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Five stars, but with reservations. This was my second visit to the Shack Up Inn, but it had been about 11 years. Covid had derailed my plans a few times. I specifically wanted to return when 1) live music was happening on the premises on both Friday and Saturday, and 2) when the Sky Shack was available. I planned months ahead and kept my eye on the music calendar. On the website, Saturday had an act listed at 8pm for several weeks out, while Friday was "TBA". A couple of days before check in, to my delight, a band was listed on Friday at 8pm as well. My DH had to work in the morning, so we didn't arrive until right before 6:00 on Friday night. As we entered the lobby, everything was as I remembered. This is truly a bucket list place. Walking up to check in, we were greeted by a woman chatting with someone she referred to as a regular. As we were handed our keys, I asked about the music, and the woman said flatly that there wasn't any until Saturday. Devastated, I asked about the bar and was informed that the bar was also not open until Saturday. That there was no music on Friday was bad news enough; to not have the bar open on a Friday night (which bar is touted with great enthusiasm on the home page of the website) was something I didn't anticipate at all. Flummoxed and trying to regroup, I asked where the closest place was where we could get a six pack of beer. The clerk waved vaguely "that direction" for a few convenience stores. We set out to regroup and get some supplies. I had envisioned us ordering a pizza, listening to music from the Sky Shack, and popping down to the bar for beverages, but that was not going to happen. We got food and stopped at one of the gas stations for beer. The next day, while driving around town, we noticed that just past the convenience stores was a giant Walmart, which was never mentioned!! So, FYI, there is a Walmart. Saturday night, the bar was open, and there was music, which was okay, but was not in any way comparable to the music we heard around town that day. The Sky Shack is a great room and has everything you need. The mini fridge has a good amount of space. It is advertised as having coffee, but it is loose coffee grounds in a mason jar and a small coffee maker. The shower has great water pressure. The stairway is a bit dark at night and we had to use the flashlights on our phones to be able to see to unlock the door. There's no place on earth like the Shack Up Inn, which is rich with history. Definitely recommend, with the caveat that you should not rely on the website calendar when planning your visit. On social media, they advertise having music Fridays and Saturdays, but, as with the calendar, do not rely on that.
I can't say enough about the unique experience we had. Just book it and go!!' Don't hesitate. To soothe any worries... The bed was comfy. The bathroom was functional. You have everything you need. The AC worked great. We stayed in the Cadillac Shack, which had a piano and guitar to play with... Sat on the front porch after getting back from Ground Zero and visited, chatted with the friendly neighbors, listened to some other musicians playing from their front porch... We will go back. The vibe is just so relaxing. In the morning we drank coffee and played poker at the picnic table out front. When they get their liquor license back (some delay after COVID), the on-site juke joint will make this perfect to stay, eat, and enjoy local music. The caretakers were very southern old school hospitable.
This is a great little place, the shacks are pretty nice and the mattresses are great which I was worried about. I would look at a map of the place and stay closer to the gin as opposed to further away because if you're going to listen to a band or have drinks at the bar area it is a little bit of a walk. I saw several people that brought their golf carts. The coffee they provide was great and I appreciate that. The only issue is there's no food there so you have to drive into town or order something and we ordered a Domino's Pizza but Another guest apparently saw them before us and told the delivery guy that it was his so we didn't get to eat that evening because dominoes was closed when we realized what it happened.
Ask the owner Bill to show you his KKK hood. This place was ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING [...] The air was dense and everything smelled of stale cigarettes. It took numerous calls before the front desk answered and then he didn't seem to give a shit. To make matters worse, there was a pile of cigarette ashes by the bed AND a DIRTY DIAPER in the trash can.
