Even the heat of summer can't beat the coolness of the Mississippi Delta. Here you'll find the humble beginnings from which much of American culture originated.

Hole-in-the-wall juke joints shake with the sounds of world-class blues players; the legendary Highway 61 radiates with history and culture; eclectic hotels and restaurants provide new perspectives on life in the South; and the mighty Mississippi River offers unbridled inspiration - all in the South's capital of cool, the Mississippi Delta.

So pack your bags, hop in your car and see where the backroads take you in the Mississippi Delta. Check out the mix of cool indoor and outdoor attractions to get started on your adventure.

Study the history of America's own unique style of music and find the origins of many more at the Delta Blues Museum.

Float down the mighty Mississippi River in a hand-built canoe with the Quapaw Canoe Company on a day-long or multi-day expedition that has been featured in National Geographic Adventure Magazine.

Catch some of the greatest local and national blues and gospel talent at the Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival August 10-12.

The Martin & Sue King Railroad Heritage Museum offers tourists insight into the history of the Delta's railroad. Train enthusiasts will appreciate the walls lined with railroad memorabilia and a working model railroad that's popular with kids and adults alike. The Martin & Sue King Railroad Heritage and Museum justreceivedthe 2012 Mississippi Main Street award for the best Public/Private Special Event!

Blues legend B.B. King himself said that the blues was born at Dockery Farm, a quintessential stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail.

Bridge players will find plenty of interest at the American Contract Bridge League Museum, featuring memorabilia, a hall of fame and interactive museum displays.

Arkabutla Lake ranks among the nation's top five crappie fishing lakes, and that's to say nothing of the prime sailing, swimming, camping and other recreation in the area.

If you find yourself in DeSoto County on the Fourth of July, don't miss the 13th-annual Olive Branch Fourth of July Celebration. Come and enjoy food, games, music and of course a mind-blowing fireworks display!

Have a little fun with history at the Armitage Heschell Carousel, located in the Delta Children's Museum. This 19th-century antique has been restored to its former glory and still provides hours of family enjoyment.

If you're the outdoorsy type, Warfield Point Park is right up your trail. Admire the banks of the Mississippi from an observation tower and explore the surrounding forest on ATV trails, then camp out under the Mississippi moonlight.

Greenville puts on a patriotic display every year on our nation's birthday known as Greenville Celebrates America. The event promises outdoor concerts, food, fireworks and fun - don't miss out.

Through October 31, the Museum of the Mississippi Delta is hosting Close to Home: Photographs by Eudora Welty. This exhibit examines her time with the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and her prowess as both a photographer and a writer.

The flat plains of the delta make for easy pedaling, so bring your bicycle out to the 5th-Annual Bikes, Blues and Bayous on August 4. This bike tour through the Greenwood area offers three distances and plenty of fun for serious and casual cyclists alike.

Club Ebony, a renowned blues spot that has hosted some of music's largest legends, will reopen soon under new management. Grab a cold drink and sway to the sounds of veteran and newcomer blues artists.

B.B. King himself will perform at the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center for his annual Homecoming concert on August 22. This is your chance to see an unforgettable show by one of history's greatest blues artists in his hometown.

While you're in Indianola, stop by the Blue Biscuit and mention "Visit the Delta" to get half off an entrée when you purchase one.

The new Gateway to the Blues Visitor Center on Highway 61 is a must-stop. The center's staff can help you find the perfect place to stay, eat or have a good time in Tunica.

A visit to the Tunica RiverPark will make you one with Mississippi. Get one of the region's best views of the Mississippi River, check out the interactive exhibits at the RiverPark Museum and hop a ride into the 19th century on the Tunica Queen Riverboat.

History buffs (especially Civil War experts) will undoubtedly want to visit the Old Depot Museum and examine the extensive collection of models, a large-scale diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg and much more.

If you're looking for outdoor fun, Eagle Lake Lodge & Outfitters will set you on the right path. Enjoy fishing and boating on Eagle Lake during the day and stay in a top-notch lodge or cabin by night.

Every Vicksburg visitor can find something they like at the Vicksburg Farmers Market on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Check out fresh produce, baked goods, local art, handmade crafts and more.

Learn all about regional African-American history at the Oakes African-American Cultural Center, located in the beautiful former home of the Oakes family.

Enjoy the Yazoo County outdoors in groups small or large at Wells Ranch . This 250-acre working ranch can accommodate large groups in their screened pavilion with seating for up to 60, outdoor kitchen with 3-section grill, and amenities like fishing, ranch tours and much more.