PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT HENRY COUNTY, GA

Just 30 minutes south of Atlanta, off I-75, lies the perfect destination that blends Southern charm, outdoor adventure, and unforgettable experiences. A little less than a five-hour car ride from Middle Tennessee or a quick flight from BNA, Henry County has quietly become one of the Southeast’s most welcoming destinations for travelers looking for that weekend getaway or family adventure. Whether you are searching for family-friendly entertainment or scenic escapes, discover these unforgettable experiences in Henry County.  

Explore Southern Belle Farm

If you’re looking for a destination that combines family fun, fresh air, delicious treats, and authentic farm experiences, Southern Belle Farm in McDonough, Georgia, deserves a spot on your list. In 2006, Jake Carter, the 5th generation to live and farm this property, transformed the family farm into an agritourism destination by welcoming visitors for the fall season with a corn maze and farm activities. Today, the 330-acre farm invites visitors to experience life on a working farm, from seasonal crops and farm animals to delicious homemade treats. Combined with warm Southern hospitality, every visit offers a welcoming atmosphere where guests are treated like family.

One of the farm’s most popular draws is its U-pick experience, available almost year-round. Depending on the season, visitors can gather strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, muscadines, and vibrant fresh flowers straight from the fields. Fun for all ages!

As autumn approaches, the farm transforms into a festive harvest destination, celebrating fall with a pumpkin patch, a four-acre corn maze, pig races, and more than 20 outdoor attractions. Late November through mid-December, guests can enjoy a farmstead Christmas and partake in the Christmas in the Country celebrations. Visit with Santa for free, stop by Belle’s Animal Barn, and as always, pick up some of Mimi’s homemade cakes, donuts, and sweet treats.

Throughout the year, guests can enjoy a variety of attractions designed for all ages on the farm. Children can race pedal carts, ride the cow train, bounce on jumping pillows, explore Belle’s Animal Barn, and tackle the farm’s many outdoor activities. It’s the perfect place to let kids unplug and experience the joy of outdoor play. Make sure to pet Queenie the Highland cow and Oliver the Belted Galloway cow – they are super sweet.

No visit is complete without a stop at the Farm Market. Here, indulge in homemade ice cream, fresh-baked cobblers, jams, jellies, preserves, and seasonal produce harvested right from the farm. Whether you’re craving homemade ice cream (the peach is amazing) or picking up a jar of homemade preserves, the market is filled with Southern flavors you’ll want to take home.

1658 Turner Church Road, McDonough, Georgia 30252  |  southernbellefarm.com

Visit Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary

For all the animal lovers out there, this is a must-visit! For 35 years, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary has been the voice for abused, abandoned, neglected, exploited, or surrendered animals. Located in Locust Grove, Georgia, the 121-acre sanctuary is home to more than 100 species of animals ranging from domestic livestock to exotic animals such as tigers, monkeys, bears, foxes, parrots, and more.

With a mission to provide refuge and long-term care, guests quickly discover that Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary is unlike zoos. Rather than being kept in small enclosures, the animals live in spacious habitats, many of which span an acre, designed to mimic their natural environments — a rarity in captivity. Noah’s Ark primarily cares for animals born in captivity that need a permanent home, offering them a safe place to live out the rest of their lives.

Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours or takea Walk on the Wild Side Tour and experience the residents up close and personal. These private or semi-private guided tours are one-and-a-half hours long and take visitors into the habitats between the fences before the sanctuary opens to the public. This behind-the-scenes tour gives visitors an introduction to some of the favorite animal residents while sharing more about their histories, daily care, and how the sanctuary works to save animals with nowhere else to go. Guests can even observe keepers feeding the animals during the tour.

For families with children, Critter Day is for you! This monthly three-hour program occurs on the second Saturday of the month, from 9 a.m.to noon. Children aged 4 to 12 can join the Animal Care Team for a special guided tour. Pre-registration is required.

