Page 18 - Jackpot Magazine Tunica ~ October, 2024

Gateway to the Blues Museum & Visitor Center filled with region’s music history
Gateway to the Blue Museum & Visitor Center
TUNICA — Nestled near the northern entry point to Tu- nica, The Gateway to the Blues Museum and Visitor Center offers a captivating journey through the rich history of Blues music. Affiliated with the Tunica Convention & Visitors Bu- reau, this museum invites visitors to delve into the origins and evolution of one of America’s most influential musical genres.
From its interactive exhibits to its extensive artwork and his- torical displays, The Gateway to the Blues Museum immerses guests in the soulful melodies and profound lyrics that define the Blues. Visitors are guided through exhibits such as “What Is Blues?”, “Why the Mississippi Delta?”, and “Evolution of
Style and Form”, illuminating how the genre emerged and flourished in the Mississippi Delta.
The museum also pays homage to legendary Bluesmen and milestones in Blues history, including the impact of the British Invasion on the genre’s global reach. A highlight of the expe- rience is a hands-on recording studio where enthusiasts can explore the fundamentals of Blues music firsthand.
In addition to its educational exhibits, The Gateway to the Blues Museum is a gateway to local landmarks and attractions. It proudly hosts the Highway 61 marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail, a symbolic road that inspired renowned artists like Charlie Musselwhite and Big Joe Williams. Over 100 markers along Highway 61 trace the influence of Blues music through- out the region, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of its cul- tural significance.
For those seeking a distinctive venue for events, The Gate- way to the Blues Museum provides an unforgettable backdrop. Its spacious lobby and visitor center, accommodating up to 125 guests, are ideal for meetings, receptions, and other gatherings.
Whether planning a weekend getaway or a road trip through the Mississippi Delta, a visit to The Gateway to the Blues Mu- seum promises to be a highlight. Guests are encouraged to ex- plore the gift shop for keepsakes that capture the essence of their Blues-inspired journey.
For more information on tickets, group rates, and accom- modations, see tunicatravel.com/blues.
I-269 a much-appreciated ‘Fast Track to Tunica’
MISSISSIPPI — Six years ago this month, the “Fast Track to Tunica” opened. Motorists traveling in northwest Mississippi gained access to Interstate 269 when the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) opened the final nine-mile seg- ment with a ribbon cutting on
Oct. 26, 2018.
For Tunica County and its
six casinos, the direct connec- tivity from I-40 in Tennessee to US-61 in Tunica County via I-269 effectively created a “Fast Track to Tunica.”
I-69, which connects US-61 to I-269 at I-55, opened in Oc- tober of 2006. A ribbon-cut- ting ceremony for this section took place on Oct. 3, 2006, at which point I-69 was opened to traffic. Trivia: The first cars to travel it were Studebakers from
Map illustrates easy access to I-269 from points east. a classic car club.
18 JACKPOT! MAGAZINE • October 2024 THE SOUTH’S LARGEST GUIDE TO GAMING & FUN • www.jackpotmagazine.com