Holy crap is this a gem! We stayed 1 night in the Tinth shack on a Thursday and loved it. Left for Memphis on Good Friday for 2 nights. Hated Memphis so we canceled the second night and headed back to the Shack Up for 2 more nights (Sat and Easter Sunday) in the Sky Shack overlooking the juke joint chapel. Only downside was we only got to experience the music on Saturday. But that's ok because this place is special. The juke joint has a fantastic sound, excellent bar and vibe with plenty of room to strut your stuff on the dance floor. Being a photographer I'm an early riser to catch sunrise and damn did it not disappoint. Seeing the sun rise over the cotton, church across the road, and with the shacks in the foreground was what I was after. The sun set we experienced with the train tracks in the foreground was also so incredible. Definitely an experience I will not soon forget. Add to that, the experience of staying in a shack (restored and renovated where needed) that at one point people lived and raised families is an experience I will not soon forget. Hanging out in the courtyard with total strangers by the fire after the band finished and watching someone fall down drunk, then hearing a conversation between a guy and girl when asked if they were a couple, her emphatic response "NO" followed by his comment, "well, I guess we got some things to work out." was priceless. Now just have to figure out how to get back here again.
I have stayed here 5 times on my drive to texas. I rent the bin rooms. The internet this year was drastically improved then in the past. I streamed a movie and played an online game and messaged at the same time. No lag. My rooms have always been clean and exactly as represented on the website. It is covid so the gift store and bar were closed. A map and wifi instructions were given with the key. The bin has 2 doors and if there is a cool breeze I open the doors and enjoy the fresh air. I also walk around the drive way which circles the property. I give it five stars because it as represented in website and is very relaxing. I love it here. Staff were nice.
I went here to a "Harmonica Jam Camp", although this place has guitar, Banjo, Bluegrass, BLUES, and along with voice and other camps. One cannot feel but connected somehow to everyone there. Maybe the energy or ambience of the place make you feel related. The locals are some of the finest people I have ever met. The history is American, and if you go here soak it up, you will learn so much. In the end, I am planning my next trip there now for a year from now. I will stay at the "Shack Up Inn" for that trip and more I hope!!
Shack Up Inn = easily one of the most charming lodging experiences I've *ever* had! I've experienced many different kinds of accommodations, from boutique hotels (typically my favorite) in big cities to posh old school grand hotels in Europe to hostel rooms with no heat and an uncomfortable cot (cheapest place to stay one freezing winter in Amsterdam). It's funny because I was expecting so much less. After all, they all but tell you if you're expecting something nice, go elsewhere. Don't let that fool you! I'm a girly girl. I don't *do* camping. "Roughing it" - just isn't for me. The Shack-Up complex consists of clusters of shacks, some original structures (I think?) and some that are newly built, as well as an entire block of rooms in an old cotton gin. You feel as if you've stepped back in time. In fact, IT SCREAMS LORETTA LYNN! I practically expected to see her on one of the porches strumming her guitar (you actually might see a musician on one of the porches strumming their guitar, as musicians stay here on the regular while they play the Chapel). Come on, that's the highest compliment I can give a place of this kind! We stayed in the Sunflower Shack, which is on the other side of the railroad tracks, where the newly built shacks are situated. You wouldn't know right away that these are new, as they did such a great job of making them seem as authentic as those on the other side of the tracks. They are spaced a bit further apart from each other and all feature both a front porch and back porch that's screened-in (key for enjoying a hot summer night al fresco!) When I stepped inside, all I could say was, "WOW!" I mean, every inch of it was so *darling*, from the vintage furniture and accoutrements to the recycled rippled tin walls to the exposed wood to gorgeous bathroom with bowl sink and rain shower. You can tell that the innkeepers really love what they do as the attention to detail is incredible. The bed is extremely comfortable and although they joke about not knowing what thread count the sheets are (really, I guess someone called and asked them that which is hilarious), the sheets are as soft as butter because they've been washed a lot which is kind of a trick to making it seem like you have zillion thread count sheets (though I don't think they do it on purpose). The kitchen has a large block/bar with stools that's part of the living room so you feel like you could host quite the little shindig if you were so inclined. I *loved* all the Elvis stuff in the bedroom, especially the Hawaiian Elvis clock with surf boards. Prepare to choke with disbelief when I reveal the price: 70 bucks a night (possibly more in the busier season like the Juke Joint Festival). I still can't believe it. Now, there's not a whole hell of a lot going on at night in Clarksdale, but if you're lucky, you'll happen upon a good blues show at the Inn's giant Chapel Bar. They have a huge stage and the room is just as cool and in the same charming ramshackle style as the rest of the establishment. Love. Love. Love. I'll be back whenever I need a few days to chill out, get some writing done. My favorite thing to do was to sit on the screened-in porch with a bottle of wine at night, looking out at the occasional car passing on the freeway, listening to the crickets and staring at the moon. Bonus was the rain one night. Perfect little getaway from New Orleans (6 hours) or Memphis (90 min).
