And it’s home again, home again, jiggity jig! While I love to head out of dodge from time to time there’s nothing better than coming home. Oscar and Ollie were a sight for sore eyes, and I was more than happy to fall into bed last night in my own bed with my own pillows. Ten days is a good amount of time to miss home sweet home. But there’s nothing better for your soul than traveling the world. One of my favorite quotes from Mark Twain says, “travel is fatal to prejudice.”
Before returning to regular content, I want to show you a full look at my river cruise—a few more snippets of my all-inclusive Lower Mississippi riverboat cruise aboard the American Queen. If you’re interested in more information about American Queen Voyages, feel free to reach out or head over to American Queen Voyages to learn more about river cruises here in America. American Queen Voyages sail on Rivers, Lakes & Oceans, and they have an Expedition Cruise as well.
TL;DR
Today, I’m sharing a full look at my river cruise
From New Orleans to Memphis, I’m showing you the highlights of the river boat and our daily tours
I’ve also pulled in a few of the outfits I wore on the trip
Everything is shoppable via text- and image-widgets
From New Orleans To Memphis: A Full Look at My River Cruise
1. The American Queen
Last Sunday, Kelly and I flew down to New Orleans, caught a glimpse of Mardi Gras parades, dined at Napoleon’s, and caught a jazz show at Preservation Hall. Then bright and early Monday morning, our river cruise began with a jazz brunch and tour of NOLA. That evening at 5 pm, the paddleboat American Queen set sail with a final destination of Memphis.
Here’s a peek at our cabin General Stonewall Jackson appointed with twin beds. It was spacious enough for the two of us, although we spent little time there as our cruise was jam-packed with excursions, dinners, and shows! The American Queen has a small fitness center, a pool, and breathtaking views of the Mississippi, especially at sunset.
High-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans (Talbots) | Relaxed Rollneck Sweater (similar, J.Crew) | Cropped Cotton-Blend Rollneck Sweater (similar, J.Crew) | Kacie Slip-On Running Sneakers (Ralph Lauren) | Icon Trench (J.Crew)
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2. Natchez & More
Day One we toured Nottoway and enjoyed a Valentine’s Day brunch.
Day Two we stopped in St. Francisville and had the best biscuit sandwich at The Birdman Coffee & Books.
On day Three, the boat stopped in Natchez, MS, where we toured an Episcopal church and cemetery, Stanton Hall, where part of the mini-series North-South was filmed, enjoyed a lovely lunch, and toured the cutest bed & breakfast, complete with a Blues concert.
Cashmere Patch-Pocket Cardigan Sweater (similar, J.Crew) | V-Neck Cotton-Cashmere Cardigan Sweater (similar, J.Crew) | Snakeskin-Print A-Line Skirt (Ralph Lauren) | Pointed Toe Pump (similar, Vince Camuto) | Pointed Toe Pump (similar, Vince Camuto) | Necklace (Devon Leigh)
We ended the day at Regina Charboneau’s cooking school. Kelly and I loved Natchez so much we booked a trip in June where we will attend Regina’s Brunch & Biscuit Class. Can’t wait!
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3. Vicksburg
Day Four found us in Vicksburg, where we toured Vicksburg Battlefield. One thing I loved about this river cruise was its steeped in American history, from music to plantations, to battlefields, to the King of rock and roll – Elvis. I’m always interested to learn more about America – the good, the bad, and the ugly because that’s what history is all about.
Striped Dress (Veronica Beard) | Sandals (Marc Fisher) | Handbag (old, Ralph Lauren similar here and here)
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4. Cruising the Mississippi
Day Five and Six we spent cruising on the Mississippi, enjoyed a fantastic jazz band, ate some delicious food (maybe too much delicious food), and watched a biscuit and bourbon coffee demonstration by the talented Regina Charboneau, who, by the way, is the culinary ambassador for American Queen Voyages, and were entertained by the onboard dinner shows! Yours truly gave a talk Saturday afternoon about packing tips and creating a style uniform, complete with a scarf tutorial at the end.
