of the Marriott Tribute Portfolio’s Cotton House to the resort-style comfort of the Lyric Hotel West End, Cleveland’s hotels feature on-site restaurants, cocktail bars, fitness centers, and more. With over 600 rooms at a range of price points, there’s a perfect stay for every traveler.

A Taste of the Delta in Cleveland

For a town its size, Cleveland packs a big culinary punch. From Delta hot tamales and catfish to New York Times‑recognized pizza, craft cocktails, flights of wine, and the classic burger joint, there’s something for every taste. Sip cocktails at a rooftop lounge overlooking downtown or explore the variety of flavors throughout the city—Cleveland brings the Delta’s culinary scene to life.

Broadway Shows & Nightlife Fun

Cleveland is alive with music and entertainment for every taste. The Bologna Performing Arts Center hosts nationally touring concerts, Broadway shows, dance performances, and comedy year-round, while the Deep Roots Music Series brings regular live concerts to the historic Ellis Theater downtown. For a more casual night out, local restaurants and bars—including Hey Joe’s, with its rotating live music and fun trivia nights—keep the city buzzing long after dark.