By Robert L. Williams

• 1: Introduction
• 2: Gorge Grows Popular for Movie-Making
• 3: From Murder to Lost Gold: Legends of the Gorge
• 4: Visiting the Gorge Today
• Download the full article as a

Visiting the Gorge Today

The visitor to Hickory Nut Gorge will discover majesty and beauty at Chimney Rock Park; Lake Lure, one of the most beautiful lakes in the nation; and shops in Bat Cave, Lake Lure, and Chimney Rock Village. The village is the home of Bubba’s General Store, one of the great shops in the gorge. It is also the only shop “managed” by a beautiful golden retriever (named Bubba, of course). The John Bull Trading Company is also one of the best shops in the mountains, and next door you’ll find Gale’s Chimney Rock Shop. The shop is run by one of the most colorful characters in Western North Carolina, Steve Gale.

A Touch in Time in Bat Cave is a superb shop filled with delights. Just west of Bat Cave on US 74, you can find the Manual Woodworkers and Weavers outlet, a fascinating place to shop. In addition, enjoy waterfalls, great restaurants like the Cajun Pig, and the amazing bottomless pools on the east end of the gorge.

To Learn More

Chamber of Commerce
www.thehickorynutgorge.com

Chimney Rock Park
www.chimneyrockpark.com
1-800-277-9611

Lake Lure Tours
www.lakelure.com
(877) 386-4255 or (828) 625-1373

Chimney Rock Village
www.chimneyrock.org

Esmeralda Inn
www.esmeraldainn.com
(828) 625-9105