June 27, 2025 • 16 mins
From devastation to determination, the story of Chimney Rock State Park's revival captivates in this heartwarming conversation with Mary Jeager-Gale, who brings 44 years of experience and unwavering dedication to the cherished North Carolina landmark.
Nine months to the day after catastrophic flooding swept through Western North Carolina, Mary shares the remarkable journey of recovery that's allowing Chimney Rock State Park to welcome back visitors. Her unique perspective spans from when the Morse family owned the iconic destination through its 2007 transition to state ownership, offering rich insights into its historical significance and current rebirth. A Michigan native who found her way to the aptly named community of Batcave, Mary embodies the resilient spirit that defines mountain living.
The reopening represents far more than restored access to a beloved attraction – it symbolizes the extraordinary community effort encompassing the entire Hickory Nut Gorge region. Mary describes the overwhelming support from volunteers nationwide as "phenomenal," noting how the experience makes you "want to go somewhere and help somebody else." Despite continuing challenges with infrastructure, roads, and utilities, she sees a "renaissance" emerging for the area, where businesses are gradually reopening and residents are rebuilding their lives. The Easter sunrise service tradition that once connected Mary with WHKP legend Kermit Edney continues, having adapted during the closure but maintaining its spiritual significance for the community.
Surrounding this inspiring conversation, Noah George provides valuable insights into Henderson County's real estate landscape, noting the market remains strong despite adjustments from previous peaks. With 126
homes selling monthly and stable inventory levels, he reminds listeners that "life happens, therefore real estate happens," regardless of economic conditions. Ready to explore mountain living or support these resilient communities? Visit the George Real Estate Group online, call 828-393-0134, or stop by their Flat Rock office to discover how you can be part of Western North Carolina's remarkable story.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
The George Real Estate Group radio broadcast is
celebrating 10 years on WHKP.
The George Real Estate Group iscelebrating 10 years on the
radio live every Thursdaymorning at 10.05 on WHKP 107.7
FM and AM 1450 and streamingonline at WHkpcom Each Friday
(00:25):
morning at 845,.
The George Real Estate Grouppresents the Hometown Hero Award
to someone in our community whogoes above and beyond to make
our hometown a better place tolive.
Here's this week's HometownHero Show it's 845, and it's
time for another.
George Real Estate GroupHometown Hero Show.
It's 845 and it's time foranother.
(00:46):
George Real Estate GroupHometown Hero Series and welcome
everyone.
Welcome Noah George to themicrophones.
Noah, we really so muchappreciate your sponsorship of
the Hometown Hero Series Becausewe get together every week and
meet some of the finest in ourcommunity, don't we?
Speaker 2 (01:04):
Absolutely.
It's a privilege and honor tosponsor the Hometown Heroes
series and happy Friday Again.
Grateful to be here this Fridaymorning.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
How about the real estate market in Henderson
County?
Tell us how you've always gotyour finger on the pulse of it.
How's the real estate marketdoing?
Speaker 2 (01:20):
The market continues to be strong.
Henderson County is averagingsome 126 single-family homes a
month, selling Inventory levelsremaining in the 500s.
I mean, the market is themarket and it's softer than what
it was, of course.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
What does that mean, when you say softer?
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Well, a couple years ago we were averaging some 180
homes a month selling, and sonow we're down to 126 a month
selling.
So I mean we've had less homesell and the prices seem to be
holding.
I mean they are down a littlebit.
So days on market's a littlebit longer, demand's not what it
was, but don't confuse thatwith nothing's happening.
(01:59):
It's still a healthy market, andso the market's still moving
and people are moving in fromthe area, people are relocating,
people are downsizing orupsizing.
I mean life happens, thereforereal estate happens, regardless
of the interest rates,regardless of the economy.
I mean life happens, thereforereal estate happens, and we've
(02:20):
seen it throughout the years.
This is my 20th year with mybroker's license.
We've had the privilege ofhelping over 1,500 families
throughout the year.
So whether you're buying,selling or investing, or even a
career in real estate, we'd loveto help.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Well, you guys at the George Real Estate Group,
located in Flat Rock, but you dobusiness and sell and show and
buy homes all around the upstateand North Carolina, western
North Carolina that's rightWestern North Carolina and all
our surrounding counties, plusSpartanburg and Greenville
counties.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
We have agents down there as well.
