Two towns in Eastern Kentucky are trying to capitalize on summer tourism.

Lawrence County is bringing back inflatables at The Cove after a two year absence due to Covid, and Dewey Lagoon in Prestonsburg has inflatables and a beach at Jenny Wiley State Park.

The county paid $50,000 for the inflatables as an investment in their tourism industry. The county bought out the business that provided the inflatables because that business went under due to Covid. Now the venture at The Cove is attracting people from across the region.

"I saw it on Facebook. A friend shared the Lawrence County Facebook page and we found out after that," Karla Smith, of Huntington, said.

Lawrence County Judge-Executive Phillip Carter said they've seen families come from across the region to enjoy the local tourism offerings.

"We've had families come from Knoxville, Tennessee. They came just for The Cove. We've had Pittsburgh and Ohio," he said.

He says The Cove has been open a little more than a week, and the hot days are giving the new venture a boost in business.

"We actually had 167 [guests] one day," Carter said. "We ran out of life jackets so had to get more life jackets."

The inflatables provide a challenging obstacle course, sort of a water version of the "American Ninja Warrior" TV program, for young people to try and conquer.

"It's very fun to try and get through those obstacles without falling into the water," Patton Trimble, of Pikeville, said.

The Cove also has a water slide or people can simply enjoy the cool waters of Yatesville Lake. Carter said the activities have provided a nice financial boost.

"We can take in about $2,000 a day," he said.

Future plans include adding another slide in addition to other attractions to make The Cove a true tourist destination.