There’s no bond quite like the one between a father and child, a connection that often creates lifelong special moments and cherished memories. This year, why not take that quality time to new heights with a trip to Tunica, Mississippi? This inviting town is a veritable playground for grown-up adventures that you’ll both love, meaning you’ll… Read more »
Stop by the Gateway to the Blues Museum & Visitor Center on your way to or from one of these festivals, mention which festival you’re heading to/from and receive 25% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE at the gift shop! Tunica Rivergate Festival – Tunica, MS Juke Joint Festival – Clarksdale, MS Double Decker Arts Festival –… Read more »
Southern culture has no better representative than its food. The spirit, tradition, and values of the South are spices in themselves, translated through the tastebuds for a deeper understanding of place and people. Both inside and out of its six world-class casinos, Tunica, Mississippi, is still very much a Southern city. In fact, the glamor… Read more »
Tunica Main street has a new business and it’s owned by 17 year old Burch Franklin. Burch decided to open the business after the school she was attending in Colorado closed due to COVID-19. She needed a summer job and didn’t want to have to drive out of town for work. She frequently visited other… Read more »
Spending the 4th of July weekend in Tunica this year will get you in the patriotic spirit, but it’s not the 4th of July without seeing the beauty of red, white, and blue in the sky. Here is where you can watch the fireworks in Tunica.
Whether it’s classic cars, bicycle rides, crawfish or live blues performed on a train depot stage, this year’s festival line-up in Tunica has something for everyone.
The Mississippi Blues Trail is your unforgettable journey into the land that produced arguably the single most important inspiration of modern popular music. Whether a die-hard blues fan or a casual traveler in search of an authentic experience, follow the trail and you’ll visit places you’ve never been and learn facts that you didn’t know about the area that is the birth place of the Blues.
This has to be my favorite time of the year. I look forward to the sun shining and warmer temperatures after a long winter. When Spring arrives I can not wait to get outside, take a stroll and explore. The great thing about being in Tunica is that I don’t have to go far to take a Spring stroll and if strolling is not your thing we even have a bike trail. Here are a couple of my favorite places to visit –
On November 11, 2002, the Town of Tunica established the Veterans Memorial Park at the edge of our quiet and quaint downtown. This beautiful park features a life-size bronze statue with flags flying high representing each branch of the armed forces as well as a flag for the POW’s.
As summer approaches and the days get longer, you often look for new experiences and new places to visit. Did you know that Tunica has three museums open and offering fun for all ages? It is a perfect way to spend a day in Tunica whether a regular visitor or a first timer!
Dust off your bikes and air up your tires it’s Springtime in the Delta. Tunica has two bicycle trails to get you outside and enjoying this weather. The first of the 2 trails is a 35 mile trail that begins at Walls in DeSoto County and follows Old U.S. 61 — the Great River Road Scenic Byway — passing through Lake Cormorant in DeSoto’s west to the Tunica County Line. Stopovers include the future Bass Landing Park, DeSoto County’s only Mississippi River access. The second trail is a 13 mile loop that begins in historic downtown Tunica and leads you through the Delta to Mhoon Landing on the Mississippi River and back to town.
If you’re looking for a good place to work up a sweat on your next visit to Tunica, grab your racquet and head to a tennis court that’s ready to be played all year long. At Tunica National Golf and Tennis, four indoor climate-controlled courts keep players cooled off or warmed up throughout the year, whatever the weather.
After years of watching Mississippi Deltans buy flowers and heart-shaped chocolates in the name of Saint Valentine, and later gather at the nearest pub dressed in their finest green attire in the name of Saint Patrick, Down the Road blog contributor Fawn Horton pondered the idea of a Mississippi Delta version of a saint.
As we’re in the midst of Black History Month, we are reminded of the contributions that African Americans have made to our culture, country and world. One great offering is the creation of The Blues.
January 1st rang in the New Year 2015 and with it came the all-new Gateway to the Blues Museum. Located alongside America’s Blues Highway 61 at the entrance of the Tunica Resort area, the new museum officially opened to the public on January 26th.
