1-Day Itinerary
Life has a distinctive rhythm and texture here in Greenwood. It begins with a history and culture as rich and complex as the fertile alluvial soil of the Mississippi Delta. This is the region that birthed the haunting strains of the blues, America’s original musical art form, and is the final resting place of legendary bluesman Robert Johnson.
It inspired a culinary tradition that rose from humble roots to seduce the most discerning palates while simultaneously comforting the soul. It attracts artists, musicians, filmmakers, craftsmen, chefs, foodies, writers, storytellers, seekers, entrepreneurs, outdoorsmen, lovers, collectors, history buffs, and adventurers.
And it lives, breathes and redefines authentic Southern hospitality.
Slow and soulful, warm and relaxed, unexpectedly cosmopolitan yet never too hip. Greenwood offers an incomparable glimpse into the enduring legacy of the Delta, the soul of the South, and the unquenchable spirit of a people whose hearts are as vast and open as the horizon.
Downtown and Main Street Walking Tour (Printed and online map available)
Begin with a copy of Main Street Greenwood’s Walking Tour Brochure, which will lead you past such landmarks as Cotton Row, the 1906 Neoclassic Leflore County Courthouse, the 1914 Carnegie Library and a stretch of retail blocks which date back to the late 1890s. Stroll along the Yazoo River and have your picture made on Keesler Bridge (on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks), imagining it swinging into the river’s path as steamboats passed. You’ll see everything from the largest Elks Club in Mississippi (1912) to the renovated structure which housed Fountain’s Big Busy Store (1914), a Delta destination for shoppers. Take time to visit the Alluvian Hotel, a world-renowned resort occupying the 1917 Hotel Irving building. Be sure to notice the elaborate brickwork and ubiquitous iron columns on many of the downtown storefronts.
Viking Cooking School
325 C Howard Street • 662-451-6750
Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Website
Just across historic Howard Street from the Alluvian Hotel, the Viking Cooking School is available for hands-on or demonstration style meals. Reserve your space to learn the latest in culinary techniques, using Viking equipment and gadgets. All classes are taught by Viking’s personal chefs, but don’t worry about feeling like you’re in school, it’s all about FUN in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
The Alluvian Spa
325D Howard Street • 662-451-6700 • 866-728-6700 Toll-Free
Website
Located above the Viking Cooking School, the Alluvian Spa is Mississippi’s most sought-out retreat for massages, facials, pedicures and “spoil-yourself-rotten” getaways. From a quick, relaxing massage to a full-day, full-body makeover, the professionals at the Alluvian Spa will make you feel as relaxed as a Delta summer evening. You can also pick up wonderful spa products and McCarty Pottery at the spa.
Downtown Shopping
The beauty of Greenwood’s downtown shopping district is its walkability, with everything you could imagine within a short stroll from any starting point. World-class antiques, unique children’s fashions, Mississippi-made gifts and art, ladies’ and gentlemen’s clothing, hunting supplies and one of the state’s most diverse bookstores: It’s all just around the corner and the parking is free. Remember where you left your car because you’ll have lots of bags to carry back! Pick up a copy of our Shopping guide at the CVB office at 225 Howard Street.
Dining Options
If you leave Greenwood hungry, you have only yourself to blame. Fan and Johnny’s chef is a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef South. Giardina’s and Lusco’s feature upscale evening dining choices that range from pompano to porterhouse and Jeem’s Diner boasts one of the best burgers in the Delta and homemade biscuits for breakfast. If you are looking for an ethnic treat, try the 100-year-old family recipe egg rolls at Mai Little China on Park Avenue or the Pico de Gallo at San Miguel Taqueria. Turnrow Book Co’s upstairs cafe is the place to go for lunchtime soups, salads and sandwiches, and Webster’s is a cozy neighborhood spot just across the Keesler Bridge in North Greenwood. Other culinary temptations range from Serio’s open-face meatball sandwich to Veronica’s intricate cakes and treats to Steven’s barbecue brisket and famous chocolate cake. Visit our Dining page for more inspiration!
