Cutline: A secondary property of Rustic Ravines located on the Old N&W Railroad bed houses a renovated log home along with the future site of the RV park. Photo courtesy of Joseph Boffo
By NIKKI DOTSON MERRITT
Huntington (W.Va.) Herald-Dispatch
June 18, 2017
GENOA, W.Va. — “If you built it, they will come.”
That’s the motto Joseph Boffo is holding onto for his new business, Rustic Ravines, slated for a July 4 weekend grand opening pending completion.
The outdoor getaway located in multiple locations in Genoa — but primarily on Hampton Ridge Road — will feature rental cabins, parking for recreation vehicles, and several activities as well as ties to multiple county locations for those interested in enjoying the world around them.
Boffo said he hopes to draw tourism onto West Virginia 152 with Rustic Ravines and give Wayne County the boost it needs.
“I know a lot of people who live in cities like Columbus, etc., who are looking for somewhere like this to get away to,” he said.
Boffo said the idea for developing Rustic Ravines came from his love for similar locations.
“I love going to places such as Hawks Nest and staying for the weekend, so I thought why not try to do something like this place since I love it so much,” he said.
The idea to bring it to West Virginia comes from his roots in the state.
Boffo was born and raised in the Northern Panhandle, and his search for property brought him to Wayne County.
“I began looking for property and found the property up on Hampton Ridge, and it was perfect for what I was wanting to do,” he said. “So then I found someone willing to partner with me and help me with the financial aspect of things, so it went from there.”
Boffo and his partner, Paul Liimatta, will have nearly $2 million in the project when it is completed.
“We are just going with it, but we have no doubt people are going to come. As long as you advertise and you have the right marketing, things like this have a way of being successful,” Boffo said.
As for a draw, the weekend spot will have a little bit of everything.
Overnight
The Rustic Ravines Welcome Center and “party barn” features a high bar, low counter, sink and hot plates as well as a rentable apartment-type facility upstairs with a kitchenette and full bathroom. A pool located just outside is expected to open in spring 2018 and will feature window service.
There will be 11 cabins constructed in various locations on the Ravines’ compound comprised of several connecting properties.
Some will be rectangle-style cabins constructed like a small house, while others will be round, yurt-style cabins constructed using ash trees cut from the property.
Also available will be an RV park for recreational vehicles to park and camp.
This portion of Rustic Ravines will be located on the old N&W Railroad bed and feature pullup parking for RVs, campers and even tent camping.
Events
Aside from being able to stay overnight at any of the rentable locations, Rustic Ravines will also be able to be utilized for large events such as weddings.
Boffo said the cabin placement at the south end of the Hampton Ridge property would be perfect for a wedding party to rent out and have the men and women in separate cabins, family in cabins, etc.
Other additions to make events sweeter include a 60-foot by 40-foot pavilion with a stage and a pool with ordering service (in spring 2018) at the Welcome Center with rental apartment and gazebo.
The gazebo is located in a central location around a small cluster of cabins and is constructed using timber cut from the property and a corn crib-style roof.
Activities
Rustic Ravines offers a slew of activities while staying at the location and also venturing into the county.
Beginning at the top of Hampton Ridge, guests will be given an up-close and personal look of what Wayne County views have to offer with a zipline experience that will take them from the top of Hampton Ridge down to the railroad bed. ATV trails will offer another way to take in the views. Rentals will be available, while personal use is an option as well.
Down on the railroad bed, Boffo owns rights to a portion of Twelvepole Creek and will offer fishing.
He also hopes to attract festivals and live music to the pavilion.
Tourism ties and economic growth
Boffo said he hopes to see Rustic Ravines be a tie on West Virginia 152 and lead people to southern Wayne County and bring economic growth via tourism and his unique getaway spot.
“Clearly I will profit from this, too, but I want this to work for everyone involved,” he said. “This isn’t just me. I’m just the one bringing it. I’ve got a lot of county, state and federal officials on my side helping me get the ball rolling on this … because we all want to see this work and we all want to bring people here.”
One way Boffo is already helping the county economy is by hiring local workers to do work when applicable.
Wayne County workers employ most of the labor, electrical and other jobs, and Boffo said he intends to keep it that way.
“I want to employ as many people from right here as I can,” he said.
Wayne County Commission President Bob Pasley said the property and idea could not be better for the start of something in the county, and hopes to see its success.
Boffo said he wants his business to help other local businesses and locations such as Cabwaylingo, Beech Fork, Heritage Farm and others prosper.
Future plans
Boffo is not one to sit content. If Rustic Ravines proves successful, he plans to bring more activities and more investment in the future.
One thing he hopes to bring is an Alpine Coaster, similar to that in Gatlinburg, Tenn.
“People travel six hours to visit those amenities and activities, and we can have them right here if we support this,” Pasley said.