As you walk the sanctuary, check out Tortoise Bluff, which opened in October 2025. This half-acre habitat was built for 12 Sulcata tortoises in the sanctuary’s care. In addition, be sure to learn about BLT, also known as the bear, lion, and tiger family. Rescued as cubs from a drug dealer in Atlanta, the bonded three lived together as a family, never fighting until their deaths despite being apex predators. The unlikely trio proved we can all get along no matter where we come from and what we look like!

712 LG Griffin Road, Locust Grove, GA 30248  |  noahs-ark.org

*Always Check the Website’s Top Banner to Verify Daily Updates on Hours and Availability.

Traverse Panola Mountain State Park

Peace, solitude, and great views! For nature lovers seeking fresh air and natural beauty, Panola Mountain State Park offers scenic views, walking trails, and lakeside activities. Located in Stockbridge, Georgia, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering biking, hiking, archery (equipment provided), geocaching, and fishing, set within the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, one of only three National Heritage Areas in the state.

Accessible from Highway 155, this area of the park is home to the nature center, which has a meeting room and gift shop, hiking trails, picnic shelters, and a playground. This wooded area helps preserve the mountain’s unique ecosystem while also providing visitors with opportunities to learn about the area’s natural environment.

The park offers nine miles of trails — seven miles of paved paths and two miles of natural surfaces. Alexander Lake is located within the park. The perfect spot to enjoy catch-and-release fishing and non-motorized boating, such as kayaking and canoeing, but swimming is prohibited. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the four shelters, and the pavilion is available for rent, making this the perfect spot for family reunions and group outings. Reservations are required for both. 

At the heart of the park is Panola Mountain, a remarkable 100-acre granite outcrop that was never quarried, preserving it as a conservation area. Travel up the mountain on a ranger-led hike to learn about this monadnock’s unique ecosystem and take in the view of the Atlanta skyline. This granite formation is one of only three of its kind in Georgia. It is a designated National Natural Landmark.Reservations are required for ranger-led hikes and are the only way to access Granite Mountain. Pets are not allowed in this conservation area, however, leashed dogs are allowed on the other trails.

2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281  |  gastateparks.org/PanolaMountain.  

Experience the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum

For the thrill seeker or the history buff, this is the ultimate experience! Feel the exhilaration of flight in a Vietnam-era Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, aka the Huey, as military veterans guide you through the skies. The roar of the rotors, the vibration as you lift off, and the wind rushing past your face as you soar above the terrain make for a truly unforgettable experience.   

With the sides wide open, there’s nothing between you and the view but a safety harness and open air. As the helicopter banks and climbs, the power is felt as you ride inside a piece of living history. But don’t worry, the helicopter has basically been rebuilt, is well-maintained, and completely safe! What makes this Huey experience even more meaningful is the connection to its history and legacy. The Huey was nicknamed the workhorse. During the Vietnam War, it earned this name for its ability to perform many roles on the battlefield. The Hueys saved many lives during the war by quickly getting medics to the wounded, earning the term “Golden Hour care in the field.”

Take the time during your visit to peruse the hangar, listen to the veterans’ stories, and imagine what it would be like flying one during a combat mission, being shot at. And if you have the opportunity, say “Thank you for your service!” 

The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation is a non-profit, mostly volunteer-run organization that acquires and restores Cobra and Huey helicopters and honors the men and women who have served in the U.S. Military and Army Aviation, our “Sky Soldiers.”

506 Speedway Blvd., Hampton, GA 30228 armyav.org  |  armyav.org

View Historic Floyd Chapel Baptist Church

We would be remiss if we didn’t take a moment to recognize Henry County as the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr. He was born on December 19, 1897, in Stockbridge, Georgia, and was the eldest son of James and Delia King. In Stockbridge, he attended school three to five months a year at the Stockbridge Colored School and, during his childhood, worshipped with his mother at Floyd Chapel Baptist Church.

