This winter, there’s a different ~beech~ calling. Sitting pretty at 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is a primo destination for an unforgettable cold-weather adventure. Reopen for the season following Hurricane Helene, eastern America’s highest town is known for its sweeping panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, setting the backdrop for a fun-filled weekend of snow sports—or more relaxing après-ski selects if that’s more your vibe. Not to mention it’s only a four-hour drive from Raleigh. Here, how to spend a snowy sojourn.
Hit the Slopes
Beech Mountain Resort Adrenaline seekers, this one’s for you. A quintessential NC ski spot, the East Coast’s highest mountain resort is home to ample ski/snowboard trails for all skill levels—plus a freestyle terrain park feat. rails and jumps. There’s even tubing, sledding, winter hiking and night skiing! And newbies, have no fear, as the resort also offers lessons for all ages. Then it’s all downhill from there!
Liquid Courage
Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Brews and views? It doesn’t get much better than that. Cozy up by the large fireplace, or venture out to the deck to enjoy impeccable vistas and the classic mountain resort menu with a succulent twist—perfect for skiers and snowboarders seeking a quick bite and/or a drink after shredding the gnar. Popular ops include the smashburger, loaded beer cheese nachos and buffalo tots—plus, any of the brews, natch. Be sure to stick around for fun events and live music from local bands and DJs to keep the fun going all night long.
5506’ Skybar Will trek for booze. Take the chairlift up—you guessed it—5,506 feet to enjoy a bev in the warmth of the round glasshouse, or bundle up in one of the Adirondack chairs outside to really soak in the views. And you might actually want to drink responsibly as the only way down is by ski or snowboard (!).
First Chair Coffee Shop Before embarking on your daily high-altitude adventure, make a pit stop at this cozy community-driven oasis touting the perfect cup of coffee to awaken your senses. In addition to classic caffeine and espresso picks, there’s also hot chocolate, seasonal drinks and rotating baked goods.
Fuel the Fun
Fred’s General Mercantile’s Backside Deli A staple of the high-country community, this beloved haunt is so much more than just an eatery—it’s also a grocery, ski and snowboard outfitter, hardware store, gift shop, wild bird supplier and more. But don’t sleep on the comforting breakfast and lunch fare, ranging from breakfast burritos and biscuits and gravy to BLTs and hot dogs.
Holy Smokes BBQ Holy smokes! Located at one-stop rental shop White Wolf Lodge, the locally popular ’cue haven is a must-visit for mouthwatering North Carolina pulled pork BBQ, Southern sides, and a range of sweet and zesty sauces made in-house daily. For a sweet finish, the restaurant’s homemade fudge counter—and the views off the back deck!—are not to be missed.
Mi Jalisco Mexican Grill What doesn’t ~tequila~ makes you stronger—and a marg or two can only help your slope game, right? The classic Mexican restaurant boasts a large menu of authentic dishes, including vegetarian options. Faves include the sizzling fajita or mariscada, a combo of seafood and mixed veggies in a savory tomato-based broth, served with warm tortillas for a tasty touch. Shots for dessert, anyone?
Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria This, well, famous outpost is known for more than just great pies (though there are 15 different delish specialties to choose from)—it also features family-friendly activities like mini golf, live music, outdoor movie screenings, a full arcade and other events. One of the *coolest* places on the mountain, indeed.
Looking for an enticing outdoor escape? The hills of the High Country are calling…
“The future tells me go, but my mountain heart says stay.” If your heart belongs to the mountains a la country crooner/queen Dolly Parton, soothe it via a vacay to High Country. Nestled in the “Coolest Corner in North Carolina” amid the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and home to the highest town in eastern America (aka Beech Mountain), this area offers stunning views of the second-oldest mountain range on Earth, an array of high-altitude activities, plus fantastic food and drink ops galore.
A mere three-hour-ish ride from Raleigh, such gems as Blowing Rock, Boone, West Jefferson and more make for the ideal getaway to unplug and reground yourself in the woods or simply spend some QT with your people. Thrill-seekers can pounce on the area’s plethora of extreme sports, while a lineup of laid-back activities await for those who like to play it safe. Happy trails!
