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Tunica – Mississippi’s miracle town

January 5, 1:31 PMBirmingham Travel ExaminerBecky Beall
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Tunica, Mississippi, once an impoverished Delta farming community with an unbelievable rate of unemployment, now provides more than five percent of the state’s economic budget thanks to the booming casino industry.

It’s funny how time changes things. Less than twenty years ago, Tunica was noted as one of the poorest counties in America but in 1992, a roll of the dice changed everything. Today, this small southern town offers more jobs (16,000) than it has residents to fill (10,000 current population) due to the ever-evolving casino industry. Visitors come from hours away to enjoy the south’s Casino Capital, including top-notch gaming, affordable accommodations, scrumptious dining, and challenging golf courses.
 
Harrah’s Tunica
Tunica offers nine casino choices for the gaming enthusiast including Harrah’s Tunica, the largest casino resort between Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Harrah’s is a collage of three accommodation properties, a world-class convention center, an event and entertainment center, The Links at Cottonwood (Hale Irwin designed golf course), four pools (one indoor and three outdoor), tennis courts, eight restaurants, and Bellissimo Spa.
 
This resort is home to the new, larger-than-life Paula Deen Buffet featuring food stations bearing the names of Paula’s loved ones: Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House, Captain Michael’s Smokehouse, and Little Jack’s Corner. The Paula Deen Buffet was introduced last May as part of a $45 million renovation to the resort as it rebranded itself to Harrah’s.
 
Gaming at Harrah’s Tunica consists of everything from craps to blackjack, over 2,000 slot machines, and one of the south’s largest poker rooms. Multiple restaurants tempt guests’ appetites and the full-service spa, Bellissimo, creates a haven for the pamper-seeking visitor. Oh, and for the golfer in the crowd, The Links at Cottonwood is a must-play course with gentle, rolling fairways and beautiful cart paths.
 
Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino
Sam’s Town features a country and western theme and is known for not only the incredible gaming facility, but also the high level of entertainment. A well-thought-out blend of table games, slots, keno, and poker are part of the reason for the excitement in the air at Sam’s Town.
 
Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
Horseshoe Casino & Hotel houses 65,000-square-feet of casino space with 1,700 slot and video poker machines. Horseshoe is also home to Bluesville, Tunica’s premier entertainment venue. January and February will feature the likes of George Jones, The Manhattans, and Olivia Newton-John. Check the web site for more entertainment information.
 
It’s a Miracle!
Tunica really is a miracle story…the transformation of a small, poverty-stricken community struggling to overcome the obstacles and challenges created by industries of yesteryear. Today, Tunica thrives, employing residents of the city, as well as a pull from surrounding areas. Tourism drives and sustains the economy of this southern Mississippi town. Casinos attract visitors, but southern hospitality keeps them coming back!
 
Photos courtesy of Tunica CVB.
 
IF YOU GO:
Harrah’s Tunica
13615 Old Highway 61 North
Robinsonville, MS 38664
800-WIN-4-WIN
 
Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
1021 Casino Center Dr.
Robinsonville, MS 38664
800-303-SHOE
 
Sam’s Town Tunica
1477 Casino Strip Resorts Blvd.
Robinsonville, MS 38664
662-363-0711
 
 
More About: Resorts

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