By Shawn Williams, Controller, Corp Sec/Tres, at Beech Mountain Resort
I get asked all the time, “Why go to Beech in the summer?” The list could go on and on, but here are a few of my faves. Beyond the fact that the drive is short, there are ample rental properties that provide an escape for those 100 degree days! The average summer temperature rarely exceeds 75 degrees.
The resort operates for summer operations Thursday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Take the lift to the top and let your kids just run around, while chillin’ on the deck of 5506’. Seriously, that is a win-win for anyone. From 5506’, you can see Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain in Virginia, and on a clear day you can even see Pilot Mountain almost 100 miles away. Because of such natural beauty, Wine Enthusiast magazine listed 5506’ as one of their “8 Sizzling Ski Resort Bars in America” in January of 2016. Go up and have lunch, Sunday brunch, enjoy a full bar, or have some of the beers from the Beech Mountain Brewing Company. The live music scheduled for the summer of 2016 has been AWESOME and all bands play each Saturday. We are talking family friendly tunes to be enjoyed by all!
Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is the resort’s owned and operated brewery and taproom. This spot is right in the middle of the village. If you aren’t up for a lift ride one day, it gives you the same great experience with the awesome beer selection and special events. Lunch options are paired perfectly with the handcrafted brews and super knowledgeable brewers are there to answer questions! This is the perfect spot for the family, after a long day of riding.
This year Beech Mountain Resort, along with Beech Mountain’s Family Fun Month, was able to offer on Fridays in June a chance to escape into a land of fantasy and excitement, with guided tours of the old Land of Oz property at the top of one of North Carolina’s majestic mountain peaks. This was an unbelievable hit! I was getting calls and texts asking for tickets and there was no magic that I could make happen to produce extras. They sold out! I know I am hoping to see this become a regular summer event!
Beech also offers the area’s first chairlift-accessed Disc Golf Course hosting multiple and unique tee locations accommodating all skill levels, Innova Dispatcher Pro Targets, and a picture-perfect “Signature” hole from this professional level course. Innova discs are available for purchase or rent. Cost to play is $15, including a single ride to the first tee. This is something that every family should try. Trust me it may not be pretty your 1st time, but man it is FUN!
For the cyclists, Magic Cycles has been be on hand this summer to offer a complete line of biking products, rentals, repair services and upgrades for road and mountain bikes. We just announced a multi-year partnership with Elevated Trail Design, which will be working with the resort to enhance the existing mountain bike facilities and provide design and construction expertise to expand the bike park. The ski area is the only bike park in North Carolina that has bike lift accessibility to transport bikes up the mountain. The bike park offers full day lift tickets for $35. We have a knowledgeable staff of instructors, offering lessons and camps for the entire family. Seriously, there is a little something for everyone! We are continuing to work towards an even better experience to keep you coming back for more!
For all my yogis out there take your downward dog to new heights with our Mile High Yoga. Yoga takes place at 5,506 feet on the observation deck of the resort’s skybar. The goal is to provide a safe, friendly, soothing and unique atmosphere for all ability levels. Classes begin at 10:30 a.m. and last approximately one hour. The class is accessible by chairlift. Tickets to the class are $15 and can be purchased in Ski Beech Sports, located in the resort village.
I haven’t even left the resort yet! Camps, hiking, swimming, tubing, fishing, and so much more. Weeks at the beach I totally get, but give Beech a chance next summer and we will have you coming back for more!
For information, call the resort at 800-438-2093 or visit www.BeechMountainResort.com. You can email me directly for my tips on what to do with your kid’s swilliams@skibeech.com!
