The Bobarosa Reborn

Paradise Lost but Rediscovered.

US 25/70 is also the road that goes by the Bobarosa Saloon, hard by the confluence of the Pigeon and the French Broad rivers. Because their destruction was more complete than Hot Springs', they had nothing to rebuild; as a result, they have gotten back underway more quickly and completely. In place of the historic bar and compound, they simply put down new gravel, threw up a pole barn to serve as a bar, and also brought in a food truck to replace their kitchen.

The staff survived the hurricane and has returned to the place now that it's back in service. There's a bandstand on one side of the bar, picnic tables outside in place of the restaurant they used to have, and a campground they are still restoring a bit at a time. Still, there's food, drink, and music by the river, and a large number of bikers passing in and out. The beer is American and inexpensive, as is the food. (As for the music, the singer said that he'd had many requests, but was going to keep playing anyway.)

Their old rules still apply: In God we Trust; all others, cash only. They do have an ATM.

View of the pole-barn bar and the river.

Food truck and restroom trailer.

Ragged old flag, which survived Helene and was cleaned but not restored.