Mississippi River
Photo: Mississippi River / iStock/willard

The Mississippi River

New Orleans reigns supreme as a party city, with every possible libation available along Bourbon Street in the French Quarter and more sophisticated sips on offer in the city’s top restaurants. Most Mississippi River cruises begin or end here, and many call on St. Louis (known for its craft beer scene) and Memphis (home to barbecue, breweries, and a distillery on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail).