Our inimitable Captain Ashley has been watching the General Jackson cruise along the river for the last three kayaking seasons with us, and beyond! As a Nashville native, Captain A has admired the iconic showboat from afar but had yet to go aboard…until this year.

Captain Ashley and our Communications Captain, V, had the opportunity to board the General Jackson for a night of live music and fun presented by THE Luck Reunion and Southwest Airlines. The “Luck Showboat” cruise was part of Nashville’s annual AmericanaFest happenings, and was chosen as one of Billboard Magazine’s top showcases from 2019’s festival. With artists such as Katie Pruitt, Yola, Nikki Lane, and The Marcus King Band rocking the boat, we are hardly surprised by the stellar review.

The 90 minute cruise of the Cumberland River provided stunning views of Nashville at night. From the neon glow of a bustling Broadway, to the serene shorelines of Inglewood, the beauty and diversity of Nashville’s landscape was on full display. Captain Ashley and Captain V had a blast taking in the familiar scenery from a different perspective. Though, both team-members noted the incline at our downtown take-out spot looked even more brutal from across the river…

From departure to docking, the entire evening was a complete delight. Whether you are local to Nashville or just visiting Music City, the River Queen team highly recommends breaking out of the norm and seeing our city from the river. You can get fancy and book a ride on the General Jackson, get up close and explore via kayak, or do both! Either way, you are sure to have a mer-mazing time.