Chasing the Blues: Why Thomson, GA is a Must-Visit for Music History Fans
A Self-Guided Blind Willie McTell Tour
Explore the life, music, and legacy of a legendary bluesman
Some stories aren’t meant to be rushed. They unfold slowly—like a 12-string guitar humming low and steady, echoing down a red clay road. In Thomson, Georgia, the story of Blind Willie McTell still lingers in the streets, the music, and the quiet countryside just beyond town.
The Self-Guided Blind Willie McTell Blues Tour invites you to follow those echoes. At your own pace. With the windows down. And maybe a little blues playing in the background.
🕒 Plan 2–3 hours for the full experience.
Start Where the Story Is Told
McDuffie Museum | Blind Willie McTell History in Thomson, GA
Every good blues song starts with the truth—and so does this tour.
Begin at the McDuffie Museum, where Blind Willie McTell’s life is woven together through artifacts, images, and storytelling. Here, visitors can slow down and listen before setting out.
Inside the museum, you’ll find:
Blind Willie McTell’s original tombstone, preserved as a powerful reminder of his journey
A short documentary film that shares his life, music, and influence on American blues
Before leaving, pick up a physical tour flyer to guide you through the rest of Thomson.
Where the Tracks Once Carried the Blues
Thomson Depot | Blind Willie McTell Audio Story & Historical Marker
From the museum, you can walk across the street to the Thomson Depot, a place that feels made for listening.
At the depot:
An audio box tells stories of Blind Willie McTell’s music and legacy
A historical marker stands as official recognition of his lasting impact on blues music
Close your eyes here for a moment. Imagine trains pulling in, guitars tuning up, and songs ready to travel wherever the tracks might lead.
Walk the 12-String Strut
Downtown Thomson | Blind Willie McTell Mural & Public Art
Downtown Thomson invites visitors to experience the 12-String Strut, a walkable tribute to McTell’s signature sound and storytelling spirit.
Highlights include:
The Blind Willie McTell mural on Journal Street, bold, colorful, and full of soul
Public art inspired by McTell’s iconic 12-string guitar
This is where history meets the present—where the blues still feel alive.
Feed the Soul (and the Stomach)
Lunch at Ivery’s | Local Dining in Thomson, Georgia
The blues are honest, unpretentious, and rooted in community—just like Ivery’s.
Stop in for lunch and enjoy classic Southern soul food at one of Thomson’s longtime local favorites. It’s the perfect pause before heading down the road for the final chapter of the tour.
Down a Quiet Road, One Last Song
Blind Willie McTell Gravesite | Jones Grove Baptist Church
The final stop takes you about 15 minutes south of downtown Thomson, where the pavement gives way to peaceful countryside.
At Jones Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Blind Willie McTell rests beneath a commemorative headstone honoring his contribution to American music. The setting is quiet. Rural. Honest.
Here you’ll find:
A modern memorial headstone recognizing his blues legacy
A serene landscape that feels unchanged by time
Many visitors say this stop stays with them the longest. It’s not loud. It doesn’t need to be. The blues never do.
Experience the Blues Where They Still Live
Things to Do in Thomson, Georgia | Music History Travel
The Blind Willie McTell Blues Tour isn’t just a list of stops—it’s a journey through sound, story, and place. It’s a reminder that some of the most influential music in the world came from small towns, long roads, and voices that refused to fade.
Whether you’re a blues lover, a history seeker, or a traveler chasing authentic experiences, this self-guided tour offers something rare: the chance to follow the music back home.
🎧 Travel Tip: Build your own soundtrack with Blind Willie McTell’s recordings as you drive between stops.