Media > News Releases

A Cool 5

Beech Mountain Recreation Department Director Craig Colistra has announced the town’s plan to host its First Annual running event. “A Cool 5” will feature a run across the top of Beech Mountain - Eastern America’s highest town - on Saturday June 7th at 10:00am. The five mile run and accompanying fun run will be open to all runners and walkers.

 

The race course will be above 5000 ft in elevation with moderate climbs and awesome views across the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. Participants will be able to enjoy Beech’s “cool” summertime temperatures which seldom exceed 72 degrees. Views of Grandfather and Mount Mitchell will be among the scenic vistas available to those running.

 

Many runners, walkers, and cyclists specifically make the journey to Beech Mountain for high altitude training. The mountain is remembered for Lance Armstrong Tour Du Pont stage wins during the mid 1990’s.

 

“Our first entry into the running event schedule promises to be a memorable experience for participants”, said Colistra. Rory Ellington, the mountain’s foremost runner and cyclist has designed the course along with Brad Mettee. Both are experienced in running events in the region and have set the course so that runners of all levels can enjoy.

 

Race participants and their families are encouraged to take advantage of special lodging packages available on Beech Mountain for the race. Check with the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at 1.800.468.5506 for details.

 

For additional information on “A Cool 5” at Beech Mountain on June 7, 10:00am, please call 828.387.3003 or visit www.townofbeechmountain.com

or email buckeyerec@townofbeechmountain.com.

 

Autumn At Oz

Autumn at Oz atop Beech Mountain promises fun, wonderment for whole family

BEECH MOUNTAIN, NC-October 4 - 5 will bring enchantment and awe back to The Land of Oz as thousands of visitors migrate to Eastern America's Highest Town.

Fans of all ages will join Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and all the characters from the 1939 classic at the peak of Beech Mountain for Autumn at Oz-the town's annual festival celebrating ruby slippers, good and wicked witches, and the Yellow Brick Road. Characters from the original cast may also be on hand-adding to the magic and mystique of the festival.

"Families and fans from across the country come to visit the Oz Museum and soak up the aura that surrounds this event," said Peggy Coscia, executive director of the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce. "We'll have music, memorabilia and food vendors on hand for one of the most memorable events in the region."

There are multiple time slots for visitors to enter the festival (10am-12pm, 12-2pm, and 2-5pm on Saturday and after 10:30am on Sunday)-ensuring that families with children won't have to wait in long lines to see their favorite characters.

Tickets are $15.00, and children under 3 will be admitted free of charge. A limited number of tickets will be sold.

For additional information, please contact the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-468-5506 or visit www.beechmtn.com, and click on "Calendar of Events."

Contact:
Peggy Coscia, Executive Director
Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce
chamber@beechmtn.com
1-800-468-5506

Return to top

Benefits of Skiing

North Carolina skiing offers fun, fitness, relaxation

BEECH MOUNTAIN, N.C. -As winter temperatures reach yearly lows, exercise often takes a vacation. According to the American Heart Association, this dangerous trend is prevalent in 28 percent of American adults-and is one of the top risk factors for coronary heart disease and heart attack.

But cold, snowy weather doesn't have to mean putting your health on a shelf. In fact, skiing and snow boarding are exciting, exhilarating, and-above all-good for you.

Ski Beech-with 15 ski runs, freestyle snowboard terrain and an ice skating rink-hosts thousands of winter enthusiasts at its resort each season. "When racing down the mountain, skiers and snowboarders can't really focus on workweek anxiety or everyday stress," says Gil Adams, Ski Beech marketing director. "And they're usually having so much fun they don't realize they're burning almost 400 calories an hour."

The Mayo Foundation for Medical Research maintains that downhill skiing burns nearly 500 calories an hour. That's about the same as hiking or swimming.

Like any other cardiovascular workout, however, skiing and snowboarding aren't for the unprepared. The American Council on Exercise recommends at least five to 10 minutes of stretching and warm-up exercises prior to any semi-strenuous activity. This helps prevent injuries and soreness by improving the elasticity of your muscles and increases your core body temperature, enabling more efficient calorie burning.

