Chimney Rock Gem Mine

Whimsical Woods Family Adventure @ Chimney Rock State Park
2023-07-15 18:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Chimney Rock State Park
Enjoy a fantastical evening at Chimney Rock State Park where all ages can attend a workshop led by Street Creature Puppets on lantern building with recycled materials. The event will be catered by Old Rock Cafe, after which participants will join in a magical puppet parade and light the forest with their lantern creations! More details on cost and other information can be found here.

Naturalist Niche: Falls and Ferns @ Chimney Rock State Park
2023-07-22 09:00 - 23:00 | Chimney Rock State Park
Have you ever wondered exactly which varieties of fern line your path as you explore the Park? What role do they play among other plant species in Hickory Nut Gorge? Join a naturalist and hike to Hickory Nut Falls through a fern-filled forest, then learn more about our famous waterfall itself.
Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $8 Adult Annual Passholder, $15 Youth, $6 Youth Annual Passholder. Advance Registration Required.

Summer Animal Encounters @ Chimney Rock State Park
2023-07-29 07:00 - 19:00 | Chimney Rock State Park
Did you know our staff had a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn what kind of wildlife inhabits the Park and their important roles in the ecosystem. Some of our best teachers have feathers, fur, shells or scales!
Included with your park admission for the day.

Lake Lure Olympiad
2023-08-11 08:00 - 2023-08-13 17:00 | NC
At Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, we’re getting ready for one of our favorite annual events: the Lake Lure Olympiad. Join us on the weekend of August 11-13 for Western North Carolina’s largest, 3-day sports festival, and a treasured Lake Lure tradition. The Lake Lure Olympiad Sports Festival is a non-profit organization staffed entirely by volunteers dedicated to creating a weekend of fun and fitness to benefit local charitable giving. Over the years, the Lake Lure Olympiad has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities, including area volunteer fire departments and EMS services. This year, Rumbling Bald is honored to host the Lake Lure Olympiad once again to celebrate and support the incredible community of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge.
Friday, August 11th at Rumbling Bald
10K Slam the Dam Run
Saturday, August 12th at Rumbling Bald
Lake Lure Triathlon
Junior Olympiad (All kids ages 4-14)
Sunday, August 13th at Chimney Rock State Park
Race to the Rock 5K Run
To learn more about this annual event, please visit their Facebook page or website at https://www.lakelureolympiad.org.

1st Annual Lake Lure Dance Festival - Cool Dips & Hot Salsa
2023-09-16 10:00 - 22:00 | Morse Park, 2948 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC, 28746, United States
Come Have The Time Of Your Life at the Annual Lake Lure Dance Festival, Sept. 16, 2023. Let Us Celebrate Patrick Swayze’s Life and Dance!
Event takes place at Morse Park in Lake Lure, NC.

Festival of Heroes @ Fae Nectar
2023-09-23 12:00 - 21:00 | Fae Nectar, 2984 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC, 28746, United States
We are thrilled to announce the return of Festival of Heroes! Hosted by the Warriors of Ash at Fae Nectar meadery, this is the largest outdoor HEMA Sword & Axe Fighting Tournament in the United States, drawing upwards of 30 competing fighters!
Fighter heats will take place during the day from noon to 5 pm.
Championship battles are from 6pm until 9pm+!
Artisan Market, Fairy Market, and Fae appearances from noon to dusk when the giant bonfires will be lit!
Interested HEMA fighters should register with the Warriors of Ash
Interested artisans and entertainers should contact Fae Nectar
Find our more information here.

National Public Lands Day: Sunset Hike
2023-09-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Chimney Rock State Park
To honor and celebrate the rich history of environmental stewardship at Chimney Rock State Park, Superintendent James Ledgerwood will be leading an after-hours sunset hike to the top of the Chimney with one of the original stewards of the park.
The Outcroppings Trail is one of the newly designated sections of the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail. A local steward will place the first designated Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail marker at the trailhead. Selected volunteers will place additional trail markers along the Outcroppings Trail. A state park official will place the last marker near the top of the Chimney.
Please note: The Outcroppings Trail is a series of more than 500 wood and stone steps to the top of the Chimney and is considered strenuous.
Registration is required; click the Register button to sign up for free on the Chimney Rock attraction website.

