Y’all need to listen up! This is a great river cruise for the country fan who wants to experience America’s heartland. I am a country girl at heart and a river cruise to Nashville, Tennessee encompasses everything I love about the country–from their food, art, history and, of course, music. So, what’r y’all waitin’ for?
Cowboy hat and boots are not required—but definitely recommended
You can take this river cruise on American Cruise Lines’ Queen of the Mississippi. You’ll find there’s a variety of things to do like horseback riding or fishing, walking historic Civil War battlegrounds, and even take your picture on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. The only way to see so much in eight days is on a river cruise.
Map courtesy of American Cruise Lines
When can you cruise along the Mississippi and Cumberland Rivers for eight days between Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee?
There are two sailings in 2014 with American Cruise Lines—the first departing Memphis on September 6 and the second departing Nashville on September 13. In 2015, there is one sailing on September 12. However, on September 19 they’ve altered the itinerary to sail from Nashville to St. Louis.
What can you expect on an 8-day river cruise from Memphis to Nashville?
There’s no shortage of things to do in Memphis, TN. Learn a little history about the King of Rock and Roll at Elvis Presley’s Graceland and Car Museum.
Photo courtesy of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
If you want to just enjoy the natural environment of Memphis, go to Shelby Farms where the buffalo still roam. You can also go horseback riding through the back country.
Photo courtesy of Shelby Farms
On your second day you’ll get to relax on your paddlewheeler boat all day as you cruise along the Mississippi River between Memphis and Columbus, KY.
Columbus, KY is full of civil war history. The Columbus-Belmont State Park & Museum is an antebellum building which was once a farmhouse—turned into a Confederate hospital during the early Civil War.
Photo courtesy of Kentucky Department of Parks
Photo courtesy of Kentucky Department of Parks
Walk the 2.5 mile trail at the Trail of Tears National Heritage Site, and learn about the Cherokee Indians who lost many lives during the harsh winters when they were forced to go west of the Mississippi.
Off to Paducah, KY where you’ll see over 50 historical murals throughout the city that tell the stories of the past. Hands on history buffs will enjoy the interactive exhibits at the River Heritage Museum. The National Quilt Museum “Quilt City” will interest the art enthusiast with their impressive quilt collection.
Photo courtesy of the National Quilt Museum
Enjoy the entire day lounging in the sun, sipping on iced tea aboard your ship as you cruise around the Kentucky Lakes which is the world’s largest man-made lake.
The quiet town of Dover, TN is on the Kentucky Lakes. A visit to Fort Donelson National Military Park will give you a look at the unchanged land where some of the major Civil War battles took place. The Fort Donelson National Cemetery and Dover Hotel, the place of the confederate surrender, are also at this park.
If you’re interested in the history of farming, visit the Homeplace Living History Farm which recreates historic farming traditions.
Photo courtesy of USDA Forest Service, Homeplace Living History Farm
In Clarksville, TN enjoy wine tasting at Beachaven Vineyards and Winery. They are leading the comeback in wineries since the prohibition in 1919 ended commercial winemaking in Tennessee. The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center blends history with contemporary artistic ideas.
Photo courtesy of Customs House Museum & Cultural Center
Make sure to visit the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center Store
Arriving in Nashville, TN, you’ve just entered the heartland of country music. With so much to do here, may I suggest you plan extra days before (or after) your cruise to have more time because there’s so much to see. Have you heard of a little place called the Grand Ole Opry? You can actually take a “Backstage Tour” and take your picture on the stage. How cool is that?
Photo courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry
CruiseExperts.com is located in the central valley just up the road from Bakersfield. There’s a special exhibit in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum called the Bakersfield Sound, honoring Buck Owens, and Merle Haggard.
Photo by Donn Jones courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame
If you’re a fan of the Jack, then take Jack Daniel Distillery Sampling Tour. This distillery was gravely affected by the prohibition–but not anymore! You’ll get plenty of samples at the end of your tour.
Photo courtesy of Jack Daniel Distillery
Want more information?
Call a CruiseExperts.com agent now to book your stateroom on an America Cruise Lines river cruise. We are here to answer any questions you may have about taking a cruise on a paddlewheeler. Call us at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) or visit our website, www.CruiseExperts.com
You may be interested in our other blog about other Mississippi river cruises
See the historical South on a paddlewheeler boat on a Mississippi River cruise
From St. Louis to St. Paul—take a Mississippi River cruise through history on a paddlewheeler boat
Experience and explore history while cruising the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers
Cruise the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers between St. Louis and Memphis for a taste of Americana
See the best of the Mississippi River on a cruise from St. Louis to New Orleans
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2 Comments
Linda:
Are the Mississippi and Cumberland River Cruises offered in the Spring of 2015 ?
Thanks,
Chuck DeFina
Chuck, the Spring 2015 itineraries have not been released yet. Most river cruises begin late spring, due to the weather. As soon as we have 2015 dates, we will be sure and get those to you!