I found myself driving through Greenwood, MS, out of the dusty Delta and into a stately street…read moreappropriately christened "Grand Blvd" when I saw I was coming up on the Tallahatchie River. This inevitably put Bobbie Gentry's classic "Ode To Billy Joe" in my head - when I suddenly noticed there was a red sign at the foot of the bridge. And how perfect - it's a sign on Mississippi's Country Music Trail (an offshoot of the popular "Blues Trail" series) dedicated to Bobbie Gentry herself. There's a lot of beautiful mysterious southern gothic soul in her voice, and in these surroundings the mystery unravels a little (though of course there's more where that came from). Pedants may point out that the "real" Tallahatchie Bridge was torn down in the 70s, but hey, a bridge over the Tallahatchie is a Tallahatchie Bridge, right? That's what they told me up on Choctaw Ridge, at least.

The National Geographic Channel came here and made an episode of Diggers here. They found some old…read morecoins here including a relic coin that was only used locally at the time. It is a Mississippi historic land mark and is part of history around here. As I understand it, share croppers worked all week locally and then came here to "party" sort to speak. They just remodeled the old gas station here and made it look so nice a lawyer or business man moved into part of it.

It's not very big so don't plan an entire day here but it's definitely a cool place to visit…read more Especially when you press the button to play Charley Patton's songs as you walk around the property and just imagine what life here was like before. Check out the Dockery Farms website for background info before you come!

Appreciative of the for-thought to preserve the home of Medgar Evers. He was a civil rights…read moreactivist who was the NAACP's first field secretary in Mississippi. He was a United States Army veteran who served in World War II. He was involved in efforts to overturn racial segregation at the University of Mississippi, end the segregation of public facilities, and expand opportunities for African Americans, including the enforcement of voting rights prior to his assassination on June 12, 1963 in the driveway of his home. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery (with full military honors).

Medgar Evers (1925-1963) was a pioneering African American civil rights activist and the first…read moreNAACP field secretary in Mississippi, working tirelessly to dismantle segregation and secure voting rights. A World War II veteran, he investigated racist crimes, including the Emmett Till murder, and organized protests. His 1963 assassination in his driveway by a white supremacist brought national attention to the fight for equality. You can visit the house where Evers and his family lived and where Medgar was assassinated. See the reproduction of the bedrooms , the house, the kitchen and appliances as well as one of the bullet holes from a previous drive by shooting. There is even a map of where the assassin was. Very interesting stuff. The house is preserved by the NPS. It's free to enter and there were two rangers there to explain the history.

Wow, what an incredibly well thought out museum dedicated to the efforts of all those who have and…read morecontinue to contribute to efforts of racial justice in Mississippi. During an open morning in Jackson, we stumbled upon the museum and decided to explore and it was easily one of the most memorable parts of our trip. We started by being welcomed into the space. This museum intentionally documents the history of the civil rights museum specifically as it pertains to Mississippi. One of the docents shared that she volunteers at the museum because she remembers what it was like growing up in Mississippi as a white child and has committed her allyship to ensuring others can understand what she witnessed with a deep desire for a better future for Mississippi. It was amazing that there were other guests visiting the museum not just from other states like us, but from other countries as well! The true treat of the visit was stumbling upon the center of the museum, where the youngest freedom rider to every be imprisoned was speaking to a group of high school soccer players from Texas. He shared his story and how his activism started at such a young age. The high school students and myself were in awe of just his bravery and hearing what it was truly like to fight for what's right at such a young age. This museum tells an important story that sadly isn't over as the fight for equity and equality is never over. Yet, it's inspiring to know that there are committed individuals ensuring that in the deep South, these stories are documented and told for all those to honor and understand.

We were very fortunate to be allowed to tag along a group that was being given a tour/introduction…read moreby the Museum Director, Mr Moore, who was very knowledgeable and gave great highlights to check out. You def need at least a day or so to check out and take in everything. They are closed on Mondays.

Just off the main road sits a ramshackle stage that was a big thing in the formation of that…read moreuniquely American style of music known as the blues. The blues is music that burns within you and if the blues had never been created, today's music would not be the same. I could almost feel the ghosts of those blues greats standing beside me as I stood at this spot. I would definitely recommend here.

I love this house, since moving to the area I have been multiple times. The house is beautiful and…read moreyou can walk through the whole place. The man who takes care of the place is wonderful. If he is not busy he will give you a tour and he is very funny and personable. He knows a lot about the house and is very respectful of history. I have taken everyone who has come to visit me to tour this house. It is really a treasure.

Frank traveled from Memphis to "The Crossroads" in…read moreClarksdale, Mississippi. For fans of the Blues this is the legendary intersection of Highways 61 and 49 where blues musician Robert Johnson reputedly sold his soul to the Devil for musical mastery. Hell maybe even Keith Richards sold his soul as well but can't confirm. When you arrive it's marked by a monument of three HUGE blue guitars and sign. Forest Gump say's it is a major blues tourism site. OK, for some history or background the legend goes according to folklore, Robert Johnson, a young bluesman, met a stranger at this spot who took his guitar, tuned it, and returned it, enabling him to play with supernatural skill. Man the devil is real cause it worked ! Now after you sold your soul to Beelzebub stop over to ABE'S BBQ for some " Q "and soul food.. It was worth the journey to see Crossroad and grab a bite... Time to find an Exorcist for soul recovery cause FRANK sold his soul. I was kinda stoned so forgive me folks and it seemed like the thing to do at the moment...

The Crossroads is alleged to be where Robert Johnson met with the Devil and sold his soul in order…read moreto play the blues like he did. It is an interesting stop and would be rather unassuming without the sign. I love coming across these little tidbits of Americana and they definitely make my trips much more interesting and make my trip more delightful. If you are in the area, I would recommend coming here and seeing where an urban legend was born. Was Robert Johnson here and, if so, did he broker a deal with the Devil under a moon? I just found this a cool place to visit.

Many years ago (when it was drivable) I used to drive across this bridge whenever I had a car load…read moreof kids or out of town visitors and pretend my car stalled mid-way.... all after telling them rumored stories of this Bridge's past. Boy oh boy was it fun to watch them all panic just a little. Or a lot ... sometimes screaming was involved. I still tell everyone the 'stories' associated with this bridge (who knows if they are true or how true) ... if you Google it some of the tales come up and even a 'Mississippi backroads' episode I think it was that included the bridge. One time after I drove across the bridge ... a few days later it apparently had some of its wooden slats collapse and it has been blocked and 'undrivable' ever since. This should not prevent you from visiting. It is a beautiful old iron bridge. Even the marrieds of graffitied names and vulgarities that visitors have littered on its bones does not distract from is lovely form and location. Somehow it may even add to its appeal. I would definitely recommend watching your feet as you cross (there are warning signs to try and prevent you from venturing over - for which I ignore) there are missing and rotting boards the entire length. The beautifully tree lined river rushes beneath and just the sheer quiet (other than the sound of the rushing water) is worth the cautious walk into the middle of the bridge. I still take any visitor I can drag back to Meridian, Mississippi to see this spot. I tell them the stories I had heard about the bridge from 'old timers' as we drive to its remote local. I make them walk the entire length and admire the bridge's bones and the view it affords. No one is ever disappointed. You should go check it out ... you will not be either.