Beech Mountain Continues to Grow

 

The Town continues the beautification projects, infrastructure projects and events that comply with COVID-19 restrictions.  Our visitor numbers have grown more than ever and the real estate market has exploded.

At the time of this writing, we are currently down to 28 homes and 6 condos left for sale, while there are about 150 lots still available.  

With choices for outdoor activities expanding as well, the Beech Mountain Resort continues improvements with mountain biking, restaurants at 5506' and the Village, virtual concerts and yoga on the deck of 5506' with incredible multi-state views.  Hiking trails are being improved and added, the dog park has two enclosures and the walking paths are being extended.  The 3 mile back way off Beech Mountain was recently paved and restaurants continue to improve and expand their menus.

Our downtown area has a Visitor's Center for all the information you ever want for things to do, places to eat and where to shop.  Fred's General Mercantile continues to be a center of activity with the Fred's Deli, groceries, hardware, shoes/boots, clothing, memorabilia ... "If they don't have it - you don't need it" is their motto and it holds true.  The Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria offers pizza, pasta and sandwiches, a large game room, mini golf, beers from around the world and a dessert and coffee bar you just can't resist. The Alpen Inn and Bullwinkles offer everything from salads to prime rib with Sunday concerts on the lawn and the deer are almost always there to entertain. Jaliscos Mexican Restaurant is located in the 4 Seasons Hotel and White Wolf Lodge offers gifts, fudge, BBQ on the deck (what a view!) and all served with a smile.  

 

You can't go anywhere on Beech Mountain without having people wave, smile and welcome you with open arms.  The village charm is everywhere you turn.  If you haven't had the pleasure of visiting yet - make your plans to reserve a home, condo or visit for the day.  We have many rental companies as well as owner that rent through VRBO, Evolve and Air B&B.

Heading into Winter 2019-20

Winter has arrived on Beech Mountain.  Although we have not seen any "Big Snow" yet, we have received increments in 1-4" and expect to see more starting tomorrow.

The Beech Mountain Resort is open for skiers and snowboarders and their brewery and restaurants are open as well.  Check out their website for updates on night skiing, ice skating, tubing, music events and more.

Downtown Beech Mountain is showing off this winter with twinkling white lights, Old Man Winter blowing his winds, the lighted gold and silver ornament where you can walk in for pictures and our free sledding hill for those 12 and under.  Remember, plastic and foam sleds only - no wood or metal.

Have your picture taken in the ornament 

Sledding Hill Photo Courtesy of the Visitor's Center

Our restaurants are open 7 days a week from chili, hot dogs and soups at Fred's Deli, to the most awesome pizza, subs and pasta you've had at The Famous Brick Oven, fish and prime rib at Alpen Inn, Jalisco's for Mexican and bar menus at Frasiers and Rascals.  

Hiking, polar golf, sledding, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, fishing and more await you in Beech Mountain this winter.  We won't disappoint so come on up!

It’s Official: Woolly Worm Festival Earns State Recognition

News Release by Craig Distl

Entering its fifth decade as one of the Southeast’s quirkiest gatherings, Banner Elk’s Woolly Worm Festival has added a new distinction: Official State Woolly Worm Festival of North Carolina.

 

The festival garnered that honor when NC House Bill 425 was signed into law on June 25 after unanimous passage in the NC House and Senate.

 

The full text from the general statutes reads: “The Woolly Worm Festival, held the third weekend of October of every year in the Town of Banner Elk in Avery County, is adopted as the official Woolly Worm Festival of the State of North Carolina.”

 

Banner Elk Town Manager Rick Owen came up with the idea to pursue the designation last year after a brainstorming session with town officials. Owen mentioned it to NC Senator Deanna Ballard at last year’s Woolly Worm Festival, and Ballard got behind the idea with the help of local NC Representative Josh Dobson.

 

“I've been lucky to attend and participate in this festival for many years – as a kid and in recent years in my service as a State Senator,” Ballard said. “I'm excited to see Banner Elk will be home to NC’s only official Woolly Worm Festival and trust this investment and local support will continue for many years to come.”

 

That sentiment was echoed by Dobson, who said: “the Woolly Worm Festival is a special part of not only Banner Elk but all of Avery County.”