We have an incredible team,incredible staff and we love
serving the community throughreal estate and that's why it's
so important for us to.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
We love sponsoring the Hometown Heroes Series Well
join me in welcoming MaryYeager-Gale to the microphones.
Good morning, good morning.
Good morning, mary.
You're no stranger to amicrophone.
You've been talking on theradio for years, haven't?
Speaker 3 (03:10):
you and to WHKP?
Speaker 1 (03:11):
for sure you have.
You go back a long, long ways.
Mary Yeager-Gale is withChimney Rock Management, but
you've been involved withChimney Rock State Park for 44
years, did you?
Speaker 3 (03:24):
tell me Well for the park when the Morse family owned
it and then when the statepurchased it in 2007.
So it's been a very wonderfulride down there.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Well, maybe not so much today.
We'll talk about that, for sure.
Let's back up.
Are you originally?
Speaker 3 (03:39):
from this area.
I'm from Michigan, but I met myhusband, who grew up in Atlanta
, when I was going to graduateschool at Emory, and he is from
Batcave, so here.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
I am.
Speaker 3 (03:50):
Had you ever?
Speaker 2 (03:51):
heard of Batcave or been to Batcave prior to I mean
like Batcave right, exactly.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
You should have imagined what my friends said
when I moved to Batcave from.
Michigan, yeah, from Atlanta Inthe Batmobile, yeah.
Yeah, that's wild.
Yeah.
Michigan, yeah, from Atlanta Inthe Batmobile, yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
That's wild.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
And so your first experience was after meeting
your husband coming to Batcave.
Well, we got married.
Speaker 3 (04:11):
The same week I moved to Batcave.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
Wow, and we have a shop in Chimney Rock and then I
taught school in Flat Rock, soI'm very familiar with Henderson
County.
Batcave is the end of HendersonCounty, you know if you're
going to teach.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Yeah, truly, 44 years , that's amazing.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
You go back on this radio station, back to a mentor
that I never had the privilegeof meeting, Kermit Edney.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
Absolutely Kermit's book.
Kermit signed my book for me,his book for me.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
His spirit is still very much alive in this radio
station.
Like I said, I never had theopportunity to meet or to work
with him, but I have, almostevery day around here, thought
many, many times I wish I couldhave worked with that guy,
because he was a pro.
Speaker 3 (05:03):
He was, and you know I always referenced his book
about sunrise.
You know we had the Eastersunrise service down at the park
, yes, and he had a panel inthere about when sunrise would
happen, whether it was daylightsavings time or not, and every
year I would look to see whattime was sunrise, so we could
promote the Easter sunriseservice, wow.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
And that's where you got to know him.
I think was he came down tobroadcast, oh right.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
WHKP and Chimney Rock went way back when we had we're
in like our 68th or 9th year.
It's been kind of convolutedlately because of the road
washouts and COVID andeverything, but we've continued
to host the Easter SunriseService.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
On the rock.
Yeah, just below the rock.
I bet that is some vision.
I bet that is some vision.
I bet that is some oh it'sstunning.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
You watch the sunrise over Lake Lourdes.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
This year we actually had it down in Tryon because
you couldn't get in the parkbecause the roads were, but the
tradition continued.
Speaker 3 (05:53):
The tradition continues, and we'll continue
that down there too.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
And you're not the official spokesperson of the
park, but I mean today is anopening day, I understand, with
the park, which is exciting.
I mean after let's talk about,I mean incredible efforts to get
back open.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
Oh, I mean the help that we have had, the volunteer
help, the support of the county,both counties Rutherford County
, henderson County has beenamazing really.
And you know, even though it'sbeen nine months, there's a lot
of progress that's been made.
There's a lot of progress thatwe need to continue.
There's a lot of things thatneed to get done.
The road from here to there isstill you know, one lane down by
(06:30):
us in Bat Cave.
But it's coming and we'rethrilled.
You know that things are comingback.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
They had to actually build a temporary bridge to get
you.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
To get into the park.
Yeah, there's a temporarybridge, so annual pass holders
can come this weekend.
Next weekend, as you mentioned,will be the official opening.
But it's exciting times, youknow.
They're very hopeful.
It's a very resilient communitydown there and we're excited
about it.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
You mentioned you have a shop on main street in
chimney rock, right, we do.
Yeah, is it open?
Are?
