Thoughts from Chef Paul Smith: The Rising Tide

“Oh, you’re from West Virginia? I’ve driven through there before…you have a beautiful Capitol.”

I can’t begin to tell you how many times I heard a variation of this statement over the years when talking to someone about where I was from. Although it was intended to be a compliment of sorts, I always found it to be incredibly frustrating.

While I was able tell the person I was speaking with some of the OTHER great things about West Virginia, it always left me thinking about how many people undoubtedly passed through our state every day and had the exact same thoughts and experience. If they only understood what they were missing, how many would have taken the time to experience what we knew – that our state’s beauty extends far beyond the gold dome of a building?

I’ve always been an optimistic person, and every time one of these conversations would arise, the voice of the eternal optimist in my head would convince me that someday things would be different. People would come here – intentionally — to experience all the amazing things West Virginia has to offer. Deep down, I just always had faith that things would change for the better.

Of course, the doubters would always find a way to point out why that would never happen. “Our own people are LEAVING West Virginia…why would anyone come here on purpose?” they’d ask. I must admit, my positive position was hard to defend at times. I always chose faith and optimism, though, and I am excited to say that my positive outlook is looking more like our reality than just a pipe dream.

While tourism always played a part in our economy, the momentum really began to build in recent years, like an ever-growing swell heading toward the shore, and like the old saying goes, a rising tide carries all boats.

Our leaders at every level — from city to county to state to our delegation in Washington — have worked quietly but tirelessly alongside private businesses on projects that benefit all our citizens and communities. Drawn by things ranging from outdoor sports to the Hatfield-McCoy Trails to the New River Gorge National Park to sports venues like the Shawnee Sports Complex to the return of the Sternwheel Regatta to Charleston, more guests have begun to visit our state each year, bringing dollars and leaving with great memories.

Now is our opportunity to show everyone what those us who call this home already know. West Virginia is where natural beauty and Appalachian hospitality come together to create an experience that is almost impossible to replicate anywhere else. As visitors return home and share their experiences with others, the momentum will only continue to grow.

The tide truly is rising.