Veteran’s Memorial Park, Tunica, MS

Main Street Park Offers Beauty, Quiet Contemplation

by Karen Ott Mayer | June 03, 2010

Memorial Day is fast approaching this next weekend and many towns will hold celebrations and remembrances. In downtown Tunica, the Veteran's Memorial Park, located on the South end of Main Street, commemorates the many soldiers who have given their lives in past wars, including those who perished in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.

In the middle of the park's circular terrace, a bronze statue of three men holds the center …

The Catfish Warehouse Fundraiser, Tunica, MS

Special Public Event/Fundraiser for Young Girl

by Karen Ott Mayer | May 11, 2010

This Saturday, May 15th from 3-11pm The Catfish Warehouse in Tunica will hold a special event for a special young lady. Visitors and locals alike are welcome.

As many people know, the South has been wracked by storm after storm this spring. Tornadoes have left damage across the state, destroying property and homes.

Unfortunately on April 25th, ten-year old Madysen Acey and her friend were playing on a …

Dunn’s Jewelry, Tunica, MS

Passing Time Among Friends and Clocks

by Karen Ott Mayer | May 03, 2010

On Main Street in downtown Tunica, it's not unusual to find owner Bobby Papasan sitting in a chair, passing the time with his old friend Charles Harrison.

And while it may appear that's all they're doing, Papasan is actually working.  Dunn's Jewelry is where to head for any questions, problems, or inquiries about clocks or watches.  Few towns can boast having an expert in horology (the study of clocks), and …

Tunica Museum, Tunica, MS

Bringing History to Life

by Karen Ott Mayer | May 02, 2010

"Bringing History to Life:" That's the tagline for Tunica Museum, and until last week, I didn't realize the truth of those words.  Once again, our weekend here in Mississippi has been besotten with wild weather that has unleashed torrents of rain on the state and neighboring Tennessee.  Water everywhere.

It's ironic for me. Last week, I dropped in to the Tunica Museum just for a moment to see what was happening. Out …

Tunica Cut-off, Tunica, MS

Weather is Fine for Fishing

by Karen Ott Mayer | April 27, 2010

This past weekend was wild for our state, with a massive tornado that cut a swath through the middle of the state and then dumped buckets of rain up here. Spring brings storms and rain and more water to the cutoffs and lakes. While it may drive some indoors, it lures fisherman to their favorite spots in hopes of catching 'the big one'.

Tunica has several good fishing spots, but perhaps the one best …

Tunica RiverPark Museum, Tunica, MS

New Photo Exhibit Reveals Local Talent, Local Natural Beauty

by Karen Ott Mayer | April 20, 2010

Photographers and history buffs will find a free, interesting exhibit that's just been hung at the Tunica RiverPark Museum. The photos, a compilation of the best in the Mid-South as shot by the DeSoto Camera Club, reveal both the past and "living history" of today.

Out of thousands of photos taken during this past year, only 40 were chosen to represent this collection called 'The Best of 2009'. The museum …

The Mississippi Blues Trail, Tunica, MS

Follow the Blue Road

by Karen Ott Mayer | April 12, 2010

Music is an undeniable part of life in the Delta and the Mississippi Blues Trail has brought blues preservation to the forefront for many unfamiliar with the long, rich blues history in Mississippi. Supported by the Mississippi Blues Foundation, trail markers guide visitors throughout the state, introducing them to the unique personalities of each musician.

Tunica and the surrounding areas offer a great opportunity to “follow the trail”—which may take you to …

Tunica National Golf & Tennis, Tunica, MS

Playing Outside or In

by Karen Ott Mayer | April 11, 2010

Tennis, anyone? Golf, anyone?

The weather here in Mississippi is absolutely ideal for being outside all day long.

If tennis isn’t your thing, how about golf?

At Tunica National Golf & Tennis, you can choose either.

Overnighters will be interested in the “Stay and Play” packages which offer great value for the price. The golf course, designed by Mark McCumber, features 18 holes of Champion Bermuda greens.

The Tunica Queen, Tunica, MS

Set Sail This Spring

by Karen Ott Mayer | April 08, 2010

A great and unusual view of our blooming spring can be seen from the Mississippi River. Starting this month, The Tunica Queen sets sail for the season, adding more cruises to meet the growing interest.