Speaker 3 (07:02):
you, oh no, it was gutted from the storm as well so
we're still coming back thereisn't?
The infrastructure in thevillage still hasn't been
repaired.
So it's you know, we're stillwaiting for sewer water, some
power, right, so it'll be awhile before the village, but
stores will are going to startopening up and and roads will
get better and we'll startcoming back, of course, of
course.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
Yeah.
Well, we just wanted to haveyou come by and talk about
Chimney Rock State Park and your44-year involvement with it and
let everyone know that you'recoming back alive.
It's like a big giant wakingback up and you're coming back
alive at Chimney Rock Park.
Speaker 3 (07:42):
Well, and at Chimney Rock and at Chimney Rock Village
too.
Speaker 1 (07:44):
I mean the whole Hickorinut.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
Gorge area which goes from Girton Back Cave, chimney
Rock Lake Lure.
It'll be a renaissance for usreally.
Speaker 1 (07:53):
It really will.
Speaker 3 (07:54):
Kind of like the phoenix coming out of the ashes.
But it really will, kind oflike the phoenix coming out of
the ashes.
But it's amazing, I mean thehelp and support that we've
gotten from people all over,literally around this country.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
There's a big volunteer day tomorrow that
people are coming from all overto just help us kind of clean up
some things down in the village, and the Spokes of Hope, who is
an organization that's beenhelping us has been instrumental
been helping us, have has beeninstrumental in helping us get
some things you know done we'vehad, uh, jake jarvis of
precision grading here a coupleof different times on on the
(08:29):
show and he is continuing to doincredible things there, but
he's also working with thespokes of hope.
I understand he has and he'sbeen working.
Speaker 3 (08:37):
I mean, and you know j I understand he has and he's
been working and Jake is justtotally dedicated to helping and
he has helped numerous peoplenot to mention just the
community at large, butindividuals too to get back in
their homes to help them buildbridges.
Like I said, the support thatwe've received has been almost
phenomenal.
Really, it makes you want to gosomewhere and help somebody
(08:58):
else when this gets done.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
Yeah, well, how did you make do in the storm?
Personally, your home, did youhave damage?
Speaker 3 (09:05):
Well we had.
Our driveway was washed out, sowe stayed over in Laurel Park
for a couple months and we wentover to Flat Rock.
Some friends were gracious tolet us use their home while they
went down to Florida for thewinter, and so our driveway's
been restored.
We couldn't get any propanetrucks or anything up to the
house, but yeah, things arecoming back down there.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
Good.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
People are coming back, which is very exciting for
us.
People are rebuilding homes,and that gives us hope, too,
that our community will get backtogether.
Speaker 2 (09:35):
Yeah, the resilience and the determination and the
collective I mean the neighbors,just everybody coming together.
I mean it is happening, it'sgoing to be rebuilt and it's
going to be stronger than ever.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
We believe that too, and it's going to be different.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
It's going to be different.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
The one thing about Chimney Rock and Batcave is
there are these little idyllicplaces that kind of stopped in
time is.
There are these little idyllicplaces, that kind of stopped in
time.
So you know, we had a programwhen the fires were happening
down in the gorge and we hadplanned a program for the
100-year anniversary of the 1916flood and we had to move that
(10:15):
to another location because theyhad used the Lake Lure Town
Hall which was where it wasgoing to be held.
We were going to have theprogram there, but that's where
they used it as a base for thefire, so we had it, though, and
we talked about.
You know, here we are tocommemorate a 100-year flood,
and there's nothing that weneeded more right then than
(10:35):
water, right.
So, I mean, it's just beenpretty crazy, the irony of it.
But you know, three riversconverge in Bat Cave.
So, with the kind of rain wehad and the storm, it was almost
(10:57):
obvious things were going tohappen down there.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
You know know, over in the Pigeon River Gorge
they're having more roadWashaways, road slides, mud
slides, rainstorms, closures,and there's A lot of
similarities between that gorgeand the Chimney Rock area.
So the best of luck to you.
We wanted to have you on andsay thank you For everything you
(11:19):
do for our community, and we'rejust of luck to you.
We wanted to have you on andsay thank you For everything you
do for our community, and we'rejust so grateful to you.
Speaker 3 (11:22):
We are very fortunate to live in such a fabulous
place.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
We live in paradise.
Speaker 3 (11:27):
And we are most grateful for that.
