Grandfather Mountain NC

I feel so very blessed to be a native North Carolinian !! I have lived at the foot of the Blue Rige Mountains most of my life and Grandfather Mountain has been kind of a "fixture" to me..

When traveling to Beech Mountain from Hickory NC via "curvy" NC 181 or up Hwy 321 ~ ~ ~ through Blowing Rock, I am able to view "Grandfather" on opposite sides of his profile....

Over the years, I have witnessed Grandfather clothed in frozen snow capped splendor, arrayed in beautiful golden fall foilage or ablaze with rhododendrum's purple majesty.. Grandfather Mountain is like an old friend....

It's been many, many years since I have walked across Grandfather's Mile High Swinging Bridge or visited the Black Bear Habitat but maybe....... this summer. I hope you will visit this glorious natural wonder ... Check out all these great Grandfather Mtn Events...

Daily Naturalist Programs

June - Aug
Grandfather Mountain naturalists present a special nature program each day during the summer. The one-hour programs are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and are included in the price of admission.
800-468-7325

The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble
June 1-14
Our staff naturalists can't wait to share their excitement for the showy rose-lavender Catawba Rhododendron that blooms its way up Grandfather’s slopes throughout the month of June. Join us for special activities designed to help you get the most out of this memorable sight.
800-468-7325

National Trails Day Volunteer Project
June 6
Come help us maintain Grandfather's trails and let the backcountry rangers share their knowledge of and passion for Grandfather Mountain. Free admission for volunteers.
828-737-0833

85th Annual Singing On The Mountain
June 28Alwaysthe fourth Sunday in June
All-day gospel sing and fellowship held in MacRae Meadows. Host group The Greenes welcome The Primitive, The Cockman Family, The Melodyaires, Jubilee, Four Anointed, The Gospel Enforcers, Michael Combs, Naomi & The Segos, and George Hamilton IV with George Hamilton V and Tim & Roddy Smith. The Rev. Freida Hartley Hobson will bring the message. Free admission. Camping (without hookups) available on the field.
800-468-7325

54th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
July 9-12
Brawny athletes, delicate dancers, noisy bagpipe band parades, rocking Celtic music and a spectacular highland setting makes this colorful celebration of Scottish culture the best highland games in America. Admission charged.
828-733-1333

The Bear: Assault on Grandfather
July 9
A five-mile road race that climbs 1,568 feet in elevation from Linville to the summit of Grandfather Mountain. Part of Highland Games. Admission charged.
828-263-5207

The Grizzly Bike Ride
July 10
The Grizzly is a beautiful and challenging route with 7000 feet of climbing in 65 miles. Part of Highland Games. Admission charged.
828-263-5207

The Grandfather Mountain Marathon
July 11
Billed as "America's Toughest" marathon. Part of Highland Games. Admission charged.
828-263-5207

Grandfather Mountain Amateur & Professional Camera Clinic
Aug. 15-16
Top photographers gather to share on the nuts & bolts of making good photographs. 2009 speakers include Bill Fortney, John Chastain, Duane Hall and Melissa Southern. Free to working press, additional cost for non-professionals. Seating is limited, so pre-registration is required. Online registration begins July 15.
800-468-7325
Rods in the Park Classic Car, Truck & Vintage Bike Show
Aug. 2009
Over 45 classes from Antique pre-30's through 1989 cars, trucks, vintage bikes and road tractors. MacRae Meadows. Admission charged. Call 828-963-2723 with questions or to register.
828-963-2723 Email for more information.

Kidfest Sept. 12
Guided hikes, games, storytellers, music and fun. Included with park admission.
800-468-7325

39th Annual American Girl Scout Day
Sept. 19
All Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership. Discount admission for other family members. Staff naturalists provide free nature programs throughout the day.
800-468-7325

Bridge-To-Bridge Incredible Challenge Bike Ride
Sept. 20
This 102-mile bike ride departs the Lenoir Mall and makes its way uphill to the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Registration fee.
828-726-0616

Find out more info on Grandfather Mountain

Linville Caverns NC

Linville Caverns is located in Western NC outside of Marion ---- just a short drive from Beech Mountain NC. While visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC, take a little time to visit this spectacular display of God's handiwork....