It's also important to take necessary precautions. "Dehydration can sneak up on you in the snow, so water is definitely a necessity," says Adams. "And just because it's cloudy outside doesn't mean you aren't at risk of sunburn. Skiers should be sure to cover all exposed skin with adequate sunscreen."

Ski Beech and other North Carolina ski resorts offers several very affordable ways to enjoy winter sports making it a great choice for maintaining and building one's fitness level. Daily specials throughout the week, and discounts for groups are available by visiting www.skibeech.com or www.skinc.com. Lodging specials are available at www.soakupthesnow.com.

Winter doesn't have to mean staying inside, holding the couch down. Get out, get healthy, and-by all means-have some fun.

Contact: Gil Adams, Ski Beech Marketing Director, 800-438-2093

Return to top

Fall Release

Take a Fall Trip to Oz, Go Fly a Kite and Explore the Blue Ridge Mountains in Beech Mountain, North Carolina

BEECH MOUNATIN, N.C.-For those looking for a unique getaway this fall, travel to the highest point in the eastern United States and experience the wonderful world of Oz, fly a kite at an elevation above 5,280 feet and enjoy the unparalleled fall colors of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Beech Mountain, North Carolina.

"Fall temperatures at Beech range from 55 to 65 degrees, which makes it pleasant during the day to get out and enjoy the outdoors or attend an event, with a cooler temperature in the evening, which provides the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the mountain lodging. There's nothing better than getting a hot drink, sitting by the fire and enjoying the sunset over a mountain of fall color," said Peggy Coscia with the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce. "There's no need to drive to Vermont in the fall-we're only a few hours away."

In addition to wildlife viewing and exploring the scenic and colorful mountains, during September and October, Beech Mountain hosts a calendar of family-friendly events and activities, including hiking the mountain, the Mile-High Kite Festival and Autumn at Oz.

Escape to the Beech
Beech Mountain offers the opportunity to leave life's troubles behind and rejuvenate in the fall air with Beech Mountain's getaway weekends. Weekends provide a fall escape into the Blue Ridge Mountains, featuring activities and relaxation. Weekend activites include white water rafting, flyfishing, hiking, biking and antiquing.

One of the most beautiful times on the mountain is the fall season before the stress of the holidays that bring friends and family together to relax in the High Country.

Mile High Kite Festival
On Sunday, August 31, kids and adults can join hundreds of kite-flying enthusiasts from across the southeast at the Mile High Kite Festival. This one-of-a-kind event allows participants to to fly a kite at an altitude that reaches more than a mile high, and each participant receives certification for flying their kite above 5,280 feet.

"This kiting celebration blows into Beech Mountain annually at the end of the American Kite Flyer-sanctioned season," said Coscia. "This is not only a fun event, it is an educational event, celebrating the sport of kiting, and offering advice from kite experts."


At the Mile High Kite Festival, participants can create their own individual kites, decorate them with a variety of materials, watch kite flying demonstrations, or practice kite flying techniques in the open-fly area.

"The first 100 children to attend the festival will receive a free kite; and food, t-shirts and kites will also be for sale," said Coscia. "Prizes will also be awarded, honoring the smallest and largest kit constructed, as well as individual certificates for each child participant, signed by the town's mayor, stating they flew a kite a mile high."

This free family event, sponsored by the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce with the assistance of the Richmond Air Force Kite Club (RAF) and the Winds Across Carolina Kiting and Okra Society (WACKOS), celebrates the simple joy of kites and introduces kids to the wonders of flight. Participants have the opportunity to see demonstrations of a variety of kites including sporting and oversized kites, as well as the chance to learn and practice kite-flying techniques.