Speaker 1 (11:30):
Grateful to you too, mary Yeager-Gale, our George
Real Estate Group, hometown Herothis week.
A pleasure to have MaryYeager-Gale as our guest this
week on Hometown Hero andtoday's and this weekend's
opening of the Chimney RockState Park.
Noah, it's looking up.
We're gaining ground on thedestruction that came our way
(11:51):
nine months ago today.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
Nine months ago today , incredible.
Just the progress that we'vecome and the persistence and
perseverance our communitycontinues to have and show and
the giving.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
Yes, there's.
One of my favorite people onthe face of this earth is
Phillip Treason.
He's got an open house thisweekend, doesn't?
Speaker 2 (12:11):
he, he does, he's doing 66 Ashton Lane down in
Tryon.
This is a real log cabin.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
I've looked at the pictures.
That is a beautiful place.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
It is beautiful 445, over 2 000 square feet over two
acres, and he's going to be openthis saturday from two to four
tomorrow.
Encourage you to come out, 66ashland lane and try on it's.
It's super easy to get to andyet private and beautiful and
it's a I mean well maintained Imean, and it's I mean
well-maintained I mean, but it'sa real log cabin.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
The interior of that, and the exterior too, but
especially the interior, verymodern.
Uh, to me just the epitome ofwhat a you'd want a mountain log
cabin to be look rustic on theoutside and be very modern on
the inside absolutely, and ithas a full length uh front porch
, covered front porch.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
On that thing you can enjoy the rain.
When the rain's hitting the,the metal roof.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
Yeah, it's, there's nothing else I saw that I there
was a picture taken of that, ofthat tin roof, and I thought, oh
yes, during a rainstorm and atwo-car garage next with it too.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
Oh, yeah, it's amazing Again over 2,000 square
feet built in 2000.
It's a real Lincoln Logs inquotes Okay, I mean when you say
Lincoln Log, it's a cabin.
I mean it's amazing.
And then again the extrathere's three lots actually
total that make up over the twoacres.
But I mean the freshly paintedthe inside, the hardwood floors,
(13:33):
I mean the propane logfireplace, I mean the kitchen is
beautiful.
It also has a mini cabinoutbuilding Again.
Just so many features on thisproperty, 66 Ashland Lane in
Tryon, and I think the abilityto put some space in there for a
mother-in-law apartment.
Oh yeah, you can have easilyhave a multi-generational uh
(13:55):
family home there.
It is truly amazing.
Another open house we have thisweekend is at 1351 chantaloupe
drive.
1351 chantaloupe drive, in inchantaloupe estates.
Right there it's in flat FlatRock, but the address is
Hendersonville, again, over twoacres, two and a half acres
totally remodeled home, fourbedrooms, four baths amazing
(14:16):
home.
That's going to be open thisSunday from 2 to 4 as well.
We actually have over.
I think we have four or fiveopen houses this weekend.
Really, you can go to ourFacebook page and see about all
of them.
There you can find out aboutall of our open houses.
Open houses work and we'reseeing a lot of activity.
The market's moving Inventoryis remaining low, demand is
remaining strong, interest ratesare the interest rates, but
(14:38):
buyers and sellers are stillmoving on with their lives.
Speaker 1 (14:40):
That's great to know.
And of course you guys at theGeorge Real Estate Group are
always on the ready to helpanyone with any real estate
needs.
And we sure want to thank MaryYeager-Gale for being our guest
today.
On the Hometown Hero Series.
Next week we will be chattingwith the new Apple Ambassadors.
Apple Festival's around thecorner, I know, I know.
(15:03):
So join us next Friday morningat 845 again for the George Real
Estate Group.
Hometown Hero Series.
Thinking about estate.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
The george real estate group hometown hero
series thinking about estateplanning for your real estate.
Without a smart approach, theproperty you leave behind could
become an unwelcome burden foryour kids.
Many children simply don't wantto co-manage an inherited house
or deal with the tenants.
Fortunately, you can preventthat with the right plan.
The george real estate groupspecializes in tax-efficient
(15:31):
strategies like 1031 exchangesand Delaware Statutory Trust to
simplify inheritance and incomeplanning.
A 1031 exchange can defer yourcapital gain taxes now and help
your kids avoid a big tax billlater.
And a DST lets you continueearning rental income without
landlord headache.
Plus, it can be split amongyour children, making
(15:52):
inheritance easier.
