Beech Mountain, North Carolina – The nostalgic Autumn at Oz Festival is entering its final two weekends of the season, with events scheduled for Sept. 18‑20 and Sept. 25‑27. The festival, which celebrates the historic Land of Oz theme park that operated from 1970 to 1980, offers families and tourists a chance to stroll the iconic Yellow Brick Road while taking in the striking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Festival Highlights
“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.
During the weekend program, visitors can explore the original park grounds, with the Yellow Brick Road winding through the forested landscape. The town sits at 5,506 feet, making it the highest incorporated community east of the Rocky Mountains. The elevation brings cooler temperatures in early September and early fall foliage that arrives sooner than in lower‑lying areas.
Beyond the Festival
Garcia emphasized that the festival serves as an introduction to the broader attractions of Beech Mountain. “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,” he said.
Visitors are encouraged to stay on the mountain rather than commute from the valleys, as traffic on access roads can back up during festival weekends. Accommodations range from condos and chalets to private homes and small lodges, and they tend to fill quickly, especially for larger groups.
Outdoor Recreation
The Emerald Outback trail network provides seven miles of routes for hikers and mountain bikers. The Buckeye Recreation Center offers guided hikes, while the nearby lake supports kayaking and fishing. Beech Mountain Resort continues scenic chairlift rides through September, granting panoramic views of early fall color and distant ranges across North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
For families seeking adventure, the Mountaineer Adventure Tower features three climbing levels, a 25‑foot corkscrew slide, and 360‑degree vistas, alongside mini‑golf and disc‑golf options.
History and Culture
The Beech Mountain History Museum traces the area’s story from its Cherokee roots to the logging era, railroad development, and the real‑estate boom that birthed both the Ski Beech resort and the original Land of Oz. Exhibits highlight the Carolina Caribbean Corporation, the development firm behind the 1970 park, and illustrate how the concept evolved from a late‑1960s idea into a lasting regional landmark.
Food, Drink, and Local Flavor
After a day of exploring, guests can unwind at the Beech Mountain Brewing Co., one of the few American breweries owned and operated by a ski area. The family‑friendly taproom serves house‑made beers and stays open beyond festival hours.
The Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria offers a full menu of pasta, sandwiches, salads, ice cream, fudge, homemade chocolates, and a full bar. An on‑site arcade, outdoor fire pits, and an additional mini‑golf course provide evening entertainment.
Plan Your Visit
Tickets and event details are available at landofoznc.com. The festival concludes on Sept. 27, after which Beech Mountain transitions to its fall hiking season and later to winter skiing, with the Yellow Brick Road set to reopen the following September.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
