CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (WNCN) -- As tourists make their way back to Chimney Rock one year after Hurricane Helene, the prevailing sentiment is one of resilience.

"Sad, very sad, but hopeful at the same time," said North Carolina resident Debbie Rogers-Lowery.

Rogers-Lowery is like many mountain visitors who want to come and show their support.

"We have come here for years, spring, summer, or fall, we always take trinkets back, love the stores and shopping and people," she said.

And for others, like Raymond Ruppe, this place holds sentimental value because his family has spent years coming here, and a rock is a memorial to his brother.

"My brother's rock is right over there. I want to cry, actually, because my brother raised me," said Ruppe.

Chimney Rock Mayor Peter O'Leary says Main Stree

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