Planning ahead is one of thekindest gifts you can give your
family.
Let us help you secure yourlegacy.
Call the George Real EstateGroup at 828-393-0134 today.
You've worked hard to buildyour legacy.
Now let us help you protect itfor your loved ones.
Speaker 1 (16:11):
The George Real Estate Group is located in Flat
Rock, north Carolina, nearHendersonville in Henderson
County.
You can find them online atrealestatebygregcom.
The George Real Estate Groupcan be reached at 828-393-0134
or stop by their office at 2720Greenville Highway, flat Rock,
(16:31):
north Carolina.
Tune in live each week onThursdays at 10.05 am on WHKP
107.7 FM and 14.50 am, or streamonline at whkpcom or download
these podcasts wherever you getyour podcasts.
The George Real Estate Groupbrings you the WHKP Hometown
(16:55):
Hero Series every Friday morningat 845.
The George Real Estate Group radio broadcast is
celebrating 10 years on WHKP.
The George Real Estate Group iscelebrating 10 years on the
radio live every Thursdaymorning at 10.05 on WHKP 107.7
FM and AM 1450 and streamingonline at WHkpcom Each Friday
(00:25):
morning at 845,.
The George Real Estate Grouppresents the Hometown Hero Award
to someone in our community whogoes above and beyond to make
our hometown a better place tolive.
Here's this week's HometownHero Show it's 845, and it's
time for another.
George Real Estate GroupHometown Hero Show.
It's 845 and it's time foranother.
(00:46):
George Real Estate GroupHometown Hero Series and welcome
everyone.
Welcome Noah George to themicrophones.
Noah, we really so muchappreciate your sponsorship of
the Hometown Hero Series Becausewe get together every week and
meet some of the finest in ourcommunity, don't we?
Speaker 2 (01:04):
Absolutely.
It's a privilege and honor tosponsor the Hometown Heroes
series and happy Friday Again.
Grateful to be here this Fridaymorning.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
How about the real estate market in Henderson
County?
Tell us how you've always gotyour finger on the pulse of it.
How's the real estate marketdoing?
Speaker 2 (01:20):
The market continues to be strong.
Henderson County is averagingsome 126 single-family homes a
month, selling Inventory levelsremaining in the 500s.
I mean, the market is themarket and it's softer than what
it was, of course.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
What does that mean, when you say softer?
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Well, a couple years ago we were averaging some 180
homes a month selling, and sonow we're down to 126 a month
selling.
So I mean we've had less homesell and the prices seem to be
holding.
I mean they are down a littlebit.
So days on market's a littlebit longer, demand's not what it
was, but don't confuse thatwith nothing's happening.
(01:59):
It's still a healthy market, andso the market's still moving
and people are moving in fromthe area, people are relocating,
people are downsizing orupsizing.
I mean life happens, thereforereal estate happens, regardless
of the interest rates,regardless of the economy.
I mean life happens, thereforereal estate happens, and we've
(02:20):
seen it throughout the years.
This is my 20th year with mybroker's license.
We've had the privilege ofhelping over 1,500 families
throughout the year.
So whether you're buying,selling or investing, or even a
career in real estate, we'd loveto help.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Well, you guys at the George Real Estate Group,
located in Flat Rock, but you dobusiness and sell and show and
buy homes all around the upstateand North Carolina, western
North Carolina that's rightWestern North Carolina and all
our surrounding counties, plusSpartanburg and Greenville
counties.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
We have agents down there as well.
We have an incredible team,incredible staff and we love
serving the community throughreal estate and that's why it's
so important for us to.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
We love sponsoring the Hometown Heroes Series Well
join me in welcoming MaryYeager-Gale to the microphones.
Good morning, good morning.
Good morning, mary.
You're no stranger to amicrophone.
You've been talking on theradio for years, haven't?
Speaker 3 (03:10):
you and to WHKP?
Speaker 1 (03:11):
for sure you have.
You go back a long, long ways.
Mary Yeager-Gale is withChimney Rock Management, but
you've been involved withChimney Rock State Park for 44
years, did you?
Speaker 3 (03:24):
tell me Well for the park when the Morse family owned
it and then when the statepurchased it in 2007.
So it's been a very wonderfulride down there.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Well, maybe not so much today.
We'll talk about that, for sure.
Let's back up.
Are you originally?
Speaker 3 (03:39):
from this area.
