Right Around the River Blog
Rocketts Landing's Marina: Wind Down From Your Workday
Post Date: 07-26-2012
Feeling the end of a workday and itching to get outside and enjoy summer? You don't need to play hooky to seize an outdoors moment -- winding down from work on the James River is easier than your evening commute when you take advantage of Rocketts Landing's marina.
Whether by leasing your own slip or enjoying a Mariners Club boating membership, a relaxing afternoon river trip is a cinch! To show just how easy (and liven up an otherwise regular Hump Day afternoon), we reserved a pontoon boat through the Mariners Club, gathered some people together for an end-of-workday river trip and found fishing spots, swimming holes and even a locals' hangout to grab a quick beverage at before heading back upriver -- all in an easy three hours!
The James River’s sights and sounds
There’s barely a Richmonder who doesn’t equate the outdoors with our River City, and a quick afternoon trip is all it takes to enjoy the ambiance. As we winded our way down the James River, we saw blue herons, hawks and bald eagles soar by while simultaneously feeling like we were the only ones around. Weekdays are generally quieter on the James River — and cruising on a pontoon boat where you mainly hear and see nature surrounding you is the perfect fix when you need a workday break. You can also spot some fantastic riverfront homes along the way — including the renowned Jimmy Dean estate merely 25 minutes down river.
Swimming/fishing hole: DuPont Pit
Speaking of the JD estate, right around the bend lies the DuPont Pit — a fantastic swimming and fishing hole. If you’re not looking for the entrance, you could easily cruise by DuPont Pit, since it’s quaintly tucked along the river’s edge. You’ll want to make sure the tide and corresponding river depth allow easy access, but once you’re in, you have a perfect oasis for cooling off with a quick dip or relaxing under the sun with only lush trees surrounding you. The fish were also popping out of the waters around us, just wishing we would cast a line …
Osborne Landing
Known just as much for its fishing spots as its boat landing, Osborne Landing is roughly 40 minutes down river on a pontoon boat. Transient boaters can easily tie up at the landing (as we did) if you want to stretch your legs on land for a bit. There’s also a local’s watering hole onsite with plenty of outdoor seating, which is modest and simple — but great for a moment’s break.
While our afternoon river trip took us three hours, you can easily shorten your time out on the water if you have less to spare. But, whether you’re out for an hour or more, an afternoon river trip from Rocketts Landing's marina is a great way to wind down from the workday and enjoy summer — with a stellar sunset view over the downtown skyline to boot!