After the Cherokee removal in 1839-40 the Toxaway territory began to be settled by white people. Many white settlers pushed up into the French Broad and Toxaway River headwaters in what is now Transylvania County. Among those enterprising pioneers were the Owen families, of which Vincent Owen, the original proprietor of Toxaway Falls Stand, was a descendant.

Vincent built his little one room store on the west bank of the Toxaway River at the top of the falls. Thirty-some years had passed since the pent up waters of the lake had broken free and plunged wildly down the gorge and into South Carolina. The abandoned lake bed had grown up in blackberry briars and white pines, and the children played softball in the bottoms that once lay under the deep. The magnificent Toxaway hotel had fallen from grace to neglect and decay, finally suffering dismemberment as her beams and planks and timbers were sold, ripped out, and hauled away. It was a time when there seemed no hope or likelihood that the lake would ever be rebuilt or that prosperous times would return. Nevertheless, Vincent Owen had hope. In 1947, when U.S. 64 was barely more than a gravel road leading pretty much to nowhere, he opened his little souvenir stand on the side of the road and called it simply 'Toxaway Falls Stand'.

For nearly 50 years Mr. Owen faithfully plied his trade, at first selling trinkets, and then ice cream, to the few travelers who managed to make it to Toxaway Falls. Later he added other merchandise as the times and his customers dictated. Soon after Lake Toxaway was rebuilt, in the early l960's, his stand moved across the bridge to its present location at the site of the old rock quarry formerly used by the highway department in road construction.

Vincent Owen passed away in 1995 and today his son Jack operates Toxaway Falls Stand. Jack says there's something for everyone at his little open air shop. You'll find the area's best assortment of jams and jellies, pickles, relish and sourwood honey at reasonable prices. There are home made hiking sticks and locally made birdhouses of every description including Marjorie Owen's ever popular gourd houses. The store also houses a small gallery of Marjorie's painted saws and miniature landscapes. You'll also find inexpensive kids' toys, coon tail hats, bear purses, and feather head-dresses. Then there are soft drinks, Amish butter; and peanuts, fried and boiled. Plus those oh-so-comfortable Amish rockers. Jack says to check his prices on hand crafted rustic furniture before you buy anywhere else. Stop by and browse around. You're certain to find something to please or amuse you.

Toxaway Falls Stand also serves as the check in/check out location for our family owned Panther Ridge RV park, and Little Panthertail Vacation Rentals. For a trip to Panther Ridge, use the link below.

Eddy Hoots, chain saw artist, carves BEARS at Toxaway Falls Stand.

Feel like traveling? Let's say it's 1902 and you are on the train, bound for Toxaway. You might be surprised where you end up. Check it out for yourself using the Side Trip link below.

Links:

Destination: Toxaway, Old Toxaway, Lake Toxaway -

Take me to Panther Ridge.

No, take me to The Depot for more Toxaway information.

Take me Home.