This 16-square-mile Town on the Mississippi River Is Becoming an Essential U.S. Cruise Destination — Here's Why

American Queen Voyages is partnering with the Mississippi River town of Natchez to immerse travelers in its small town festivities.

Sitting on a slight bend of the Mississippi River, the small town of Natchez, Mississippi, is quietly making waves as one of the most enticing destinations in the South. And now the river cruise company American Queen Voyages is partnering with Historic Natchez to shine the spotlight even brighter on the city of about 14,000 people.

Natchez impressively boasts more than 1,000 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. That means stunning architecture throughout the nearly 16-square-mile town, including pre-Civil War mansions (like the country's largest octagonal house Longwood) and historic churches (like the state’s oldest Catholic building still in use, St. Mary Basilica). The walkable downtown is filled with a fascinating hodgepodge of shops, such as boutiques stocked with one-of-a-kind gifts like Darby’s Gifts and Decorative Accessories and a gallery showcasing local artwork, ArtsNatchez.

Also of note are landmarks like the location of the country’s largest slave markets in the 1830s and 1840s at Forks of the Road National Park, as well as three prehistoric Native American burial grounds at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians. The city itself was added to the Historic Lafayette Trail in 2021, and, just this past April, Natchez’s Dr. John Banks House was added to the Mississippi Freedom Trail.

Not only is Natchez known as the Biscuit Capital of the World, but its culinary offerings are on the rise, with the recent addition of Frankie’s on Main. But, of course, the town is best known for its trademark Southern cuisine, best served at The Castle Restaurant, The Camp, The Kitchen Bistro and Piano Bar, and The Little Easy. (Pro tip: visit Fat Mama’s Tamales for the state's famous tamales, like the locals do.)

With so much going on in the small town, it’s no wonder American Queen Voyages honed in on the destination for extended ports of call during the holiday season, when Natchez turns into a festive wonderland, with a joyful spirit reminiscent of the European Christmas markets. In a month-long celebration, a 30-something-foot tree becomes the town's centerpiece, with events like caroling and concerts.

“Natchez is the quintessential Christmas town, making it the perfect place for our guests to enjoy this festive fusion of European yuletide nostalgia and Southern charm,” said Cindy D'Aoust, president of American Queen Voyages, in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. Among the merriment cruisers will find are food stands with eggnog, fruitcake, and gingerbread, and gift markets with local crafts.

The Christmas Markets Experiential Voyages will be offered on select trips down the Mississippi River in 2023 and 2024, as will other holiday-themed itineraries for Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.

For more information on the new trips, visit AQVoyages.com.

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