Autumn at Oz
On October 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Beech Mountain visitors can follow the yellow brick road up the mountain to hang out with Dorothy, the Lion and Tin Man, the witch and munchkins at Autumn at Oz, featuring munchkins from the 1939 Wizard of Oz movie. A two-hour tour takes guests through the infamous Aunt Em's and Uncle Henry's farm home and along the yellow brick road to visit with Dorothy and company. Along with live music, a petting zoo, face painting and magic shows, visitors can stop in at the mini-museum to examine artifacts from the original screenplay. Each guest that attends should wear something "Ozzie" and bring along any photos to add to the special weekend.

"Attending the Autumn at Oz party is a special treat for any visitor to Beech Mountain. The movie is a timeless family hit, and both young and old are thrilled and enthralled when they visit Oz," said Coscia.

Jack Pentes and Grover Robbins, the founders of Oz, wanted to create a special place for children and their families, so in 1970, a Wizard of Oz themed amusement park was created. After both men passed, the property eventually switched ownership and then closed down.

In 1990, Oz made a comeback when the Emerald Mountain development began, creating home sites with the concept of paying respect to the land of Oz. Restorations began throughout the park, including the revitalization of Dorothy's farm and the yellow brick road.

"The once destroyed park has now developed into a garden with gazebos, waterfalls, and fountain ponds that show the restoration of Dorothy's farm," said Cindy Porter, caretaker of Oz..


To share the memories of the park and the movie, organizers created the Autumn at Oz party. The event is $15.00 and children under three attend free of admission. For more information, please visit www.emeraldmtn.com.

Dancing on the Mountain
Fall visitors can get out their dancing shoes on Saturday, August 30 for the Beech Mountain Street Dance, taking place in the Town Hall parking lot from 7 to 9 p.m. Beech Mountain Street Dances are a southern tradition featuring Beach Music, made popular in the coastal towns of North and South Carolina, and are held four times a year for locals and visitors. For this dance, local D.J. Mac Mast will be providing the musical entertainment.

"Street Dances are one of the most popular events on Beech Mountain, especially with the gorgeous fall weather and cool temperatures. In front of Town Hall, sand is spread out in the parking lot for dancing and locals and visitors tailgate together-it's an outdoor party at 5,506 feet," said Coscia.


Another mountain tradition will be held on August 16, the Beech Mountain Barn Dance, featuring live local country music for dancing, as well as local food, including special pimento spread, salsa, crackers and fried apple pies.

Hike Beech Mountain
The first Tuesday of each month, from April to October, local experts take groups on hikes on Beech Mountain, educating hikers about the 20 miles of hiking trails the town maintains. Ranging from moderate to difficult, hikes on Beech Mountain cover old growth forest, waterfalls, old logging roads and a railroad grade that originally carried the logs harvested on the ski slopes. Hikers will also experience a variety of elevations, ranging from 3,800 feet to 5,000 feet, and see local wildflowers and wildlife, including white tail deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, red squirrels and grouse.

For earlier fall visitors, a Tuesday hike will also be held on August 19, covering the Falls Trail, a moderate 1.6 mile hike through a variety of mountain terrain, including Buckeye Creek, a natural waterfall and old logging roads.

On September 2, visitors may hike the Upper and Lower Pond Creek Trail, two miles through the natural settings of Beech Mountain. The Upper Pond Creek Trail, a comfortable nature hike, is filled with 15 informative stations, covering the local wildlife, flowers and greenery. The hike continues on the Lower Pond Creek Trail, a moderately strenuous trail through steep mountain terrain, featuring water cascading over rocks with many

small waterfalls and a large waterfall.

On October 7, as mountain temperatures cool and autumn sets in, hikers can travel the Buckeye Gap Loop Trail, a moderate to strenuous 5.1 mile loop through the woods of Beech Mountain. This trail includes grassy paths, old logging roads and unimproved town roadways.

For more information, visit www.hikebeechmountain.com.

The Holidays at the Beech
As fall ends and cool winter temperatures spread across the High County, families can prepare for the holiday season with Beech Mountain traditions.

