Credit: Rivanna River Company

This one’s a little farther afield than our usual Richmond-centric stories, but, considering how often Richmonders either pass through Charlottesville or make it their destination, I think it’s some news worth sharing.

Former RVA residents Sonya and Gabe Silver moved back to their hometown almost three years ago. They’ve spent the past year preparing to launch a business that would connect Charlottesville residents and tourists with the Rivanna River. The Rivanna River Company launches this spring, offering canoe, kayak and standup paddleboard rentals, guided trips and more.

Cvilletomorrow.org featured the Silvers and their soon-to-be venture in a lengthy piece recently.

“Our long-term vision is to create a hub that’s a place where people can gather and get information about the river, rent equipment along the trail and river system and potentially get a bite to eat and hang out in the outdoors,” Gabe Silver told the online magazine.

“You can have an adventure and a unique experience without flying or driving far away,” said Sonya Silver.

Credit: Rivanna River Company

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville is full of outdoors lovers, but you get the sense that it’s not as connected to the river that runs through it as it could be. The Silvers are hoping to change that, according to the article:

Woolen Mills resident Bill Emory played in the James River while growing up in Richmond. He said he is hopeful the Charlottesville community can accomplish what the state capitol has done with their natural resource.

“The area was vastly underused by the general populace and signs were posted, saying, ‘Stay out of the water,’” Emory said. “The city of Richmond since then has turned back to the James, built a nationally recognized river parks system and has taken huge economic advantage. Now it is the play-ground for many people in the city.”

So if you have friends in C-ville or have a trip planned there this spring/summer, a sojourn on the Rivanna should be on your list activities. For more info: www.rivannarivercompany.com