By Scott Baughman
When Cory and Thomasina Coile first visited Lake Lure in 2020, they knew it was special.
“We just fell in love with the place,” said Thomasina. “We knew we wanted to come back. But it felt like, after 5 p.m., the place just shut down.” The couple’s then 12-year-old daughter Tory agreed and let her parents know there was “nothing to do here.” Thomasina said she felt like the town could use an Escape Room. And then her husband Cory said he’d like to see a candy store – and the idea to open Lake Lure Station was born.
The almost finished product of that brainstorming vacation session is now up and running at 2400 Memorial Highway in Lake Lure. And the family has become a permanent fixture in Lake Lure, too, having moved to town. After years of planning, and noticing that the building had plenty more space, Tory also contributed the idea of opening an Axe Throwing business in the middle of the long building. For now, Candy Cabin and Escape Lake Lure are open for business and Bullseye Axe Throwing is still ‘coming soon’ on the sign.
But the new venture hasn’t been without difficulties. Candy Cabin first opened its doors in June 2024. A few short months later, Hurricane Helene hammered the area and the Coile’s wondered if they would be able to survive. They persevered and not only reopened but have continued to work on opening Bullseye.
Candy Cabin specializes in sweet treats for all ages.
“We sell the kind of candy that kids love and the kinds that make the adults act like kids again,” Cory said. “It has nostalgia, but we are presenting it more like a large candy specialty shop in places you’ve seen like Pigeon Forge and Myrtle Beach.” The inventory includes things like jaw breakers, licorice and bubble gum cigars from yesteryear, but also plenty of contemporary candies like Jelly Belly gourmet jelly beans, specialty chocolate bars and international fare from Europe. The latest candy crazes are also represented with the famous Dubai chocolate bars also for sale alongside stalwarts like M&Ms and savory snacks.
Thomasina adds that Escape Lake Lure is a traditional escape room setup, that’s just challenging enough without being impossible. “We have three themed rooms – McFearson’s Funeral Parlor set in a funeral home that’s been experiencing some paranormal activity, Aunt Edna’s Inheritance Heist which involves you looking for your aunt’s money in her 1980s condo and The Sugar Trap where you and your friends get trapped in a candy shop,” she said.
The couple knows they have the support of Tory, who is now a 16-year-old junior in high school, as well as they’re other adult children – Caiden, Colby, Christian and Carter. But they’re also hoping that this tough winter season will bring support from the local area, too.
“We have had some great customers from the county come up and buy candy this year so far, but we will need some help from the area to really make it work,” Cory said. “We want to be part of the rebuilding for Lake Lure and make some sweet memories, too.”
