In this second and final part of our two-part series with Rivanna River Company, we dive deep into the origins, challenges, and community impact of one of Charlottesville’s most transformative outdoor businesses.

From dreaming of a “river center” while living in Richmond… to launching a river outfitter beside a noisy auto body shop… to building a beloved hub of recreation, conservation, and culture — this episode captures the full journey.

Join us as we explore:

• How a simple idea to connect people with the river became a 10-year movement

• Why Charlottesville once overlooked the Rivanna — and how that perception changed

• The early struggles (crashed cars, weird bridge launches, skeptical landowners)

• The moment the community rallied to protect the riverfront

• The explosive growth of tubing, kayaking, and paddling in the city

• How small business, local advocacy, and outdoor culture strengthened an entire community

You’ll also hear stories about:

🛶 The founding vision behind Rivanna River Company

🌳 The role of small businesses in conservation

🚣‍♀️ The rise in recreational river use—customers AND non-customers

🌉 Free Bridge history and the unique character of this stretch of the Rivanna

🎶 RRC’s concerts, festivals, and community gatherings that transformed the riverfront into a cultural anchor

💥 The development threat that nearly ended everything—and how the city responded

🌿 Why this exact spot on the river means everything to thousands of local families

CHECK OUT - PART ONE

Sharp's Island Road Trip! Take the (Cold) Plunge and Hop in a Sauna with the Rivanna River Company

https://youtu.be/gvIZIWqXZXY

RIVANNA RIVER COMPANY in Charlottesville, Virginia!

https://rivannarivercompany.com/

@rivannarivercompany - instagram

MORE FROM SHARP'S ISLAND -

National Geographic Explorer, Photographer Katie Orlinsky Stops By for Hot Cocoa and a Chat

https://youtu.be/SfG1Se_Kc7E

MAEVE JONES - THE POE MUSEUM - FULL EPISODE

https://youtu.be/ni9968n4EAg

https://poemuseum.org/

ANDREW ALLI - JAMES RIVER PARK SUPERINTENDENT / BLUES MUSICIAN - FULL EPISODE

https://youtu.be/6zO1sL9c7XM

SHARPSFEST 2025 -

https://youtu.be/BbSJ4MLflpE

SHARP'S ISLAND on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sharpsislandrva

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/893378644257716500

PRODUCED BY: @nodderly

https://www.instagram.com/nodderly