The fall colors are beautiful this year in Chimney Rock Village and the Visitors have been flocking here to enjoy them. Remember our colors tend to peak a little later than other areas so early November is a great time to visit and enjoy the fall leaves in the Village.
Christmas season is also just ahead so plan to include a visit to enjoy the “Hallmark Movie” like atmosphere of the Village during the Holidays. Many stores are planning Holiday promotions, decorations, and special events so be sure to check out their websites.
The Chimney Rock Smokehouse will be participating in the Miracle Bar program. https://www.miraclepopup.com/ They will be renaming themselves “Miracle on Main Street” and will turn the Smokehouse into a Christmas Pop Up Bar from November 24 to January 1. They will be serving Christmas Craft cocktails, Santa will be visiting, several trivia nights will be held – so check out their website for more information. Chimneyrocksmokehouse.com.
We also welcome a new restaurant to the Village. Megan Venuto has moved the Highlands Kitchen & Bar to the former Genny’s restaurant location. She has completely remodeled the building and is offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week. The back deck overlooks the Rocky Broad River as do many other businesses in the Village, and it is a fantastic spot to dine and relax.
In addition to this business news the Village has received some great news in the new NC state budget. The Village will be receiving an $8 million allocation to rebuild and improve the main sewer line along the river and up to the Esmeralda Inn. This will provide additional access to many properties and improve the connections for existing customers. I will be providing more information as we get closer to a start date.
This project will probably start in the 2024/25-time frame as planning, engineering, bidding, etc. still need to be finalized. Many thanks to Representative Tim Moore and our other local legislators for their help in procuring this funding.
Other projects that will be done this winter include resurfacing and restriping the Central Public Parking Lot. We are also going to add a pay gate to the West end parking lot and better signage to direct overflow parking there.
Please keep me posted as to any changes, news, or information you would like me to include in this report. You can email me at bubbaolearys@bellsouth.com or call 828-625-2479.
Remember that the Chimney Rock Village Council always meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 pm in the Chimney Rock Volunteer Fire Department building (unless a special meeting is called or the Council votes to change a particular date). Our next meeting is Tuesday November 21. Please contact Peter O’Leary 828-545-1243 or Village Clerk, Steve Duncan 828-777-5718 if you have any questions or concerns.
