Photo Credit: Paul Hegner/Beech Mountain
A theme park that closed more than 40 years ago still draws crowds to Beech Mountain, North Carolina, every September. Land of Oz opened in 1970, closed in 1980 and never fully disappeared.
The Autumn at Oz Festival runs for three fall weekends each year. With opening weekend a wrap, only two remain: Sept. 18-20 and Sept. 25-27. Anyone planning a trip has until the end of the month to walk the Yellow Brick Road.
"There's simply nothing else quite like Autumn at Oz. It combines nostalgia, imagination, and the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains into an experience guests can't find anywhere else," said Armando Garcia, marketing and tourism director for the Town of Beech Mountain.
The festival takes visitors through the original park grounds, with the Blue Ridge Mountains rolling out behind the Yellow Brick Road. Beech Mountain reaches 5,506 feet, making it the highest incorporated town east of the Rocky Mountains.
The elevation keeps temperatures cooler than in the surrounding valleys, a welcome contrast to early September heat. Fall color also arrives first at higher elevations in North Carolina, giving visitors another reason to head uphill this time of year.
The appeal runs well beyond the park gates. "For many, it's their first introduction to Beech Mountain, and we hope they'll take time to discover everything else our town has to offer—from spectacular views and miles of hiking trails to outdoor adventure, local restaurants, and the welcoming spirit of our mountain community. We want every visit to Autumn at Oz to be the start of a lasting connection with Beech Mountain and a reason to come back season after season," Garcia said.
Beech Mountain offers enough for a multiday trip, and organizers encourage visitors to book lodging on the mountain rather than commuting up from lower elevations. Traffic along the access roads can back up on festival weekends, making an early arrival from the surrounding valleys more difficult.
The Emerald Outback trail network covers 7 miles, with routes for hikers and mountain bikers. The Buckeye Recreation Center offers guided hikes, while the surrounding lake area provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing.
Beech Mountain Resort runs scenic chairlift rides through September, giving visitors a view above the early fall color. On a clear day, mountain ranges across North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia are visible.
The Mountaineer Adventure Tower, a newer addition, offers three levels of climbing, a 25-foot corkscrew slide, and 360-degree views, along with mini golf and disc golf.
The Beech Mountain History Museum traces the area's past from its earliest Cherokee inhabitants through logging operations, railroad development and the real estate boom that produced both Ski Beech resort and the original Land of Oz. Exhibits detail the Carolina Caribbean Corporation, the development company behind the 1970 park, and trace how the project grew from a late-1960s concept into a lasting part of the region's history.
Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is one of a small number of American breweries owned and operated by a ski area. The family-friendly taproom serves house beers on tap and stays open after festival hours.
The Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria covers most everything else, including pasta, sandwiches, salads, ice cream, fudge, homemade chocolates and a full bar. An arcade, outdoor fire pits and another mini golf course offer additional options after dinner.
Lodging on the mountain includes condos, chalets, private homes and small lodges. Spots fill quickly during festival weekends, particularly for larger groups.
Tickets and event details are available at landofoznc.com. The festival closes Sept. 27. After that, Beech Mountain shifts into fall hiking season and then winter skiing, until the Yellow Brick Road opens again next September.
Originally published on theroamreport.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?)
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published.
Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today!
Receive weekly updates on obituaries and death notices.
Oregon Capital Press presented by Columbia Gorge News
Receive updates on upcoming promotions and special sections.
Receive weekly updates on local sports news.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
Commented