The Gateway to the Blues Museum, Mississippi’s newest blues experience will open this January alongside blues highway 61 in Tunica Resorts. Just 20 miles from Memphis’s Beale Street and Elvis’ Graceland, it will serve as the perfect stop for tourists and music lovers searching for that authentic blues experience.
Each Spring we pull out the lawn chairs and stock the coolers for the Alive After Five concert series in downtown Tunica. The concerts are the last Friday of the month in May and June and are held in Rivergate park. Scheduled to perform this year is Nancy Apple and the WDB and Delta Heart. Here is a clip from last years concert where the Memphis Snake Doctors performed. For more information on the Alive After Five series contact Tunica Main Street at 662-363-6611.
It’s been about twenty years or so since I commented to my then wife to be, “look around you, is this not the most beautiful place on earth!” The comment was made during one of our late afternoon trips through the Mississippi Delta.
Delta Country Jam returns to Tunica for it’s 2nd year on Memorial Day Weekend and discounted tickets are available at the Gateway to the Blues Visitor Center! Spend the holiday with partying with Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line and many more! Stop by and pick-up your tickets today!
“Top of the Delta”… “Gateway to the Blues”… “South’s Casino Capital”… all of these represent Tunica accurately but for one weekend in April every year, we can add another descriptor: Home to the annual Rivergate Festival!
For our visitors who love to run, the Nature Trail at the Tunica RiverPark provides a beautiful backdrop and multiple terrains. In her blog post, Brittany Fisher takes readers on a run along the trail.
Looking for a family friendly activity? Head on down to Sam’s Town Tunica for the 14th Annual Delta River Cruisin’ Car Show hosted by the Memphis Street Rods. This annual show is one of the largest gatherings in the Mid-South of classically restored vehicles, hot rods and street rods.
The countdown is on for the biggest Country music festival this year, the Delta Country Jam on Oct. 4th and 5th and we have your tickets. Purchase your tickets at the Gateway to the Blues Visitor Center for a discounted rate of just $57 each day. That is an over $30 savings compared to what you would pay online.
The summer may be coming to a close on the calendar but things are just starting to heat up in Tunica. We have some of the biggest names in entertainment coming our way as well as some cool cars and hot BBQ.
Summer travels can be made all the better by taking an RV and touring the festivals in one area. There are all sorts of delicious local foods, music and activities for those of all ages at Mississippi festivals and you won’t want to miss a thing. Plan a week’s stay or stay and visit different festivals from August through October! Whichever you choose, you are sure to have the time of your life!
Tunica is well-known for its festival fun, and the Tunica Balloon Bash is just one of a number of celebrations in the region. It runs from 9 August through the 11th at Tunica Resorts. The 2nd Annual Tunica Balloon Bash is colorful, fascinating and provides chances to see balloon races that can’t be beat. Park your RV at Sam’s Town RV Park where you will have full hookups, a lovely landscape and shuttle buses to the casinos if you are so inclined.
The Tunica Balloon Bash is just two weeks away, so we thought we would brush up on a few ballooning facts before the big event. Here is a fun piece that we have put together for you –
Just when you thought the Delta Country Jam couldn’t get any hotter, they go and add even more Country Music stars to the line up. The Delta Country Jam Music Festival is October 4-5, 2013. I promise, you don’t want to miss the hottest music festival of the year.
The fun starts on Friday night when Billy Currington, Thompson Square, Jerrod Nieman, Josh Thompson and Steel Magnolia take the stage. On Saturday night things get turned up a notch with Brantly Gilbert, Kellie Pickler, Blackberry Smoke, Maggie Rose, Bush Hawg, Drake White, Michael Ray, Randy Houser and Tim McGraw with more artists still to come.
The festival will be held on the Abbay & Leatherman Plantation behind Hollywood Casino & Hotel. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster. Single day passes start at $80 and 2 day passes are $125. VIP packages are available starting at $280. For more information about VIP packages visit DeltaCountryJam.com.
Balloons return to the sky at the 2nd Annual Tunica Balloon Bash on August 9-11, 2013. Tunica will welcome 50 hot air balloons at five casino resort properties. Hot air balloonists from across the country will compete in early morning races to win over $12,000 in cash and prizes.
