Local food and local history, out on the always majestic James River!

Rates

$212 per person (includes taxes and fees)

Duration

2 Hour Float

About

Join us for a collaboration with local Chef Sarah Rennie of Two Fire Table! Get ready for an open fire, family-style, farm to table dinner out on America’s Founding River. This experience showcases the agricultural and historical richness of the Scottsville area, against the backdrop of the golden hour on the James River.

Guests will learn about the forgotten history of the James River Batteau and the brave men who plied these waters, while sharing in mouth-watering dishes to the sounds of live acoustic music.

A “local and seasonal” menu will be available closer to the date.

***Due to the intimacy of the event, dietary restrictions and allergies cannot be accommodated

About

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time to park your car and check in. Allow 2.5 hours total time.

The Experience Prior to dusk we travel upriver offering tales from the bygone era of batteaux. At the halfway point we anchor to begin food and music, celebrating a time honored river tradition. As the last of the daylight fades we begin our return float to Scottsville.

Live Music Our in-house musician takes the stage at our anchor point and will perform light acoustic music to serve as an ambient background, blending in with the sounds of night falling on the river.

Food Sarah Rennie of Two Fire Table will prepare a family style, open-fire, local and seasonal dinner. A menu will be available closer to the date.

Ice Buckets and Cups You are welcome to bring your own tasty beverages onboard. We will provide ice buckets at your table and cups to enjoy them out of.

FAQs

Meeting Place and Parking The tour meets at Canal Basin Square, in Scottsville. (A public park.)

249 Main St, Scottsville, VA 24590

• We meet at Canal Basin Square, which is a fantastic park and great introduction to the history of river commerce in Scottsville.
• There is parking on Main Street or on the righthand side of the parking lot next to the square. Please do not park next to the Scottsville Pharmacy.
• After all guests arrive you will drive down to the Scottsville boat ramp where you will board.
• After approximately 2hrs you will arrive back to where your vehicle is parked.

Can I bring my kids?

• We welcome children 8 and over. Due to our insurance policy we unfortunately can’t accept children under the age of 8.

Can we swim?

• Yes! Taking a refreshing dip in the James can be a highlight of the tour. Just make sure you bring appropriate shoes for getting in the river.

• If mother nature provides very high water levels we cannot allow our guests to swim.

Is it safe?

• Our river tour is very safe. The section of river we float is mostly flat with occasional class 1-2 rapids, nothing to be concerned about. We do provide life jackets, wearing them is optional.

Can I bring alcohol?

• Yes. Our batteaumen know how a refreshing beverage pairs well with a day on the river. It’s important though to keep things family friendly, drunkenness will not be tolerated.
• You are welcome to bring a small personal cooler.

Is there a bathroom?

• Canal Basin Square (our meeting location) has public bathrooms and we encourage everyone to use them prior to the tour. Once on board there are no formal bathroom stops along the river.

What if it rains?

• Our tours are rain or shine! Being on the river during a rainy day can be a magical experience. We do have a large canopy that provides good shelter from the elements. That said, we are still outside so we suggest you bring your own raincoat.
• When severe weather is anticipated and we determine our guests' safety is in question, the tour will be postponed, rescheduled, or refunded.

Can I store my phone/keys/camera?

• Each group will be provided a dry bag that will keep your possessions safe. Anything you bring aboard needs to fit into the provided dry bag.

How many people can a batteau accommodate?

• Per US Coast Guard regulations each batteau can accommodate up to 6 people. We have two batteaux so each trip has a maximum of 12 guests.

Is it customary to tip your guide?

• If you feel at the end of the tour the service you received was exceptional, a personal “thank you” in the form of gratuity is greatly appreciated.