For centuries, the marvels of Linville Caverns were unknown to man. In the early 1800's a fishing expedition headed by Henry E. Colton, of eastern NC, were astounded to see fish swimming in and out of what appeared to be rather solid rock. A small opening in the mountainous terrain allowed them to enter the subterranean recess that is still home to native trout in an underground stream.

The cost for a visit to Linville Caverns is really a bargain...... Just $7.oo for Adults, $5.50 for Seniors(62 & older) and $5.00 for Children (Ages 5-12) Children under 12 are F*r*e*e

The Caverns are open daily in June, July and August from 9am - 6pm.

Find more info - Linville Caverns ~ 19929 US 221 North ~ Marion, NC ~ 28752 800~419~0540 828~756~4171 info@linvillecaverns.com

Linville Caverns photo by Salem Elizabeth on Flickr

Visit Beech Mountain's "Buckeye Recreation Center" For Lots of Fun !

When you visit Beech Mountain NC, you will have lots of activities to choose from, golf, hiking, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing or sledding.... but you might just want a little something extra to do.....

IF so, check out the beautiful new "Buckeye Recreation Center" on Grassy Gap Creek Rd in Beech Mountain NC.

The Buckeye Recreation facility is top notch with friendly staff to help if needed.. With over 22,000 square foot, there is certainly something for everyone..

1. Indoor Basketball or Volleyball


2. Fitness Room with state of the art Nautilus equipment


3. Indoor Tennis-Call for reservations 828-387-3003 $5/per hr-Residents $7/hr -NonResidents


4. Living Room to relax or check email on the Wireless Internet Connection


5. Kid's Playroom


6. Tennis Ball Machine

Hours of operation at Buckeye Recreation Center are

Mon - Sat 8:30am till 8:30pm Sunday 12-6pm

Click here to find the fees for resident and non-residents..

Directions: Buckeye Recreation is located at Buckeye Lake on Grassy Gap Creek Rd. Follow Beech Mountain Parkway(main road into town by Fred's Store, etc) to Pine Ridge Rd and follow it until it becomes Grassy Gap Creek Rd. Buckeye will be on the right.

For more information contact

Buckeye Recreation at

206 Grassy Gap Creek Rd.
Beech Mountain, NC 28604
Phone: (828) 387-3003
Fax: (828) 387-4103
Email: buckeyerec@townofbeechmountain.com

Come To Beech Mountain NC For The Holidays, Skiing, Sledding & More

Beech Mountain, North Carolina seems to be the perfect place for a NC Christmas or winter vacation....of course I LOVE it also in the summer with average temps around 70.... but back to the winter part.

It's a quaint little town on top of the world, at least it feels like it - being the highest town east of the Rockies at 55oo foot elevation !

Beech is about 35 miles from Boone NC, 15 minutes to Banner Elk, 2.5 hour drive from Charlotte & Winston Salem, 1.5 hours from Hickory - so very convenient as well.

Beech Mountain normally has a lot of snow in the winter but...... if they don't - Ski Beech is sure to make some for skiiers, snowboarders, snow tubers, sledders and ice skaters. When it does snow on Beech, you are in for a true Winter Wonderland !

The Town of Beech Mountain also makes a lot of snow for the sledding hill beside Town Hall. Tons of sledding fun for kids up to 12..... all for free ! You gotta love that !! Step across the street for hot chocolate, pizza or sandwiches at The Brick Oven Pizzeria-Yum!!

Fred's General Mercantile is always decked out for Christmas. Since it's an old fashioned general store....... you'll feel like slowing down and enjoying Christmas at a more relaxed pace - isn't that what we all need ;-)

There will be a Santa Visit at Fred's Gazebo, 4:00PM to 5:00 PM this Saturday-12/20/08 and the Christmas Tree Lighting at Beech Mountain Chamber office 5:00PM to 6:00 PM

What about an old-fashioned hay ride and bonfire on December 30th - call Beech Mountain 800-438-7325 for more info.