And this event isn’t just for the hot air balloon expert! Each casino property will host balloons in their parking lot for a balloon glow at sunset on Friday night with glows also on Saturday night as select properties. Visitors are invited to meet the pilots and experience the size and beauty of this majestic sight of the orange glow in the Mississippi Delta.
We know that Dads love Tunica, so why not bring yours this weekend? He’ll enjoy gaming, golf, fun and more! And I’m pretty sure it will get you bonus points, so that you’ll be well on your way to being his favorite child!
There is a lot going on in Tunica over the next few months. So much that it is hard to keep track of it all, so we put everything in one spot to make sure you don’t miss out on the hottest festivals, car shows and music events.
Many of you may already have signed up to receive updates from Tunica via email, but did you know that there are even more ways to connect with Tunica? Not only do we promise to keep you up to date on breaking news, concert announcements and specials, we also have more ways for you to win comps from your favorite Tunica Casinos.
Country music is coming to the Mississippi Delta, October 4-5, 2013 for one of the largest and most anticipated country music festivals of the year, Delta Country Jam Music Festival. The festivities will be located on the Abbay & Leatherman Plantation behind Hollywood Casino & Hotel.
Want to experience the Mississippi River kind of like Tom Sawyer did but without having to get your feet wet? You can, on board the Tunica Queen. The Tunica Queen is an authentic riverboat that sails from the Tunica RiverPark and offers sightseeing, sunset and dinner cruises.
We recently went along for a ride and had a blast. See for yourself in our video from TunicaTV!
Showfest, the car, truck and bike show that shows off vehicles that are loud by sound – and by paint color – rolled into Sam’s Town for its 15th anniversary last May. Tunica TV was on site to catch some of the most unique and creative vehicles, including a 1934 Ford Model A. And now Showfest is returning to Tunica again on May 18 & 19, 2013. For information, visit their website ~ www.showfest.com or follow Showfest on Facebook or Twitter.
The Tunica Arena is hosting the Cowboy Mounted Shooting National Championships April 14-20, 2013 for it’s 10th year. Over 500 horses and their riders come to town to take part in the annual championship. Admission is free everyday during the event. On Friday, April 19th at 7 pm you will have a chance to see the top riders that are vying for the National Championship.
Check out our video from last year and make plans to come see for yourself. For more information on the event please click here.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once said “The only thing one can do when it rains is to let it rain.” Even though rain is a pain in the “boot-ie” the festival will be a go and no truer words can describe the 21 years of the Tunica Rivergate Music Festival. This year’s festival will be held April 19th & 20th rain or shine.
Join us at the Tunica RiverPark on March 30th from 11-1 for a hippity hoppity good time at the 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the River.
The egg hunt begins at 11 followed by games with prizes and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. Photographs with Mr. E Bunny will also be available. Parents we haven’t forgotten about you. There will be drawings for museum passes and prizes from the museum gift shop. This is a free event for the whole family.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we have put all specials and promotions in one place, so you can spend your special day with your special someone in Tunica! Here are the posted specials we compiled for you:
At the Tunica Arena and Exposition Center, you never know what kind of event you’ll have the opportunity to attend during your visit. This season, the arena will attract events in cheerleading, motor sports, horse shows and more.
For many families, a trip to Tunica at Christmastime is a tradition. Because most businesses are closed on Christmas, and the crazy shoppers are in full force making returns December 26, Tunica is your destination for relaxed fun that’s only a car ride away.
It’s wintertime in Tunica, and while you may enjoy the even temperature inside Tunica’s nine casinos, sometime on your trip, you might want to get out and explore! We wanted to fill you in about one of our favorite places to get away from everything and really see Tunica and the Mighty Mississippi River
Whether you call it bean bag toss, corn toss, baggo, bags or cornhole, the popular lawn game in which players take turns throwing beanbags at a raised platform with a hole in the far end guarantees a good time. And in Tunica, we’re all about a game that allows you to have a free hand for drinks! Whether you prefer being a spectator or participant, we have the event for you.
While you’re lifted in a hot air balloon at the Tunica Balloon Bash, the experience might make you wonder how the 70-foot-tall balloons work. Read on to find out hot air balloon basics and how they launch from the ground.
Hot air balloons are going to brighten up the sky in Tunica next month when forty float in for the Tunica Balloon Bash. They’re fun to watch from the ground, but they also add pizzazz in movies, TV and when celebraties appear in them.
