From scenic drives to horseback riding, skiing, and snowboarding, Beech Mountain offers a lot of breathtaking adventures to those who love the outdoors.
It’s indeed more than just North Carolina’s coolest town.
Beech Mountain is where you’ll find the Emerald Outback, a part of the Appalachian Trail, where you’ll see steep mountain trails and breathtaking views.
Curious folks, both young and old, will enjoy Beech Mountain’s rich history as a town incorporated in the early 80s.
While it’s best to experience the town during cold seasons, there are still plenty of things to enjoy here, even in summer.
If you’re interested in discovering more about Beech Mountain, read on!
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If there’s one thing that friends have to do during the summer, it should be traveling!
And what better way to enjoy your summer travel than choosing a destination that’s new but also offers a wide array of activities to keep the fun summer spirits.
When in the Beech Mountain area, try visiting the Beech Mountain Resort, a gorgeous resort and recreation hot spot in the center of Beech Mountain.
This resort is so charming that it never fails to attract visitors no matter what the season is.
There are plenty of activities you can enjoy with friends, like mountain biking, outdoor yoga, scenic lift rides, and disc golf.
You would be happy to know that they also have plenty of local events tourists can join or visit.
If you’re heading to Beech Mountain Resort for the winter, you can enjoy ice skating, tubing, snowboarding, and skiing.
The resort is about 1,678 meters above sea level, making Beech Mountain Resort the highest among other eastern North American ski resorts.
For friends looking for a fun outdoor experience, Beech Mountain Resort will surely not be a let-down.
Whether it’s winter or summer, the air is fresh here, and it’s far from the hustle and bustle of urban living.
You can surely relax in this kind of atmosphere and consider unwinding at the Sky Bar, Village Bakery, terrain park, brewery, or nearby multi-cuisine restaurants after a hectic day at the resort.
If you love Dorothy, Mr. Tin Man, The Scarecrow, The Cowardly Lion, and all the characters of The Wizard of Oz, you have every reason to visit Beech Mountain’s Land of Oz.
The Land of Oz used to be a theme park back in the 70s, and after it closed, it occasionally reopened for historical tours.
From being a mini-reunion of the old theme park’s employees, the reopening gave birth to regular historical tours to showcase what remained of the old theme park that ceased operating in 1980.
These historical tours are pre-scheduled so make sure that you check their website to book the tour ahead of time.
The said tour offers a 90-minute worth of reminiscing the Land of Oz’s yellow brick road, and here, you’ll see original attractions like the tornado cellar, Fountain of Youth, the Judy Garland Memorial Overlook, and the Gale Kansan Farm.
Apart from these nostalgic views, you can also enjoy shopping at the Oz Shop.
These tours are mainly on a reservation basis, and tickets often sell out instantaneously once the park opens.
Group rates usually start at $150.
But note that the park has stairs, ramps, and uneven paths, so it might not be ideal for strollers and wheelchairs.
If you or your folks need assistance in moving around, you can opt for the afternoon walk instead.
The weather can be windy and chilly, so remember to dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes, and bring an umbrella and jacket.
Beech Mountain is an 80-mile or roughly two-hour drive through the mountain from Ashville.
It’s close to Banner Elk, and the fastest route is taking I-40 East to reach Marion and, from there, go through US 221 North to get to Linville and Banner Elk.
You’ll need to take the shuttle bus provided by the park to reach the top of the mountain.
After spending time at the Land of Oz, you and your kids might want to enjoy some fun activities indoors.
In that case, your next destination must be the Buckeye Recreational Center.
If you’re planning to visit Beech Mountain, one of the best Buckeye activities you can enjoy is the Fall Color Hikes every Friday at 10 A.M.
This initiative already started last month, and due to strong public demand, they decided to continue it.
Aside from the Fall Color Hikes, the center also holds yearly events, like Halloween Week and Halloween Trivia Night.
The former usually happens in the last week of October, while the center hosts the latter every Friday of October, a few days before November.
They also celebrate the Fall Festival by holding exciting activities like yoga hikes, winery tours, art exhibits, and game nights.
On regular days, you can still visit the center to enjoy indoor recreational activities like camping, playing in the indoor playroom, and grilling outdoors at their picnic area.
You can also try their outdoor fire pit and make s’mores.
This fire pit is just right by the camping site so families can enjoy a relaxing bonfire experience while sharing stories or playing games.
During the daytime, kids can also play tennis, basketball, or pickleball in the play areas.
Your kids will surely enjoy these activities as they experience nature and indoor activities in one place.
Of course, you’ll need a place to stay while you’re enjoying your grand vacation at Beech Mountain.
Never miss the majestic view of the area by booking a holiday home at Charter Hills B1.
You can find chic, modern homes in this area.
What’s even more impressive is that it’s near skiing areas.
It’s a great holiday home for families to hang out with.
Moms don’t have to worry about food as they have restaurants just around the corner.
