After this year's rough winter, summer just couldn't come soon enough. So when my family was invited for a sneak peek at Beech Mountain's Family Fun Month, we quickly jumped on the chance to enjoy a weekend getaway in Eastern America's highest town.
With 30 days of organized family activities, June in Beech Mountain offers a great opportunity to connect and "be a family again." Located a short and beautiful drive of just over an hour and half from Hickory, the town is situated at 5506 feet above sea level with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The temperatures here average 10-20 degrees cooler than in the Piedmont, creating the ideal climate for experiencing the area and the great outdoors.
Here's our list of twelve activities we recommend for you to enjoy as a family when you visit Beech Mountain this June.
1. Take a scenic chair lift ride - The view anywhere in town is great, but most spectacular from the top of Beech Mountain. Children 36" or taller through adult can ride the quad chair lift at Beech Mountain Resort for breathtaking views stretching for miles. Once at the top, visit the 5506 Sky Bar, a cozy glass roundhouse with food and beverage service plus a large deck from which to soak in the panoramic scenery.
2. Tour Land of OZ - No need to wait until October's Autumn at OZ to visit this defunct theme park. Guided tours will be offered each Friday in June allowing you to take a nostalgic stroll down the yellow brick road. Start at the small museum at Uncle Henry's barn to view props, costumes and memorabilia from the film and the park. Tour Dorothy's House (also available to rent) before descending into the cellar to experience the cyclone and emerging out of the back of the house into the Land of OZ. Visit with Dorothy along the way down to the gates of OZ in this magical place.
3. Get active at Beech Mountain Club - The outstanding facilities at the mile-high club include an 18-hole golf course (one of Eastern America's highest), premier tennis facilities, and a heated outdoor pool, all of which are available to families participating in Family Fun Month. The Club also offers a day camp for kids and lots of dining options with nightly specials at the clubhouse from which you can view mountain peaks as far as Virginia.
4. Play mini-golf at Brick Oven Pizzeria - Kids young and old will enjoy the 18-hole miniature golf course at the Brick Oven Pizzeria offering a buy one get one free special on games during the week (regular price $2 per player per game). The pizza here is fantastic, with a large just the right size for a family of four, and an extensive beer selection and yummy dessert options. Mention Macaroni Kid to receive 10% off your order! While you wait for your food, play some games at the arcade and decorate a lid to commemorate your visit on the walls of the restaurant.
5. Go on a hike - There are 28 miles of designated hiking trails on Beech Mountain offering something for everyone to "elevate your recreation." Guided hikes are scheduled throughout the month of June or you can venture out on your own. Pick up the trail map well worth the $1 price tag which doubles as a great road map for around town. The favorite hike with families is the easy 1 mile Upper Pond Creek Trail that runs along side of a scenic creek with fifteen informative signs along the way. Be sure to walk the quarter mile paved trail around Lake Coffey where you are sure to see lots of trout, bullfrogs and perhaps even a turtle. Lake Coffey is also home to the Kiddo Fishing Derby each June.
6. Bike the Beech - The Beech Mountain Resort bike park offers a variety of downhill mountain biking trails appealing to both adolescents/novices and intermediate/advanced riders. Bike rental is available or you can bring your own to transport to the top via the scenic chair lift. Mountain biking lessons are offered at the Beech Mountain Resort on Sundays throughout the month.
7. Watch a movie under the stars - Family-friendly movies rated G or PG will be shown on Friday and Saturday nights, weather permitting, on the mega-screen outside of the Brick Oven Pizzeria. View the stars or enjoy an old-time bonfire in the nearby firepit.
8. Listen to live music - Sunset concerts are scheduled for Sunday nights during Family Fun Month at the Beech Alpen Inn but many establishments around town host live music performances as well. The annual Singing on the Mountain on mid-June at Grandfather Mountain is a great (and free) opportunity to enjoy outdoor gospel music and fellowship.
9. Take a photography class - The Buckeye Recreation Center is offering four free outdoor photography workshops during the month so be sure to bring your camera to pick up some tips and tricks for capturing the best shot of the great views at Beech Mountain.
10. Pose with the hot dog statue at Famous Fast Eddie's - Take a family picture with the statue while you wait for your food at this local favorite. The service and the food here is fantastic with menu selections including Vienna all-beef hot dogs, deli sandwiches, pizza and barbecue plus a breakfast and a kids menu. (The ribs were fantastic and my daughter is still talking about them days after our return home!)
11. Browse the shelves at Fred's General Mercantile - Fred's is your one-stop shopping spot on the mountain, offering everything from groceries to clothing, home decor to books, hardware to toiletries. The locals say that if Fred's doesn't have it, you probably don't need it. The Backside Deli is touted as having the best breakfast in town (the omelet bar was wonderful!) and is also a great place to enjoy lunch.
12. Visit Grandfather Mountain - No trip to the High Country is complete without a visit to Grandfather Mountain. A walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge is a must for breathtaking views and be sure to stop by the Nature Center for a fun and educational experience. The daily animal habitat enrichments are a hit with the kids who will also enjoy the Animal Birthday Party on June 18th as well as earning their junior ranger badge. Through June 16th, learn all about the showy rose-lavender Catawba Rhododendron that blooms its way up Grandfather’s slopes with daily Rhododendron Ramble programs and guided talks. Grandfather Mountain is one of many attractions to which discounted tickets are available through Beech Mountain Club during the month of June.
There's lots of family fun to be had at Beech Mountain during the month so plan your getaway now. You'll be grateful for the chance to unwind, relax and reconnect with your family again, just in time to kick off your summer break, just like we did!
For more information, lodging specials and a full calendar of events during Beech Mountain's Family Fun Month, visit www.familyfunmonth.com.
Disclaimer: I was a recent guest of Beech Mountain for two nights during which accommodations, meals and activities were complimentary.