I'm from Michigan, but I met myhusband, who grew up in Atlanta
, when I was going to graduateschool at Emory, and he is from
Batcave, so here.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
I am.
Speaker 3 (03:50):
Had you ever?
Speaker 2 (03:51):
heard of Batcave or been to Batcave prior to I mean
like Batcave right, exactly.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
You should have imagined what my friends said
when I moved to Batcave from.
Michigan, yeah, from Atlanta Inthe Batmobile, yeah.
Yeah, that's wild.
Yeah.
Michigan, yeah, from Atlanta Inthe Batmobile, yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
That's wild.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
And so your first experience was after meeting
your husband coming to Batcave.
Well, we got married.
Speaker 3 (04:11):
The same week I moved to Batcave.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
Wow, and we have a shop in Chimney Rock and then I
taught school in Flat Rock, soI'm very familiar with Henderson
County.
Batcave is the end of HendersonCounty, you know if you're
going to teach.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Yeah, truly, 44 years , that's amazing.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
You go back on this radio station, back to a mentor
that I never had the privilegeof meeting, Kermit Edney.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
Absolutely Kermit's book.
Kermit signed my book for me,his book for me.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
His spirit is still very much alive in this radio
station.
Like I said, I never had theopportunity to meet or to work
with him, but I have, almostevery day around here, thought
many, many times I wish I couldhave worked with that guy,
because he was a pro.
Speaker 3 (05:03):
He was, and you know I always referenced his book
about sunrise.
You know we had the Eastersunrise service down at the park
, yes, and he had a panel inthere about when sunrise would
happen, whether it was daylightsavings time or not, and every
year I would look to see whattime was sunrise, so we could
promote the Easter sunriseservice, wow.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
And that's where you got to know him.
I think was he came down tobroadcast, oh right.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
WHKP and Chimney Rock went way back when we had we're
in like our 68th or 9th year.
It's been kind of convolutedlately because of the road
washouts and COVID andeverything, but we've continued
to host the Easter SunriseService.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
On the rock.
Yeah, just below the rock.
I bet that is some vision.
I bet that is some vision.
I bet that is some oh it'sstunning.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
You watch the sunrise over Lake Lourdes.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
This year we actually had it down in Tryon because
you couldn't get in the parkbecause the roads were, but the
tradition continued.
Speaker 3 (05:53):
The tradition continues, and we'll continue
that down there too.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
And you're not the official spokesperson of the
park, but I mean today is anopening day, I understand, with
the park, which is exciting.
I mean after let's talk about,I mean incredible efforts to get
back open.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
Oh, I mean the help that we have had, the volunteer
help, the support of the county,both counties Rutherford County
, henderson County has beenamazing really.
And you know, even though it'sbeen nine months, there's a lot
of progress that's been made.
There's a lot of progress thatwe need to continue.
There's a lot of things thatneed to get done.
The road from here to there isstill you know, one lane down by
(06:30):
us in Bat Cave.
But it's coming and we'rethrilled.
You know that things are comingback.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
They had to actually build a temporary bridge to get
you.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
To get into the park.
Yeah, there's a temporarybridge, so annual pass holders
can come this weekend.
Next weekend, as you mentioned,will be the official opening.
But it's exciting times, youknow.
They're very hopeful.
It's a very resilient communitydown there and we're excited
about it.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
You mentioned you have a shop on main street in
chimney rock, right, we do.
Yeah, is it open?
Are?
Speaker 3 (07:02):
you, oh no, it was gutted from the storm as well so
we're still coming back thereisn't?
The infrastructure in thevillage still hasn't been
repaired.
So it's you know, we're stillwaiting for sewer water, some
power, right, so it'll be awhile before the village, but
stores will are going to startopening up and and roads will
get better and we'll startcoming back, of course, of
course.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
Yeah.
Well, we just wanted to haveyou come by and talk about
Chimney Rock State Park and your44-year involvement with it and
let everyone know that you'recoming back alive.
It's like a big giant wakingback up and you're coming back
alive at Chimney Rock Park.
Speaker 3 (07:42):
Well, and at Chimney Rock and at Chimney Rock Village
too.
Speaker 1 (07:44):
I mean the whole Hickorinut.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
Gorge area which goes from Girton Back Cave, chimney
Rock Lake Lure.
It'll be a renaissance for usreally.
Speaker 1 (07:53):
It really will.
