I know enough about the area to know that concealed or open carry is mandatory,  reloads and really good training are a very good idea too.  It's a crime filled shit hole.

This. If possible, run, run far away. It's not called the Delta Ghetto for nothing.

It might not be the asshole of AR, but its real close.

My uncle-in-law (who still lives in Helena) was a former Helena PD detective and he has absolutely nothing good to say about the town.  His son was a former patrolman in town and has numerous stories about the local dealers and corrupt elected officials.  He got out and made to north MS along with dozens of his friends.

If you can at least find some addresses, I'll run them by him to find out how the neighborhood really is.

Except for isle of Capri, that's still a long commute.

I am used to an hour or two commute from working in the Atlanta area. ISle of Capri is pretty close the site.



 

A tornado hit Helena and did millions of dollars in improvements.

Lol, I wish we had like buttons.

I grew up there and my Mom still lives there. Used to be a decent small town but it has hit near rock bottom. Lots of folks trying hard to make improvements but the lawlessness is totally out of control.

Very few non FSA types there anymore. I can't imagine where you could find a decent place to live short term.

I go there a couple times a year and I am very careful where I go after dark.

There are some cool things to see around there. The St Francis National forest is cool. And look up These guys when you have time. John Ruskey the owner is an awesome person.

Can't really help you with the Tunica area. You should contact the local chamber of commerce, they might have some current info on long term  lodging.

Here is decent web site with local info.

I travel to Helena relatively often for work and have to stay there with some regularity.  It has certainly fallen on hard times.  The best place to stay is the Edwardian Inn.  It is a bed and breakfast near the downtown area.  The house is comfortable, the owners are very nice, and they cook a good breakfast.

I dont care for the Idle of Capri, but have stayed there when the Edwardian is booked.  If you stay at the Isle of Capri, be sure to stay in the more upscale hotel (there are two at the Isle of Capri).  Neither are very good, but the cheapr of the two is significantly worse.