daily304 – Episode 09.05.2026

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From OUTSIDE MAGAZINE – One of the world's best rafting trips is right here Outside magazine is putting the Mountain State in the national spotlight, highlighting the spectacular whitewater and outdoor adventures surrounding one of America's newest national parks. At the center of the experience are the New and Gauley rivers, two waterways that have helped make West Virginia an international whitewater destination. And September brings something special. Gauley Season transforms the river into a world-class whitewater playground as scheduled releases from Summersville Lake create more than 100 rapids, including legendary Class V runs that draw paddlers from around the world. Pair the rafting with hiking, climbing, mountain biking and the spectacular scenery surrounding New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, and you've got one serious adventure destination. Read more: www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/experience-one-of-the-worlds-best-rafting-trips #2 – From UCWV – Helping West Virginia entrepreneurs go from startup to growth The University of Charleston's Downtown Innovation Hub is bringing together some of the people who can help. On September 8 from 4 to 6 p.m., the university's Inspiring Innovation Speaker Series will present "From Startup to Growth: Making the Most of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem." The panel features Mark Burdette of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and WV BusinessLink, Amber Ravenscroft, president and founder of the Bridging Innovation Institute, and Madhur Bedre, president of Atlas Prediction Control and SBA Small Business Person of the Year. Entrepreneurs will hear from both sides of the ecosystem: organizations offering resources to help businesses start and grow and a successful entrepreneur who has used those resources firsthand. Read more: https://www.ucwv.edu/event/from-startup-to-growth-making-the-most-of-the-entrepreneurial-ecosystem/ #3 – From WV FOOD GUY – More coffee and outdoor dining coming to Charleston There's plenty brewing in Charleston's food scene. WV Food Guy Steven Keith reports that two new locally owned coffee shops are on the way, while another downtown restaurant has added a new way to dine outdoors. Capitol Common Grounds is planning a full-service coffee lounge inside the former Bluegrass Kitchen building at Washington and Elizabeth streets. The new space will offer coffee, handcrafted drinks and food in an environment designed for relaxing, working and socializing. Meanwhile, Brülehr Coffee is coming to 330 MacCorkle Avenue Southeast near the South Side Bridge. The locally owned drive-through will serve espresso drinks, teas, matcha, refreshers and specialty creations, along with snacks including pepperoni rolls, croissants and cookies. And something new is already open. Bourbon Street Bistro has added an outdoor patio overlooking Davis Park. The New Orleans-inspired space features wrought iron, string lights and downtown views, adding another option for al fresco dining in Charleston. Read more: https://www.wvfoodguy.com/post/super-weenie-closing-downtown-location Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.