We explored the clean and modernized capital of Baton Rouge - then we headed upstream to explore the anti-bellum homes history saved for us to enjoy - these were in Natchez, Mississippi. Time allowed for three home tours. With RiverBarge Excursions your shore outings are arranged and included, along with a current program called Home Free. This takes you back to your origination city in case doubling back is needed to get your car or flight home.
After Natchez we awaited a visit to a town on the Mississippi that stands out in history for Civil War buffs - Vicksburg. Our outing was to the national battlefield park. Vicksburg did not have the extreme death toll that Antietam or Gettysburg had, but it holds the battle distinction of having raged on for 47 days before capitulation by the South. When your guided tour helps you explore the vast countryside, it becomes readily apparent why. Looking around you can feel the heartache and the historic presence. Vicksburg held out so long and successfully due to its extreme variances in topography. There were no level areas for General Grant to bring canons up easily, or any heavy equipment and supplies. Thus, the only course was to starve them out by blocking trade from land and river. Vicksburg sits high on a river bluff, and this excursion was one of our favorites, with one of our most loved cities saved for last - Memphis.
Aside from the obvious things like Elvis's Graceland, and the National Civil Rights museum, and Beale Street, there is something new in Memphis which will only grow and become better. The Rock 'n' Soul Museum will soon be moving from the Gibson factory's second floor to the new FedEX coliseum building and exhibition center. The museum offers a historical journey of America's unique music and its heritage stemming from soul filled songs that the slave workers sang and created. There is a headphone tour included in the modest price, and several juke boxes will offer up samples of known and lesser known soul and rock pieces. This will evolve into one the most visited Memphis attractions over time. We could not pass up staying over night in Memphis, because we had never tried the world famous Memphis-style-barbecue, and locals rave about the Rendezvous, which is centrally located, and a short drive for us from the riverfront Comfort Inn on Front Street where we stayed for the night. Mark the Rendezvous on your Memphis attraction and taste-test things to do list.
Overall
We loved the experience that Eddie Conrad calls his river excursions, and we especially loved the morning breakfast buffets and nights in the forward Pilot House where you can navigate using mile marker books, and check out the history of passing vessels with another reference. Evenings often offered regional performers and a snack was available in the 'raid the fridge' concept. Look for the River Explorer's vacation options that leave out of Cincinnati later this season. The solitude and peace on the Mississippi must have been the draw for Mark Twain, and I can imagine why those who work on the river are compelled to return to her changing but intriguing ways.
"What makes a river so restful to people is that it doesn't have any doubt - it is sure to get where it is going, and it doesn't want to go anywhere else."Mark Twain
If You Go:
RiverBarge Excursions (888) 462-2743
Memphis Visitors and Convention Center For your vacation help (901) 543-5304