"For fall visitors wanting to extend their stay into the beginning of winter, November offers Cut and Choose Weekends, a local Beech Mountain tradition, occurring each weekend throughout the month," said Coscia. "Spreading early holiday spirit, families have the opportunity to pick out their Christmas tree, take advantage of special lodging rates, shop for presents at the Alpine Village or ski the slopes of Ski Beech."
"Area businesses also plan special treats, which guests enjoy-for instance, at the chamber we offer hot cocoa and apple cider when visitors arrive-simple things to get people into the holiday spirit."

Beech Mountain, the highest town in the eastern United States at 5,506 feet, is nestled in the northwestern North Carolina Mountains, only two hours from Charlotte and Asheville. Known for it's unique beauty and winter sport activities, Beech is a year-round tourist destination offering visitors a variety of outdoor adventures. Throughout the year, the town also embraces a wide range of cultural activities ranging from street dances and Sunday evening sunset concerts to the town-wide 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog and arts and crafts festivals.

For more information about Beech Mountain, please contact the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at (800) 468-5506 or (828) 387-9283 or visit www.beechmtn.com.

Contact:
Peggy Coscia
Beech Mountain
Chamber of Commerce
(800) 468-5506

Return to top

Families at Beech Mountain

Family Adventure Awaits In Beech Mountain, North Carolina

BEECH MOUNATIN, N.C.- As spring approaches, it's time to forget the winter chill and enjoy the cozy lodging, brisk mountain air and outdoor adventures in the beautiful mountains of Beech Mountain, North Carolina. Whether you want to explore the "Old West," take a whitewater adventure, go fishing, explore underground caverns or enjoy a "kid's night" at the recreation center, Beech Mountain has a host of family-friendly activities and is a central location to explore various mountains attractions.

"Beech Mountain is a haven for children of all ages because of the wide range of activities the area has to offer, including outdoor adventure, unique attractions and kid-friendly events, as well as the natural mountain surroundings that make the town a great escape," said Peggy Coscia with the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce.

Beech Mountain offers a wide variety of guest rooms, ranging from mountain inns and lodges to private chalets, cabins and condos.
"The weather is typically nice during the day, allowing families to get out and play, but it's still cool, which is ideal for snuggling up next to a fire in the evening," said Coscia. "And, a lot of the properties offer discounts this time of year, so you can find great deals for a weekend get-away."

Golf:
For golf enthusiasts, the Beech Mountain Club opens in May. The facility offers 18-holes of mountain golfing that was designed by Willard Byrd. Although it is a private course, certain accommodations provide membership as a guest of the owner, allowing visitors to golf and use the pool facilities. There are also many other courses within a short driving distance of Beech Mountain. For more information, contact the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at (800) 468-5506.

Buckeye Lake:
Buckeye Lake, a seven-acre lake located at the base of the town, offers a combination of outdoor activities, including fishing and bird watching. Buckeye Lake is also a starting destination for several of the hiking and biking trails the town has to offer.


Fishing season begins the first Saturday in April, and in the month of June a popular event for kids and family is the Kiddo Fishing Derby, a free event for children ages four to 12. The competition awards trophies in the categories of the first trout, largest trout, heaviest trout and the first to catch the limit of four trout. Vendors are also on site selling hot dogs and soft drinks or picnic tables are available for families that want to bring their own food and snacks.

Recreation Center:
The Recreation Center, a 22,550 square foot facility, includes indoor basketball, volleyball, track and tennis courts, as well as a fitness room for adults. Children under seven can use the kid's playroom, a specially designed room filled with soft playground equipment.

"There are also outdoor tennis courts, a playground, softball field and 1/3 mile walking path directly adjacent to the center," said Coscia.

The center hosts kid's craft nights twice a month and a Friday kid's night featuring pizza, games and movies.

The center is also available for parties, receptions, reunions or meetings. For a complete list of the facility's activity schedule, visit www.townofbeechmountain.com.

Hiking and Biking:
To fulfill the child's sense of adventure, set out on any of the 20 miles of designated hiking trails or ride the 50 miles of paved bike paths.

