ESCAPE KEYS

Scottsville, Va.

GETTING THERE: Scottsville, Va., is about three hours from Washington. Take I-66 west to U.S. Route 29 south toward Gainesville and follow for 80 miles. In Charlottesville, merge onto the U.S. Route 29 south/U.S. Route 250 west bypass toward I-64. Take I-64 east to Route 20 south and follow for 17 miles. Route 20 runs through downtown Scottsville and becomes Valley Street.

STAYING THERE: High Meadows Vineyard Inn & Restaurant (55 High Meadows Lane, 800-232-1832, http://www.highmeadows.com/ ) sits on a hill near the entrance to town. Rates run $199 to $340 per room and include a champagne or sparkling cider toast upon arrival, evening wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres, and full breakfast. Guests can stay in the Federal- or Victorian-style portion of the house, decorated with period furnishings, or in cottage rooms. Other lodging options include the no-frills Lumpkin's Restaurant & Motel (1075 Valley St., 434-286-3690), a quarter-mile from the James, with doubles from $45 a night.

EATING THERE: High Meadows offers a six-course supper for $50 per person. Occasionally, the inn hosts wine dinners, with pairings from Virginia vineyards. For down-home cooking, try Pee Wee's Pit (485 Valley St., 434-286-7744), Willow Coffee (370 Valley St., 434-286-4979) or Minor's Diner (375-A Valley St., 434-286-4017). Also on the main drag, the Brick Cafe (330 Valley St., 434-286-9500) serves pizzas in a stylish setting.

THE RIVER: James River Runners (10082 Hatton Ferry Rd., 434-286-2338, http://www.jamesriver.com/ ) rents a variety of vessels, including inner tubes, rafts, canoes and kayaks. Opt for half- or full-day excursions and pack a picnic, or choose an overnight trip, which involves camping. Prices start at around $17 for tubing and increase to $68 for an overnight kayak excursion. While on River Runners' property, ride the Hatton Ferry ( http://www.hattonferry.org/ ), one of the country's last poled ferries, which operates on weekends from mid-April to mid-October. Just past Canal Basin Square, James River Reeling & Rafting (265 Ferry St., 434-286-4386, http://www.reelingandrafting.com/ ) offers a similar slew of sports, with similar prices. Fishing for smallmouth bass also is a popular way to enjoy the James, and licenses can be purchased online through the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries at http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/ . Those looking for an escort can go out with Razorback Guide Service (434-923-9305, http://razorbackguideservice.com/ ).

ELSEWHERE IN TOWN: To learn about Scottsville's river history, visit the outdoor exhibit at Canal Basin Square (249 E. Main St., 434-286-9267, http://avenue.org/cbs ). From there, stroll the Levee Walk (also accessible from Dorrier Park) and then explore the historic district (maps are available at Canal Basin Square), swinging by the Scottsville Museum (290 Main St., 434-286-2247, http://avenue.org/smuseum ), open Saturdays and Sundays, April through October. Depending on the weekend, unwind at Rhythm on the River (Dorrier Park, 434-286-9267, http://www.rhythmontheriver.org/ ), a free concert series, or catch a show at Victory Hall (401 Valley St., 434-286-9267, http://www.avenue.org/sca ).

INFO: Scottsville Community Chamber of Commerce , 434-286-6000, http://www.scottsvilleva.com/ .