Speaker 3 (07:54):
Kind of like the phoenix coming out of the ashes.
But it really will, kind oflike the phoenix coming out of
the ashes.
But it's amazing, I mean thehelp and support that we've
gotten from people all over,literally around this country.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
There's a big volunteer day tomorrow that
people are coming from all overto just help us kind of clean up
some things down in the village, and the Spokes of Hope, who is
an organization that's beenhelping us has been instrumental
been helping us, have has beeninstrumental in helping us get
some things you know done we'vehad, uh, jake jarvis of
precision grading here a coupleof different times on on the
(08:29):
show and he is continuing to doincredible things there, but
he's also working with thespokes of hope.
I understand he has and he'sbeen working.
Speaker 3 (08:37):
I mean, and you know j I understand he has and he's
been working and Jake is justtotally dedicated to helping and
he has helped numerous peoplenot to mention just the
community at large, butindividuals too to get back in
their homes to help them buildbridges.
Like I said, the support thatwe've received has been almost
phenomenal.
Really, it makes you want to gosomewhere and help somebody
(08:58):
else when this gets done.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
Yeah, well, how did you make do in the storm?
Personally, your home, did youhave damage?
Speaker 3 (09:05):
Well we had.
Our driveway was washed out, sowe stayed over in Laurel Park
for a couple months and we wentover to Flat Rock.
Some friends were gracious tolet us use their home while they
went down to Florida for thewinter, and so our driveway's
been restored.
We couldn't get any propanetrucks or anything up to the
house, but yeah, things arecoming back down there.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
Good.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
People are coming back, which is very exciting for
us.
People are rebuilding homes,and that gives us hope, too,
that our community will get backtogether.
Speaker 2 (09:35):
Yeah, the resilience and the determination and the
collective I mean the neighbors,just everybody coming together.
I mean it is happening, it'sgoing to be rebuilt and it's
going to be stronger than ever.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
We believe that too, and it's going to be different.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
It's going to be different.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
The one thing about Chimney Rock and Batcave is
there are these little idyllicplaces that kind of stopped in
time is.
There are these little idyllicplaces, that kind of stopped in
time.
So you know, we had a programwhen the fires were happening
down in the gorge and we hadplanned a program for the
100-year anniversary of the 1916flood and we had to move that
(10:15):
to another location because theyhad used the Lake Lure Town
Hall which was where it wasgoing to be held.
We were going to have theprogram there, but that's where
they used it as a base for thefire, so we had it, though, and
we talked about.
You know, here we are tocommemorate a 100-year flood,
and there's nothing that weneeded more right then than
(10:35):
water, right.
So, I mean, it's just beenpretty crazy, the irony of it.
But you know, three riversconverge in Bat Cave.
So, with the kind of rain wehad and the storm, it was almost
(10:57):
obvious things were going tohappen down there.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
You know know, over in the Pigeon River Gorge
they're having more roadWashaways, road slides, mud
slides, rainstorms, closures,and there's A lot of
similarities between that gorgeand the Chimney Rock area.
So the best of luck to you.
We wanted to have you on andsay thank you For everything you
(11:19):
do for our community, and we'rejust of luck to you.
We wanted to have you on andsay thank you For everything you
do for our community, and we'rejust so grateful to you.
Speaker 3 (11:22):
We are very fortunate to live in such a fabulous
place.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
We live in paradise.
Speaker 3 (11:27):
And we are most grateful for that.
Speaker 1 (11:30):
Grateful to you too, mary Yeager-Gale, our George
Real Estate Group, hometown Herothis week.
A pleasure to have MaryYeager-Gale as our guest this
week on Hometown Hero andtoday's and this weekend's
opening of the Chimney RockState Park.
Noah, it's looking up.
We're gaining ground on thedestruction that came our way
(11:51):
nine months ago today.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
Nine months ago today , incredible.
Just the progress that we'vecome and the persistence and
perseverance our communitycontinues to have and show and
the giving.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
Yes, there's.
One of my favorite people onthe face of this earth is
Phillip Treason.
He's got an open house thisweekend, doesn't?
Speaker 2 (12:11):
he, he does, he's doing 66 Ashton Lane down in
Tryon.
This is a real log cabin.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
I've looked at the pictures.
That is a beautiful place.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
It is beautiful 445, over 2 000 square feet over two
acres, and he's going to be openthis saturday from two to four
tomorrow.
