Seniors Surprised By Tunica

Tunica, Mississippi has been overlooked far too long according to recent travel magazines. With a total population of around 1,100 and located in Tunica County, senior visitors discover that it is a place where quality businesses thrive and family life flourishes.

Incorporated back in 1836, the county grew from untamed hardwood forests to one of the richest cotton-producing areas in the world. Tunica County was named after The Tunicas – a tribe of Native Indians who were settled close to the winding Mississippi. The tribe was well known for being peaceful and hardworking agricultural focused people who also made pottery and baskets.

Visitors find that in Tunica you can experience all the heritage and wonder of the Mississippi Delta. The Mississippi Blues Trail draws blues lovers from all over the country. Local museums provide hands-on fun for naturalists, historians and explorers of all ages.

An authentic riverboat called the Tunica Queen Paddlewheel Riverboat offers relaxing cruises, sightseeing and dining that depart from River Park right on the Mighty Mississippi River. The Tunica Arena & Exposition Center has emerged as one of the leading spots for agricultural and equestrian events.

Tunica River Park is a big draw, for senior golfers, the Hale Irwin designed Cottonwoods Golf Course is nearby and several tours are available so that you can enjoy the entire area.

 Senior Travelers Stop At the Visitors Center

Make your first stop at the all-new Gateway to the Blues Visitors Center, located at the entrance of the Tunica Resort area along U.S. Highway 61. This new center, housed in an original 1895 train depot, is senior visitor’s exclusive source for up-to-the-minute information about Tunica.

Tunica is the self-proclaimed “South’s Casino Capital” after Las Vegas and Atlantic City.  I sure did not know that, did you? “Stay and Play” Tunica vacation packages are offered from every casino hotel in town. Harrahs Casino Tunica is the largest one between Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

All those casinos are outside of the city limits, but provide lots of income for the small community. The city is the third largest gaming center in America and is most known for its nine casinos with non-stop gaming action 24 hours a day.

Mississippi has a rich collection of historical places in Tunica and beyond. From the ancient remains of native settlements, to houses of founding fathers, the civil war, and beyond, Mississippi has plenty of history. Well, I’ve driven through Mississippi from Shreveport to Charleston, but have not yet visited Tunica.  Must put it on my travel bucket list… that is getting full. jeb