Fall is upon us in the Delta. Temperatures are beginning to drop and leaves are starting to turn, and there’s no better way to mark the season than with the Delta Day Festival in Downtown Tunica’s Rivergate Park on October 27.
The fun begins at 9 a.m. and doesn’t stop until 5 p.m. for this one-day festival celebrating the heritage and history of The Delta. Free and open to the public, Delta Day offers something for everyone in the family.
On October 3rd Bridging the Blues will connect the week between the Highway 61 Blues Festival and King Biscuit Blues Festival with dozens of incredible blues events across Arkansas, the Mississippi Delta, and Memphis. Among those official events is possibly the first social media driven blues event in the world: the #BridgingTheBlues” #BluesTweetUp at the beautiful site of the Gateway to the Blues in Tunica, Mississippi — an ancient train station turned into a bluesy gift shop and valuable delta tourism resource.
You don’t have to wait until next may to smell the smoke in the air from teams cooking BBQ in the Mid-South. Harrah’s Tunica will have it for you this month.
The Smokin’ Aces BBQ Festival returns for it’s 3rd year to Harrah’s Tunica September 14-16 and it is sure to be great fun for everyone. Festival events include a FREE concert, FREE admission to the festival, a Carnival, and great BBQ for sale as well as all the standard carnival favorites! Carnival Wristbands are only $15 for Friday and $20 for Saturday for unlimited carnival riding privileges!
Make plans to bring the family for a weekend of food, fun, and entertainment!
Sometimes it can drive a person crazy when a holiday falls in the middle of the week, but not this time. This 4th of July lands on a Wednesday giving you something to do all week in Tunica. Plus, if you’re like me you can use vacation to make it an extra long weekend before or after! That’s a Jackpot in my books! Here’s a list of the week’s activities:
The Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau will host an after hours open house this Wednesday, June 27 from 5:30 – 8:00 pm. Homemade Jamz – The Youngest Blues Band in the Land will be the first ever act to perform live on the Highway 61 – Gateway to the Blues Stage. The event is geared to expose the members of the Tunica hospitality industry and local population on the opening of the 1st phase of the Gateway to the Blues Visitor Center, Museum and Office Complex located along US Highway 61.
Father’s Day is fast approaching. We know that a typical gift for dad might involve a tie, hunting equipment or a round of golf, but we think Dad is looking for some relaxing time away just like Mom, so we’ve got just the thing and it doesn’t involve the remote control & a beer!
After months of cleanup and repairs following the 2011 Mississippi River floods, the Tunica RiverPark & Museum is back!!! And it’s time to shout it from the rooftops.
The RiverPark is a one-of-a-kind interactive, interpretive museum that showcases the life of the river and its history, featuring aquariums, ecotrails and riverboat cruises. During the hiatus the facility’s event space was reconfigured, pavilions with grills are being added to the grounds that can be rented for parties and family reunions and brand-new museum exhibits are in the works. Come see all the changes for yourself.
You’re invited to celebrate the reopening with us at the Tunica RiverPark Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 10 am – 5 pm. The day’s festivities will include live blues music, children’s activities, FREE admission to the RiverPark Museum, special Tunica Queen cruise schedule at a discounted rate, gift shop specials and more!
This year is flying by and May is almost here. The month of May to me means Mother’s Day, A chance to thank mom for all she has done over the years. One of the best ways to thank her is
to get her something special, and that’s not hard to do with all the shopping options in Tunica. From the outlet mall, specialty boutiques, Paula Deen gift shop, and even one of a kind gifts at the Gateway to the Blues visitor center gift shop you are sure to find something mom will love.
The Tunica Arena is hosting the Cowboy Mounted Shooting National Championships this week. This marks the 10th year that this event has been held in Tunica. Over 500 horses and their riders come to town to take part in the annual championship. Tunica TV stopped by the Arena to check out the action so we could share it with you.
Spring came early this year and that means your Spring fever has too. Not to worry, Tunica has just what the Dr. ordered with our hot entertainment lineup. We have something for everyone, car shows, crawfish, and concerts from Charlie Pride and Boston. For a complete list of entertainment, click here.
