The Mole Hole : Specializing in Lake Cumberland items
The Mole Hole gift shop got its start back in 1995 in Tradewind Shopping Center – carrying rather high-end home decor .
When Tammy Hoehler bought the store in 2013 , she started what she calls a complete transformation .
Hoehler has a background in interior design but soon found that the Mole Hole ’ s original lines were priced out of reach for much of the community and with several chain stores offering more affordable home decor , Hoehler ’ s gift shop would have to develop a new niche .
“ We had to get creative about what we offer ,” she said . “ We do try to have fun , gifty tea towels and we have a couple of home decor lines that have always done really well .”
The Mole Hole also specializes in Lake Cumberland-specific items that appeal not only to the locals but also to tourists looking to decorate their
vacation home or houseboat .
“ We also have Somerset and lake apparel ,” Hoehler added . “ A lot of stuff comes from here , there and everywhere . It depends on what I find .”
The Mole Hole ’ s transformation included not only a change in merchandise but also locale , with the Mole Hole moving first to Somerhill Center before landing at its current location on downtown Somerset ’ s Fountain Square in 2019 .
“ Moving downtown changed everything for me and my business , and I am so grateful that I ’ m here .”
Hoehler also introduced sweet gifts in the form of gourmet chocolate . The most recent addition to the shop is a bar dubbed The Tipsy Toad .
“ As far as I know , I ’ m probably one of the only places that you can go that has a gift shop , a chocolate shop and a bar all in the same building ,” Hoehler laughed . “ I try to be in a lane all my own .”
The bar offers extended hours “ until 10-ish ” Thursday through Saturday . Thursdays feature an open mic and Fridays also feature live music .
Located on the Fountain Square in Downtown Somerset
Open Monday - Wednesday 10-6 Thursday - Saturday 10-10
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram 37 Public Square Somerset , KY 42501 • ( 606 ) 679-0170
Stay & Play Lake Cumberland Region - Summer # 2 2022 29