The winding, lush, scenic Rivanna offers a great opportunity to beat the summer heat and experience central Virginia’s natural beauty without leaving Charlottesville city limits—and the best way to enjoy it is with your butt in the water.
Yes, kayaks are more agile, and canoes can hold more gear, but if the goal is all-out relaxation, a humble inner tube can’t be topped. Pro tip: Bring an extra flotation device specifically for the cooler. (Another great advantage of the tube is that it leaves your hands free to hold on to the beverage of your choice.)
Rivanna River Company, located on East High Street, will rent you a tube seven days a week, and pick you up once you’re finished floating. Or you can or bring your own and drop it in the water wherever you feel so inclined. (Just remember to leave a vehicle at your downstream destination. And don’t float past Riverview Park, or you may find yourself dragging your tube—and the cooler tube—back upstream.) That floats our boat, alright.