Grab your baskets and hop on over to the Tunica RiverPark & Museum for the 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the River Saturday, April 7, 2012!
This is a free event for the whole family. The festivities will begin at 2 p.m. with an Easter egg hunt for
children ages 3-10 on the garden terrace with games and prizes to follow. Come early and visit to the Mississippi River Museum and see all of the updates since the 2011 flood. Adults can enter you to win a dinner cruise for two on the Tunica Queen and other prizes from the Museum Gift Shop. Call 866.51RIVER (517.4837) for more information.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ANGELA KIRBY AND VICKIE CLARK FOR WINNING A CRUISE ON THE TUNICA QUEEN!
The sun is shining, flowers are blooming and best of all the Tunica Queen is sailing. This is the perfect time of year to get outside and experience the Mississippi River onboard an authentic riverboat sailing from the Tunica RiverPark.
Spring has sprung and my pink clipboard has been resurrected from last year. It’s said when the clipboards come out around the Tunica Chamber of Commerce office that it’s planning time for the Rivergate Festival. Can you believe 20 years have passed since the best little party in downtown Tunica started? We’ve got tons of fun and great entertainment coming. OK I’ll tell you what’s on the clipboard so far…
Go all in while in Tunica and not just at the Blackjack table. The G.W Henderson Aquatic Center is Mississippi’s largest natatorium. This means that even when it’s freezing outside you can still swim like it’s summertime.
Where does the time go? Another year is almost in the books with the holiday season arriving upon us as fast as a Santa’s sleigh rooftop landing on Christmas morn. Speaking of rooftop landings, we in Tunica had a major rooftop landing this week with the arrival of the Gateway to the Blues Visitor Center marquee sign.
Fall is here! Some of my favorite things about this season are the changing leaves, cool nights wrapped in a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa, corn mazes and the State Fair.
As a kid, I remember my family going to the state fair specifically for the rodeo and then walking through the animal barns to see the horses that had just performed for us. For all you country boys and girls, it might not seem like much to be close to such a magnificent animal, but for this city girl it filled me with awe and amazement. And now as an adult, I get that same feeling when I visit the Tunica Arena & Expo Center.
Looking for a family friendly activity to celebrate the first weekend of Fall? Head on down to Sam’s Town Tunica for the 12th Annual Delta River Cruisin’ Car Show hosted by the Memphis Street Rods. This annual show is one of the largest gatherings in the Mid-South of classically restored vehicles, hot rods and street rods.
It was just another day on the Mighty Mississippi. Barges traveling up & down to their unknown destinations, while the alligator gar peaked at the water’s break and the deer ran along the edge of the river. Our group nervously walked down the boat ramp approaching the dock. Only one of us had ever experienced an airboat ride until now.
We all remember the days when summer vacation always seemed to end too soon. Like most kids, we dreaded the return of school, teachers and homework. Nowadays, even some adults dread the end of summer. The end of summer means less sunshine, the looming inevitability of cold weather and the end of daylight savings time, ensuring that we leave work, essentially, in the dark..
As many of you know, we’re working to open the new Tunica Gateway to the Blues Visitor Center and Museum. We expect the Visitor Center to open in the fall and the museum to be soon after. If you’re like me and can’t stand the wait, I wanted to tell you about a couple Music Lover’s add-ons to your Tunica vacation that are just up the road in Memphis. Plus, if you’re traveling along the Mississippi Blues Trail, there’s a marker in Memphis!
Recently, I was looking for something to do one Saturday afternoon. I was bored out of my mind and couldn’t stand lying around the house anymore, so I decided to take a drive to downtown Tunica. Tunica Main Street has always been a nice place to meet up with friends and family for the Alive After 5 concerts, but I never really spend much time there unless I’m headed to Crawfish Alley at the Rivergate Festival or to the Levee Shack inside the Tunica Pharmacy to pick up a gift for my mother. This time I decided to stop by and pick up a map of Tunica Main Street and a visitor’s guide, which you can find by clicking here.
Today Vision Airlines launched low-fare, nonstop air service between Tunica Airport (UTM) and the Northwest Florida International Airport in Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, FL (VPS). The airline will operate five flights a week to Destin, using a 30 passenger Dornier 328 turbo-prop aircraft. Parking will be free for passengers flying to and from the Tunica Airport.