Work with me on this one, OK. Imagine the detritus left behind from a WWF three-way cage match between the American Pickers, a trailer park and a defunct Motel 6. You got it. This is the Shack Up Inn. I came here for Harmonica Camp and selected one of the small single room condos. Sort of. Was across the tracks from the lobby. Bit of a hike if you have luggage. They advertise "Cable tv and Internet" but big Larry calls bananagrams on this one. You'd be better off with smoke signals. No TV and a weenie internet signal which only improved in the toilet. Hard to watch Miami Vice. Feel me? Anyhoo it was a quirky property and was definitely "different". If you find yourself in this neck of Mississippi, which you prolly shouldn't, this is a fun place for a night. For a week, keep driving. Oh, the staff was interesting. Very friendly and accommodating, but very scared of the boss. No amenities at all. Stop at the Dollar Store and get water and beans. And although they welcome dogs, there are mouse traps all over, so scout out the poison before you bring in your puppies.
One of the nicest "hotels" i've ever stayed at. We stayed in the sunflower shack, 2 porches, large bedroom , kitchen and living room. The shack had everything we needed, the owners even offered a free guitar. Looking forward to returning at some point.
This is one of our favorite places to stay when visiting the Blues Highway & the Historic Mississippi Delta. Some of the little cabins are original & some are new built to look like the original historic cabins. We LOVE the new built cabins that look Vintage. They are so adorable & so unique. It's obvious a lot of work went into them, the attention to detail is incredibly impressive. I mean they even decorated them in the Vintage fashion to the exact details of the era. Very Impressive. It was definitely a labor of love that went into this place. It's just breathtakingly beautiful in the morning fog & the sunsets are legend from this place. The "Delta" cabin is our fave, we love the back screened in porch. It's a shack, they are all just little shacks, but it's the most adorable shacks EVER. haha. "PLEASE BUILD MORE DELTA CABINS" I can't get reservations for my fave shack!!! LOL There are no tv's or anything it's just a shack, you're basically glamping so bring everything you need, especially bedding if you want to sleep a little more posh. That's what we do. The coolest thing here is the juke joint & blues bar that has live music. You can't even get a room here when the festival is going on. If you want to attend the festival you have to book a year in advance. Highest Recommendations. read more
We stayed in a grain silo and it was nothing short of very cool. Held heat well. Could hear the high winds through it a little tho, we were there the night of a tornado warning tho lol. Was very roomy inside and quite cozy. The main building on site had live music and a bar. Well priced and better than a hotel. A very unique experience indeed! read more
1 year ago
This was one of my best stays I've done in my life - so historically great but also accommodating and perfect for a stay in Clarksdale. I thoroughly enjoyed staying here food drinks staff and vibes were great! read more
7 months ago
4 years ago
Five stars, but with reservations. This was my second visit to the Shack Up Inn, but it had been about 11 years. Covid had derailed my plans a few times. I specifically wanted to return when 1) live music was happening on the premises on both Friday and Saturday, and 2) when the Sky Shack was available. I planned months ahead and kept my eye on the music calendar. On the website, Saturday had an act listed at 8pm for several weeks out, while Friday was "TBA". A couple of days before check in, to my delight, a band was listed on Friday at 8pm as well. My DH had to work in the morning, so we didn't arrive until right before 6:00 on Friday night. As we entered the lobby, everything was as I remembered. This is truly a bucket list place. Walking up to check in, we were greeted by a woman chatting with someone she referred to as a regular. As we were handed our keys, I asked about the music, and the woman said flatly that there wasn't any until Saturday. Devastated, I asked about the bar and was informed that the bar was also not open until Saturday. That there was no music on Friday was bad news enough; to not have the bar open on a Friday night (which bar is touted with great enthusiasm on the home page of the website) was something I didn't anticipate at all. Flummoxed and trying to regroup, I asked where the closest place was where we could get a six pack of beer. The clerk waved vaguely "that direction" for a few convenience stores. We set out to regroup and get some supplies. I had envisioned us ordering a pizza, listening to music from the Sky Shack, and popping down to the bar for beverages, but that was not going to happen. We got food and stopped at one of the gas stations for beer. The next day, while driving around town, we