Robinsonville-Tunica - Tunica, MS

Hernando DeSoto first discovered the area in 1541. After the Treaty of Pontotoc in the 1830s, Tunica began taking shape. From its early farming days to the collapse of the farming industry in the 1980s, Tunica experienced a boom followed by the bust that landed it on a list identifying the 25 U.S. counties with the lowest per capita income. Once Mississippi approved legalized gambling, the region experienced a resurgence and steady increase in its population.

Explore more of the region's rich history at the Desoto County Museum in Hernando or the museum in Tunica RiverPark, with exhibits that include a photographic display of the Mississippi Blue Trail and an interactive mound builders exhibit.

Numerous festivals and events help create a strong sense of community. Some examples include the Delta Country Jam Music Festival, Tunica Annual Balloon Bash and the Tunica RiverGate Festival.

Of course, you have the fine-dining, casual fare and buffet restaurants nestled in each of the casinos in the Robinsonville-Tunica area. The region also offers a few unique establishments.

Wading through the tourists to nab a table at The Hollywood Cafe, is well worth the effort. This local fixture has attracted celebrities, politicians, sport stars and business executives in addition to tourists and locals. This charmingly small eatery has served fried dill pickles since 1969, when it opened. Other standout menu items include flavorful fried catfish, the juicy Hollywood Cafe three-cheese cheeseburger and crisp country-fried steak. Wash your meal down with some sweet tea before topping it all off with a slice of pecan pie. Another small local gem, Cafe Marie in downtown Tunica, has a bit more of an upscale, fine-dining appeal, with a full bar and menu items such as she crab soup, grilled filet mignon and fresh seafood.

When you crave south-of-the-border flavor, try Mexico Grill, located on Highway 61. With homemade tortilla chips and specialties such as steak de camarones, shrimp ceviche, fish tacos and zesty Mexican street tacos, the authentic dishes will have your taste buds shouting "Olé " Ice-cold cervezas and tangy margaritas complement the spicy fare nicely.

The casinos rule the Robinsonville-Tunica nightlife scene. That's not to say you need to park yourself at a slot machine or poker table. The Horseshoe features a laid-back lounge at the Founder's Club and live music every night at its Legends nightclub. Roxy's Live, located in Sam's Town, lets you get up close and personal to live performers with its intimate atmosphere. Past bands and entertainers have included Derek Joseph, Kenny Kidd and Radio, Inc.

Although the Robinson-Tunica area lacks public transportation, you can take advantage of alternatives. For example, Blues City Tours has tour and shuttle service between Memphis and Tunica. Area casinos also have shuttle service between related properties. Although Uber doesn't have service in Tunica, you can call one of the local cab companies to arrange taxi service.

Because of the general lack in public transportation and the wide-open spaces between establishments, most residents in Robinsonville-Tunica rely on a car to get around. The main roadway in the area, Highway 61, rivals Route 66 in its popularity among music enthusiasts. Also called the "blues highway" in honor of the numerous musicians who have included the highway in their recorded songs, this route also provides Robinsonville-Tunica residents with a scenic drive to Memphis. Other nearby roadways include Interstates 69 and 55.

Parking rarely presents a problem in the area, thanks to plentiful on and off-street parking spaces. Because the region lacks dedicated bike lanes, cyclists must exercise caution while biking on shared roadways. You might see your neighbors out walking to get some exercise, but most people drive to run errands and get around town.

On a beautiful day, get out and play at one of the area’s nearby parks and lakes, which welcome leashed pets in most spots, including the three-mile EcoTrail at Tunica RiverPark. The park also features a scenic overlook poised approximately 48 feet above the Mississippi River, riverboat cruises and the Mississippi River Museum. The park hosts several events throughout the year, including an annual Easter egg hunt.

Go fishing on Tunica Lake, a 2,500-acre paradise for boating and for casting a line to catch largemouth bass, channel catfish and crappie, among other species of fish. In addition to fishing and boating, Arkabutla Lake also features several swimming areas, a few playgrounds, walking and biking trails and a disc golf course. Buy a single use pass or an annual pass to use one of eight boat launches around the lake, including Dub Patton Day Use Area or Bayou Point.

Life in Robinsonville-Tunica typically carries a cost of living approximately 1 percent below the state average and 17 percent lower than the national average. Reasonably priced housing has created a strong housing market. Expect to pay a median price of $577 to rent a one-bedroom apartment in the area. Going out to grab a cold one at your local bar generally sets you back between $3 and $4.

Travel-related costs vary widely. For example, tickets for Blues City Tours cost $10 to $45, depending on whether you choose local shuttles or tour buses to Memphis. On the other hand, gas prices in the Robinsonville-Tunica area hover 4 percent below the national average, allowing you to fill the tank without busting your budget.

Robinsonville-Tunica’s quiet shopping scene consists mainly of the stores at the Casino Outlets, which houses outlets such as the Children's Place Outlet, Lane Bryant, and Hibbett Sports.

When you need to find something special, hop in the car and take a quick drive north. As you move toward the Mississippi/Tennessee border, you'll find a few more boutiques and specialty shops, including Pink Coconut Boutique in Olive Branch. The shop specializes in on-trend items ranging from shimmering infinity scarves to jumpers and palazzo pants. The merchandise at Janie Rose Boutique in Southaven also keeps up with the latest trends. Browse through asymmetrical swing tees, tops with a drawstring shoulder or lace hem, maxi skirts, hi-low miniskirts, rompers, jackets and more.

Residents of the Robinsonville-Tunica area can stock their pantry shelves with groceries from nearby markets such as the Piggly Wiggly and Jeffcoat's Family Market right on Old Highway 61. The nearest farmers markets include the farm stand at Cedar Hill Farm in Hernando and the Hernando Farmers Market.