Spring 2026 brings big news. Lake Lure is returning to full pond and the lake looks great. This is a huge milestone for Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and the greater Hickory Nut Gorge. A major step on our road back.
As you enter the Gorge from the east you are greated by the Lake and it has never looked better. Driving down highway 9 from Ingles is a marvelous site to behold. Water and lots of it, not angry, but shimmering green, cool, and inviting. Lake Lure is back and it bodes well for all of us.
The Village congratulates Lake Lure on the return of a full pond and look to your recovery as a beacon of hope for the recovery of Chimney Rock Village and the rest of Hickory Nut Gorge. This recovery is moving from east to west and the Village continues to make progress and reach milestones ourselves.
As reported last issue many businesses are making plans to reopen this year and some already have. The Chimney Rock Gem Mine has undergone extensive renovations and repairs. The floor of the store was completely washed away and major foundation work had to be done to the building but it has now reopened.
Gem Mine owner, Matt Banz, says “The past year and a half have come with a lot of challenges and financial strain for so many of us, but moments like this remind us why we keep going. Seeing families smiling, mining for gems, and creating memories together is incredible meaningful and means so much to us.”
A new addition to the Village scene will be the Whistlehop Brewing Tap Room (The Depot, maybe?) located between the Gem Mine and the Historic Chimney Rock Park Gateway. Whistlehop’s flagship brewery is in Fairview and we are excited to welcome them to the Village.
Owner Gina Miceli tells me they plan to open in the Fall of 2026. She says, “Building this taproom for the Village has been a huge part of our healing journey. All our Fairview and Chimney Rock friends say our announcement and then watching us build has given them so much hope for recovery. We can’t wait to see what our space becomes for the community.”
Jonathan and Tonya Graef have also put their hearts in the Village when they purchased the vacant Best View Inn shortly before the storm hit. They have stuck with their plans and tell me their goal is to open the Best View Inn this year, depending on sewer lines and DOT progress with Main Street.
Jonathan says, “Our renovation of the Best View Inn gives us the opportunity to contribute to Chimney Rock’s recovery and bring new energy to the Village. As soon as we can we will be ready to open our doors and be part of the Village’s comeback.”
The Chimney Rock Smokehouse opened last year but Nick and Kristen Sottile are also working hard on their other property, the Broad River Inn and Chimney Rock Miniature Golf. The Inn has stood for nearly a century and Nick feels bringing it back is also restoring a piece of the the Village’s heart.
“These weren’t just businesses, they were gathering places where people came together, made memories, and felt connected to this community. We’ve been overwhelmed by the thousands of people who have supported us from former guests to storm volunteers helping clean up and rebuild. This reopening represents all of us moving forward together.”
Campground owner Bennett Phillips is excited about seeing campers return this summer to the Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground. “We’ve missed seeing everyone hanging out by the campfires, swimming, fishing, and enjoying their families and the Village. Our campers love this river, the Village, and the area and they tell us they are anxious to get back.”
Other businesses anxious to reopen this summer include Bubba O’Leary’s General Store, and the Hickory Nut Gift Shop. The Hickory Nut already opened as an open air shop but their new building is currently under construction with a fall completion date planned.
Michael’s Sportswear was completely washed away but will be reopening in the former Harley Davidson shop as Chimney Factory Outlet. Owner Maggie says she is looking forward to reopening and serving the community. Burntshirt Tasting Room is also working towards reopening but may actually achieve that in the spring of 2027.
This Spring is special as it brings flowers, a full lake, and renewed optimism in the Village. Business owners are anxiously looking foreward to reopening and serving their customers and their friends. Welcome back, we look forward to visiting with you and renewing old and new acquaintances.
Continue to follow us on Facebook – Chimney Rock Village NC – and on our website. You can see updates and progress reports and plan for your visit now and in the future to see us rebuild and check on the progress. You can also see the TASK Force’s Master plan at “raisetherock.com”. This is a 120 page document that gives a lot of information on the planning process, background, and designs and plans for the future.
Please keep me posted as to any changes, news, or information you would like me to include in future Village reports. You can email me at bubbaolearys@bellsouth.net or call 828-545-1243. You may also contact any of your Council Members; Peter O’Leary, April Schick, Buck Meliski, Bruce Godzik, and Patrick Warncke with any concerns or questions.
Remember the Chimney Rock Village Council always meets the third Tuesday of every month at 5:30 pm in the Chimney Rock Volunteer Fire Department building (unless a special meeting is called or the Council votes to change a particular date). These meetings are open to the public. Please contact Peter O’Leary 828-545-1243 or Village Clerk, Steve Duncan 828-777-5718 if you have any questions or concerns.