If you are interested in snow skiing, sledding, snow boarding, snow tubing or just relaxing..... Beech Mountain NC might just be the place for you ---- winter, summer, spring or fall.. Cold temperatures are moving back into Beech on Sunday and we MIGHT see snow on Christmas Eve !!

Bring the whole family and stay in our luxury, 5 bedroom, 3 bath vacation home on Beech Mountain, just minutes from Ski Beech !

Merry Christmas From Beech Mountain North Carolina !

We wanted to wish you the most wonderful Christmas ever by sharing the ONLY perfect gift - JESUS CHRIST..

May God richly bless you this Christmas and in 2009 !!

Luke Chapter 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Luke Chapter 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

You can accept this wonderful gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ !

John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Ski Beech Opens 11/22, Sugar Mtn & Hawksnest Are Open Now!

Great News for SNOW LOVERS ! After getting several inches of natural snow on Beech Mountain, Ski Beech is now prepared to open on Saturday 11/22/08. they also have added a tubing run this year. SNOW TUBING ON BEECH HAS RETURNED !


Ski Beech - Opening Day - 11/22/2008

Opening weekend, November 22 and 23, our slope tickets will be at weekday rates, and for the following week, our mid-week specials will be in effect, including half price adult day tickets on Tuesday, $25 adult day tickets on Wednesday, and Ladies Day on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. We will be skiing day session only as our season begins with plans for night skiing to start later in December.

Sugar Mountain NC currently has 7 slopes and 3 lifts open. Go, have a great day of skiing or riding. We have a man-made packed powder surface. Summit #1 lift is in operation to the top of our 1200-foot vertical, servicing Northridge, Switchback, Load Off, Upper & Lower Flying Mile. We also have Easy Street and Magic Carpet open serviced by the Brown lift and the Magic Carpet conveyor lift.

Night skiing will begin this Thursday, November 20th at 6pm!Regular week-day rates will apply.

Sugar's 10,000 square foot outdoor ice rink is scheduled to open on Saturday, November 22, 2008, weather permitting. Season passes are still a great deal. Plan to spend your Thanksgiving at Sugar. For one low price of $109, you can ski or ride the four days of Thanksgiving weekend. Turkey Treats are available through November 23rd at 4pm.

Hawksnest Ski Resort is also open - Seven Devils NC!
Hawksnest expands! As a leader in snow tubing, Hawksnest has taken our snow tubing to new levels of fun. Hawksnest’s expanded snow tubing operation will make it the biggest snow tubing operation on the East Coast.

Hawksnest's Snow Tubing resort will now have 4 different areas to snow tube with 20 lanes of fun, lanes will be 400 – 1000 feet long and 2 moving carpet lifts to take you back to the top. Hawksnest has 100% snowmaking and lighting on all lanes to provide the best possible conditions and fun for the whole family. Also, don't forget to enjoy our Coffee Bar, Carolina BBQ and Pizza before, during and after your tubing session!

Tubing Photo Courtesy of http://www.skibeech.com/


Plan your skiing trip to the NC mountains and rent our 5 bedroom luxury Beech Mountain vacation home. It's close to all the snow and skiing action..

First Snowfall Of The Season On Beech Mountain NC!

It was very exciting to see the first snowflakes of the season on Beech Mountain NC, Thursday night October 27, 2008. Since it was dark when I left the mountain, unfortunately, I didn't get any photos. You can check out the white dusting of snow on this High Country Webcam IF you hurry!

I realize that it's not uncommon to see some snowfall in October at higher elevations such as Beech Mountain's 5500 ft elevation. According to Ray's Weather the average snowfall on Beech in October is 2.5 inches.

Last night, I could have sworn that I saw snow blowing machines on the slopes at Ski Beech and sure enough - today according to the website they did in fact, start snowmaking last night! Wow! in October!

All you die hard snow skiers and snowboarders, start making plans to hit Ski Beech around mid November. Even though they have started snowmaking, they want to have a great base before opening. You can still order Coupon Books by calling 1-800-438-2093.

Photo courtesy of Ski-Beech

Plan ahead for your ski trips to the NC mountains, dates are booking fast!