Here’s what Lyn Barton, one of the boat’s owners, had to say recently:

“Because our visitors have enjoyed the cruises so much in the past, we are making the cruises longer this season, and we will …

Push, Tunica, MS

The Place to Dance

by Karen Ott Mayer | April 04, 2010

If the recent news about The Red Door closing its doors has you feeling disappointed, I have some good news for you: Push at Horseshoe Casino.  This club doesn't look or feel like a small-town attempt.  It feels more like the big city has come to the Delta in this club where huge screens, high-tech lighting and nationally-known DJs keep things jumping. Push offers VIP table service and strives to keep the …

Walking Tour, Tunica, MS

A Story from Yesterday's Tunica

by Karen Ott Mayer | March 29, 2010

While having lunch recently with Lynn Ryals, executive director of Tunica Main Street, I learned about Main Street's work on walking tour plaques.  These plaques will eventually designate the sites on Main Street with historical significance.

I asked her to tell me an interesting story, and boy, did she come up with one.  The story happened at 1317 Main Street at the turn of the last century when in 1908 two gentlemen, …

The Tunica Rivergate Festival,  Tunica, MS

Music, Crawfish, and Family Fun Fill the Rivergate Festival

by Karen Ott Mayer | March 28, 2010

One of the best times in Tunica is just around the corner. The Tunica Rivergate Festival happens this year April 16 & 17 in downtown Tunica. And there is something for everyone, whether you’re a runner, eater or just a kid.

For the kids, the carnival returns with all kinds of fun, including a rock-climbing area, train rides, and games. This year, the live entertainment includes Crossin’ Dixon on Friday night and …

Miss Tootie’s Main Street Diner, Tunica, MS

Main Street Diner has Something for Everyone

by Karen Ott Mayer | March 22, 2010

Nearly two years after opening, Miss Tootie’s Main Street Diner is still going strong. Is it any wonder? With its retro red-and-black interior, lunch counter, and dessert case filled with homemade wonders, this small piece of heaven on the corner of Main St. and Market is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Every Valentine’s Day, owner Sherry Hill and her staff make thousands of her special cream-filled chocolate-covered strawberries. I was lucky enough to …

Tunica Arena & Expo, Tunica, MS

Horsin’ Around in Tunica

by Karen Ott Mayer | March 21, 2010

Horse and cattle lovers can usually find something happening at the Tunica Arena & Expo, also known as the Paul Battle Arena. The last time I caught a cutting horse show there, I was just as amazed at the trucks and trailers parked outside as I was with the talent inside the ring!

Quarter horse enthusiasts will want to mark their calendars for the first weekend in April for the local Circle …

1251, Tunica, MS

Unique Shop on Main Street Saves the Shopping Day

by Karen Ott Mayer | March 15, 2010

1251 on Main Street is just one of those shops that can save you in a last minute pinch. Last fall I threw a party for a writer friend Mark Greaney to celebrate his first novel The Gray Man.

After massive amounts of cleaning in the old farmhouse and excessive sighs by my decorator sister who nearly lost patience with my lack of decorating ability, we were set. However, the sheet I threw over …

The Blue and White Cafe, Tunica MS

The Truest, Bluest Corner in Tunica

by Karen Ott Mayer | March 14, 2010

I remember the first time I ever ate at the Blue and White and it all seems so fitting now.

Then, I lived about 30 miles away in Hernando and a friend suggested we take a long drive in the Delta. We started in the early morning with a cup of coffee and headed west.

His words...."We gotta eat breakfast at the Blue and White." I had heard the name of the restaurant …

Cafe Marie, Tunica MS

Historic Cafe and Hotel Beckon with Character and Divine Desserts

by Karen Ott Mayer | March 08, 2010

I found heaven last week at Café Marie. Just after eating a grilled chicken salad, I gave into the pressures of the group and agreed to sample a bite of dessert. Kate, the unabashed dessert enthusiast, ordered the chocolate French silk pie. The others settled for a fried brownie with ice cream and whipped cream.