noticed that just past the convenience stores was a giant Walmart, which was never mentioned!! So, FYI, there is a Walmart. Saturday night, the bar was open, and there was music, which was okay, but was not in any way comparable to the music we heard around town that day. The Sky Shack is a great room and has everything you need. The mini fridge has a good amount of space. It is advertised as having coffee, but it is loose coffee grounds in a mason jar and a small coffee maker. The shower has great water pressure. The stairway is a bit dark at night and we had to use the flashlights on our phones to be able to see to unlock the door. There's no place on earth like the Shack Up Inn, which is rich with history. Definitely recommend, with the caveat that you should not rely on the website calendar when planning your visit. On social media, they advertise having music Fridays and Saturdays, but, as with the calendar, do not rely on that. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
I can't say enough about the unique experience we had. Just book it and go!!' Don't hesitate. To soothe any worries... The bed was comfy. The bathroom was functional. You have everything you need. The AC worked great. We stayed in the Cadillac Shack, which had a piano and guitar to play with... Sat on the front porch after getting back from Ground Zero and visited, chatted with the friendly neighbors, listened to some other musicians playing from their front porch... We will go back. The vibe is just so relaxing. In the morning we drank coffee and played poker at the picnic table out front. When they get their liquor license back (some delay after COVID), the on-site juke joint will make this perfect to stay, eat, and enjoy local music. The caretakers were very southern old school hospitable. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
This is a great little place, the shacks are pretty nice and the mattresses are great which I was worried about. I would look at a map of the place and stay closer to the gin as opposed to further away because if you're going to listen to a band or have drinks at the bar area it is a little bit of a walk. I saw several people that brought their golf carts. The coffee they provide was great and I appreciate that. The only issue is there's no food there so you have to drive into town or order something and we ordered a Domino's Pizza but Another guest apparently saw them before us and told the delivery guy that it was his so we didn't get to eat that evening because dominoes was closed when we realized what it happened. read more
3 years ago
6 years ago
Ask the owner Bill to show you his KKK hood. This place was ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING [...] The air was dense and everything smelled of stale cigarettes. It took numerous calls before the front desk answered and then he didn't seem to give a shit. To make matters worse, there was a pile of cigarette ashes by the bed AND a DIRTY DIAPER in the trash can. read more
3 years ago
Holy crap is this a gem! We stayed 1 night in the Tinth shack on a Thursday and loved it. Left for Memphis on Good Friday for 2 nights. Hated Memphis so we canceled the second night and headed back to the Shack Up for 2 more nights (Sat and Easter Sunday) in the Sky Shack overlooking the juke joint chapel. Only downside was we only got to experience the music on Saturday. But that's ok because this place is special. The juke joint has a fantastic sound, excellent bar and vibe with plenty of room to strut your stuff on the dance floor. Being a photographer I'm an early riser to catch sunrise and damn did it not disappoint. Seeing the sun rise over the cotton, church across the road, and with the shacks in the foreground was what I was after. The sun set we experienced with the train tracks in the foreground was also so incredible. Definitely an experience I will not soon forget. Add to that, the experience of staying in a shack (restored and renovated where needed) that at one point people lived and raised families is an experience I will not soon forget. Hanging out in the courtyard with total strangers by the fire after the band finished and watching someone fall down drunk, then hearing a conversation between a guy and girl when asked if they were a couple, her emphatic response "NO" followed by his comment, "well, I guess we got some things to work out." was priceless. Now just have to figure out how to get back here again. read more
6 years ago
I have stayed here 5 times on my drive to texas. I rent the bin rooms. The internet this year was drastically improved then in the past. I streamed a movie and played an online game and messaged at the same time. No lag. My rooms have always been clean and exactly as represented on the website. It is covid so the gift store and bar were closed. A map and wifi instructions were given with the key. The bin has 2 doors and if there is a cool breeze I open the doors and enjoy the fresh air. I also walk around the drive way which circles the property. I give it five stars because it as represented in website and is very relaxing. I love it here. Staff were nice. read more
