In a region of the United States where fiddles and banjoes are as much a part of local color as muskets and coonskin caps, enjoy excursions that are perfect adventures to share with friends and family. Hear stories of the Cherokee, Chickasaw and Shawnee, who used the area as hunting grounds, built expansive earthen mounds and painted beautiful pottery before mysteriously disappearing around 1400 A.D. Feel, firsthand, the challenges of frontier life as lived by the first Europeans to inhabit this region.
The first European settlers in this region were French fur traders who arrived in 1717. When the pioneers followed Daniel Boone through the Cumberland Gap into what was then part of North Carolina, this lush, green region's fate was sealed; this valley whose rich agricultural lands provided attractive sites to homesteaders, would surely grow and prosper. When the first settlement Nashborough, named for Revolutionary War hero General Francis Nashwas established in 1779, it became the focus of life in the area.
Situated on the banks of the historic Cumberland River, Nashville today is a vibrant city whose businesses and industries have made the region prosperous and strong. One industry though, has earned worldwide attention: Nashville is America's official capital of country music, and has come to be known as Music City, USA. Nashville offers the opportunity to visit the Ryman Auditorium and the Wildhorse Saloon. But there's much, much more to see and hear in this region. And there's Hermitage, the home of former president and War of 1812 hero, "Old Hickory," General Andrew Jackson.
Traveling along the Cumberland, pass through historic Tennessee Valley Authority locks and dams that made the river navigable and brought electricity to these hills following the Great Depression. More than 170,000 acres of the most beautiful lakes in America are found in this region; you'll see much of it, including Land Between the Lakes, a recreational area of lakes and shores that must be seen from the decks to be fully appreciated.
Imagine listening to bluegrass music on the Sky Deck, taking in the sights or relaxing in deck chairs while we show you this scenic river valley that winds its way to the Ohio, and eventually to the Mississippi and on to exciting river cities like St. Louis or Memphis. The music, the rivers, the people and the shores: they're all calling you to go Barging Through America® on the Cumberland River for the special adventures called Expanding Frontiers. Come aboard!
MUSIC CITY, MEANDERINGS AND MUSEUMS
NASHVILLE NASHVILLE
Tour Nashville and explore the Cumberland River on 6 and 7 day round trips. Traverse the Cheatham Locks. See picturesque Clarksville, Tennessee. Grand Rivers State Park. Land Between the Lakes. Seven-day trips include a full day of offboard activities in Paducah, Kentucky. Quilt Museum tour. Seaman's Church. Plus there's much more to see on this gorgeous river.
ST. LOUIS NASHVILLE
Spectacular 7 day excursion. See the Gateway Arch and much, much more. Overnight stay in St. Louis affords an opportunity to explore. See the amazing confluence of the Ohio River with the Mighty Mississippi River. Travel upriver to Paducah. Quilt Museum tour. Seaman's Church. Grand Rivers State Park. Land Between the Lakes. Travel the Cumberland River through Cheatham Locks to Nashville. The music alone is enough, but there's lots more stuff. Overnight in Music City, USA.
MEMPHIS NASHVILLE
Board in the afternoon for this 8 day trip. See Memphis in the evening. Beale Street. Barbecue. Much to do. Depart in the morning. Travel upriver to the amazing confluence of the Ohio River with the Mighty Mississippi River. See the distinctive waters mix. Run to Paducah. Quilt Museum tour. Seaman's Church. Grand Rivers State Park. Land Between the Lakes. Travel the gorgeous Cumberland River through Cheatham Locks to Nashville. Twang about for a day and night in Music City, USA.
