On June 16, 2023, my husband and I traveled to Tupelo Mississippi for a family reunion. After settling in, I remembered reading about the Tupelo Guitar Trail located in downtown —a public art project featuring dozens of brightly painted guitars scattered throughout the historic district. Curious and eager to explore, we headed to Main Street, where we quickly discovered that Tupelo’s downtown is far more charming than we expected.
Old buildings have been thoughtfully revitalized and repurposed, blending historic architecture with modern touches. Flowerpots line the sidewalks, colorful guitars brighten street corners, and the entire area feels clean, welcoming, and full of small‑town pride. As we wandered, we passed the historic Reed Department Store, built in 1905, its exterior adorned with murals that celebrate Tupelo’s past. The Lyric Theatre, with its vintage marquee, added a nostalgic touch. A few blocks away stood the Tupelo Hardware Company, established in 1925—the very store where Elvis Presley famously received his first guitar in 1945. It’s impossible to walk by without imagining that moment.
The district is dotted with trendy boutiques, cozy cafés, music shops, and restaurants offering live performances. Some eateries have outdoor seating tucked into alleyways lit with strung lights, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for evening strolls. The entire downtown feels like a celebration of creativity, history, and community.
Tupelo‘s Guitar Trail: A Public Art Project with Heart
As we explored, I photographed 26 colorful guitars, each one uniquely decorated. Their designs ranged from bold blues and jazz motifs to whimsical patterns and vibrant abstract art. The more guitars I found, the more curious I became about their origin. After a bit of online searching, I discovered a geocaching reference that explained the story behind the project—and it made me appreciate the guitars even more.
The Guitar Trail was the brainchild of Mrs. Kit Stafford, an art teacher at Thomas Street Elementary School. Her husband designed the six‑foot‑tall guitar structures, and the first fifteen guitars were unveiled on what would have been Elvis Presley’s 75th birthday in January 2010. The following year, fifteen additional guitars were added, bringing the total to thirty.
What makes the project truly special is the involvement of local schoolchildren. Inspired by their art teachers, students from Tupelo’s public schools painted the guitars using themes centered around blues, jazz, and rock—genres deeply rooted in Mississippi’s musical heritage. The project was funded by an art endowment grant, allowing the community to create something meaningful, educational, and visually engaging.
Walking the Guitar Trail felt like following a colorful breadcrumb path through Tupelo’s artistic spirit. Each guitar told a story, not just of music, but of collaboration, creativity, and pride. I loved the idea and thoroughly enjoyed locating and admiring each one.
A Familiar Concept with Local Flair
The Guitar Trail reminded me of a similar project in Columbia, South Carolina. There, palmetto trees were decorated and placed throughout the city as part of a public art initiative. I’m not sure if any remain today, but I remember how much joy they brought to residents and visitors alike. Projects like these celebrate local talent while offering families and tourists a fun, interactive way to explore a city.
Tupelo’s Guitar Trail accomplishes exactly that. It honors the city’s musical legacy, engages children in meaningful art, and adds a burst of color to an already charming downtown. If you find yourself in Tupelo, I hope these guitars inspire you to take your time wandering Main Street and discovering each one.
If You Go
Downtown Tupelo
- Best For: History lovers, casual explorers, families
- Don’t Miss: Reed Department Store murals, Lyric Theatre, Tupelo Hardware Company
- Tip: Visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting when photographing the guitars.
Guitar Trail
- Best For: Art enthusiasts, photographers, Elvis fans
- Highlights: 30 six‑foot guitars painted by local students
- Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—guitars are spread throughout several downtown blocks.
Dining & Shopping
Tip: Weekends often feature live performances.
Best For: Local flavors, boutique browsing
Don’t Miss: Restaurants with live music and alleyway seating under string lights
Reference Tupelo .Net , Elvis Guitar Trail Map, Geocaching Waymark: Elvis Guitar Trail, Strum the Elvis Guitar Trail
Tupelo Mississippi Guitar Trail Photos
Mississippi Hiking and Attraction Map
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I have never been to Tupelo, MS. That is so cool. “Thank you very much!” 😉😅
It’s a fun attraction to explore if ever in the area