Chimney Rock State Park's 15th Annual: Flock to the Rock
2023-09-30 10:00 - 15:00 | Chimney Rock State Park
Break out the binoculars and get ready for our annual feathered frenzy. Flock to the Rock was designed so birders of all skill sets can enjoy one of the country’s fastest growing hobbies – bird watching! This event is held during fall migration for birds and monarch butterflies. As a spot on the NC Birding Trail and a Monarch Waystation, there’s no better place than Chimney Rock to experience these incredible natural phenomena. Bring the whole family for live raptor programs, bird and pollinator activities, intro to birding hikes, and the annual hawk watch from the Chimney. This year we’re celebrating 15 amazing years of Flock to the Rock!
Cost: Included with Park Admission (find more information here)

Lake Lure Farmer's Market 4pm-7pm @ Morse Park
2023-10-06 16:00 - 19:00 | Morse Park, 2948 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC, 28746, United States
Join us for Lake Lure’s very first Farmer’s Market at Morse Park & be sure to come back every Friday.
The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge is happy to announce that we are partnering with Rutherford BARN, Hickory Nut Gorge Foundation, The 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, Bubba O’Leary’s General Store and Rutherford County TDA to bring a Farmer’s Market to Lake Lure!
Local farmers and hand-craft artisans ONLY
Live Entertainment and a Food Truck each week!
Stay up to date on all information regarding the market at our Facebook page, @TheChamberOfHickoryNutGorgeOrganization

Nature at Night Hike @ Chimney Rock State Park
2023-10-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Chimney Rock State Park
Watch as the Park comes alive under the shadow of darkness on this guided evening excursion with a Park naturalist. Do you know which animals come out along the Hickory Nut Falls trail when the sun goes down? Get ready to learn more about the Park’s rarely-seen residents. Note: The Hickory Nut Falls trail is approximately 3/4 of a mile each direction and is considered a moderate trail. Participants must be able to hike the trail out and back. This trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $8 Adult Annual Passholder, $15 Youth, $6 Youth Annual Passholder. Advance Registration Required. Find more information here.

Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival
2023-10-21 10:00 - 2023-10-22 17:00 | The Arcade Commerce Building, 119 1st St., Lake Lure, NC, 28746, United States
The Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival is an event showcasing many different artists and vendors from the surrounding area. From Photography to Jewelry to Woodworking, there will be something for everyone! This event will take place in front of the Arcade Building across from the Lake Lure Beach. The Arts & Crafts Festival will be open on October 21, 2023 (from 10 am to 5 pm) and Sunday and October 22, 2023 (from 10 am to 4 pm).

Find more information here.

Halloween Party & Punkin' Chunkin' @ Fae Nectar
2023-10-28 12:00 - 23:30 | Fae Nectar, 2984 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC, 28746, United States
Join us for the very first Halloween celebration at Fae Nectar in Lake Lure NC, and the very first launching of our Trebuchet for Punkin Chunkin! Featuring all sorts of events for kids small and tall, trick-or-treating, costume contests, catapult launch, live music, delicious food and drinks, and artisan market, and dance party until the very late hour!
Learn more on Fae Nectar’s Facebook Page here.

Chimney Rock State Park - Fall Animal Encounters
2023-10-28 14:00 - 17:00 | Chimney Rock State Park
Did you know our staff had a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn what kind of wildlife inhabits the Park and their important roles in the ecosystem. Some of our best teachers have feathers, fur, shells or scales!

Cost: Included with Park admission. Find more information and purchase tickets here.

Trick or Treat Walk in the Chimney Rock Village
2023-10-31 05:00 - 19:00 | Chimney Rock Village
Join us in the Chimney Rock Village for a fun and spooky Trick or Treat experience! The entire Main Street will be transformed into the perfect Halloween landscape and our local shops will be handing out candy to those dressed up in their finest Halloween costumes! This event is from 5pm-7pm.

Masquerade Social – Halloween Night At Grey Hawk Bar & Gardens
2023-10-31 18:00 - 21:00 | Grey Hawk Bar & Gardens, 111 Resort Lane, Lake Lure, NC, 28746, United States
Join us at Grey Hawk Bar & Gardens for our Halloween Night event – featuring hearty hors d’Oeuvres, a welcome cocktail, and a full cash bar.
On Halloween Night, Grey Hawk Bar & Gardens is ready to get a little spooky and mysterious with our Masquerade Social Event!
We’ll come together from 6-9pm on Tuesday, October 31 – $20 admission gets you a hearty selection of hors d’Oeuvres and a welcome cocktail. Plus, we’ll have our full cocktail menu, wine, and beer list – and special Halloween-themed selections.
Find more information here.