As one of Henry County’s most historically significant landmarks, Floyd Chapel Baptist Church has long served as a place of faith and was a safe haven for Black residents of Stockbridge. Relocated to its current site in 1878, the church building standing today was constructed in 1949. The church also holds a special connection to the King family, as Martin Luther King Sr. was ordained at Floyd Chapel and delivered his first sermon there before later succeeding Rev. A.D. Williams as pastor of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church.

The Floyd Chapel Baptist Church, still active today, serves as an important link between Henry County and the broader story of the Civil Rights Movement. In 2015, the City of Stockbridge dedicated the M.L. King Sr. Heritage Trail (formerly North Berry Street), and a historical marker was placed in front of the church to commemorate his legacy. Visitors can also stop by the nearby Stockbridge City Hall to view a commemorative plaque acknowledging the King family legacy.

104 1st Street, Stockbridge, GA 30281  |  floydchapel.org

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Our journey begins on the eastern side of the island in Catania, located at the foot of Mt. Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. Catania is renowned for its striking Baroque architecture, much of it constructed from black lava stone. After exploring the city, visitors can choose from a variety of excursions to experience Mount Etna’s dramatic landscape of smoldering craters, hardened lava flows, and majestic vistas.

Just 45 minutes away lies Taormina, perched on jagged cliffs high above the Ionian Sea. Long celebrated by travel writers as one of the most beautiful towns in the world, Taormina offers charm at every turn. The Funivia Mazzarò (cable car) connects the lively town center to the beaches below and the picturesque Isola Bella. Within walking distance is the magnificent ancient Greek theater with a spectacular backdrop of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Perched above Taormina sits Castelmola, a charming medieval village where visitors can wander castle ruins, take in sweeping views, and sample Vino de Mandorla, the town’s famous almond wine.

The train ride from Taormina to Palermo takes less than four hours and offers spectacular coastal scenery as the rail line hugs the coastline. Along the way, consider stopping in Cefalù, a delightful seaside town known for its imposing Norman cathedral with intricate Byzantine mosaics. Here you can relax on pristine beaches, stroll along quaint streets, and savor classic Sicilian dishes such as arancini (fried rice balls), cioppino (seafood stew), pasta alla Norma, and, for dessert, a heavenly cream-filled cannoli or a refreshing glass of chilled limoncello.

Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital, is a captivating blend of history and modern energy. Its Arab-Norman cathedrals, grand Baroque palaces, lush gardens, and bustling markets reflect centuries of cultural influence. The most scenic urban corner of Palermo is undoubtedly the Quattro Canti, the point where Via Maqueda and Via Vittorio Emanuele intersect, dividing the city into four historic districts. Along the winding streets of the old city, you will find stalls full of colorful merchandise and savory street food, which Palermo has become famous for. Visitors should also tour Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house, famously featured in The Godfather. At night, Palermo comes alive as its illuminated architecture, lively piazzas, and street musicians create an unforgettable atmosphere.

In western Sicily, the coastal city of Trapani enchants visitors with its beautifully restored old town, pedestrian streets, and waterfront promenades. From Trapani, take the cable car up to Erice, a remarkably preserved medieval village and Norman castle settled high above the sea. One of the most magnificent spots in all of Sicily, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline on one side and panoramas of the surrounding countryside on the other. According to Greek mythology, the god Hercules once fought an important battle for the freedom of this mountaintop village. With its ancient ruins, quaint shops, and outdoor cafes, Erice promises a travel experience filled with enchantment and discovery.

On Sicily’s southern shore lies the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, one of the world’s most significant archaeological treasures. It is comprised of seven Greek temples to the gods, as well as the Tomb of Theron and several ancient sanctuaries. The Pietro Griffo Regional Archaeological Museum, located nearby, is an indispensable stop for those who want to learn about the area’s history. Strolling amidst the ruins of the Valley of the Temples, one can almost hear the whispers of gods and heroes echoing through the centuries. 

