THE RIVERS LESS TRAVELED – PART 1

[HostDave]

When many people think of cruises on American rivers, they think of a traditional steamboat with a white wedding cake superstructure, a bright red paddlewheel churning away at the stern, and tall fluted smokestacks soaring into the sky. Immediately after that image comes to mind is the vision of Mark Twain, resplendent in a white suit and white beard, sitting in a rocking chair smoking a cigar as a riverboat glides by. And the river that one imagines that boat sailing is, inevitably, the granddaddy of all rivers, the Mississippi. It is an enchanting vignette from another era and also one that comes to life with a voyage on the grand American Queen. But that snapshot from the past is only a portion of what a cruise with the American Queen Steamboat Company is all about.

There is only one America Queen, but there are other beautiful and intriguing rivers other than the Mississippi. That’s why we offer a number of cruises on the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. These are busy waterways, but unlike the Mississippi, they are not always part of the national consciousness. And that’s why we like to call them the Rivers Less Traveled. If you’d like to see more of America in 2014, be sure to book now and you can cruise for less by saving up to $600* on some cruises next year.

The biggest of the Rivers Less Traveled is the impressive Ohio River. It is no mere tributary to the Mississippi, but a mighty river itself. Coursing nearly 1,000 miles with a watershed encompassing 14 states, the Ohio opened up America’s movement west. Here, too, are the great Wilderness Rivers coursing through Bluegrass country, conjuring up tales of Daniel Boone, and raids by Cherokee and Chickamauga tribes. From small towns crowned by church steeples to big city thrills like the Grand Ole Opry® and Churchill Downs, adventure awaits by the mile.

The Cumberland River, a Wilderness River that was the stomping ground not of Mark Twain but of legendary frontiersmen such as Davey Crockett, meanders through hills, mountains and bluffs. In the fall, a riot of autumnal colors set the banks afire with reds, yellows, and oranges. The reward for sailing the Cumberland is dynamic Nashville, a city so full of music that you’ll be humming a tune and snapping your fingers before you even leave the American Queen.

Chattanooga and its famous train is only part of the appeal of the lovely Tennessee River which gives a taste of what life is like in an area that time has passed by and where people still greet strangers with a smile. These rivers are so intimate, at times you feel as if you can shake hands with the people who come down to the riverbanks to wave as the American Queen paddles by.

Two of our most popular voyages take place on the Ohio River. On June 27, 2014, our 8-day Good Old Summertime cruise departs Cincinnati bound for Pittsburgh. Pass through America’s bucolic Heartland and travel the blue waters of the Ohio River all the way up to where it is formed by the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers. Come to know the heritage and history of Revolutionary and Civil War sites, the Underground Railroad and the farming lifestyle of early German immigrants, culminating in the city of Pittsburgh where names like Carnegie and Bessemer created the steel-making capital of the world.

The adventure begins with a one-night luxury hotel stay in Cincinnati at either the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza or Millennium Hotel Cincinnati. The first stop is idyllic Maysville, KY where the complimentary Hop-On, Hop-Off tour kicks off with a narrated tour of the Floodwall River Mural, a museum where history becomes art. See George Clooney’s pictures and autographs in the lobby of The Opera Theatre, the theater that hosted the premiere of Leatherheads, starring Clooney. The Kentucky Gateway Museum Center contains exhibits on history and genealogical reference material of the county. The last stop is the famous Russell Theater, a Spanish-style atmospheric theater where Rosemary Clooney’s The Stars are Singing premiered in 1953.

Huntington, WV is an Ohio River town with a character all its own. It is home to Marshall University and one of the first amusement parks ever, Camden Park. Its first carousel was opened in 1903, and its first rollercoaster was completed in 1912. Next up is Point Pleasant, WV. Start with a walking tour of Point Pleasant Riverfront Park, where floodwall murals depict scenes of local history, the most popular being the Battle of Point Pleasant. Next on the list is the four-acre Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, which commemorates the October 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant. Visit the Mansion House, erected in 1796 as a tavern and now preserved as a museum with displays of period antiques and heirlooms. The Point Pleasant River Museum is dedicated to honoring the heritage of the Ohio and Great Kanawha Rivers. Enjoy some shopping time downtown at the Twin River Area.

In Marietta, OH, begin with a walking tour of Front Street and then head to the Mound Cemetery, home to the largest number of American Revolutionary War officers buried in one location. Later, check out museums around the area. The Campus Martius Museum showcases the history of America’s migration west, and the Ohio River Museum lets you discover the golden age of the steamboat and learn about the ecology of the Ohio River system. Make a shopping stop at the Downtown Shopping Center while the Historic Harmar Village has plenty to offer, from eateries to boutiques, museums and more.

