The Casino Tour
DAY 1
TUNICA
South of Memphis, Tunica is the “Casino Capital of the South.” Spectacular casinos spring out of the Delta’s cotton fields, offering the 24-hour action of slot machines, table games, fine dining, and live entertainment. Many Mississippi casino hotels offer refreshing and relaxing spa services including massages, facials and other treatments. Take a scenic cruise of the mighty Mississippi on the Tunica Queen, a replica of a 19th century riverboat. Tour Tunica RiverPark, which showcases the rich history of the river and features a four-story outdoor observation deck overlooking the Mississippi River, aquariums with native aquatic life and a 130-acre riverside forest with walking trail. Visit quaint, downtown Tunica and play a round of golf at one of the hottest golf destinations in the South. Enjoy a shopping trip to the Casino Factory Shoppes. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the Mississippi casino theme restaurants and take in a musical performance, stand-up comedy act, magic show or other live entertainment before retiring to your comfortable accommodations.
DAY 2
TUNICA TO CLARKSDALE 48 miles
CLARKSDALE TO GREENVILLE 72 miles
Total - 120 miles
The Delta blues beckon as you follow Highway 61 South to Clarksdale, former home of blues greats W.C. Handy, Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and Howlin’ Wolf. The Delta Blues Museum pays tribute to blues artists past and present and celebrates the art form recognized as America’s only original music. Enjoy a walking tour of important blues landmarks, or try your luck at the Clarksdale/Lula casino, then head south on Highway 1, the Great River Road. This scenic route takes you through cotton fields to the banks of the Mississippi River and Greenville, Mississippi’s largest river city. Snap a photo at the River Road Queen Visitors Center, a replica paddle wheeler, then take in the spectacular view of the majestic Mississippi at Warfield Point Park before heading for a Mississippi casino along the levee.
DAY 3
GREENVILLE TO LELAND 8 miles
LELAND TO VICKSBURG 82 miles
Total - 90 miles
Make the short drive to Leland, and discover the Birthplace
of the Frog, a whimsical museum honoring Jim Henson, the creator of the
Muppets®. Exhibits here chronicle Henson’s childhood in Leland and how he came
to create the beloved Muppets gang, including Kermit, the world-famous frog
named after a childhood friend. From Leland take Highway 61 South to Vicksburg,
a city rich in Civil War history. Relive the siege and battle with a visit to
the Vicksburg National Military Park, then enjoy lunch at a downtown
restaurant. Browse the downtown area’s quaint shops and galleries or check out
the Vicksburg Factory Outlet mall before heading to the casinos along the
riverfront. Take a break to enjoy a spectacular sunset on the Mississippi, then
head back to the casinos for an excellent meal and live entertainment.
DAY 4
VICKSBURG TO NATCHEZ 69 miles
In Natchez, you’ll discover Mississippi’s most impressive collection of antebellum mansions. Spend the morning touring a few of these magnificent homes, then enjoy lunch in one of Natchez’s quaint Southern tea rooms or contemporary restaurants. The games continue at Natchez Under the Hill. Once the notorious lair of riverboat gamblers, thieves and ladies of the evening, it is now a colorful area of shops, restaurants and 24-hour Mississippi gaming and entertainment. Roll the dice or spin the wheel as late as you like before retiring to luxurious accommodations in an antebellum bed and breakfast or casino hotel.
OPTIONAL SIDE TRIP
Philadelphia/Choctaw. The Choctaw Indian Reservation located in Choctaw is home to the Pearl River Resort, a casino resort complex featuring two spectacular casinos with Mississippi gaming and hotels, numerous restaurants, spas, two world-class golf courses at Dancing Rabbit Golf Club and a 15-acre Geyser Falls Water Theme Park complete with beaches, waves and waterfalls.
Gulf Coast. The Mississippi Gulf Coast offers exciting casinos, world-class entertainment, luxury hotels, great seafood restaurants, some of the best golf courses in America and gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll also find cultural attractions including the Walter Anderson Museum of Art and lots of interesting art galleries and shops.