During the daytime, kids can also play tennis, basketball, or pickleball in the play areas.
There is also a large pool if anyone’s ready to hit the water.
You can even bring your pets as the place is pet-friendly.
The holiday home has a flat-screen cable TV, fridge, and microwave.
For a perfect breakfast, you can brew your coffee, make a toast, or cook a hearty meal for everyone!
The swimming pool area in Charter Hills has received good reviews from its guests for its cleanliness.
They also have a fitness center to make sure you don’t miss your morning routine.
Beech Mountain is home to countless breathtaking sites.
Aside from those mentioned above, the best sunset view is at Sunset Park.
You can end your short afternoon stroll to the park with an incredible sunset view.
Vacationers suggest coming here during autumn as the sunsets at the time are amazingly glorious.
You can lay down on the ground, look up at the skies, and let the view take your worries away!
If in the middle of your busy tour at Beech Mountain you want some quiet time to sit and simply marvel at nature’s beauty, you might as well try trout fishing down at Lake Coffey.
This 2-acre lake offers a trail around the body of water that runs for one-fourth of a mile, mostly boardwalk.
It may be a short trail with only one of its sides paved, but it is undoubtedly worth it because you’ll see a fishing pier filled not only filled with fishers but also with people jogging and walking around the lake.
The Wildlife Resources Commission annually stocks the lake with rainbow, brown, and brook trout.
A word of caution for those who want to try fishing at Lake Coffey: you need to get an inland fishing license first.
Vacations should be fun and fun multiples when shared with your loved ones.
And what better way to spend your vacation at Beech Mountain than sharing stories and catching up with family and friends over a few bottles and beer mugs of lager, ale, or malts?
Whether you visit during the summer or winter, Beech Mountain Brewing Company has the perfect brew and perfect spot for you.
This brew destination is perched right in the Beech Mountain Resort village, providing the best hangout spot for avid skiers.
Apart from their in-house brew, they also serve classic eats like loaded fries, chicken tenders, salads, and loaded cheese nachos.
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Never miss on the opportunity to try the 20-minute train ride in Tweetsie Railroad’s 64-year-old train.
Onboard the nighttime train dazzled by thousands of sparkling lights, you will experience how it feels to ride in a narrow-gauge steam locomotive.
Apart from this, you can also enjoy other Christmas-themed entertainments like visiting Santa’s Gingerbread House, live, toe-tapping Christmas shows, classic amusement rides, and s’more-roasting at the outdoor fire pit.
If you’re looking for a hidden gem in the middle of Beech Mountain, try hiking at Perry Park.
Although only a few knew of this thrilling location, what’s certain is that those who just discovered it fell in love with the place and came back for more.
Named after Joe Perry, former director of Beech Mountain, Perry Park offers a breath-taking and picturesque view of the Upper Pond Creek, ideal as a picnic venue.
The local authorities built this park to allow passage from Charter Hills to Lake Coffey.
Your hike from Upper Pond Creek will not only lead you to Lake Coffey but also to a charming recreation area found one mile away from the former.
After a relaxing walk, marveling at nature’s wonders, you can finally settle down and enjoy fishing at Lake Coffey or even continue hiking down Lower Pond Creek’s trail.
But note that since the Lower Pond Creek trail is about a mile and ends at the Locust Ridge Road, it’s slightly more complicated than the Upper Pond Creek trail.
But if you love water cascades, waterfalls, and long walks, both these trails would be nothing short of fun and enjoyment.
We usually get anxious when we leave home without our dogs, cats, and other pets.
Now you can plan your next vacation to Beech Mountain with your pet dog because aside from the city being pet-friendly, there are activities and destinations just for them.
Beech Mountain Bark Park is an off-leash, fenced-in dog park where your adorable and cuddly dogs can walk, run, exercise, and play fetch in a safe, clean environment that’s not endangering people, wildlife, and properties.
This well-maintained park is accessible to all dog lovers.
As a community project, the brains and hearts behind this initiative wanted to give back to the community by providing a spacious area where dog lovers and dog owners can bond with their pets.
Your trip to Beech Mountain wouldn’t be complete if you don’t explore Emerald Outback’s biking and hiking trails.
If you’re thirsty for some adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities, the Emerald Outback won’t let you down.
The mountain has around 11.3 kilometers of challenging yet gorgeous trails that are free to access 24/7.
What’s even more exciting is that small, narrow streams and lush undergrowth fill the emerald green forest, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.
If you want some quiet and restful afternoon, you can schedule a picnic by Buckeye Lake, where you and your family can also enjoy riding on a pedal boat.
Found in the middle of the green, lush Beech Mountain trees, the Buckeye Lake is the perfect getaway for those tired of the hustles and bustles of city living.
With the perfect vacation companions, you can enjoy chatting while fishing by the lake.
When you want to navigate the water but don’t want to get wet, hop on the pedal boat and bike your way through the lake.