2 years ago
7 years ago
I went here to a "Harmonica Jam Camp", although this place has guitar, Banjo, Bluegrass, BLUES, and along with voice and other camps. One cannot feel but connected somehow to everyone there. Maybe the energy or ambience of the place make you feel related. The locals are some of the finest people I have ever met. The history is American, and if you go here soak it up, you will learn so much. In the end, I am planning my next trip there now for a year from now. I will stay at the "Shack Up Inn" for that trip and more I hope!! read more
Shack Up Inn = easily one of the most charming lodging experiences I've *ever* had! I've experienced many different kinds of accommodations, from boutique hotels (typically my favorite) in big cities to posh old school grand hotels in Europe to hostel rooms with no heat and an uncomfortable cot (cheapest place to stay one freezing winter in Amsterdam). It's funny because I was expecting so much less. After all, they all but tell you if you're expecting something nice, go elsewhere. Don't let that fool you! I'm a girly girl. I don't *do* camping. "Roughing it" - just isn't for me. The Shack-Up complex consists of clusters of shacks, some original structures (I think?) and some that are newly built, as well as an entire block of rooms in an old cotton gin. You feel as if you've stepped back in time. In fact, IT SCREAMS LORETTA LYNN! I practically expected to see her on one of the porches strumming her guitar (you actually might see a musician on one of the porches strumming their guitar, as musicians stay here on the regular while they play the Chapel). Come on, that's the highest compliment I can give a place of this kind! We stayed in the Sunflower Shack, which is on the other side of the railroad tracks, where the newly built shacks are situated. You wouldn't know right away that these are new, as they did such a great job of making them seem as authentic as those on the other side of the tracks. They are spaced a bit further apart from each other and all feature both a front porch and back porch that's screened-in (key for enjoying a hot summer night al fresco!) When I stepped inside, all I could say was, "WOW!" I mean, every inch of it was so *darling*, from the vintage furniture and accoutrements to the recycled rippled tin walls to the exposed wood to gorgeous bathroom with bowl sink and rain shower. You can tell that the innkeepers really love what they do as the attention to detail is incredible. The bed is extremely comfortable and although they joke about not knowing what thread count the sheets are (really, I guess someone called and asked them that which is hilarious), the sheets are as soft as butter because they've been washed a lot which is kind of a trick to making it seem like you have zillion thread count sheets (though I don't think they do it on purpose). The kitchen has a large block/bar with stools that's part of the living room so you feel like you could host quite the little shindig if you were so inclined. I *loved* all the Elvis stuff in the bedroom, especially the Hawaiian Elvis clock with surf boards. Prepare to choke with disbelief when I reveal the price: 70 bucks a night (possibly more in the busier season like the Juke Joint Festival). I still can't believe it. Now, there's not a whole hell of a lot going on at night in Clarksdale, but if you're lucky, you'll happen upon a good blues show at the Inn's giant Chapel Bar. They have a huge stage and the room is just as cool and in the same charming ramshackle style as the rest of the establishment. Love. Love. Love. I'll be back whenever I need a few days to chill out, get some writing done. My favorite thing to do was to sit on the screened-in porch with a bottle of wine at night, looking out at the occasional car passing on the freeway, listening to the crickets and staring at the moon. Bonus was the rain one night. Perfect little getaway from New Orleans (6 hours) or Memphis (90 min). read more
Work with me on this one, OK. Imagine the detritus left behind from a WWF three-way cage match between the American Pickers, a trailer park and a defunct Motel 6. You got it. This is the Shack Up Inn. I came here for Harmonica Camp and selected one of the small single room condos. Sort of. Was across the tracks from the lobby. Bit of a hike if you have luggage. They advertise "Cable tv and Internet" but big Larry calls bananagrams on this one. You'd be better off with smoke signals. No TV and a weenie internet signal which only improved in the toilet. Hard to watch Miami Vice. Feel me? Anyhoo it was a quirky property and was definitely "different". If you find yourself in this neck of Mississippi, which you prolly shouldn't, this is a fun place for a night. For a week, keep driving. Oh, the staff was interesting. Very friendly and accommodating, but very scared of the boss. No amenities at all. Stop at the Dollar Store and get water and beans. And although they welcome dogs, there are mouse traps all over, so scout out the poison before you bring in your puppies. read more