EAT
6th and Main
Grandma’s house vibes found. Settle down for dinner at this home-turned-restaurant mealtime mainstay where dinner feels at once like a warm hug and a sweet surprise. The cozy locally owned gem sources local ingredients to serve up specials on the regular—think fried chicken with a spicy pecan glaze, dynamite shrimp (it’ll blow you away), lobster bisque, and more mouthwatering meals. Ain’t nothin’ finer! Wilkesboro, 6thandmainrestaurant.com
New River Brewing Smokehouse and Eatery
Let the divine scent of smoked pulled pork beckon you off the beaten path to this “palpable and positive” father-and-son-founded brewery/smokehouse where meats reign supreme. Dig into jumbo wings, ribs, sandwiches, salads and more. Pro tip: The smokehouse fries topped with pulled pork, cheese and housemade Cheerwine BBQ sauce will send you. Holy smokes, indeed! West Jefferson, newriverbrewing.beer
Beech Mountain Brewing Co.
Brews and views? It doesn’t get much better than that. Take a seat out on the deck to enjoy impeccable vistas and the classic mountain resort menu with a succulent twist—perfect for skiers and snowboarders seeking a quick bite and/or a drink after shredding the gnar. Popular ops include the smashburger, brisket sandwich and loaded fries—plus, any of the brews, natch. Beech Mountain, beechmountainbrewingco.com
DRINK
Call Family Distillers
It’s all smooth sipping at the 2023 NCRLADistillery of the Year, with a history tracing back to the 1800s (!)—plus a boost from Willie Clay Call, aka “The Uncatchable” and one of the most renowned moonshiners to come out of Wilkes County. Answer the call to get in on the mishmash via the magic of moonshine-making—then chill over a bev or two and extend the buzz via live tunes at Mash House. Wilkesboro, callfamilydistillers.com
Bohemia Coffee
But first, coffee. Keep your getaway grounded with a cuppa from this quaint downtown cafe boasting an abundance of coffee selects and flavor choices and a cozy, eclectic atmosphere. Go bold with a frozen cotton candy or dragonfly coconut drink, or stick to the basics. If you name it, they can brew it. West Jefferson, bohemiawj.square.site
5506’ Skybar
Will trek for booze. Take the chairlift up—you guessed it—5,506 feet to enjoy a bev in the warmth of the round glasshouse, or bundle up in one of the Adirondack chairs outside to really soak in the views. During the winter, you’ll actually want to drink responsibly as the only way down is by ski or snowboard (!). Beech Mountain, beechmountainresort.com
STAY
Mountain Top Cottage
Get high in High Country—literally—by taking to the hills to stay at this secluded mountaintop home. The majestic mountain vistas are the perf backdrop for exploring the extensive wooded property, snacking on s’mores by the fire pit, or taking a dip in the hot tub on the enormous deck. Top that, we dare ya! Wilkesboro, vrbo.com
The Flight Deck
Ready for takeoff? This luxe cabin at 4,500 feet is sure to lift you (plus 13 guests) to cloud nine via breathtaking views spanning 100+ miles over the Blue Ridge Mountains—best served on the swing a la wraparound porch. Inside, the game room with arcade and pool table elevates to ideal group getaway. West Jefferson, airbnb.com
Treetop Yurt
Log off and marvel at the beauty of Appalachia with a snooze curled up in a literal treehouse cabin situated just far enough from Downtown Beech Mountain to avoid the hustle and bustle, yet close enough to access the slopes. A little quiet time in the trees never *yurt* anyone! Beech Mountain, airbnb.com
DO
Brushy Mountain Apple Festival
When in apple country, this fest is a core activity to add to the to-do list, naturally. The popular Oct. 7 fall fest features all your fave apple-flavored treats (cider, dried apples, jams and desserts)—NTM 425+ artisans and tradespeople selling handmade chairs, quilts, soaps and woodcarvings; ~100 food vendors; and four music stages showcasing live music and dancing. Ready to get lost in the (apple) sauce?! Wilkesboro, applefestival.net
Blue Ridge Parkway MP 249-263
Life is a highway—er, parkway? Enjoy a stunning joyride along the winding Blue Ridge Parkway (the best time to go is the fall when all the leaves change colors!). Be sure to pack a picnic to stop at one of the six lookout spots, or venture inside Holy Trinity Church to peek at Ben Long’s fresco of the Last Supper. West Jefferson, blueridgeparkway.org
Beech Mountain Resort
Adrenaline seekers, this one’s for you. Take your bike or skis up one of the nine lifts or hit the freestyle terrain park feat. rails and jumps for beginners and pros alike at the East Coast’s highest mountain resort. Newbies, have no fear, as the resort also offers ski, snowboard and mountain bike lessons for all ages. Then it’s all downhill from there! Beech Mountain, beechmountainresort.com
Not just a ski resort, Beech Mountain beckons visitors with spectacular scenery, delightful dining and high-altitude adventure for a summer getaway like no other.