Travel further inland to Ragusa, a mountain town shaped by tragedy and renewal. After a devastating earthquake in 1693, the city was rebuilt into two distinct sections: Ragusa Superiore, the newer hilltop town, and Ragusa Ibla, where many historic buildings were carefully restored. Today, Ragusa’s stunning architecture stands as a testament to its resilience and enduring beauty.

As the journey comes full circle back toward Catania, travelers pass through the scenic Hyblaean Highlands, where olive groves, almond orchards, and citrus trees flourish beneath endless blue skies. The island’s crystalline waters, timeless landscapes, and rich cultural heritage leave a lasting impression. And now you know why Sicily deserves its title as the Land of the Gods!

A longtime resident of Middle Tennessee, MARY SKINNER balances her life as a professional writer with a passion for global exploration. Her travels frequently draw her back to Sicily; after three visits, she remains captivated by its unique charm and considers it one of the most enchanting places on Earth.

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“Never a Bad Day.” That is Puerto Vallarta’s promotional slogan, which is more than hype. It’s a mindset, especially in the Zona Romantica, a bustling part of the city that caters heavily to visitors while also remaining a place where locals live and work. Staying in the Zona Romantica and exploring the area is a cultural baptism, somewhere between a Methodist sprinkling and a Baptist immersion.

Puerto Vallarta was a Pacific Coast fishing village that evolved into a major metropolis (population 4,800 in 1950 and 588,000 today) and resort destination. High-end properties abound, but even visitors who choose insular resorts schedule walks and food tours in the Zona Romantica and adjacent neighborhoods such as El Centro and 5 de Diciembre. The city’s LGBTQ+ welcomeness adds another dimension.

Hotels overlooking Banderas Bay and medium-rise condos allow visitors a home base for long-term exploration. They offer an experience far different from Cancun, Key West, or 30A. From those accommodations, you can enjoy sand – and spectacular sunsets – and also wander cobblestone streets to ease into sidewalk taco stands, watch a fishmonger expertly filet marlin or red snapper, smell the leather in a working cobbler’s shop, chat with a server (sometimes with Google translator’s help) in an open-air breakfast joint where $10 buys more than you can eat, laugh with an ambling pastry vendor, trade smiles with a fruit seller sorting limes destined for your mojito or chance upon a mural of Elizabeth Taylor – more on Liz in a moment.

Puerto Vallarta is hugely popular with Canadians, many of whom follow the lead of humpback whales to spend the entire winter, and Americans, particularly those from the western U.S. It is fertile territory for exploring Mexican culture firsthand. Here are five great ways to soak it all in.

Stroll the Malecón

The show never ends on the Malecón, a 1.25-mile-long seaside promenade. On one side is Banderas Bay, with squadrons of pelicans overhead, jet skis through the waves, and cruise ships gliding in and out of port. Opposite that beauty is an eye-popping conglomeration of restaurants, bars (two-for-one margaritas everywhere), handicraft and souvenir shops, vendors, and tour agents. In the middle are buskers, walkers, gawkers, joggers, cyclists, public statuary that amuses and confuses, and a team of acrobats called the Voladores de Papantla, who stage a dizzying spectacle off a 100-foot-tall pole. Fireworks from a faux pirate ship brighten every evening. It’s all a visual blast.

Go to the mountaintop

Mountains rise from the ocean south of town.  Jungle canopy tours and ATV rides appeal to some visitors, but others gravitate to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, 64 acres of tranquility 1,300 feet up a mountainside. Attractions include an orchid conservatory with 300 of Mexico’s 1,000 orchid varieties, 50 butterfly species, and 200 bird species. Hummingbirds are abundant from May through November. A trail system and a wadable river add more diversions, as does the open-air two-level Hacienda de Oro restaurant.

Thar she blows!

