Tucked away deep in the confines of the Tar-Pamlico River lies an escape from the norm. A place where scenery evokes creativity, imagination and, in my case, some much needed harmony, something that can only be found through nature.

Untamed and easily accessible by boat, the tributaries of the river offer a relaxing getaway. Unlike vacations that cost thousands of dollars, chronic jetlag and time out of your busy schedule, relaxation can be achieved in just a few hours, free of charge.

River Rover tours, provided by the N.C. Estuarium, give those without a boat a chance to explore untouched nooks of the river.

On Thursday, tour guide and captain Steve Hornaday took a group of 10, including myself, through one of the United State’s largest estuaries.

It began with Washington’s most recognizable emblem, the iron rotating drawbridge, which has remained in operation since 1904. A spectacle impressive from land is even more marvelous by boat, a view that exposes century old gears that have bridged the gap for thousands of trains.

As we circumnavigated the structure, the ominous and ghastly Castle Island came into view. Hornaday spoke of its bizarre history, unique for such a small land mass. The island, known today for housing an occasional squatter or two, once housed a cement factory that turned recycled oyster shells into building foundations. Our captain also explained its more scandalous history — a house, owned by a woman, frequented by men in the late 19th century. Though, it is only a rumor.

The vessel floated under the Route 17 bridge, then the multi-million dollar bypass, passing a white buoy signifying the wreckage of the U.S.S. Pickett, sunk in the 1862 Battle of Washington. Observing another wreckage just ahead was an ECU vessel, piloted by Mark Keusenkothen, director of diving and water safety, who I had previously interviewed for another story. He waved, as student flippers sporadically surfaced around his boat.

We eventually arrived at our destination, Bear Creek. One of the women aboard the ship noted the spiritual presence the estuary gave off. Spanish moss and water lilies  blended the banks with the dark water.

As an osprey guarded its kin, blue herons glided across the water, showing off their majestic wingspans. Hornaday turned off the engine. Other than the occasional splash of a turtle falling off a log and the gentle white noise from the nearby bugs, there was silence.

Then, our captain broke the silence. “We’re two miles from Washington, but we have this right here in our backyard. Water resembling a mirror.”

He could have ended the tour right there, but on our way back to the mainland, Hornaday told us of General Grimes and his controversial death and how his killer was later hung from what is now the Route 17 bridge. It was a rather odd and gruesome note to end the tour on, but no one seemed to mind the extra tidbit of history.

The trip lasted a little over an hour and was entertaining, as well as relaxing from beginning to end. If you’re in need of a break from reality or simply need something to do on a lunch break, why not take advantage of Washington’s quickest, most convenient and most affordable getaways.