West Virginia’s Gov. Joe Manchin kicked off his 4th of July weekend Friday by experiencing a day of adventure in the New River Gorge region with members of his family.

Manchin, who traveled to Fayetteville with his son and three grandchildren — Madeline, Sophie and Joey — spent the day with Adventure West Virginia on a half-day whitewater rafting trip down the New River, followed by lunch at Smokies on the Gorge and then a treetop zipline tour.

“The reason I wanted to come was to get my family to experience what I see here. So many people take for granted what we have in this state,” Manchin told The Register-Herald just before leaving Fayette County.

Manchin said too many West Virginian’s overlook their home state when planning vacations. So many people don’t realize what we have in this state, Manchin said.

“There’s not a place I’d rather be than right here. You just can’t imagine seeing West Virginia this way. There’s so much to do — hiking, biking, horseback riding, rappelling.

“It’s the best day I’ve had in many, many years. Having my family with me, and being able for them to enjoy what West Virginia is and what we’re all about.”

Manchin’s 12-year old granddaughter Madeline said the entire day was a great experience.

“We had so much fun. I liked getting wet and having fun in the water — but I also loved swinging from the canopy.”

9-year old Sophie Manchin said she “loved all of it!”

It was the first whitewater rafting and ziplining experience for Manchin’s granddaughters.

Grandson Joey has been rafting once before. “It was awesome. One of the most fun days I’ve had in a long time. I came rafting here for my 13th birthday, but I’ve never did the zip line or anything,” Joey said.

“I think it’s something they will remember for the rest of their lives,” the Governor said.

“They don’t have to worry about remembering — I’m going to keep bringing them back.”

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Manchin wrapped up his day at a ribbon cutting ceremony for Adventure West Virginia’s new campus.

“This is sort of a culmination of 30 years of outfitting,” said Rivermen President Brian Campbell.

“The Rivermen brand is a little more rustic and rowdy. The Class Six brand is a little more aesthetic and relaxing.”

TreeTops Canopy Tour, Rivermen and Mountain State Anglers will all operate out of the new facility.

Manchin applauded Adventure West Virginia’s investment in the New River Gorge region.

“Thank you for this most wonderful day, to be able to take advantage of the river this morning and the beautiful canopy run this afternoon. West Virginia is the envy of the whole world they just don’t know it yet, but their finding out about us,” Manchin said.

“To have this treasure in West Virginia is something really special. Let me say thank you for your commitment and investment, and the trust and belief in our state that you can make this investment so many people can have opportunities,” Manchin said.

In addition to the new campus, Adventure West Virginia has also recently enhanced and enlarged it’s climbing, fishing and canopy programs and added paintball to it’s lengthy list of offerings.

“We want people to come here, stay longer and do more while they’re here,” Campbell said. “And it’s working.”

— E-mail: jayres@register-herald.com