Massive Banderas Bay, boasting 65 miles of coastline and 500 square miles of water, is the winter home for humpback whales that come south to birth babies and mate for more. Perhaps 700 of the massive mammals, up to 40 tons and 60 feet long, spout, roll, and sometimes leap from the water. It is common to see them from the Malecón. Whale watching excursions are popular, and anglers on charter trips often see whales. Also in the bay are dolphins, sea turtles, rays, shrimp, tuna, mahi, and pulpo (octopus), which is excellent in tacos or grilled as an entrée.

Hit the beach

Beaches, of course, are a magnet. Playa Los Muertos is in the Romantic Zone and is lined with restaurants, some of which have your feet in the sand, and the waves might roll under your table. Dozens more beaches are around the bay, and several are small and less crowded than those in the main city. Nearby examples include Conchas Chinas Beach, just a quick taxi ride away; Mismaloya Beach, famous for its Night of the Iguana ties; and Yelapa Beach, easily reached by a short boat ride.

Nashvillian TOM ADKINSON is a Marco Polo member of the Society of American Travel Writers and author of 100 Things To Do in Nashville Before You Die. He enjoys Puerto Vallarta every January, strolling the beaches and enjoying the sunsets with a margarita in hand!

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Dia’s travels take her to destinations like Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Scotland, the United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Japan, Chile, Argentina, Iceland, and many more — and packing smart for a two-week trip isn’t optional, it’s essential. The carry-on is the preferred choice, and that giant dresser-sized suitcase isn’t even a consideration!

For many travelers, preparing for a long trip can feel like a packing nightmare. But a thoughtfully curated suitcase means less time worrying about what to wear and more time enjoying your destination. By choosing versatile pieces that mix and match, you can skip the overstuffed luggage, avoid extra baggage fees, and most importantly, avoid hauling bulky bags through airports, train stations, and charming yet unforgiving cobblestone streets.

So how does Dia keep her luggage so effortlessly streamlined? After years of circling the globe, Dia shared her tried-and-true packing tips for a two-week trip below — it might just transform your entire packing strategy!

TIP 1 – Coordinating Outfits

Efficiently packing for a two-week trip involves selecting versatile, mix-and-match clothing that minimizes luggage weight while maximizing outfit choices. Aim to pack seven tops suitable for layering, such as t-shirts, blouses, and long-sleeved shirts. Include four bottoms like pants, shorts, skirts, or leggings that can coordinate with multiple tops. Bring a lightweight jacket or sweater to accommodate varying weather conditions. Additionally, pack five scarves to add variety and style to your outfits. Smart suggestion: Go to a resale shop and buy tops and pants you can leave behind as they get dirty to make space for souvenirs.

TIP 2 – Footwear

For footwear, choose comfortable options. Wear one comfy pair on the plane and pack another for walking or sandals for warmer days. If needed, a pair of dressier shoes suitable for evening occasions, including formal dinners. That’s it – three pairs max! Pro insight: Wear your bulkiest shoes and clothes on travel day to save space and weight in your suitcase.

TIP 3 – Undergarments

Be sure to pack sufficient underwear and socks. Aim for seven pairs of underwear and four pairs of socks to ensure comfort and hygiene throughout your trip, and for women, an extra bra. Additionally, pack a compact laundry kit and laundry detergent sheets for on-the-go washing. You can buy these things at REI or on Amazon. Best practice: Wash undergarments while showering and hang them up to dry overnight. It’s easy.

TIP 4 – Dinner Attire

When considering dinner attire, pack one or two elegant pieces such as a dress or a classic blouse paired with a skirt or dress pants. Opt for neutral colors that can be easily mixed and matched with accessories, like scarves, for a polished look. Complete these outfits with appropriate dress shoes and minimal jewelry to maintain a sophisticated yet practical wardrobe.

TIP 5 – Packing Strategies

Use packing techniques, such as rolling clothes, which also helps to minimize wrinkles, or compression vacuum cubes, to optimize space and organization. It’s incredible how much you can fit in a carry-on suitcase when you use these techniques. Guideline: Don’t forget to pack travel-sized toiletries that are 3.4 ounces or less for your carry-on.

