The Wrinkled Egg: A Colorful Cornerstone of Flat Rock
The Wrinkled Egg in Flat Rock NC
When people talk about moving to Hendersonville or discovering Flat Rock for the first time, there’s a good chance they’ll hear about The Wrinkled Egg—a vibrant and beloved local shop that’s become the heart of historic Little Rainbow Row. Whether you’re a new resident exploring the best things to do in Hendersonville or a longtime local, this storied storefront is more than just a place to shop—it’s a rich tapestry layered with history, character, and community.
From Peace’s Store to The Wrinkled Egg
The building currently known as The Wrinkled Egg began its life as Peace’s Store in the early 1900s. Operated by brothers Luther and Melton Peace, the store sold everything from penny candy to hardware. It even included a barbershop! This multi-purpose hub was once the place to buy groceries, catch up on local gossip, and even send and receive mail in the early days of Flat Rock’s post office.
Fun fact: the back room, now home to the delightful Flat Rock Bakery, was originally used as living quarters. Adjacent spaces served as a schoolhouse and temporary mail route in the early 1900s. It was a true community cornerstone in every sense.
Bringing History Back to Life
Fast forward to 1990, when local entrepreneur Starr Teel reimagined the old store as The Wrinkled Egg. Under the stewardship of Virginia Spigener, the shop soon became a must-stop for colorful home goods, local art, gifts, and unforgettable charm. Virginia embraced everything about the building’s quirky character—even the unexplained creak of the front door opening at 3:30 PM each afternoon, which she fondly attributed to the ghost of Clarence Peace.
You can almost feel the layers of time as you wander the rooms—filled with treasures both old and new. It’s no exaggeration to say that The Wrinkled Egg captures the essence of what’s it like living in Hendersonville and the surrounding communities: vibrant, welcoming, and enriched by history.
Anchoring Little Rainbow Row
The Wrinkled Egg is the epicenter of Little Rainbow Row, a charming, pastel-painted row of shops that feels as cheerful as a spring morning. Alongside local favorites like Hubba Hubba Smokehouse and Honey and Salt, it forms an unbeatable destination for both leisure and local flavor. It’s no wonder why so many who visit Hendersonville end up wanting to stay.
If you’re considering a move to Hendersonville, you’ll appreciate how easily charm and convenience blend in this scenic village. Places like The Wrinkled Egg are why so many people fall in love when they relocate to Hendersonville.
A Piece of Living History
The vivid story behind The Wrinkled Egg is preserved and celebrated by Historic Flat Rock, Inc., an organization instrumental in protecting the character and culture of the area. The building was placed under a Preservation Agreement, ensuring its historical essence remains intact for future generations to admire and enjoy.
Visiting The Wrinkled Egg offers a perfect opportunity to not only shop or grab a bite, but to experience a slice of Flat Rock’s and Hendersonville’s deeper history—a history that’s tangible, rooted in community values, and very much alive.
While You’re in the Village
There’s so much more to see while you’re in Flat Rock. Here are a few nearby favorites to round out your visit:
- Flat Rock Playhouse – North Carolina’s state theatre, offering stellar performances in a beautiful setting.
- Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site – Explore the estate of the famous poet and his sprawling goat farm.
- Hubba Hubba Smokehouse – Grab some mouth-watering smoked BBQ right in the courtyard.
- Flat Rock Bakery – Don’t skip the wood-fired pizzas or scones made with love.
Fall in Love with the Local Flavor
If you’re planning to relocate to Hendersonville or are just exploring what makes the area so special, make a stop at The Wrinkled Egg. It’s the kind of place that holds stories within its walls and welcomes you like an old friend. From its humble origins as a country store to its celebrated status as one of the Best of Flat Rock, this iconic destination offers an experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, The Wrinkled Egg is one of those rare places where past and present co-exist in perfect harmony. It’s Flat Rock’s living room—warm, inviting, and full of stories just waiting to be discovered.