As if that weren’t enough for a table of gluttons, Chef Eddie pops out of the kitchen with a …

The Town of Tunica, Tunica, MS

Do You Really Know Where You're Going?

by Karen Ott Mayer | March 08, 2010

It’s great that so many people visit the Delta and Tunica, Mississippi. I’m wondering, however, after several conversations, if our visitors really know where Tunica is really located.

The Town of Tunica, originally located further south in a small settlement called Austin, then moved to its present location, is actually ten miles south of all the casinos. Many people will say, “I’m going to Tunica to gamble.” In fact, historic Tunica has …

The Hollywood Cafe, Tunica MS

Old Made Even Better with the New

by Karen Ott Mayer | March 01, 2010

Sooner or later, you can’t talk about Tunica without talking about The Hollywood Cafe, circa pre-casino days.

If you know the place, then no other explanation is needed.

If not, it’s worth the detour off Highway 61 because everybody needs to know The Hollywood because it’s been part of the landscape since 1969. Although the current location isn’t the original (the original burned), the atmosphere is the same: 1926 …

Once Upon a Time Bed and Breakfast, Tunica, MS

The Charm of Yesterday

by Karen Ott Mayer | February 25, 2010

Just across from Veterans Memorial Park is ideal lodging for honeymooners, weekenders and anyone who relishes Southern charm. At Once Upon a Time Bed and Breakfast, Vicki and Marc Mauney welcome guests to a vintage bungalow formerly called the Poore home, which now has two guestrooms in the renovated home.

Opened just a year and a half, Once Upon a Time has become a favorite stopover for visitors who enjoy quiet—and good …

The Wild Game Cook-Off, Tunica, MS

Time to Taste a Little Wild

by Karen Ott Mayer | February 23, 2010

This weekend, February 27-28, the gauntlet will be thrown once again. Or perhaps, a wild gauntlet?

Once a year, hunters, gatherers and general outdoor types gather on Main Street in Tunica's Marketplace for the annual Wild Game Cook-off. And wild it can be. Squirrel, raccoon, and deer are the tame dishes. Last year, the "Kill it and Grill it" team took grand prize for the overall most points during the 2-day event.

A …

The Catfish Warehouse, Tunica, MS

For Catfishers Lovers Far and Wide...and Local

by Karen Ott Mayer | February 21, 2010

If you’re hankering for a good catfish plate, then head to The Catfish Warehouse located right in front of the Paul Battle Arena and conveniently just off highway 61.

Vic and JoAnn Ware opened the restaurant in 2007, which seems more than a propos, since Vic spent the last 20 years farming catfish in Tunica and Indianaola. So yes, I’d say he knows a thing or two about catfish.

This is just the kind of place …

Travel Guide to Tunica, MS

Why You Should Visit Tunica

by Karen Ott Mayer | February 15, 2010

A mix of sleek modern and earthy rural, Tunica, Mississippi, and the surrounding landscape beckon travelers of all tastes and styles to “The South’s Casino Capital” where gambling meets the Mississippi River 30 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee.

Tunica is home to nine casino resorts, offering more than 6,000 hotel suites and rooms, lively night life, buffets, fine dining, championship golf and tennis, spas, shopping and antiques.

Actually located in Robinsonville just north of …

Tunica Airport, Tunica, MS

AirTran Airways Service in Tunica Begins May 2010

by Karen Ott Mayer | February 12, 2010

Big news hit the wires this week as AirTrain Airways announced service to Tunica Airport will begin in May 2010.  This is huge news for the Tunica area as AirTran will be the first commercial carrier to provide scheduled, full-size jet access to Tunica.  Service will be between Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta and Tunica.  In case you're wondering, AirTran is based out of Atlanta and most every flight routes through Atlanta on the …

Tunica RiverPark, Tunica, MS

Off-season Visit Ideal for Watching the Mississippi River

by Karen Ott Mayer | February 09, 2010

An winter visit to the Tunica RiverPark?

Absolutely.  Despite the cold and rain, this time of year is ideal for spending a few hours poking around the RiverPark.  True, the water has risen to the point where the EcoTrail is partially submerged, but the trails right out the backdoor that run along the river are still clear.  It's considered the off season at the RiverPark because the Tunica Queen cruises …