TIP 6 – Make a List

To ensure you have everything you need, consider creating a comprehensive packing list before you start. This list can include not only clothing and footwear but also other necessities such as medications, a first-aid kit, and important documents like your passport and travel itinerary.

By having a well-organized list, you can check off items as you pack, ensuring nothing essential is left behind. This proactive approach will help you feel more confident and ready to enjoy your trip to the fullest. Travel essential: Take a photo of your passport on your phone and alert credit card companies to your travel schedule.

With thoughtful planning and a minimalist approach, you can pack efficiently, reduce stress, and be prepared for any adventure. Now go plan an unforgettable getaway and embrace the freedom of traveling light!

Indiana Zuckerman and her husband Jim are professional photographers who lead photography tours around the world. Their unique tours are more than photography; they are an immersion into the beautiful cultures of the places they visit. Indiana is a native of Indonesia, and one of her favorite tours is sharing the mystique of Indonesia’s jewel — Bali.

For information on upcoming 2026 and 2027 trips, visit indianazuckerman.com and follow her on social media @indianazuckerman to see the magnificent places she has visited.

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AmaWaterways is widely regarded as a luxury river cruise line because of its focus on comfort, personal attention, and elevated travel experiences. With 29 ships sailing in 2025 and two more joining the fleet in 2026, the ships feel like intimate boutique hotels. Guests enjoy spacious staterooms, stylish design touches, and serene public areas that emphasize relaxation without the bustle of large crowds.

Service is highly attentive — crew members get to know guests quickly, making the experience feel warm, seamless, and tailored. Dining is a top-notch experience, with menus inspired by the regions visited and paired with high-quality wines and craft beverages. Wellness is also woven into every journey, from onboard fitness options to active excursions like hiking and biking.

Service is highly attentive — crew members get to know guests quickly, making the experience feel warm, seamless, and tailored. Dining is a top-notch experience, with menus inspired by the regions visited and paired with high-quality wines and craft beverages. Wellness is also woven into every journey, from onboard fitness options to active excursions like hiking and biking.

What truly sets AmaWaterways apart is its approach to cultural immersion: small-group tours, knowledgeable local guides, and itineraries that create a deeper connection to each destination. The result is a river cruise experience that feels refined, enriching, and effortlessly indulgent — luxury expressed through thoughtful details rather than extravagance.

River cruising is becoming increasingly popular – not just among seasoned travelers, but also younger adults and families looking to experience and explore the world and its storied rivers. Many aspects of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries transcend generational gaps and are highly valued by all age groups for their authentic experiences.  

With roots throughout Europe and along distinctive Austrian and German waterways, a passion for river cruising is a part of AmaWaterways’ very DNA. Its heritage on the rivers and the relationships they have forged have enabled them to thoughtfully curate the most authentic itineraries – as well as special experiences exclusive to AmaWaterways guests.

More and more travelers are interested in experiencing a destination through its food and wine. As a member of the prestigious La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Tables et Auberges de France culinary societies, AmaWaterways prides itself on providing guests with exquisite regionally inspired cuisine, complimentary fine wine with lunch and dinner, and a variety of included food and wine-themed experiences. With gastronomy as a highlight of the overall river cruise experience, guests can also enjoy a unique included dining experience at The Chef’s Table, where they can watch as an expert chef meticulously prepares a truly exquisite multi-course tasting menu complemented by fine wines.

Complimentary Onboard Wellness Programs are also included for guests.From invigorating group fitness classes led by a professionally trained Wellness Host to guided hikes and bike rides to healthy, locally sourced cuisine, AmaWaterways ensures every guest can enhance their best self while cruising the world’s rivers. Plus, the AmaMagna is the first river cruise ship with a full-sized pickleball court, where guests can take part in a game with their fellow cruisers. 