"Beech Mountain has beautiful mountain terrain, which provides a variety of activities for families of all skill levels," said Coscia.

Beech Mountain offers guided hikes, which are both educational and fun, allowing families to explore the great outdoors while beating the heat. The first Tuesday of each month from April through October, the town of Beech Mountain hosts guided hikes, which are perfect for all skill levels.

Tuesday Hikes on Beech Mountain appeal to both the experienced and novice hiker and range from two to four miles in length. Each hike is led by a volunteer that has the knowledge and expertise to give visitors an insider's look at the mountain. Each hike is designed to showcase the nature and unmatched beauty of Beech Mountain. Trails range from 3,800 feet to 5,000 feet and wind past creeks, waterfalls, old growth timber, and other natural wonders. Participants can also expect to see wildflowers and wildlife, such as white tail deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, red squirrels, and grouse.

For more information on Beech Mountain hiking, visit www.hikebeechmountain.com.

For experienced bikers, trails of Beech Mountain follow the same routes that Lance Armstrong traveled as he prepared for the Tour De France while recovering from cancer in 1998. Beech Mountain bike trails cover more than 50 miles of paved bike routes and scenic trails designated for mountain bikers.

"The bike routes are definitely challenging, and we would recommend them for older children who are experienced riders," said Coscia.

The town's five major bike routes start from the visitor's center, located near the top of the mountain next to the town hall. While most routes are through residential neighborhoods, others take riders on a journey through nature, such as the route by Buckeye Lake, and each trail offers riders unique aspects that can't be found elsewhere.

For more information on Beech Mountain biking, please visit www.bikebeechmountain.com.

"In addition to having a lot of family activities located right here on the mountain, Beech Mountain is a great place for families to stay while they explore the surrounding areas," said Coscia. "Within a short drive, there are several unique attractions that adults and kids are sure to enjoy."

Linville Caverns:
Linville Caverns, located only an hour drive from Beech, offers bottomless depths of undergrounds pools, streams filled with trout, sleeping bats, and nature designed shapes, textures and colors. Linville Caverns are the only public accessible caverns in the state of North Carolina offering guided tours after being opened for touring in 1939.

Linville Caverns are open daily from March to November and on the weekends in December to February. For more information, please visit www.linvillecaverns.com.

Tweetsie Railroad
Travel back into the Wild West and hang out with cowboys and outlaws at the Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina's oldest theme park, which is located in Blowing Rock, 25 miles outside the town of Beech. Tweetsie and Yukon Queen, the park's two vintage steam locomotives, make a three-mile loop through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The park also features live, old-fashioned entertainment, such as rowdy 1800s saloon shows, mountain dancing with the Tweetsie Cloggers and musical celebrations. Tweetsie Railroad also features county fair rides, including a carousel, the Tweetsie Twister, Mouse Mine Train Ride and Turnpike Cruisers. Visit www.tweetsie.com for more information.

Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain, located just 25 minutes from Beech Mountain, is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge mountain range. Families can enjoy mountain views from Linville Peak, a mile-high swinging bridge and a variety of wildlife, which are native to the area. Grandfather Mountain's nature museum educates visitors on the natural history of the area through more than two-dozen exhibits, including birds, Native American artifacts, photography, gems and minerals and the largest amethyst ever found in the country. Additionally, a visit to the nature theater will showcase nature films that have been filmed on the mountain.

"Along with all of the outdoor activities, Grandfather Mountain also features wonderful trails and views worth the trip on a clear day," said Coscia.

Visit www.grandfather.com for more information.

Whitewater Rafting
Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Banner Elk, High Mountain Expeditions opens for the season on March 31 and offers whitewater-rafting adventures that are sure to get the adrenaline flowing.

The Watauga River, the ideal river for families with small children, is a four and a half mile river trip filled with fast moving water, mild rapids, mountain scenery and Canadian geese and ducks. Kids can master the mighty Anaconda rapid, which ranges from a class two to class three rapid. The rafting day begins at 11:30 a.m., Monday thru Saturday. Rafters will be served lunch, have the opportunity to swim and shop when returning to Ski Country Sports at 5:00 p.m. Rafters will be provided with the transportation, a river guide, rafting equipment and snack.

