Paducah rises on American Queen's Ohio River cruise expansion

In response to demand for less-traveled routes contrasting with its Mississippi River headliner American Queen, AQSC's American Duchess and the new American Countess will provide the opportunity to travel through the US heartland from Kentucky to Ohio to Pennsylvania.

'From major urban centers like Louisville, Kentucky, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to charming port towns like Madison, Indiana, and Brandenburg, Kentucky, we are thrilled to introduce our guests to these compelling destinations along the Ohio River,' AQSC President Shawn Bierdz said.

Paducah among them.

Steamboat, railroad, Civil War and Chitlin' Circuit history

Located at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio rivers, it is rich in steamboat, railroad, Civil War and Chitlin' Circuit history. It's also home to the National Quilt Museum and is a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.

Vessels tie up along a floodwall at the foot of Broadway, the main street, where passengers step into a town of more than 50 murals, historical markers galore and colorful buildings and storefronts laced with ironwork, echoing Kentucky's past ironworks prowess. Volunteer ambassadors known as 'Red Coats' for their jackets fan out to greet visitors, answer questions, give directions or just engage in friendly chat.

'You feel the fever when a boat is in town'

River cruise tourism is 'very important. Our downtown merchants depend on it,' said Mary Hammond, executive director of the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau. 'You feel the fever when there's a boat in town.'

Hammond said AQSC works closely with Paducah on cultural attractions and events that are of great interest to its passengers.

Premium tours

For example, the Hotel Metropolitan was on the Chitlin' Circuit as a haven for traveling African American musicians during segregation. A few of its many famous guests: Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Ike and Tina Turner. On a premium AQSC tour, visitors meet the reincarnation of hotel founder Miss Maggie, who gossips about boarders, serves homemade pie and sweet tea, and Billie Holiday even puts in an appearance.

The National Quilt Museum celebrates a most American art form, drawing visitors from around the world to its vast collection. The River Discovery Center offers interactive experiences for all ages. Paducah also offers a lively music scene, craft beers and a bourbon distillery.

River cruises provide an economic boost to restaurants and businesses, and that economic impact is growing, according to Mayor George Parker Bray.

'They offer us the opportunity to connect with a new customer, somebody to introduce our town to. It's a very quaint down with a beautiful downtown, so those who visit us will see a lot of history,' he said.

$10m in waterfront improvements

Paducah's location and docking facilities are a competitive advantage, Bray added. A new docking station is planned, part of $10m in waterfront improvements funded by a US Department of Transportation grant.

And, across from the floodwall where vessels tie up, land now occupied by a parking lot is set for mixed use development to be anchored by a boutique hotel that will ignite restaurant and retail growth 'and really spice up our downtown as well,' Bray said. This is funded by $21m in Kentucky Tax Increment Financing.

Welcoming visitors with open arms

Meanwhile, 'Paducah is open for business,' the mayor said. 'Now is the time for us to welcome visitors with open arms. Introducing Paducah to riverboat passengers is just one way we attract people to Kentucky. The riverboat industry is very important to us.'

2022 Ohio River sailings are eligible for significant savings in AQSC's recently announced Spring Sale, including up to $2,000 bonus savings per stateroom. Fares start at $1,799 per person, plus port fees, taxes and gratuities.

Nine-day itineraries include Louisville-Pittsburgh, Memphis-Louisville and Louisville-Clarksville (for Nashville), with highlights such as the Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati Art Museum, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park with its Lincoln Museum, the legacy of Gen. George S. Patton at Fort Knox, the Grand Old Opry, 'Home of the Blues' Beale Street, Elvis Presley's Graceland, and more.

Beyond the iconic cities are lesser known gems like Paducah with its authentic river town charms.