Around Town: Jack's Boathouse Preps for Opening Day

The weekend's overcast skies and snow forecast pushed many to sigh, reopen boxes of winter clothes and stay indoors. But at Jack's Boathouse, thoughts were on spring as employees prepared for the fast-approaching opening on April 15th. 

As they focused on realigning the dock and repaired flood damage from the long winter, the crew seemed oblivious to the cold wind whipping along the water.

"Just give us another week and you won't even recognize this place," said owner Paul Simkin. "By opening day, we're going to have outdoor lights all set up, tents, those barbecues over there will be lit...we'll be ready for the new season."

In addition to boat rentals, Jack's offers special guided tours. One particularly popular evening tour takes boaters out near sunset. While tour options change over the season, Simkin said they plan to offer their most popular tour again this year; a 4th of July trip where boaters paddle to the Kennedy Center and stop to enjoy a spectacular--uncrowded--view of the fireworks show. Spots for this trip book quickly so booking ahead is necessary.  

With close t0 300 boats there are variety of options for boaters and according to Simpkin, they've never run short on boats. But he also mentioned that on busier days they serve 500 to 1,000 customers, so call ahead for the safest bet.

Canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are $20 for 90 minutes and $10 dollars for every additional 45 minutes.