For children over 12, the ride of a lifetime is on Wilson Creek, with creek drops of 85 feet per mile and five to 10 foot ledges. Rafters will have personal, one-man inflatable funyaks, which offer the chance to navigate individually down the river.

Rafting instructors will teach participants to maneuver the funyaks and rapids. The Wilson's Creek trip departs from Ski Country Sports in Banner Elk at 9:30 a.m and lasts until late afternoon.

For more information, please visit www.highmountainexpeditions.com.

Horseback Riding:
For those looking to explore the mountains and get off of your feet at the same time, horseback riding is a great option.

Chadi Farms Carriage Rides, an 18th century farm and horse breeding facility, features private trails on the family's mountain homestead. Trails vary according to skill level and riders can stay on beginner trails or advance to the mountainous twists and turns the area has to offer. Chadi Farms offers horseback riding, horse drawn carriage rides, hayrides and hiking. For a complete list of prices and schedules, please visit www.chandifarms.com.

Dutch Creek Trails, located in Valle Crucis, is complete with a 100-year-old barn and white farmhouse. The horseback riding features trail rides that will loop through various mountain trails and features scenic views. Dutch Creek is open year-round, Monday through Saturday and, along with the horseback riding, also offers visitors a rich history with building dating back to the 1880s. For more information, please call (828) 297-7117.

Beech Mountain, the highest town in the eastern United States at 5,506 feet, is nestled in the northwestern North Carolina Mountains, only two hours from Charlotte and Asheville. Known for it's unique beauty and winter sport activities, Beech is a year-round tourist destination offering visitors a variety of outdoor adventures. Throughout the year, the town also embraces a wide range of cultural activities ranging from street dances and Sunday evening sunset concerts to the town-wide 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog and arts and crafts festivals.

For more information about Beech Mountain, please contact the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at (800) 468-5506 or (828) 387-9283 or visit www.beechmtn.com.

Return to top

Hog Roasting and Summer Dances

Enjoy the Hog Roast, Street Dances, Festivities at Eastern America’s Highest 4th of July Celebration

BEECH MOUNTAIN, N.C.— Conveniently located within a couple of hours from many of the region’s major cities, summer travelers to Beech Mountain, N.C. can partake in the mountain’s outdoor activities, including hiking and biking trails and white water rafting, while enjoying the cool summer temperatures that rarely exceed 72 degrees. In addition to the plentiful summer activities, travelers to Beech Mountain can also partake in Southern traditions that have been celebrated in the High County for more than 30 years at the 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog and the Beech Mountain street dances.

On Saturday, July 5th, the Town of Beech Mountain, the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce and the Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department will host the 36th year of the 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog, one of the High Country’s premier Independence Day celebrations.

The 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog, started by John Wade, a Beech Mountain local, was named the 47th Annual in the first year of the official event. Wade, who invented the event as an outlet to celebrate the Fourth of July with a group of close-knit friends and family who lived on the mountain, labeled it as the 47th annual event immediately as a joke.

“John was poking fun at events that were always labeled according to how many years they had been held, but since then, Beech has held the ‘47th Annual’ July 4th celebration each year,” said Jim Brooks, owner of Beechwood Realty in Beech Mountain. “This Fourth of July celebration will forever be known as the 47th annual. It’s an amusing story that makes each of us smile every time we think about the event’s beginnings, and it is something that also intrigues Beech Mountain visitors that are attending the hog roast for the first time.”

The View Haus at Ski Beech will host the roasting of the hog, which will begin at 6 p.m. The Roasting of the Hog, a family-centered event, features food, musical entertainment, children’s activities and celebration, and concludes with a nighttime fireworks display at 5,065 feet.

