Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer

Renowned for its southern charm and rich history, Louisville is set along the Ohio River and is the largest city in the state of Kentucky. Perhaps best known as host city for the Kentucky Derby, one of the world's most prestigious horse races, the city attracts more than 150,000 visitors to the event annually as well as a television audience of millions across the globe. Beyond the racetrack, Louisville's sports heritage includes boxing. The city was the birthplace of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and visitors can explore his legacy at the Muhammad Ali Center.

Louisville is home to a vibrant culinary scene that rivals its neighbors, celebrating Southern comfort food and contemporary cuisine. The city's signature dishes include burgoo, a hearty stew with a mix of meats and vegetables, alongside specialty dishes infused with bourbon. For bourbon lovers, the Urban Bourbon Trail showcases the city's deep heritage through a curated collection of venues offering creative cocktails, extensive selections of this iconic spirit and classic Kentucky dishes, including bourbon-glazed pork chops.

Set on the south side of a deep bend in the Ohio River, Owensboro is considered by many to be the cultural and entertainment hub of western Kentucky. Its dedication to music is deeply rooted in its past. Bill Monroe, known as the “Father of Bluegrass,” was born and raised nearby, and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum attracts visitors from around the world. Owensboro is also famed for its barbecue and distilleries; it is home to both an international barbecue festival and the Green River Distilling Company, one of the oldest distilleries in the state.

Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, the natural landscapes of Henderson have been an inspiration for many of its residents, including the naturalist John James Audubon and blues musician W.C. Handy. Audubon State Park features a museum dedicated to the naturalist's work, while bronze sculptures inspired by his paintings can be found in the vibrant downtown area. Handy's legacy is celebrated annually alongside the city's barbecue tradition at the W.C. Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival, which has hosted performers, including Bill Monroe and Emmylou Harris.

Located at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio rivers, Paducah is one of Kentucky's hidden gems. A UNESCO Creative City, Paducah is famed for its preserved 19th-century architecture and historic buildings that line the main street. The city's Downtown streets are a delight to explore on foot. The National Quilt Museum houses a superb collection of contemporary style quilts by artists from around the globe. Paducah is also famed for its “Wall to Wall” murals, colorful paintings by different artists that document the heritage and history of the city and the region.

The rich and varied landscape along the Mississippi River is characterized by wide floodplains, rocky outcroppings and sandy beaches nestled between fertile farmland and bustling bankside cities. Indigenous peoples used the river for thousands of years before Europeans began exploring the region during the 16th and 17th centuries. It became an important trade route during the 19th century, with the rise of steamboats and river commerce. Today, the river is an important ecological region, with diverse wildlife and habitats, including wetlands and forests.

Situated on the Chickasaw bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Memphis is revered for its blues music and barbecue. Some of the most famed names in blues, including B.B. King, got their start in Memphis, and the city has a well-deserved reputation as the home of this classic American music genre. Memphis is also celebrated for its culinary heritage and is renowned for its traditional barbecue restaurants serving flavorful dry rub ribs. Rich in history and culture, Memphis's many notable museums include the National Civil Rights Museum and Elvis Presley's Graceland.

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.