When cruising with AmaWaterways, guests do not have to worry about hidden fees at the end of their itinerary. All dining experiences are included in the river cruise fare, with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, as well as complimentary drinks during our Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour every evening. All Wellness classes, the use of bicycles on board, and every excursion listed on AmaWaterways’ detailed itineraries are included as well. Every river cruise ship in AmaWaterways’ fleet also provides complimentary Wi-Fi for guests.

AmaWaterways introduces guests to the world, offering unforgettable journeys with a touch of luxury. It was the first major river cruise line to venture through Colombia, the “Land of a Thousand Rhythms.”  The Africa itineraries pair a unique cruise aboard Zambezi Queen, an intimate all-suite ship, with land and safari programs that include the UNESCO-designated Victoria Falls, stays at authentic wildlife lodges, unforgettable safaris through national parks, and more. Egypt, with its mighty pharaohs and massive pyramids, sprawling temples and secret tombs, colossal monuments and crowded markets, and cutting through it all, the mysterious Nile River.

Cruise on the Douro River and sail through Portugal’s world-renowned wine region. Journey along the Dutch and Belgianwaterways where history comes alive. Glorious gardens, colorful tulip fields, incredible castles, and iconic windmills await – as do the delicious flavors and aromas of Dutch street fries, Belgian waffles, and chocolates. Experience two diverse countries, Vietnam and Cambodia, along the fabled Nine Dragons River, which flows through nine tributaries that help produce life-giving rice in villages throughout the Mekong Delta, bordered by flourishing forests, lush green hills, and colorful stilt houses. 

If that hasn’t gotten your attention, say bonjour to France on one of the incredible itineraries sailing on the Seine, Rhône, Saône, Garonne, and Dordogne rivers. From the legendary wine regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Côtes du Rhône to historic châteaux to the exceptional worlds of artists such as Monet and Van Gogh. Explore the fairytale Rhine River through Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg. With the picturesque Swiss Alps, charming villages, storied castles, and more than 75 museums in Amsterdam alone. Additionally, AmaWaterways was ranked the #1 Danube River cruise line by both Forbes and Travel + Leisure for all types of travelers, including multigenerational families, across all seasons.

As more travelers seek vacations that reflect their passions, AmaWaterways has expanded its specialty river cruise offerings, featuring itineraries for a range of interests. Whether you are craft beer enthusiasts eager to explore Europe’s historic breweries, wellness seekers craving rejuvenation through invigorating active excursions, or history lovers seeking insight from expert guides, these cruises are curated to deliver one-of-a-kind experiences along the rivers.

Debuting in 2026, AmaWaterways announced a new alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, offering enhanced river cruise itineraries throughout Europe. Each departure features two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, ranging from art historians to archaeologists, scientists, and more, who will offer enriching lectures on board. 

Recently awarded Cruise Critic’s Best for Active Cruisers award and the first river cruise line to offer a fleet of bicycles, AmaWaterways has long offered opportunities for guests to enhance their best selves on board and on shore. These specially curated Celebration of Wellness sailings are designed for active, goal-oriented travelers.

Guests who want to explore Europe’s storied beer culture can join one of the immersive Celebration of Beer River Cruises. And for wine enthusiasts, more than 80 Celebration of Wine River Cruise departures each year offer a chance to experience Europe’s legendary wine regions in every season, hosted by a wine professional who leads tastings and interactive discussions, accompanies guests on select shore excursions to vineyards and cellars, and helps curate a special food and wine pairing dinner on board.

Select Best of the Danube departures have been enhanced as Celebration of Music sailings, with specially curated excursions highlighting the rich musical history along the Danube. The specially curated Soulful Experiences river cruises shine a light on Black history and culture along the world’s rivers, alongside like-minded travelers. The Latin Touch sailings, Spanish-speaking cruisers can discover fascinating countries and wonderful destinations alongside a Spanish-speaking Cruise Manager. For avid golfers, the Concierge Golf Program is available on select departures, offering a seamless golf experience at up to five championship courses along either the Danube River or France’s Seine River.

