By Amelia Ott

Cleveland is a small Delta town with a presence that feels much bigger than its map suggests. This is blues country, where the legacy of the music still shapes the character of the place and right in the middle of it all, on historic Cotton Row, is the Cotton House Hotel. It’s become both a local gathering place and a welcoming stop for people just passing through.

This summer, the Cotton House celebrated its sixth anniversary by unveiling a reimagined Bar Fontaine, an upstairs spot with views of downtown Cleveland. The redesign isn’t just about looking good; it feels like the kind of place where you could spend all night talking and never get bored, a true blend of old Delta charm and new energy.

Walk into Bar Fontaine and you’ll sense it: warm light, lush textures and a vibe that feels both Southern and sophisticated. Here, mixologist Talbert Toole doesn’t just mix drinks; he distills the region into each glass using ingredients grown right here in the South. “It’s not just about taste,” he says. “It’s about knowing why the flavors belong together.”

Downstairs, Staple Food + Drink (formerly Delta Meat Market) thrives under the hand of Josh Simmons. The new menu plays with expectations, like a wedge salad piled high with thick-cut bacon, fry bread light as air that tastes like funnel cake, and handmade pastas that are both hearty and inventive. “A meal should feel playful,” Simmons says. “Don’t be afraid to mix things up. Start with something sweet, then shift to savory, let your taste buds roam.”

Beyond its dining and design, the Cotton House has blossomed into a community hub. Its 2,800 square feet accommodate weddings, conferences, and gatherings that draw people from Memphis, Jackson, and beyond. Weekdays bring business travelers and professionals through the lobby; on weekends, the place pulses with families, alumni, and GRAMMY Museum visitors. Cleveland isn’t just a stop; it’s a host.

Longtime staff like Marilee Cabrol see their roles as more than service. “Sometimes it’s a hot meal and a smile that turns someone into a regular,” she says. Adrien Boyd adds, “This place is layered with music, food, stories. Folks don’t realize how rich it is until they arrive.”

Bar Fontaine’s rebirth isn’t merely a reopening; it’s an invitation. A call to slow down, connect, and see Cleveland not as a place to pass through, but as a destination. In a town where neighbors still wave hello and the blues feel close, the Cotton House stands as both an anchor and an introduction. For guests who come for the cocktails or cuisine but stay for the warmth, it proves the Mississippi Delta isn’t a relic; it’s alive and unfolding right now.

While You’re in Cleveland

Bar Fontaine and Staple Food + Drink may center the evening, but Cleveland has plenty more to offer. Spend an afternoon browsing the boutiques along Cotton Row, where shops like H Squared, Mod + Proper, The Wishing Well, Abraham’s, The Punkin’ Patch, Neysa’s Fireside Antiques, Rosson & Co., and Gilbow’s showcase everything from children’s clothing and antiques to Delta-made goods and Southern fashion staples. Stop in for a bite at local favorites such as Zoe Coffee + Pastries, Leña Pizza & Bagels, or Hey Joe’s, each one offering a taste of the town’s signature hospitality.

Music lovers should mark their calendars for upcoming performances at the Bologna Performing Arts Center, which continues to bring world-class acts to the Delta. And from the second Saturday of November through New Year’s Eve, downtown lights up with 59 Nights of Lights, a holiday display that draws families from across the region. And of course, no visit is complete without stepping inside the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, where interactive exhibits celebrate the region’s unmatched musical heritage.

Whether it is food, shopping, or live entertainment, Cleveland proves there is always more to discover in the Mississippi Delta!