A Calliope, pulled pork, and a kayaker....All in one package - The Belle of Louisiana Day Tour AUGUST 22, 2020

Hi, again! My name is Tony – one of Croswell’s many friendly tour escorts. I am a huge fan of multi-day tours, ones that last about five days or more. But I do have to say, there is certainly something to be said for single day trips. Since I have been with Croswell, I have been fortunate to join folks headed to the Ohio State Fair, a dinner train trip, a stunning performance of “The Lion King,” and a country living expo. Each one has been a fabulous day excursion – and with so much variety!

Day trips also seem to be quite popular lately – all the cool kids are doing it. ☺ And this trip south into Kentucky to take a cruise on the Belle of Louisville was certainly no exception. There were four motorcoaches that all headed to the Bluegrass State for this fun and relaxing single-day jaunt. The buses headed out early Saturday morning to gather their eager passengers. The next thing we all knew, we were cruising in style down I-71 toward Louisville.

When we arrived at the landing along the grand Ohio River, we were met with treats for all the senses. The Belle of Louisville was docked but only a handful of yards away from our coach, a bright white river vessel with candy apple red paddles that were standing at the ready. The words “Belle of Louisville” were stenciled perfectly on its side. As our motorcoach driver opened the bus door, our motorcoach became filled with the cheerful sound of calliope music! The nostalgic sounds made me think of my younger days at the county fair. And have you ever heard Billy Joel’s “The Pianoman” played on a real steam calliope? It’s amazing!

We got our tickets and headed aboard the steam riverboat, up the stairs to the main dining hall, and grabbed our catered lunch. As we enjoyed our delicious chow from City Barbeque (the pulled pork sammies were off the charts good), we could hear the steam engines coming to life. The huge, brightly painted paddles on the back of the boat slowly began to turn…we were off! As if the gorgeously refurbished riverboat and river views wasn’t enough, we were entertained by a band named the “Juggernaut Jug Band” complete with a washtub. They played songs that we all know an love, even if we are a little embarrassed to admit it. Even a few folks took to the dance floor and cut a, um, wooden floor?

Out on the open-air decks is where the real action took place. It was a beautiful day to sit out on the shaded decks with friends and watch the houses, businesses, and other boats pass by. There were so many charming houses with colorful gardens along the banks of the Ohio River – one house had a replica of the Statue of Liberty that must have been about 10 feet tall! To top it all off, there were refreshments available just a short stroll away.

If sitting back and genuinely enjoying the scenic river valley isn’t enough, you could also head downstairs and check out the engine room. I took advantage of this opportunity because I am a bit of nerd…and nosey! When I got down to the engine room, I could feel the heat from the wood-fed furnaces powering our vessel. I watched as the gears turned and the piston arms churned back and forth, turning the giant paddlewheel out back. After taking in the mechanics behind the magic, I headed outside to get a closer look at the paddles as they steadily chugged us along on our journey. Much to my surprise, there was a lone kayaker trailing along behind us, riding our wake as we moved along. I found myself checking back a few times to see if he was still with us – and he was! Even after the Belle of Louisville turned around to head back, he stayed right with us. After our two-hour cruise up and down the majestic Ohio River, the boat gracefully slipped back into position along the riverbank and we all disembarked. On the motorcoach ride back home, I remember thinking to myself, “I can’t imagine a more perfect way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon.”