Massie Pants (J.McLaughlin) | Fringe Sweater Shell (Ann Taylor) | Ressie Denim Blazer (J.McLaughlin) | Minnie Travel Ballet (similar, Tory Burch) | Zoe Ballet Flats (similar, J.Crew)
Here’s a photo taken with the lovely President of American Queen Voyages, Cindy A’Oust. I had the pleasure of spending time with Cindy and was able to share how a-ma-zing the staff was abroad, The American Queen. One associate overheard me being out of contact solution and promptly brought a bottle from her stash! Now that’s service!
The trip wrapped up in Memphis, TN with a tour of Graceland. Kelly and I spent the night at the Peabody Hotel then flew home on Tuesday. I will share snippets of Memphis next week since I thought Graceland deserved an entire blog post.
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5. What’s Included
Here are a few of the perks of the American Queen:
- 1-night Pre-cruise Hotel Stay with free ground transfers between hotel and vessel
- Unlimited Guided Tours designed with your comfort in mind aboard private, deluxe motorcoaches
- Unlimited Beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers, and specialty coffees
- Open Bars & Lounges throughout the vessel including a juice bar EVERY morning
- Locally Sourced & regionally Inspired Cuisine from land and sea
- Gourmet Selections of freshly prepared choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Live, Daily Onboard
- Entertainment & Enrichment
In Case You Missed It
It’s What to… Wednesdays. And this morning, we shared a bunch of different ways to get ready for Spring. Click the title or image below to read the article.
What to Refresh for Spring
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Looks like you and Kelly had fun! You look so elegant as usual. Know Kelly really enjoyed the cooking class. So much fun! Beautiful area. Yes, we need to know all our American history, good and bad. That is what history is.
Give me all the history, Sherry! It’s right up my alley!
Thanks Beth, for sharing all the info about the cruise. I would love to do this some day! It’s on my vacation bucket list! I’m a born a bred northeastern girl but I lived in the south for a decade and no one makes biscuit sandwiches like they do! I miss them!
The South has influenced not only music but delicious food! Definitely a fun week!
I really enjoyed this post! Thank you Beth! I love American history and this sounds like a wonderful opportunity to get lost in it. Plus good food and drinks. And your clothing selections, just perfect. I read a few blogs and they often share of upcoming trips but rarely share pictures, details and clothing selections. So,
thank you!
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this post! I always love to share my latest travels!
Good afternoon. Glad that you and Kelly had a good time.
I would like to know which are the beige flats you are actually wearing. They are elegant and a little higher than a regular ballet flat. I have the JCrew ballet flats but I do not care for the Tory Birch flats.
Thank you.
Hi Gladys,
The flats that I am wearing are old and no longer available from AGL. The heel height is the same as a ballet flat although they have a pointy toe instead of a round toe which makes a difference.
Hope this helps!
This looks like a fantastic trip, Beth! Thanks so much for sharing these ideas for local (US) travel. Putting it on my list🙂
US travel is loads of fun, and there’s so much to see from North to South, East to West.
Thanks for stopping by!
I’m originally from Memphis and have family from northwest Tennessee down through Mississippi. The Mighty Mississippi has always played a part in our lives, along with the lovely historic homes and places. I love the area, and have thoroughly enjoyed your river cruise adventures!
I so enjoyed traveling from New Orleans to Memphis! The food, music, and, of course, history add so much flavor to the trip.
Thanks for stopping by!
I like how you styled the cardigan you wore with the green snakeskin shirt. Would you explain how you buttoned it to create the tucked in look?
I took the bottom buttonhole and buttoned that with the second button from the bottom. Then the second buttonhole from the bottom was buttoned with the bottom button.
This looks right up my husband’s ( and my) alley! Did you feel comfortable on the paddle boat? I am concerned a bit that my husband would be queasy! May I ask what type of living quarters you requested?
Yes, I felt very comfortable on the paddle boat. I shared a room with my daughter-in-law, so we had twin beds.