Before disembarking in Pittsburgh, explore Wheeling, WV. Start the tour with a fantastic visit to trendy shops, eateries, entertainment and more at the Centre Market. Venture out and discover the story of West Virginia’s relationship to the Civil War at the West Virginia Independence Hall. Then, take a gander at the delightful decorated living quarters of the grand Victorian Eckhart House. Be sure to stop at the Capitol Theatre, host to a variety of Broadway shows and theater productions.

Another Good Old Summertime cruise, this one lasting 10 glorious days, leaves Memphis for Cincinnati on June 12, 2014. As is customary with all American Queen Steamboat Company voyages, begin with a free one-night luxury hotel stay in your embarkation city, in this case the Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel. With an evening departure the next day, you’ll have ample time to enjoy the sights and sounds of Memphis from Graceland to Beale Street. A day on the river brings you to New Madrid, MO where you can relive scenes out of the battle and siege of New Madrid and enjoy a presentation at the Hunter-Dawson Historic Site. You’ll see the war through the eyes of local soldiers. Stroll the 120-foot observation deck and view the 20-mile-long Bessie Bend from the New Madrid Observation Deck. Then, see how culture is reflected in this ever-changing river town from the Mississippian Indian period at the New Madrid Historical Museum.

In Paducah, KY, you’ll be surprised to learn this city of art, rhythm and rivers boasts a lively Lowertown Arts District, and the the renowned River Heritage Museum, a Save America’s Treasures project. Tours via foot, trolley or horse-drawn carriage reveal its charm. Elegant displays at the Museum of the American Quilter’s Society highlight the vigorous rebirth of quilt-making. It’s just one of the colorful attractions in a lovely city of 19th century architecture, specialty shops and one-of-a-kind eateries.

Henderson, KY is the hometown of famed naturalist John James Audubon. Reminders of his famous bird paintings are around every corner. See if you can find all eight of the town’s bronze bird statues. With a growing population, thriving downtown, historic turn-of-the-century mansions overlooking the river, and a recently renovated riverfront, Henderson exhibits the best qualities of an Ohio River town.

After another full day of scenic river cruising, Louisville sparkles on the horizon. From its frontier founding at the time of the American Revolution, to the heyday of steamboat transport in the early 19th century and through the city’s importance as a Union base during the Civil War, Louisville has always balanced a sense of history with an ability to re-invent itself. Visit Louisville’s Visitor Center to get your bearings and then head to the boxing cultural attraction Muhammad Ali Center; the Kentucky Museum of Arts and Crafts, which promotes the area’s rich crafts heritage; and the Louisville Slugger Bat Factory. For those with a penchant for glass artwork The Glass Work is sure to delight. Your complimentary tour also includes the Frazier International Military Museum, home of the Royal Armouries USA.

Before the voyage ends in Cincinnati, spend the day in Madison, IN and tour family-owned and operated businesses like Schroeder Saddletree Factory and the Madison Vineyard. A stroll through town takes in the highlights of this beautiful city in southern Indiana. Begin your visit to Madison’s antique-powered machinery at the 19th-century Schroeder Saddletree Factory Museum. Then stop at the ornate Broadway Fountain, one of only four fountains of this style in the world. Enjoy a short tour of The Lanier Mansion, often referred to as the crown jewel of Madison’s historic district. Be sure to visit the Thomas Family Winery for an evening of wine tasting and Celtic music.

Best of all, every sight, museum, and attraction we’ve just described is all part of our complimentary Hop-On, Hop-Off tours offered in every port of call. You may notice that of the three Rivers Less Traveled we mentioned at the beginning of this blog, we’ve only described cruises on the Ohio River (and that’s just a sample of all the Ohio River Cruises available). We’ve just scratched the surface, so look for the continuation of today’s blog with Part 2 later this week!.

* Book Early and Save $600 per stateroom ($300 per person) on any of our 2014 American Queen or American Empress 7-day or longer voyages when you pay-in-full at time of booking by December 21, 2013. Not combinable with other promotions or discounts; not valid for Group bookings or existing reservations. Savings are only on the price of the cruise, not valid on taxes, port charges, insurance, gratuities, or airfare. Promotional fares and amenities are capacity controlled, may vary by sailing and category of accommodations and may be withdrawn without notice. Fares quoted are in U.S. dollars, are per person and do not include air or land transportation. Port Charges of $69 to $159 per person are additional and not included in the fare. Additional terms and conditions may apply - call for details.