Riverboat rides are pretty popular tourist activities in the southern states of the U.S.A. In order to embrace your inner Tom Sawyer and Huckelberry Finn, we recommend the following…
Always prepare for the weather, and remember that temperatures are often cooler near and on the water. If your boat cruise is during the evening, remember to bring something to throw around your shoulders when temperatures cool off. A cardigan or shawl for the ladies and a lightweight seersucker or linen sports coat for the men should do the trick! Don’t forget about bug spray, if it is mosquito or gnat season.
If you are taking your boat ride during the day, remember that the sun reflects off the water and can make your skin HOT. Put on sunscreen or block before your adventure, and carry a travel sized one in your purse for re-applying throughout the day. For extra protection from the sun, wear a hat (straw). Riverboats travel quite slowly so, chances are, you won’t have to worry about the hat flying off your head into the river. If you have little kids with you, make sure they have on a floppy hat to protect their delicate skin and eyes.
Outfit ideas for the men:
Daytime: Plaid shorts with a belt and polo shirt, no socks with Docksiders or boat shoes. You can wear flip flops if you’re that type. Perhaps you want to avoid anything that you fear will get too dirty or sweat marks.
Evening: Linen or cotton, loose fitting pants cuffed at the bottom, no socks, and Converse shoes. Pair it with a button up, linen or collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up. If it is not too hot, jeans are, of course, acceptable.
Outfit ideas for the ladies:
Daytime: A sundress or maxi dress with flat strappy sandals, sunglasses, and a straw fedora hat is a great choice. Or, you could wear a playsuit with gladiator sandals to look great. Another option is light colored leggings with a long tank or tunic and sandals. Don’t forget a hand fan! You can use it to cool off, if need be, or just use it as an accessory. You may be sitting and sweating so should avoid anything that you fear will get too dirty or show butt sweat (white linen, for example).
Evening: Leggings with a long, boyfriend collared shirt and belt around the waist with straw fedora. Or a tunic with cardigan and scarf. If it is not too hot, jeans are acceptable, too.
Don’t be scared to unleash your inner southern belle or Tom Sawyer. Think red stripes, straw hats, plaid pants or shorts, cuffed short pants, and an Asian hand fan! Just don’t "go overboard." This is not Halloween.
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