The town of Paducah and the American Queen Steamboat Company celebrated the arrival of the American Queen at the Port of Paducah. The call in Paducah marked the 436-passenger riverboat’s entrance into the Ohio River for the summer season. Residents, visitors and government officials greeted the full boat of passengers, who toured the National Quilt Museum, the River Discovery Center, artist galleries and shops and even sampled the dining options in the historic downtown.
The American Queen visits Paducah on seven occasions in 2014, including a Bourbon & Bluegrass itinerary Aug. 29 and Sept. 5 between St. Louis, Mo. and Cincinnati, Oh., including whiskey distillers Jim Beam, Buffalo Trace and Heaven Hill. Bourbon makers will also be joined onboard by Bluegrass acts headlined by Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Chris Jones and the Night Drivers and several regional bands.
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Founded in 1827, Paducah served as a major stop along the riparian trade route linking the Upper Midwest with the Southeast during the Age of Steam. The 19th-century architecture lining the streets of the historic downtown reflects the wealth accrued in this vital inland port during this era. This year marks the sesquicentennial of the Battle of Paducah, signaling the town’s role in connecting the Upper and Deep South during the American Civil War.
Offering the most inclusive river cruise experience in North America, fares on the American Queen begin at $1,599 per person based on double occupancy and $3,795 on the American Empress. All journeys include a one-night pre-voyage hotel stay, shore tours in all ports, complimentary wine and beer with dinner and a host of other amenities.
For more information, visit www.AQSC.com.