You’ve never seen a natural beauty quite like Beech Mountain, NC. Sitting pretty at 5,506 feet, eastern America’s highest town greets travelers with sweeping panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, setting the backdrop for an unforgettable weekend escape.
Although the resort destination is widely known for epic skiing and snowboarding during the winter months, we’re convinced that summer—when the air is gloriously cool and the options for outdoor activities abound—may just be the ideal time to experience this North Carolina gem. Here, we share our takeaways from a recent jaunt (FYI, it’s just under a four-hour drive from the City of Oaks!) for those looking to beat the heat and explore a different kind of Beech this season.
Views & Brews
Upon arrival, head straight to Beech Mountain Resort, hop on the chairlift and prepare to have your breath taken away. The resort converts its ski slopes into downhill mountain biking trails each summer, so you’ll be entertained by the action below as you glide upward on this stunning scenic ride.
At the top awaits 5506’ Skybar, whose name, of course, pays tribute to Beech Mountain’s signature elevation. And there’s no better place to soak in the majestic views than here—picture a 2,800-square-foot deck complete with Adirondack chairs, picnic tables and a bar area enclosed in a glass roundhouse. At the bar, order a citrusy Downhill IPA or refreshing Beech Mountain Lager by the resort’s own Beech Mountain Brewing Co. to sip while you unwind on this peaceful perch.
Once you’ve returned to the resort village, be sure to stop by the brewery—one of the only in the U.S. owned and operated by a ski area—to sample its latest seasonal offerings. If you’re lucky, you may bump into head brewer Aaron Maas, who is as passionate about the outdoors (he’s the head skiing and snowboarding coach at nearby Lees-McRae College) as he is about making great beer. Cheers!
Take a Hike
Beech Mountain is home to 25 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, with the Emerald Outback trail system located near the summit as one of the most popular options for its pristine conditions and high elevations promising gorgeous vistas. Its eight interconnected trails offer something for every type of hiker.
Enter the trails on the easy Oz Forest Run before connecting to more moderate trails such as Wizard’s Way and Ruby Slippers. (Notice a theme among the trail names? They nod to the former Land of Oz theme park, which reopens its yellow brick road for the popular Autumn at Oz festival each September!)
No matter the trail you choose, expect to be surrounded by lush green forests, mossy stones and unusual rock formations that will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to some faraway realm—plus plenty of overlooks and vantage points for securing that perfect selfie. Bikers, watch out for the strenuous Witch’s Backbone and Witch’s Tail trails!
Off the Eaten Path
Although the list of Beech restos is relatively short, each spot offers something special. Our picks? Start the day with a hearty homestyle breakfast at Fred’s General Mercantile’s Backside Deli, a staple of this high-country community where owner and former Beech Mountain Mayor Fred Pfohl greets locals by name. But the beloved haunt is so much more than just an eatery—it’s also a grocery, ski and snowboard outfitter, hardware store, gift shop, wild bird supplier and more. (Fun fact: Pfohl lived in the upstairs portion of the building—which now houses a photo gallery—with his wife and five kids for years after establishing his eponymous biz in 1979.)
After an active morning spent on the trails, refuel at Holy Smokes BBQ inside the White Wolf Lodge, a must-visit for mouthwatering North Carolina pulled pork BBQ, Southern sides, and a range of sweet and zesty sauces made in-house daily. For a sweet finish, the restaurant’s homemade fudge counter—and the views off the back deck—are not to be missed.
Cap off the day with flavorful fare and cold margs at Mi Jalisco Mexican Grill, which boasts a large menu of authentic dishes, including vegetarian options. We recommend a sizzling fajita or the mariscada, which combines seafood and mixed veggies in a savory tomato-based broth and is served with warm tortillas for a tasty touch.
A Playground for All Ages
Both adults and children are in for a treat when they visit Beech during the summer months thanks to its family-friendly facilities and programming. Check out Buckeye Recreation Center, the town’s ~23,000-square-foot rec facility boasting everything from full-size tennis and pickleball courts (if your fam’s the competitive kind) to an outdoor playground and padded indoor playroom perfect for littles who need to burn off some energy before naptime.
The center also offers free kayak, canoe and fishing pole rentals for a relaxing afternoon spent on Buckeye Lake, plus summer camps and an impressive lineup of events—think themed hikes, drive-in movies, a local race series and—for those in town for the Fourth of July—a water party featuring a mega slip-n-slide on the nearby sled hill.
