10 Relaxed, Fun Things To Do In And Around Greenwood, Mississippi (Leflore County)
If you’re dreaming about a slow-paced getaway with blues music, Delta food, and small-town charm,
Greenwood, Mississippi might surprise you in the best way. Tucked into the heart of the
Mississippi Delta in
Leflore County, Greenwood is rich in history, culture, and Southern hospitality.
Whether you’re road-tripping through the South or planning a weekend escape, here are
10 things to do in and near Greenwood that blend music, food, history, and a whole lot of Delta soul.
1. Walk Through Blues History at the B.B. King Museum (Indianola)
You can’t talk about the Mississippi Delta without talking about the blues. While it’s about a 30–40 minute drive from Greenwood, the
B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola is an absolute must.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Interactive exhibits about B.B. King’s life, from his childhood to worldwide fame
- Vintage guitars, stage outfits, and personal photos
- Moving stories about the Delta’s role in American music
The museum does a great job telling not just one man’s story, but the story of the
Delta itself—its struggles, its music, and its people. If you’re a music fan, plan at least 2 hours here.
On your way back to Greenwood, roll down the windows, put on some blues, and let the flat farmland and wide sky set the mood.
2. Explore Downtown Greenwood’s Historic District
Greenwood’s
historic downtown is compact, easy to walk, and full of character. Think restored brick buildings, classic storefronts, and that old-town, everybody-knows-everybody feeling.
As you stroll, check out:
- The Carrollton Avenue and Howard Street areas for shops and local businesses
- Old warehouses turned into restaurants and boutiques
- Street views that honestly look like a movie set
If you enjoy photography, you’ll find plenty of spots with faded signs, old murals, and railroad tracks that feel like stepping back in time.
I once spent an afternoon just wandering these streets with a coffee in hand, and it ended up being one of my favorite “no-plan” days in Mississippi.
3. Visit The Museum of the Mississippi Delta
To really understand Leflore County and the surrounding area, spend some time at
The Museum of the Mississippi Delta right in Greenwood.
Inside you’ll see:
- Exhibits on Native American history and artifacts
- Civil War and agricultural history of the region
- Displays on Delta art, culture, and everyday life
It’s not overwhelming or huge, which makes it perfect if you’re traveling with kids or just don’t want to spend all day indoors. The museum connects a lot of dots about why the Delta looks and feels the way it does today.
4. Pay Your Respects at Blues Legend Robert Johnson’s Grave
The Mississippi Delta is full of blues legends, and one of the most famous names is
Robert Johnson. He’s known for that haunting guitar sound and the myth about selling his soul at the crossroads.
Near Greenwood, you’ll find a
commonly accepted gravesite for Robert Johnson at:
- Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church (just outside Greenwood)
It’s a quiet, rural churchyard with a simple headstone often covered in:
- Guitar picks
- Coins
- Notes from fans
Even if you’re not a hardcore blues fan, standing there in the still Delta air, looking at the fields, you can’t help but feel the weight of music history.
5. Taste the Delta at Greenwood’s Local Restaurants
You can’t visit Greenwood and skip the food. The
Delta is all about rich, comforting, Southern cooking—perfect after a day of exploring.
Around town, look for:
- Hot tamales – a true Delta specialty, often sold at small local spots
- Catfish – usually fried, crispy, and served with coleslaw or hushpuppies
- Barbecue – smoky ribs, pulled pork, and sausage
- Homestyle vegetables – greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and more
If you enjoy trying local flavors, ask your server where they like to eat. In small towns, that’s usually how you find the real hidden gems—those no-frills places where the food tastes like someone’s grandma is in the kitchen.
6. Relax and Reboot at the Alluvian Hotel & Spa
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Greenwood, the
Alluvian Hotel downtown is a standout. It’s a boutique hotel that mixes Delta charm with modern comfort. Even if you’re not staying there, the lobby and public spaces are worth a peek.
Highlights include:
- A cozy, stylish lobby perfect for reading or people-watching
- An on-site spa if you’re in the mood for a massage or facial
- Walkable access to shops and restaurants
It’s the kind of place where you can spend a lazy morning with coffee, looking out at the street, and just let time slow down—which is exactly what the Mississippi Delta is good at.
7. Take a Scenic Drive Through Leflore County’s Farmland
One of the simple pleasures of visiting Greenwood is just…driving. The
Delta landscape is wide and open, with long, straight roads, farm fields, and huge skies.
Try this:
- Head out on a back road just outside town
- Drive 10–20 miles with your favorite playlist (bonus points for blues or country)
- Pull over safely to take photos when you spot an old barn or abandoned gas station
At sunset, the light stretches across the fields in this golden, almost dreamy way. It’s not a flashy attraction, but if you love road trips and quiet moments, it might become one of your favorite memories.
8. Visit a Local Farm or Market (Seasonal)
Leflore County and the surrounding Delta are deeply tied to agriculture. Depending on the time of year, you might find:
- Roadside stands selling fresh produce
- Seasonal markets with local fruits and vegetables
- Community events focused on farming and food
If you’re in town during harvest seasons (late summer into fall), ask locals about:
- Any farm tours or U-pick options nearby
- Small markets or pop-up stands
Even grabbing a bag of local sweet potatoes or fresh tomatoes can feel like bringing a little piece of the Delta home with you.
9. Follow the Mississippi Blues Trail Markers Around the Area
Greenwood and Leflore County sit right in the middle of the
Mississippi Blues Trail, a network of historic markers that tell the stories of musicians, juke joints, churches, and more.
Around Greenwood, you can:
- Look for Blues Trail markers throughout town and nearby communities
- Read about local artists and historic spots tied to the blues
- Use the markers as a self-guided tour of Delta music history
It’s an easy, flexible activity—you can follow a few markers between other stops or plan a full day around visiting as many as you can.
10. Catch a Local Event or Festival
Like many small Southern towns, Greenwood has a steady calendar of
local events throughout the year. Depending on when you visit, you might find:
- Food festivals highlighting Delta dishes
- Live music events with local blues, soul, or gospel
- Holiday parades and seasonal celebrations
Before you go, it’s worth:
- Checking Greenwood’s tourism website or social media
- Calling the local visitor center or Chamber of Commerce
Sometimes the best part of visiting a place like Greenwood is stumbling into a community event you didn’t even know was happening—live music in the park, a street fair, or a small-town parade.
Planning Your Trip to Greenwood, Mississippi
Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
- When to go: Spring and fall are usually the most comfortable, with warm days and cooler nights.
- How long to stay: A weekend is enough to hit the highlights, but a 3–4 day stay lets you explore more of Leflore County and nearby Delta towns.
- Getting around: You’ll want a car. Many of the best things to do are a short drive away.
Greenwood isn’t a place you rush through. It’s a place you
ease into—slow walks, long drives, unhurried meals, and music that lingers long after you leave.
Share Your Greenwood Stories
Have you visited
Greenwood, Mississippi or anywhere else in
Leflore County?
Did you discover a favorite blues spot, restaurant, or scenic drive?
Drop a comment and share your tips or questions below.
And if you found this list of things to do near Greenwood helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a Mississippi Delta road trip. The more people discover this quiet corner of the South, the more its stories and music keep living on.
Comments
Post a Comment