Stories, Sounds & Flavors of North Mississippi

Tour Dates: April 21-26, 2027
Tour Arrival: Wednesday, April 21, 2027 – Arrive at Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Tour Departure: Monday, April 26, 2027 – Depart from Memphis International Airport (MEM) for Global Week in Bentonville, Arkansas
Cities/Towns Visited: Oxford, Tupelo, and Cleveland

Discover the stories, sounds and flavors that have made Mississippi one of the South’s most culturally influential regions. Traveling through Oxford, Tupelo and Cleveland, this immersive journey brings together literature, music, history, culture and cuisine to tell the story of the Magnolia State.

In Oxford, walk in the footsteps of literary giant William Faulkner at his family home, Rowan Oak. Experience the energy of the city’s 30th annual Double Decker Festival, featuring artists and live music. Explore the roots of an American music icon at the Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo, before continuing into the Mississippi Delta, where the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi and Ground Zero Blues Club showcase the state’s extraordinary musical legacy.

Along the way, authentic Southern flavors and Mississippi hospitality connect each experience. The journey reveals how the writers, musicians, communities and traditions of North Mississippi continue to influence culture far beyond the state’s borders.

Destination Highlights:

Oxford – “Literary Mississippi”
Oxford offers a compelling introduction to Mississippi’s literary and cultural heritage. At Rowan Oak, visitors can explore the home of one of the state’s most celebrated literary figures, while the Double Decker Festival brings the community together through a lively celebration of culture and creativity.

Tupelo – “Where an American Music Story Began”
Tupelo connects visitors with one of Mississippi’s most recognizable contributions to popular culture. The Elvis Presley Birthplace provides an opportunity to explore the early life and influences of the artist whose music would reach audiences around the world.

Cleveland – “The Sound of the Mississippi Delta”
In the Mississippi Delta, Cleveland provides a gateway to the state’s remarkable musical heritage. The GRAMMY Museum Mississippi explores the stories and creative contributions behind American music, while Ground Zero Blues Club connects visitors with the enduring culture and sound of the blues.

Culinary

Food provides another way to experience the traditions and hospitality of North Mississippi. Authentic Southern flavors accompany the journey through Oxford, Tupelo and Cleveland, connecting visitors with the communities and culinary traditions that help define the region.

Southern Flavors: Discover dishes and dining experiences rooted in Mississippi’s culinary heritage and the ingredients, traditions and people behind them.

Food & Community: Throughout North Mississippi, cuisine is closely connected with hospitality and a sense of place, providing journalists with opportunities to explore food as part of the state’s broader cultural story.

Arts and Culture

North Mississippi’s influence on American literature and music provides the cultural foundation for the journey.

Literature: Rowan Oak connects Oxford with Mississippi’s internationally recognized literary legacy and offers insight into the environment that helped inspire some of the state’s most enduring writing.

Music: From Elvis Presley’s beginnings in Tupelo to the blues traditions of the Mississippi Delta, music is woven throughout the itinerary. The GRAMMY Museum Mississippi and Ground Zero Blues Club demonstrate how those traditions continue to influence artists and audiences today.

Festivals & Community: Oxford’s Double Decker Festival offers an opportunity to experience Mississippi culture in a lively community setting and see how music, creativity and local traditions come together.

Neighborhoods and Communities

Oxford
Oxford combines literary history with a vibrant cultural atmosphere. Rowan Oak provides a connection to the city’s literary heritage, while the Double Decker Festival showcases the energy of the community today.

Tupelo
Tupelo’s place in American music history gives the city an international story with distinctly Mississippi roots. The Elvis Presley Birthplace provides a powerful connection between a global cultural figure and the community where his story began.

Cleveland and the Mississippi Delta
Cleveland introduces travelers to the culture and musical traditions of the Delta. Through museums, live music and authentic local experiences, visitors can explore how the region’s history continues to influence contemporary culture.

Story Ideas

Literary Mississippi: Exploring Oxford and Rowan Oak
Experience the places and culture behind Mississippi’s celebrated literary heritage.

  1. From Tupelo to the World: The Roots of Elvis Presley
    Explore the Elvis Presley Birthplace to learn how one of the world’s most influential musicians began his life in North Mississippi.
  2. The Music That Changed the World: Exploring the Mississippi Delta
    Connect Mississippi’s musical traditions with their lasting influence on American and global popular music.
  3. Where the Blues Live: A Night at Ground Zero Blues Club
    Experience Mississippi blues firsthand and explore how the Delta continues to preserve and celebrate its musical heritage.
  4. Books, Blues and Southern Flavors: A Journey Through Mississippi
    Follow the connections between literature, music, cuisine and community across Oxford, Tupelo and Cleveland.
  5. Celebrating Oxford: Inside the Double Decker Festival
    Capture the energy of one of Oxford’s signature events and explore how Southern festivals bring together music, creativity and community.

Limited spots are available, and these Global Week Press Trips are offered first-come, first-serve. Don’t delay – contact your recruiter today to begin your exploration of the amazing wonders of Mississippi.