When it comes to dining, gather the whole crew and head to the casual-cool Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria, a local pizza joint that offers family fun nights (bounce house, anyone?), live music, movies under the stars and much more throughout the season.
All Things Alfresco
Happy hour, exercise, live music… everything moves outdoors when the weather’s this good (we’re talking temps that consistently hover in the 60s and 70s—aka heaven!). From Mile High Yoga classes presented by Avery Community Yoga, which take place on the 5506’ Skybar deck, to Beech Mountain Resort’s summer concert series (Amos Lee! Sheryl Crow! Grace Potter!), there’s no shortage of ways to get outside and relish every cool mountain breeze. In the evenings, hit up the aptly named Sunset Park overlook for one final peek at Beech Mountain’s picturesque landscapes before nightfall—you may even want to bring a light jacket.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing escape from city life or a thrill-packed adventure this summer, Beech Mountain is calling—and, Raleighites, you must go.
Enjoy some winter fun at these ski resorts perfect for a long weekend escape.
Ready to hit the slopes?! There’s snow better way to sail through the frigid winter season than strapping on a pair of skis/a snowboard to shred down the slopes (or spring for a tube for a more easygoing experience!) for some solid blustery fun. And after sliding around the snow, après ski with a warm cider, cocoa or cocktail by the fire at one of the following resorts—all of which are within a six-hour drive from Raleigh. Ski ya there!
Don’t flurry, be happy! This top NC skiing destination situated about three hours from the City of Oaks has trails for all levels of skiers—from beginners on the Easy Street trail to experts on the double black diamond Northridge trail. And you can enroll your little skiers in Sugar Bear Ski School or Polar Bear Snowboard School to help them learn the basics of schussing down the slopes.
Another quintessential NC ski spot, Beech Mountain is home to myriad ski trails for all skill levels—plus ice skating and tubing. You can even go night skiing! After a long day on the slopes, après ski over to Beech Mountain Brewing Co., complete with fireplaces (natch) and a bevy of brews guaranteed to warm you up—then stick around for fun events like S’mores and Pours, and live music from local bands and DJs to keep the fun going all night long.
It’s snow time at Wintergreen! Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the resort offers skiing, golfing, a spa (!), fantastic dining options and Virginia’s largest tubing hill—plus a terrain park (think a skateboard park covered in snow). With 40+ features and a constantly changing layout, there’s something for every skill level each time you visit.
It’s all uphill at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort, what with over 60 skiing trails, 40 bike trails, snowmobiling, swimming, tubing, a ski village, a world-class spa, 30 different accommodation options and so much more—so even if you’re not a big skier, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. Schuss down the trails on Snowshoe Mountain before heading to The Village for some shopping, a hot toddy and a delectable dinner; then relax and unwind at The Spa at Snowshoe. Aka the perf winter getaway.
Tennessee’s only ski resort gives powder to the people with ice skating, a mountain coaster, ice bumper cars and an alpine slide, in addition to the standard skiing, tubing and snowboarding. Post-ski, make the short 15-minute trek to Downtown Gatlinburg to check out popular local spots like Smoky Mountain Winery, Pancake Pantry, and the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum (yes, it’s a thing).
Nestled in Blowing Rock, NC’s first high-country ski area is known for teaching skiers of all ages how to shred the slopes. To boot, the resort is home to the South’s largest independent ski school, the French Swiss Ski College, and offers ice skating and three different terrain parks (!). Then après over a warm cuppa back at the lodge and give the gift shop a gander.
That’s totally tube-ular! Boasting 18 ski slopes and trails, this Maggie Valley gem offers opps to ski, tube and snowboard. And if you’re ready to put your snow skills to the test, register to compare your chops to the fastest member of the U.S. Ski team via recreational racing program NASTAR. Also be sure to check out the special events—from family days and an afterschool program to Women on Wednesdays, a six-week program by and for females (wow!).
Shred the gnar at this Norman Rockwell-esque all-seasons ski resort, boasting skiing, snowboarding and a 500-foot tubing track (!)—NTM a zip line. At the bottom of the slope you’ll find the aptly named Slopeside Tavern serving up upscale American bar food, making it easy to fuel up while you’re carving through the snow. Meanwhile, primo townhouses, villas and homes on the resort provide a cozy place to rest your head after an adventure-filled day.
Only a 30-minute commute from Asheville, this for-the-fam ski resort offers activities for adventurers of all interests—from skiing and snowboarding to caving, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Need to practice your pizza technique? Nosh on a slice or two of ’za from The Lodge Pizzeria (see what we did there?!).