13 years ago
One of the nicest "hotels" i've ever stayed at. We stayed in the sunflower shack, 2 porches, large bedroom , kitchen and living room. The shack had everything we needed, the owners even offered a free guitar. Looking forward to returning at some point. read more
17 years ago
Oh the old Dixie! This place is in Clarksdale Mississippi, and in the heart of Dixie and the Blues. If you ever wondered what it was like to live in a shack here is your chance! The B & B stands for bed & beer. They have 10 sharecropper shotgun shacks and 10 rooms in the cotton gin, nothing fancy here folks. If you like the 5 star sh**, THEN GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. You can rent a shack for $60-75 a night, but you better get reservations because they are always busy with English tourist. Its hard to believe that there maybe more English blues fans than we have in the US. Check out their website for a feel of the place and see how different a place it is. I love this place for a cool step back in history! read more
12 years ago
I absolutely adore Shack Up. It is truly a unique place to stay. I love that all of the little shacks have individual themes and Decor. The staff is both friendly and helpful. The new restaurant , Rust, is fantastic. Live music too. The property grounds have so many cool things to look at and explore. So relaxing sitting on the screened in back porch, having a drink and cooking out with the other guests. It's definitely worth the road trip. Make sure to try the fresh Sweet Magnolia ice cream and Delta donuts served in the lobby. read more
6 years ago
I go out of my way to stop here. I travel for my job and I stop here every year. I love it. The town has cute places to eat. The property has room for a nice walk. I visit in the cooler months. I travel alone so I just rent the bin rooms. In the cooler months it is very enjoyable to sit out on the porch and enjoy the breeze. This past trip was during covid so the bar and gift shop were closed. They have upgraded their internet so I had no problem this year with using the internet in the room. The bin rooms have tv. The cabins do not but who needs tv when you stay at this location. I will definitely visit here every year. My photos don't do this property justice. If you like antiques you will enjoy these rooms and cabins. The local people are friendly. read more
15 years ago
11 years ago
Ok we checked in 5 min ago but I Love it already!!! The grounds are amazing, the interior fantastic and the gentlemen behind the counter charming. Love all about it! Time for some beer on the porch! read more
7 years ago
Attended one of the best weddings of my life at this place and also fell in love with Clarksdale. The wedding guest filled every single cabin and room available and cabins were perfect. Rustic but comfortable with super soft beds. You just want to sit on your front porch and never leave. read more
7 years ago
13 years ago
13 years ago
I am not sure why you would want to stay anyplace else in Clarksdale. Perhaps the Riverside Hotel for its history, but that is it. The Shack Up is everything you read about it online. It was actually nicer and cleaner inside than I expected, but not too much. Just enough to allow you to sleep and clean comfortably. It is a few miles out of town, but the action here and at the Hopson are just as lively as the town on most nights anyway. read more
5 years ago
If you're laidback, don't have fixed expectations and like a VERY eclectic feel, this place would work for you. If you are expecting anything even moderately posh, keep moving. The only reason I'm deducting one star is because the bed was so uncomfortable as to almost be unusable. I get that it's rustic but you'd think the bed would at least be sleepable. Otherwise, this place is cute and good for a night's stay. More than that is iffy. Go into the Gin Bar and there's a LOT to look at; it's like a museum! We stayed in one of the bins and the mural on the bathroom wall was intriguing. The doors were hinky; the key didn't work right and you couldn't get them to lock right from the inside, etc. Someone banged on our door about 3AM and then ran off, which was interesting. There's poison oak EVERYWHERE so be careful of that. But, the air conditioning in our room worked great and, in the South in the summer, that's definitely worth a mention. Be prepared to let things roll off your back if you stay here but also be prepared for an experience you aren't likely to get anywhere else. read more
15 years ago
14 years ago
16 years ago
So cool, its untrue. Di yourself a favour and don't miss this experience. You won't regret it if you do and you will always wish you had if you don't. read more
8 years ago
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