Encourage you to come out, 66ashland lane and try on it's.
It's super easy to get to andyet private and beautiful and
it's a I mean well maintained Imean, and it's I mean
well-maintained I mean, but it'sa real log cabin.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
The interior of that, and the exterior too, but
especially the interior, verymodern.
Uh, to me just the epitome ofwhat a you'd want a mountain log
cabin to be look rustic on theoutside and be very modern on
the inside absolutely, and ithas a full length uh front porch
, covered front porch.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
On that thing you can enjoy the rain.
When the rain's hitting the,the metal roof.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
Yeah, it's, there's nothing else I saw that I there
was a picture taken of that, ofthat tin roof, and I thought, oh
yes, during a rainstorm and atwo-car garage next with it too.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
Oh, yeah, it's amazing Again over 2,000 square
feet built in 2000.
It's a real Lincoln Logs inquotes Okay, I mean when you say
Lincoln Log, it's a cabin.
I mean it's amazing.
And then again the extrathere's three lots actually
total that make up over the twoacres.
But I mean the freshly paintedthe inside, the hardwood floors,
(13:33):
I mean the propane logfireplace, I mean the kitchen is
beautiful.
It also has a mini cabinoutbuilding Again.
Just so many features on thisproperty, 66 Ashland Lane in
Tryon, and I think the abilityto put some space in there for a
mother-in-law apartment.
Oh yeah, you can have easilyhave a multi-generational uh
(13:55):
family home there.
It is truly amazing.
Another open house we have thisweekend is at 1351 chantaloupe
drive.
1351 chantaloupe drive, in inchantaloupe estates.
Right there it's in flat FlatRock, but the address is
Hendersonville, again, over twoacres, two and a half acres
totally remodeled home, fourbedrooms, four baths amazing
(14:16):
home.
That's going to be open thisSunday from 2 to 4 as well.
We actually have over.
I think we have four or fiveopen houses this weekend.
Really, you can go to ourFacebook page and see about all
of them.
There you can find out aboutall of our open houses.
Open houses work and we'reseeing a lot of activity.
The market's moving Inventoryis remaining low, demand is
remaining strong, interest ratesare the interest rates, but
(14:38):
buyers and sellers are stillmoving on with their lives.
Speaker 1 (14:40):
That's great to know.
And of course you guys at theGeorge Real Estate Group are
always on the ready to helpanyone with any real estate
needs.
And we sure want to thank MaryYeager-Gale for being our guest
today.
On the Hometown Hero Series.
Next week we will be chattingwith the new Apple Ambassadors.
Apple Festival's around thecorner, I know, I know.
(15:03):
So join us next Friday morningat 845 again for the George Real
Estate Group.
Hometown Hero Series.
Thinking about estate.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
The george real estate group hometown hero
series thinking about estateplanning for your real estate.
Without a smart approach, theproperty you leave behind could
become an unwelcome burden foryour kids.
Many children simply don't wantto co-manage an inherited house
or deal with the tenants.
Fortunately, you can preventthat with the right plan.
The george real estate groupspecializes in tax-efficient
(15:31):
strategies like 1031 exchangesand Delaware Statutory Trust to
simplify inheritance and incomeplanning.
A 1031 exchange can defer yourcapital gain taxes now and help
your kids avoid a big tax billlater.
And a DST lets you continueearning rental income without
landlord headache.
Plus, it can be split amongyour children, making
(15:52):
inheritance easier.
Planning ahead is one of thekindest gifts you can give your
family.
Let us help you secure yourlegacy.
Call the George Real EstateGroup at 828-393-0134 today.
You've worked hard to buildyour legacy.
Now let us help you protect itfor your loved ones.
Speaker 1 (16:11):
The George Real Estate Group is located in Flat
Rock, north Carolina, nearHendersonville in Henderson
County.
You can find them online atrealestatebygregcom.
The George Real Estate Groupcan be reached at 828-393-0134
or stop by their office at 2720Greenville Highway, flat Rock,
(16:31):
north Carolina.
Tune in live each week onThursdays at 10.05 am on WHKP
107.7 FM and 14.50 am, or streamonline at whkpcom or download
these podcasts wherever you getyour podcasts.
The George Real Estate Groupbrings you the WHKP Hometown
(16:55):
Hero Series every Friday morningat 845.
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