It’s awesome to rent a bike or kayak when you’re on vacation. Or even if you’re local and don’t own those things, they are especially handy when trying to cool off in the summer. What’s even better is to come back from a ride or a paddle and get a fruit or protein smoothie that re-energizes you.

River Vibes is a great place in Washington to do just that. You can call them ahead of time to make a reservation and they will have your bike or paddle boat ready for you.

Now in their third season, owner Jennifer Schmitt says the idea to start the business came about as she and her husband were on vacation and realized that visitors coming to Washington by boat didn’t have a way to explore the town. "It was kind of spontaneous the way it happened. The original idea was just to offer bike rentals only. Just so visitors on their boats could dock their boat, rent a bike, tour, shop, and then re-board their boat. From that idea came that they would need something to rehydrate after riding the bike. So that’s how the smoothie and juice bar came about." River Vibes serves a variety of smoothies, health & wellness smoothies, fresh squeezed juices, add-ins, popping pearls, refreshers, lattes, frappes, chai & tea, fresh popcorn, nachos, and jumbo soft pretzels.

Schmitt says this is the first year that they’ve offered a Guided Sunset Paddle & Historical Tour available to locals and visitors alike. Local resident, Dawn Landen, was delighted to be asked to be the tour guide for the paddle. "I take the group down around the buoy at Havens Wharf, then past an osprey nest, and back by Castle Island," Landen says, "I give some historic tidbits about the town along the way." A guided sunset paddle & historical tour is planned for July 15th at 7pm. The cost is $55 and includes the kayak rental, the guided tour, history, and a refresher upon return.These tours are great for first-time kayakers! Call 252-947-5824 to reserve a spot.

Schmitt says that they’re also doing some fun events for kids throughout the summer. "That came about because we had parents asking us for anything they can entertain their kids this summer while they’re out of school. So we came up with a ‘Meet the Mermaid’ event." Local artist Gwen Read was happy to dress up and get into character for the children. Schmitt says it took some planning, but was well-received. "We had about fifteen kids on our first run. We tied in some local history; it’s an at-your-own-pace quest to find the mermaid and also encourages reading, exercise, & quality time with the kids. They start out with a map and follow it to six different points in town, and get a little bit of the story of the mermaid along the way. At the final stop, the mermaid herself finishes the story with ‘treasure’ (goody bags) that she shares with the children. They also get a picture and a 9oz ‘mermaid juice.’ The next upcoming date for ‘A Mermaid Meet & Greet’ will be announced soon. The event is $25, and $20 if the child is a sibling following the same map. The event is for kids 3-12 years old and children must be accompanied by an adult.

River Vibes also supports other local businesses in town. "We send visitors to the NC Estuarium, to Goose Creek State Park, and other local attractions. We are a small operation. If a group needs a large amount of kayaks, then we send them to Inner Banks Outfitters. Also, we don’t rent golf carts, but they do."

Schmitt also believes in giving back to the community. She works with LifeQuest, Inc, a local psychosocial rehabilitation program for young adults that have had a mental health diagnosis. Several individuals that have been through the program work with Schmitt at River Vibes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

More adventure-filled events are being planned for the future.

For more information, call 252-947-5824 or go to their Facebook page.

River Vibes is located at 108 S. Market Street in Washington. They are open Sundays 1-6pm and Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm.