When I think of West Virginia, I think of coal mines, the cozy town of Wheeling, and not much else. Not because I don't like the state, because I really don't know much about it, especially its outdoor possibilities other than hiking.

So when I read an article about whitewater opportunities in West Virginia and its effort to expand the industry, it definitely peaked my interest. The state has even hired Bill Owens of Economics Research Associates, a consultant, to develop a plan.

"In the old days, raft companies would be booked for a month. Now it's last-minute. They watch the weather," said Rick Bayes, an ex-rafting guide who has owned the Cathedral Cafe in tourist-heavy Fayetteville for the past eight years.

But Ron Taylor, a former lunch caterer to rafting companies and the current owner of Dirty Ernie's Rib Pit, has plenty of ideas already.

He'd like to see a theme park or something similar to the Barefoot Landing shopping and restaurant complex in Myrtle Beach, S.C., a popular destination for West Virginians.

"If you bring your family, you really need to stay more than two-three days. And I think that's the next venue that this industry needs to approach," he said.

Some point to the success of Tennessee's Pigeon River, which has experienced a 78 percent increase in rafting visits since 2001.

The river, which had 107,987 visits last year, is within close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Pigeon Forge vacation hotspot, which is also home to Dollywood, Dolly Parton's theme park.

Taylor said more coordination is also needed to connect outsiders with existing attractions, such as the Outdoor Theater at Grandview and the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, which is closed this summer while undergoing renovations.

"Half of the people who come into my restaurant don't even know about the exhibition coal mine," Taylor said. "It just doesn't seem we have all our resources together to make the visitors aware of what's available."

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