Naturalist Niche: Fall Color Hike @ Chimney Rock State Park
2023-11-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Chimney Rock State Park
Fall color is not only the reason hundreds of people travel to WNC each year, it’s also one of highlights of the year for locals. Toward the end of the season Hickory Nut Gorge comes alive with gorgeous shades of gold and red. Join a naturalist and learn more about fall flora and fauna in the Park as you take in the beauty of the season.
Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $8 Adult Annual Passholder, $15 Youth, $6 Youth Annual Passholder. Advance Registration Required. Find more information here.

Veteran’s Day Special: Free Admission for Veterans to Chimney Rock State Park
2023-11-10 08:30 - 2023-11-12 16:30 | Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock honors veterans, reservists, retired and active military personnel with a free visit to Chimney Rock State Park from November 10-12, 2023. Must present military ID or proof of service.
Cost: Free admission only for military members with ID, military family members will receive standard discount rates of $15 for adults and $7 for youth ages 5-15. Find more information here.

Youngs Mountain Trail Access & Parking Permit
2023-11-17 07:00 - 19:00 | Youngs Mountain, Tatanka, 1076 Buffalo Creek Road, Lake Lure, NC, 28746, United States
Conserving Carolina’s & Rutherford County Parks & Recreation’s Youngs Mountain Trail, located just northeast of Lake Lure, NC in the Hickory Nut Gorge is a 4.2 mile roundtrip/out-and-back hiking trail to several scenic cliffs near the summit of Youngs Mountain. The trail is strenuous and gains 1,200 feet–most of its climb is in the middle section of the trail over only one mile of distance. The trail also has several areas of exposure at cliff edges. Dramatic views from the top include Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, the Hickory Nut Gorge, Great Craggy Mountains, and Mt. Mitchell and the Black Mountains.
Youngs Mountain Trail has very limited parking and is accessed inside of a gated neighborhood. A free access and parking permit is required to be able to enter through the gate and into the neighborhood. The permit will contain the gate code to enable entry. This code changes daily and only functions between 7:00am and 6:00pm. Entry through the gate after 6:00pm is not permitted. The trail itself is open for hiking from 7:00am until dusk/8:00pm. Vehicles parked after dark will be promptly towed. Permit is per vehicle and does not limit total number of hikers. Buses are not permitted to enter or park. Permit holders must park in designated area only; parking elsewhere will result in towing.

Book Tickets and find more information here.

Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters @ Chimney Rock State Park
2023-11-24 14:00 - 2023-11-26 15:00 | Chimney Rock State Park
Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!
Cost: Included with Park admission. Find more information here.

Hike with a Naturalist @ Chimney Rock State Park
2023-11-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Chimney Rock State Park
Spend an hour hiking one of the Parks’ six trails with a naturalist. Discover the fall flora and fauna of the Park on this educational excursion. You may even learn some of the Parks’ history as well. Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts.
Cost: Included with Park Admission. Find more information here.

26th Annual Santa on the Chimney @ Chimney Rock State Park
2023-12-02 11:00 - 14:00 | NC
Santa has a big job climbing down all the chimneys in the world on Christmas Eve. What better place to practice for the big night than on one of the world’s largest natural chimneys? Come cheer Santa on as he rappels down the 314-foot Chimney Rock with help from our friends at Fox Mountain Guides. Plus, write a letter to Santa, make a holiday craft, take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hike with an elf, and meet live Park animal ambassadors.
Cost: Included with Park admission. Find more information about the schedule of events and purchase tickets here.

Breakfast with the Elves @ the Old Rock Cafe
2023-12-09 08:00 - 11:00 | Old Rock Cafe, 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC, 28720, United States
Ever wondered what Santa eats for breakfast at the North Pole? We have the answer! Some of Santa’s elves have joined us to cook up a delicious breakfast for kids and kids-at-heart. Meet the elves and enjoy festive holiday pancakes and classic breakfast staples. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, then head to the Park and watch Santa prepare for Christmas Eve by rappelling down the 315-foot Chimney Rock! This event is at the Old Rock Cafe, not inside the Park.
There is no cost for this event. Each individual menu item has its own cost. Find more information here.