Beech Mountain is indeed alive and kicking in the dead of winter with its exhilarating winter sports like sledding.
If you visit Beech Mountain during winter, drop by the Beech Mountain Sledding Hills and let your kids have the best times of their lives.
Beech Mountain Sledding Hill is best for kids who are 12 years old and below.
Older kids can have fun on the steep hill, leaving the younger ones exploring the gentler slopes.
The center is open daily from December to March.
If you’re eager to play disc goal in a 6, 250 yards, 8-hole golf course, then you never want to miss the Beech Mountain Club.
This private club offers various amenities you can enjoy all year round.
Because of the area’s elevation, you get to play disc golf at a daytime temperature that rarely exceeds 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
Aside from disc golf, you can also play tennis in the club’s 10 Har-Tru composition clay courts and pickleball in the Beech Mountain Club Pickleball Center.
In terms of adventure towers in the Southeast, none beats Mountaineer Adventure Tower.
If you want to have a good time with your kids, this is the place to go.
It held its grand opening in the summer of 2022.
You can find it on Bark Park Way.
Thrilling climbing action on three distinct tiers awaits those who are game for an adventure.
The rope course is only one of several exciting elements, including a 25-foot slide and panoramic vistas that will fascinate youngsters of all ages.
Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria, once called “Little Giant Market and Deli,” first welcomed customers in 1988.
The deli was a massive success as the years passed. Booths replaced the supermarket’s aisles as pizza and sandwiches became increasingly popular in the high country.
Over time, the restaurant’s popularity skyrocketed thanks to the inclusion of a bakery, a complete bar, a mini golf course, and a state-of-the-art arcade.
Golf is a sport that people of any age may enjoy.
There is a mini golf course adjacent to Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria, where you can watch your children have a great time as they aim to sink that hole in one.
You never know when your kid could win that coveted green jacket.
Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria occasionally organizes Family Fun Night with live music, a bouncy house, and an outdoor movie screening at twilight.
Since Fred’s General Mercantile’s first day of business in 1979, its motto has been “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.”
Fred’s General Mercantile has lived up to the hype since it has served as the community’s hub.
It sells fruits, vegetables (regular and in season), poultry, fresh meats, artisan bread, frozen foods, and canned goods.
You may also find local craft beer and wines, local and foreign wines, snacks, candy, drinks, cleaning supplies, and more here.
If you need a quick fix, the store has hardware, home and gardening products, decorative things, and so on.
It also has apparel and accessories, books, DVDs, cards, stamps, souvenirs, presents, artwork, crafts, unique photography, and ski equipment.
Who thought one store could provide for everyone’s needs forever? Indeed, Fred did.
Kids of all ages are encouraged to bring their kites to Beech Mountain for Labor Day weekend and fill the clear blue sky with a rainbow of colors and designs.
A kite may be flown almost a mile above sea level in the meadow at the back of Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria, located at a height of more than 5,000 feet.
The biggest kite, the tiniest, and the best-decorated kite get awards at this family-friendly event.
Apart from professional kite flying clubs demonstrating their skills, there will also be parachute kite races with the kids as prizes, face painting, and other activities.
Don’t you have a kite?
You may also purchase kites; those under 12 can get free kites to paint while supplies last.
Beech Mountain held its first Farmer’s Market in August 2022; since then, it has been a regular event. It gathers hundreds of locals and visitors to see what Beech Mountain offers.
Go to the public parking lot outside Fred’s General Mercantile and check out the farmers’ market there.
You may purchase fresh organic vegetables, baked goods, honey, plants, microgreens, dog treats, and farm-raised cattle.
It highlights regional food producers like farmers, cheesemakers, beekeepers, gardeners, and more.
A weekend visit to the Farmer’s Market allows you to take in one of the region’s most picturesque panoramas.
Explore the mountain’s beautiful paths after shopping, and then have a bite to eat at one of the local eateries.
Eight miles from Beech Mountain is Banner Elk, the place where you can see the best wineries.
It would be a waste if you made all the effort to visit Beech Mountain and not make the most out of it.
One of the things you can do as you visit Beech Mountain is to go on an 8-mile drive to North Carolina High Country’s Banner Elk Winery.
Honeymooners often go here for their cozy restaurant, private wine tours, and spectacular views of the valleys and mountains.
The majestic, awe-inspiring North Carolina High Country’s Blue Ridge Mountain nestles this original winery.
You can bring your loved one here for wine tasting, a winery tour, and even a stay at their elegant villa.
The latter is famous for its elegance shown in the villa’s unrivaled service, luxurious accommodations, and idyllic setting.
These suggested places will surely make you want to leave work now and schedule that road trip to Beech Mountain today.
Remember to plan your vacation, pack everything necessary, check your car for safety, bring sunblock, and book your trip accordingly.
Make your vacation fun by making the most out of it.
Sleep, have fun, rest, and recuperate as much as you can.
You see, you can be more productive and efficient once you have recharged.
Discover the world.
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