Beech Mountain, N.C. is the highest town in Eastern America, with a peak elevation of 5,506 feet. A ski resort sits in the middle of the town and doubles as a downhill mountain bike park in the summer. Beech Mountain is home to the Land of Oz, a beloved theme park that operated from 1970-1980, which sits on the highest peak of the mountain. Visitors can tour the Land of Oz on Fridays during the month of June and on the second weekend in September with ticketed admission. The Overlook Barn, winner of the Venue Report’s Best New Venue in 2016 and Wedding Wire’s Couples Choice Awards in 2018, sits atop a ridge just outside of town limits. The predominant feature of Beech Mountain is one that everyone can feel; it rarely exceeds 79 degrees in the summer and receives an average of over 80 inches of snow in the winter. Cool and breezy, lacking in humidity and mosquitoes, and completely devoid of riptides and sharks – this is one “Beech” everyone can love!
This winter the Beech Mountain Resort offers 17 slopes and 9 lifts, where skiers and snowboarders of all abilities can find just the right run, and tubing and ice skating are available for those looking for a different way to enjoy the cool weather and abundant snowfall. Those new to the slopes need not worry; lessons are available daily for both skiers and snowboarders. For those who’d rather not be out in the cold, there are other options at the resort. The Beech Mountain Brewery creates six amazing brews in its own brew house, and both the Beech Mountain Taproom and the Lodge have something to please every palate. Music lovers will enjoy the great lineup at the resort, with live performances every Friday and Saturday through mid- March. Performers include the Harris Brothers, the Steel Drivers, Dr. Bacon, and Melissa Reaves.
Back in town, look for more great music at the local restaurants and bars, including live music by Nate Harris every Thursday night at the Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria. The town has nine restaurants, four ski shops and Fred’s General Mercantile, for your shopping needs from socks to bacon and eggs. For those who are interested in trout fishing, the Town’s Mountain Heritage Trout Waters offer great angling, and hikers will enjoy more than 25 miles of public trails year-round. Some of these trails are suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as well; contact the town’s Parks and Recreation department at 828-387-3003 for more information. For kids 12 and under, the Town of Beech Mountain provides a free sledding hill next door to the Visitor Center; it’s open 1-5pm on weekdays and 9-5pm on weekends and holidays.