The food, cooked by local firefighters, is made with homemade hickory charcoal to provide unique flavor and taste. Firefighters use Boston Butts meat and turkey breast cooked with Worthingham’s Rub from Memphis and serve traditional barbeque trimmings. Proceeds from the event benefit the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce.

“This is a perfect family event, because it provides something for everyone, from music, food and children’s activities. Plus, the temperature rarely exceeds 70 degrees, so the climate allows you to be comfortable outdoors for an extended period of time,” said Brooks.

“I don’t know of any other events take the time to make the charcoal and cook the meat the way we do at the Roasting of the Hog celebration. And after years of perfecting the seasonings and charcoal blends, this event offers arguably the best barbeque in the High Country.”


Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce, Fred’s Mercantile or at the gate. The cost is $15 per person and $5 for children 10 and under.

During the summer, Beech Mountain visitors can party at 5,065 feet at the Beech Mountain Street Dances, a southern tradition held two times a year at Town Hall.


“We cover the parking lot with sand for all of the dancers; and locals and visitors tailgate while enjoying the cool summer temperatures and musical entertainment,” said Peggy Coscia of the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce.

The Street Dances bring the mountain to life with music from the 1940s on. The dances are free and open to the public, and coffee and cookies are served. They are scheduled for July 19 and August 30 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“There are always large crowds with people of all ages enjoying the festivities,” said Coscia. “It’s a great time for visitors and locals.” For summer visitors traveling to Beech Mountain to enjoy the variety of outdoor activities and traditional events, Beech Mountain offers a wide variety of accommodations, including mountain inns, lodges, private chalets, cabins and condos that can accommodate a number of budgets.

“Beech Mountain’s lodging facilities offer guests great amenities, features and staff, and are centrally located close to any of the great events, like the Hog Roast, or outdoor activities that visitors will want to experience,” said Coscia.

Beech Mountain, the highest town in the eastern United States at 5,506 feet, is nestled in the northwestern North Carolina Mountains, only two hours from Charlotte and Asheville. Known for its unique beauty and winter sport activities, Beech is a year-round tourist destination offering visitors a variety of outdoor adventures. Throughout the year, the town also embraces a wide range of cultural activities ranging from street dances and Sunday evening sunset concerts to the town-wide 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog and arts and crafts festivals. Activities on Beech also include outdoor sports such as golf and tennis.

For more information about Beech Mountain events, please contact the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at (800) 468-5506 or (828) 387-9283 or visit www.beechmtn.com.

Return to top

Ray Russell

Mark Twain said, “Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.”

Clearly, the iconic writer was convinced of weather’s unpredictability. But then again, Mark Twain never met Ray Russell.

In the past 10 years, Russell has turned a part-time hobby into a daily passion—and an amateur weather prediction into one of the region’s most trusted sources for accurate short- and long-range forecasts. But he’s not your average meteorologist.

In fact, he’s not a meteorologist at all.

Russell’s fascination with weather began in adolescence, when a snow-covered ground translated to a day off from school. The welcome escape inspired a tireless quest for knowledge.

Over the years, Russell buried himself in meteorology texts, learning the scientific side of weather prediction. And in 1996, the computer science professor at Appalachian State University began writing a snow forecast and hosting it on the school web site. Encouraging his interest, Russell’s wife gave him a weather station in 1998. Two years later, with the help of a local newspaper story, the web site took off. In fact, it garnered so much attention that it had to be moved from the university’s web site to one all its own.

And with that, RaysWeather.com was born.

RaysWeather.com is now Western North Carolina’s most widely read media outlet and has doubled in visitation every year. In fact, in 2006 Russell predicted his site received more than 4 million hits—many from snow enthusiasts looking for the perfect days to ski and snowboard.

“People have come to rely on our forecast,” Russell says. “They come to our site because we make the tougher calls. We make detailed predictions in advance—which is something many forecasters don’t attempt to do. But we predict it like we see it. We call it ‘forecasting without a net.’”

And it’s this boldness that sets RaysWeather.com forecasts apart from those of traditional meteorologists—as well as the fact that Russell’s predictions are made while sitting behind a computer screen.

