Water Dog Weekend
Fun Fact: Fluvanna means “Annie’s River,” referring to Queen Anne and using the root word for flume.
Q. On our weekend adventure in Fluvanna County, which member of our pack was most excited about the area’s lake and three rivers?
A.
Grendel, Chief Executive Water Dog
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Friday
Wild Oats Farm AirBnb, Scottsville
First things first. We settled into this fabulous AirBnb.
If science wants to know how many different smells exist on a working farm, our pack conducted extensive research on that topic.
The large kitchen and fenced-in yard made my weekend, but no surprise that Mack favored the property’s stocked pond.
Fluvanna SPCA, 5239 Union Mills Rd., Troy
Our first stop: The Fluvanna SPCA, with its many available Floofers and Felines who are ready and waiting for their new families.
If you cannot adopt right now, no worries. Donations are always welcome.
Tavern on the James, 280 Valley St., Scottsville
Dinner time! While the entire pack approved of Tavern on the James, Jake had a few comments:
“I recommend the tasty Veggie Burger and the very, VERY tasty Riverboat Steak. Both entrees pair well with a refreshing bowl of water.”
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Saturday
Fluvanna Ruritan Lake, Ruritan Lake Road, Palmyra
There are certainly worse ways to spend a Saturday morning than kayaking on Fluvanna Ruritan Lake (which provides an easily accessible boat launch).
This nature fix stands out as a highlight of our trip.
Before heading out on this stunning 50-acre lake, make sure you have a Virginia fishing license or a Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Access Permit.
Wahoo BBQ, 10 Centre Ct., Palmyra
Jake here again: “Do yourself a favor and eat lunch at Wahoo BBQ. They serve the best pulled pork BBQ sandwich I’ve had in a long time. Tender and oh so flavorful with burned, smoked ends and charred pieces that make it a slice of heaven for around $10.”
Fruit Hill Orchard, 2745 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Palmyra
While we were driving around this neck of the woods, we made sure to see the LOVEworks at (dog friendly!) Fruit Hill Orchard.
Pleasant Grove Park, 271 Pleasant Grove Dr., Palmyra
If your dogs want to get their feet wet, go to Pleasant Grove Park and take the Eastern Trailhead “Dog Park” to the banks of the Rivanna.
For landlubbing pack members, the park also contains over 20 miles of trails.
Here is the LOVEworks that visitors see upon entering the park.
We all LOVE this place (but especially Grendel).
Access this map here.
Court Square, Palmyra
I’m Amos and I will guide you on a historical tour around Palmyra’s Court Square.
We begin our tour at the courthouse, built in 1831. It’s known as the “Acropolis of Palmyra” for good reason. Architects in the audience will recognize its Greek Revival style, including Greek Doric columns.
Just ignore Jake here and his efforts to steal the spotlight.
Historic Courthouse, 35 Court Square, Palmyra
Our next stop, the United Methodist Church, was built in 1830. During the Civil War, this building served as a Confederate hospital.
Palmyra United Methodist Church, 258 Palmyra Ln., Palmyra
Built in the 1850s, the Madison House was once known as “Doc” Madison’s boarding house.
Madison House, 219 Main St., Palmyra
The Old Stone Jail, the oldest structure on our tour, opened for business in 1829 and was used continuously for 130 years.
Old Stone Jail, 14 Stone Jail St., Palmyra
I covered just a sample of Palmyra’s many historical sites. If you would like to explore the rest, here is information on how to take your own dog friendly walking tour of Palmyra.
Palmyra Boat Launch, 30 Jefferson Parkway, Palmyra
Our visit to Palmyra included this boat launch on the Rivanna River, just a stone’s throw from Court Square.
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Spotlight on Texas Jack, Palmyra’s native son
Texas Jack Omohundro, c. 1872
The image of the iconic American Cowboy is due in large part to the contributions of Texas Jack Omohundro, born in Palmyra, Virginia.
Jack fought in the Civil War when he was just a teenager. After the war ended, Jack traveled west and worked as a hunting guide and cowboy, driving Texas cattle. He eventually met and befriended Buffalo Bill Cody and Wild Bill Hickok. Texas Jack became famous after he starred in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West shows, and his legacy continues today.
In his biography of Texas Jack, author Matthew Kerns writes that in every Western movie or TV series, “…you will find Texas Jack wherever you find a cowboy.”
And it all started in Fluvanna County.
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Sunday
Amici’s Italian Bistro, 370 Valley St., Scottsville
We tried to get Jake’s comments about his experience at Amici’s Italian Bistro, but he was busy napping off his big lunch.
We ordered the Lasagna and the Eggplant Parmesan, and would do it again!
Canal Basin Square, 249 Main St., Scottsville
Amos here again to show you around Scottsville’s Canal Basin Square. This open air museum showcases Scottsville’s role during centuries past as a trading and transportation hub along the James River.
This is a replica of a James River Packet Boat. These were used to haul mail and other freight before we had railroads and highways.
Next, we have a example of a batteau. These boats were used to haul tobacco, Virginia’s cash crop, down the James River.
Large barrels known as hogsheads were used to roll the tobacco from farm to batteau. Today, some roads retain the name Rolling Road.
My tour highlighted just a few of my favorite things about Canal Basin Square. I hope your pack visits soon to see the full exhibit.
We appreciate the hospitality shown by the Scottsville United Methodist Church.
Scottsville Boat Ramp, 200 Ferry St., Scottsville
Watching the sunset on the James River. The perfect ending to a perfect weekend…
Hey. Did someone say River?
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Road Trip Reads
These Audible selections complement a full weekend of Fluvanna County water dog adventures.
This comprehensive biography taught me everything I never knew about the monarch who inspired the names Fluvanna and Rivanna.
This information in this book comes in very handy when visiting Fluvanna County’s lake and 3 rivers.
This podcast episode covers the life and legacy of Texas Jack Omohundro, from Fluvanna County.
Roving through Virginia with Rover 
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