Avery County, North Carolina
Beat the heat this summer with a trip to Beech Mountain, eastern America’s highest town. A full schedule of fun family-friendly activities, many of them free, awaits you here in North Carolina’s high country, where just a few hours of driving takes you into North Carolina’s cool, breezy highlands. There are plenty of lodging options on Beech Mountain, from hotels to condos and individual houses suitable for families and groups of all sizes.
Beginning May 29th, the Beech Mountain Resort will be open for the summer season. Scenic chair lift rides, down hill mountain biking, and a brewery draw many visitors, and free live music at the Skybar on Saturday afternoons are the icing on the cake. Musicians love to play on the deck of 5506, with panoramic views behind them, and the setting makes for an unforgettable afternoon. The lift ride to the Skybar is $12, but the concert is free. Please note that the lift isn’t suitable for pets, infants, or small children.
The Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria will host Family Fun Night every Friday from May 28th through June 13th. These popular outdoor gatherings are free, and include live music, a bounce house for kids, and a family-friendly outdoor movie. As an extra-special treat, the band for Friday, June 25th is DeCarlo, featuring Tommy DeCarlo, the lead singer of the band Boston.
The Beech Alpen Inn continues a long tradition of Summer Sunset Concerts on the Lawn every Sunday night from May 30th through September 5th. Enjoy this outdoor venue on the lawn next to the Beech Alpen Inn’s restaurant. Music plays from 5:00-8:00 pm. Bring a chair or a blanket. Genres range from blues to jazz to rockabilly, so there’s something for all tastes. These are free concerts, and food is available on the grounds.
– Kate Gavenus