“We pull data from roughly a dozen computer models, as well as two subscription-only meteorology web sites,” Russell says. “We also receive good surface data from more than 25 weather stations across Western North Carolina.”

One of these stations—a certified National Weather Service station—is located at Fred’s Mercantile atop Beech Mountain and has seen the lion’s share of activity over the years. Nearly every year, the more-than-a-mile-high town sees almost twice the snowfall of others in the region.

“We have seen snow on Beech Mountain every month but August,” said Fred Pfohl, owner of Fred’s Mercantile. He remembers one particular Memorial Day when shorts-wearing visitors found themselves in the middle of a serious snowstorm.

Some snowstorms—like the infamous March Blizzard of 1993—have been known to drop four feet of snow at a time. Since then, the single-season record for snow came in 1996, when more than 10 feet of snow covered the ground. “Beech Mountain could lay claim to being the ‘snow capital of the Southeast,’” admits Russell. “Mt. Mitchell and Clingman’s Dome could probably say they get more snow, but Beech is the place where people live.”

But even though accumulation totals vary widely between towns in the area, the accuracy of Russell’s predictions speaks for itself. Even in his long-range winter forecast (dubbed “Ray’s Fearless Forecast” for its unflinching audacity), Ray typically predicts within inches of the exact total.

“(Last year) I forecasted 50” of snow in Boone…and 100”+ at Beech. We had 35” to 40” in Boone…and 99” on Beech.”

Not bad for a prediction made months in advance. But Russell maintains his modesty.

“I graded it a C+,” he says.

So what does Russell see in the future for RaysWeather.com?

“We’ll be including topographic maps and other graphic resources for site visitors. Our area will soon cover from Sparta to Wolf Laurel utilizing more than 25 separate weather stations. The goal is to cover all of Western North Carolina.

“It takes a lot of work, but it has its rewards—providing a needed service, as well as watching something become as big as this has,” says Russell. “We now have eight people (including three professional meteorologists) involved with the site—and it all started as a hobby in my backyard.”

Return to top

 

Santa Comes to Beech Mountain

BEECH MOUNTAIN, NC— Visit with Santa in the Gazebo on Beech Mountain, December 20 at 4 p.m. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, plus be part of the lighting of the Christmas tree. Bring a homemade ornament to help decorate the tree next to the Chamber of Commerce, and then watch the tree light up at 5pm.

“This is a fun time for kids of all ages,” said Peggy Coscia, office manager of the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce. “You can even make a day of it with dinner, skiing, sledding and ice skating - or just a good snow ball fight.”

For more information, contact Peggy Coscia at (800) 468-5506 or (828) 387-9283 or email chamber@beechmtn.com.

Return to top

Sledding Hill

BEECH MOUNTAIN, NC—Winter is once again upon us—and high atop Beech Mountain, the most enjoyable time of the year is springing to life.

Public sledding is now in full effect on the Municipal Sledding Hill—next to the Beech Mountain Town Hall. The hill is for children under 12 only and is open all winter, weather permitting, 9 am - 5 pm each day. No charge. The hill is outfitted with man-made snowmaking capabilities.

 “Kids are ready to get out and savor the snow,” said Peggy Coscia, office manager of the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce. “They’re already pulling out their coats, gloves and boots—and they’ll soon hit the sledding hill in full-force.”

Even though the Mountain South has yet to see its first big snowfall, locals aren’t worried. As of Thursday morning, low temperatures in Eastern America’s Highest Town were right around 28°—cold enough for some serious artificial snowmaking.

And reports from the National Weather Service suggest that this winter could be colder and wetter (more snowfall) than in recent years past—which is great news to winter-sports enthusiasts.

In other words, it’s shaping up to be a great ski season—and the Beech Mountain Sledding Hill is only the beginning.

For more information, contact Peggy Coscia at (800) 468-5506 or (828) 387-9283 or email chamber@beechmtn.com.

Return to top

 

Select A Category