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The Zuiderdam is 935 feet long, carries up to 2,364 passengers, and has a crew of 817. Its itineraries stretch from Norway to Baja California. The Ladona is 105 feet long, the width of the Zuiderdam, accommodates 17 passengers, and has a crew of five, including the chef. It rarely gets more than 100 miles from Rockland.

Trips on the Zuiderdam and legions of other cruise ships are exercises in luxury, complete with stage shows, casinos, white tablecloth restaurants, and spas. The Ladona and just a handful of similar vessels offer true overnight sailing experiences and a taste of life from another era. Their only spa treatments are sea-spray facials, an ancillary benefit of zipping along in a brisk wind and a slight chop on Penobscot Bay.

The Ladona is part of the Maine Windjammer Association, a fleet of nine boats offering trips of three to eight days out of Rockland and Camden. There is a relaxing pattern to their trips, even though they are somewhat unpredictable. The boats go where the winds and tides permit, sailing in the daytime, pausing in tiny villages for walkabouts, and easing into quiet harbors as the sun slides toward the horizon.

The nine boats keep the heritage of coastal sailing alive. In a delightful turn of events, they have turned their windjammer identification from a pejorative into a romantic term that attracts passengers from around the world. However, just a few people at a time can enjoy the experience – the highest-capacity windjammer is the 30-passenger Heritage.

Before the age of steam and diesel, windjammers by the hundreds flourished. They were workhorse vessels that became obsolete. Crews on the ships with engines looked down their noses at their hard-working, more weather-dependent brethren and condescendingly called them windjammers. Still, their vessels were nowhere nearly as picturesque as were the white-sailed schooners.

Each Maine windjammer has a story to tell. The two oldest, the Stephen Taber and the Lewis R. French, filled their sails for the first time in 1871. They and others were working boats, transporting timber, granite, and fish. Another three were purpose-built for overnight windjamming. The youngest, the Heritage, built in 1983, is already into its fifth decade. The Ladona was the racing yacht of a wealthy industrialist, and its biography includes World War II service patrolling the East Coast for German U-boats.

The experience they all deliver sprang from the dream and business plan of one man, Frank Swift, in the 1930s, according to J.R. Braugh, co-owner of the Ladona, and who has skippered seven other Maine windjammers. Swift’s formula was sailing where the winds blow, exploring coastal villages on foot, finding quiet anchorages at night, having a lobster bake on a deserted beach, and enjoying the sea, good company, and all that nature offers.

Sleeping quarters are, shall we say, cozy, but no one is aboard a windjammer to sit inside. The windjammer experience Frank Swift wanted everyone to have is outside, soaking up the rays, watching for harbor seals, porpoises, and bald eagles, telling stories, and waiting for the chef to announce the next meal’s menu.

Chef Anna Miller on the Ladona works magic in a kitchen smaller than a college dormitory room, noting that her skill comes from a culinary degree and two Italian grandmothers. With only a kerosene stove and oven, she bakes every day (molasses-flavored “Newfie” bread, dinner rolls, anadama, beer bread spiced with jalapeños, fruit pies, cobblers, and a key lime pie with a brûlée top).

Lunches often feature hearty dishes such as artichoke soup with duck confit or chicken escarole and white bean soup. After the evening’s anchorage is found, a happy hour with cheeses, charcuterie, and fruit precedes dinner with entrees such as pork ribs with Maine blueberry barbecue sauce, clam pot pie, and Sambal chicken. Fresh vegetables come from local farmers. No one leaves the table hungry, and no one ends a windjammer cruise without stories to tell.

What to know: mainewindjammerfleet.com has details on all nine schooners. The sailing calendar is from late May to October. Dress is super-casual, important because luggage space is minimal. Swimwear is advisable in the warmest months. You can help raise the sails, but there’s no requirement to pitch in.

Nashvillian TOM ADKINSON is a Marco Polo member of the Society of American Travel Writers and author of 100 Things To Do in Nashville Before You Die. His own watercraft is a solo canoe.

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