Tunica National Golf & Tennis has had a long list of distinguished tournaments since opening in 2004. None however will draw more top ranked professional players to the Tunica area than the USGA Sectional Qualifier to be held on Monday, June 6, 2011.
I am sure you all have seen the news of the rising Mississippi River and it’s affect on Tunica and the Casino Industry. While these have been a difficult couple of weeks, there are a lot of things still happening in the area.
Although I have been living here in the Mississippi Delta for several years now, I am still amazed with how much there is to see and experience here. I recently had the opportunity to spend a weekend in Greenwood, MS and let me tell you, if you want a romantic weekend or a girls getaway, this is the place (besides Tunica, or course).
Looking for something different to do in Tunica? Tunica’s Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino is home to the 14th annual ShowFest Truck and Car show on May 14 and 15, 2011. ShowFest is a national auto show that highlights top quality show vehicles competing for top honors. Over 600 vehicles participate that are available for viewing at the show, including Show trucks, custom cars, classic cars, classic trucks, mini trucks, 4 wheel drives, Hot Rods, Rat Rods, Pro Street, custom SUVs, motorcycles and lowriders. If you’re a motorhead, then you don’t want to miss out on this event. For more information, visit showfest.com or Facebook.com/showfest.
The signs of spring were abundant this past weekend in Tunica. The weather was gorgeous! While walking the dog, I came across blooming irises and tulips, a baby turtle and a cardinal. All these things reminded me that it’s the time for renewal and probably a little spring-cleaning. Typically, I associate spring-cleaning with dusting the blinds, washing the windows and rearranging the furniture, but this year, I’m all about working on cleaning out my closets.
Matt Jordan a regular contributor to this blog proclaimed earlier this week that he knows spring is here each year with the start of March Madness. For me, Spring has not officially Sprung in Tunica until what I affectionately call “Crawfish” week or officially know as the annual Tunica Downtown Event – called the Rivergate Festival.
Bragging rights are up for grabs this weekend as Tunica Main Street hosts the 9th annual Wild Game Cook-off. Think of it as the Memphis in May of wild game.
Many Tunica fans don’t realize the close connection Elvis had with Las Vegas, but Vegas was the place Elvis got his stage stardom. We know at Graceland, Tunica is our Vegas! We also know Tunica has “a lot more action” to keep you entertained during your trip, so whether you are visiting Memphis with a day trip to Tunica, or staying in Tunica and coming to see us at Graceland, here are three new things we are looking forward to you seeing in 2011!
Festivals will fill the air soon on October 16th in Tunica and will be a guarantee for fun and food with Delta Day in Downtown Tunica and Romp on the River at the Tunica RiverPark.
With Labor Day Weekend just around the corner and a fall getaway on the radar, you might be wondering what to do during your time off of the casino floor in Tunica. While you can always go outlet and antique shopping, play a few rounds of golf or tennis, treat yourself to the spa, lay out by the pool, and enjoy live entertainment, here are some ideas of things to do exploring the area that are off the beaten path.
2010 marks the 75th anniversary of Elvis’ birthday and Travel Tunica thought what better time to experience Graceland. With Tunica MS being just 30 minutes away, we headed up Hwy. 61 to first have lunch at one of Elvis’ favorites, Arcade Restaurant.
Elvis’ booth at The Arcade.
Founded in 1919, the Arcade is Memphis’ oldest café, and Elvis frequented so often that a booth is dedicated to him. Not only is the food great . . . The Downtowner pizza is a must try, but the atmosphere and design is what moviemakers hope to find in a location. Click here for the complete story on the Arcade.
Next we headed to Graceland and were amazed at the number of people we saw on a Wednesday afternoon. There was a steady flow of tour buses driving through the Graceland gates.
Pool parties are in full swing and the mosquitoes are running on all cylinders, but those back-to-school sales don’t lie – the end of summer is right around the corner. But there is still time to squeeze in one last family getaway before the school bells start ringing. Why not head down the road to Tunica and enjoy those precious last few days of summer? More than just a gaming destination, Tunica has a number of family-friendly activities that children of all ages can enjoy.
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