Splash.

The Appalachian Waters Byway, Rt. 39, will be marketed as a tourist destination from its beginning in Lexington, Virginia, to its end in Summersville.

The kickoff of its campaign was held at the Pocahontas County Opera House Friday. Representative Nick Rahall (D-WV) attended the event and was keynote speaker.

Rahall said marketing for destinations like the byways and for businesses is crucial to success.

"When you look at the big cities of this nation, they would not have gotten very far at all without marketing themselves. Marketing makes a big difference to the bottom lines of small businesses (and) that means jobs for our people," Rahall said. "That's the thought behind today's big splash that we're making."

The byway involves two states and five counties, each with tourist destinations along the route.

The video produced by Presidio Studios showcases the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Lake Moomaw in Bath County, the Pocahontas County Opera House, Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, Cranberry Glades and Summersville Lake in Nicholas County.

With segments that showcase the area from perspectives as large as mountain views and as small as a caterpillar on a log, the video makes the trip from end to end of the byway.

"Located just miles from three interstates, you could fill a month with activities [along the Appalachian Waters Byway]," Rahall said. "Hats off for thinking of making water the unifying factor. I applaud the regional effort."

Rahall said that states and counties working together made an impression on federal agencies.

"I encourage you to continue this cooperation and to continue that thinking when marketing Phase 2," he continued.

Rahall said he would continue to support the byway from his seat on the Congressional Transportation Committee.

Rahall has been in the U.S. House of Representatives for 18 terms.

Marlinton Business Association president Robin Mutscheller said Rahall had supported causes "near and dear to those to of us in West Virginia."

Mutscheller presented the Congressman with a gift straight from the byway-a bottle of Pocahontas County Spring Water, bottled at Minnehaha Springs by State Senator Walt Helmick.

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