Naturalist Niche: Winter Ridge Ramble Hike @ Chimney Rock State Park
2023-12-16 09:00 - 23:00 | Chimney Rock State Park
Join a naturalist on a guided hike to one of the rarely seen parts of the Park. This ridge hike traverses an area of the Park not open to the public, so lace up your hiking boots and get ready for some stunning long-range views. The bare trees of winter leave much of the Gorge visible from this ridgeline.
Note: this hike is off-trail and is considered moderate to strenous. Hiking experience is recommended.
Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $8 Adult Annual Passholder, $15 Youth, $6 Youth Annual Passholder. Advance Registration Required. Find more information and register here.

An Evening of Fiddle, Folk, and Fun @ Fae Nectar
2023-12-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Fae Nectar, 2984 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC, 28746, United States
This Saturday at 6pm, join us for an amazing musical evening with the Harrows!
Hazel Ketchum, lute, vocals, bodrain and guitar and Bob Culver, fiddle, mandolin, bandolin and vocals make up The Harrows. You might see The Harrows playing loud blues music with drums and electric guitars or busting out some old time fiddle tunes in the Appalachian Mountains, but if you are really lucky you catch them playing lutes in the forest.
This is a free show open to everyone of all ages!
Find more information here.

Winterfest Village @ the Tryon Equestrian Center
2023-12-20 17:00 - 21:00 | Tryon International Equestrian Center, 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC, 28756, United States
Winterfest Village, powered by Stuller Solutions is FREE to attend, with all live performances, concessions and shopping, dining, and each evening’s closing parade available for enjoyment without the purchase of a ticket.
Gain access to see the Grinch, Santa, enjoy bounce houses, and carousel all with your Winterfest Village ticket.
Available online in advance or at the gate, tickets are $12/child 4 and up. Adult and kids under 4 accompanying participating children are free. Find more information and buy tickets here.

Sun & Moon Dance: Scandinavian Neo-Traditional Folk Music @ Fae Nectar
2023-12-23 18:00 - 20:00 | NC
This Saturday at 6pm, join us for an musical journey into the heart of Scandinavia with multi-instrumentalist Chris Welsh and his band Sun & Moon Dance!
Sun and Moon Dance is a multifaceted music project fronted by musician Chris Welsh, inspired by traditional folk music from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Chris creates his own Neo-traditional tunes based on the instruments that would be found in a dance hall somewhere in Scandinavia and aims to create an atmosphere that will bring joy and peace to the listeners mind. Instruments listeners can expect to hear are Nyckelharpa, Tagelharpa, Bukkehorn, Munnharpe, Kraviklyra, Langeleik and Mountain Dulcimer.
This is a free show open to everyone of all ages! Find more information here.

Winter Break Animal Encounters @ Chimney Rock State Park
2023-12-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Chimney Rock State Park
Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!
Cost: Included with Park admission. Find more information and buy tickets here.

Live Music @ Fae Nectar
2023-12-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Fae Nectar, 2984 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC, 28746, United States
Join us this Saturday for a delightful evening of live folk music by Asheville’s own Holler & Crow at Fae Nectar Meadery in the heart of beautiful Lake Lure NC!
Free Event, All Ages, Dog Friendly, Mead, Beer, & N/A Drinks! Bonfire at dusk!
Find more information here.

D&D Night @ Fae Nectar in Lake Lure
2024-01-07 17:00 - 20:30 | Fae Nectar, 2984 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC, 28746, United States
This Sunday, and every Sunday after, Fae Nectar will host a 3.5 hour 5e D&D “One-shot” (5PM-8:30PM) for any-and-all experience levels. Haven’t played since 1st edition? Come on by. Are you new to D&D? Let us teach you! Are you an experienced 5e player who’s CR20-awesome? We’d love to have you at the table. The only thing you need is your imagination, and the ability to work with others in order to have a great time. Not sure what Fae Nectar is? It’s only the most outstanding place in the world, a meadery inspired by all things fantasy.
Find more information here.

An Evening of Live Balkan & Turkish Music @ Fae Nectar
2024-01-13 18:00 - 21:00 | Fae Nectar, 2984 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC, 28746, United States
This Saturday at 6pm the Black Sea Duo bring their wonderful repertoire of Balkan & Turkish music to Fae Nectar! Featuring Sparrow and Keith of the locally famous Black Sea Beat Society, they meld their own WNC rock & roll spirit with these ancient melodies!
This is a free show open to friends of all ages, and friendly dogs as well.
Find more information here.
