Picture this: It’s a hot, sunny summer afternoon and you want nothing more than to get out on or near some water before kicking back and enjoying a nice, cold drink. Well, luckily your beloved Fluvanna County provides several options!
The Hardware River runs into the James, but it’s an excellent nature-lover’s destination in its own right. From the riverbank, you can fish for plentiful smallmouth bass, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and a variety of sunfish. Visitors can also float or kayak if that’s more their speed, though it’s more challenging than floating the James, so keep that in mind. Once everyone is good and sunburned and ready for a break from the elements, head on over to Hardware Hills Vineyard for a glass of wine or their incredible sangria. Stop by on a Friday for live music. Or, make it a weekend escape and rent the cozy on-property cottage available through Airbnb.
Want a more guided approach to your outdoor adventures? Rivanna River Co. has a new Saturdays-only trip available that meets in Palmyra rather than their Charlottesville storefront. The Fluvanna Scenic Cruise is 6.5 miles long and lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Participants meet at EW Thomas Grocery Store, where they can also purchase and eat lunch from the store deli before or after the trip if they so desire. For full details, check out their website under trip details and pricing. After your relaxing river trip, head over to Cunningham Creek Winery to enjoy their Saturday Live event featuring live music and food trucks.