With the dog days of summer heating up to soaring temperatures, the best escape is to head to the mountains and experience fresh, high elevation air and a cool breeze on your cheek. Luckily, North Carolina is home to the highest elevation town on the east coast, Beech Mountain. For a great summer getaway this quaint town is perfect.
While Beech Mountain is known as a winter ski resort getaway, its summer counterpart takes on a whole new aesthetic. The tall peaks are brimming with thick greenery, clouds float above or sometimes through the mountain and the air is crisp and cool. Throughout June, Beech Mountain is offering 'Family Fun Month' with an assortment of activities.
On your drive up you'll pass the requisite shops of Beech Mountain. One great place to pop in is Fred's General Mercantile. This Beech Mountain staple is more than just a market - it's a historic beacon of the town. The weathered wood floors creak with each step, there's colorful candy jars packed full of various gummies, a great beer and wine selection as well as some quick pickups if you're looking for groceries. Downstairs is also a delightful breakfast and lunch spot many locals and visitors frequent.
After paying homage to history, take the ski lift up to the top of Beech Mountain. Operating during certain summer days, you might see a mountain biker or two. Come summer, ski slopes transform into mountain biking trails. If you're just looking for a little relaxation though, you'll get that too. This Friday, you can also walk along the yellow brick road.
During certain weekends (including this one) you can experience a guided tour of the mysterious Land of Oz. This theme park made national headlines with sporadic openings (and a frenzy of tickets selling out almost immediately). The elusive Land of Oz stays mostly quiet and closed, which naturally attracted photographer Seph Lawson who put Land of Oz on the map with his eerie, enchanting photography series. While any other time of year it's illegal to trespass, the opening days and guided tours allow those who are curious a glimpse inside this enchanted wonderland.
For more information on tickets and dates, click here.
Emory Rakestraw
Even if you can't make it to Oz, a great adult option at the top of Beech is visiting the 5506 Sky Bar. This circular bar provides breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge and has Adirondack chairs and a large porch for taking it all in. You might even see a keg or two making its way up the lift, as Beech Mountain Brewery is served on draft here (try it, it's delicious). For family month, other events include disc golf, mountain biking lessons, Pickleball open play, a Great American Outdoor Cookout at Fred's (this Saturday), Beech ATV tours, a street dance in front of Town Hall, and even discount tickets to Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad and Linville Caverns.
If you're looking for a unique summer getaway, visiting Beech is perfect - and now is the perfect time do so seeing that June is loaded with various activities to keep you and the kiddos entertained. Rent a cozy mountain house and explore nearby attractions as well like Grandfather Mountain, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock. While many head east during the summer, you'll find me heading west; nothing like that cool mountain air!
From someone who visited Beech Mountain last summer (and this winter, of course) I’ll say it’s amazing during the warmer months and a must-experience. For the full list of activities for family fun month, click here.