Photo courtesy of Todd Bush

 

The festival was created by Jim Morton in 1978 as a way to decide which woolly bear caterpillar predicts the winter weather in the NC High Country. Folklore says the 13 bands of fur on the caterpillar correspond to winter’s 13 weeks. Brown bands mean a mild week and black bands mean a cold, snowy week. Unfortunately, colors differ from worm to worm, so the festival determines the prognosticator by holding several woolly worm races on the main stage. Winners come together for a final heat, with the champion receiving the forecasting honor, plus $1,000.

 

The festival is run by the Banner Elk Kiwanis Club and draws an average of 20,000 people to Banner Elk during a prime weekend for fall foliage. In 40 years, it has raised more than $1.4 million to better the lives of children in Avery County.

 

“Getting this designation really shows Banner Elk’s commitment to the Woolly Worm Festival,” Owen said. “We recognize its importance and impact on our community.”

 

This year’s festival is Oct. 20-21. More info is available at: www.woollyworm.com.

More Than a Feeling: Boston Lead Singer Headlines Mile High Fourth

Press Release by Craig Distl

The Mile High Fourth of July, a six-day celebration in the mountain resort towns of Banner Elk and Beech Mountain, features an impressive lineup of activities headlined by a concert by Tommy DeCarlo, singer of the legendary rock band Boston.

 Photo Credit: Kamal Asar

DeCarlo’s evening concert on July 3 in the Beech Mountain kite field will feature many of Boston’s greatest songs, along with other classic rock hits.

All told, the Mile High Fourth offers eight music performances, two barbecues, a wine & beer festival, mile high fireworks, live theater and a Main Street parade, from June 29 to July 4.

The festivities kick off Friday, June 29, with a folk-rock performance by Daniel Couper at Banner Elk Café. Friday also includes a presentation of The Wiz by Lees-McRae College Summer Theater and a presentation of Red, White & Tuna by Ensemble Stage in Banner Elk.

Photo Credit:  Todd Bush

Saturday afternoon is highlighted by the Avery County Wine & Beer Festival with live music in Banner Elk, followed that evening by the 47th annual Roasting of the Hog and fireworks show at more than a mile high at Beech Mountain Resort.

Sunday includes mile high yoga at Beech Mountain Resort, along with another Lees-McRae Summer Theater performance of The Wiz and Ensemble Stage’s Red, White & Tuna. Sunday evening is capped with a concert on the lawn by The Lucky Strikes at Beech Alpen Inn.

DeCarlo’s free concert on Beech Mountain is Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., then the focus shifts to downtown Banner Elk on Wednesday for one of the topJuly 4th celebrations in the mountains.

Banner Elk’s Fourth of July parade begins at 11:00 a.m. and draws thousands to the resort town. After the parade, there is a noon barbecue with live music and craft beers on the lawn of the Perry House Bed and Breakfast. At 12:30 p.m., Banner Elk’s Party in the Park is a popular option with lunch from several vendors and traditional games like three-legged races, egg tosses and sack races. Folks can also enter a duckie in Banner Elk’s Duck Race on the creek in the park.

Only four miles separate the North Carolina towns of Banner Elk and Beech Mountain, so visitors can easily enjoy the festivities in both locations.

“The Mile High Fourth is great excuse to beat the heat and escape to the mountains,” says Nancy Owen, tourism director for Town of Banner Elk. “We have a full slate of activities in two friendly towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains. What more could you ask for?”

For more details, visit www.MileHighFourth.com or call 800-468-5506 or 844-824-6777.

June Family Month Provides 30 Days of Memory Making on Beech Mountain

Press Release - Craig Distl

This June, Beech Mountain encourages families to get outside, expand their horizons and make memories together. Family Fun Month includes a 30-day lineup of outdoor adventures, concerts, picnics, movies under the stars and a fireworks finale.

Photo courtesy of Todd Bush

Beech Mountain’s location in the North Carolina High Country provides abundant natural resources to hike, bike, paddle and fish. And its elevation at 5,506 feet makes for pleasant temperatures with low humidity.

Many of the Family Fun Month activities at Buckeye Recreation Center offer guided instruction. Take a mountain biking lesson or go on a guided ride, hit the hiking trail with a naturalist, try your hand at trout fishing, or learn how to play pickleball.

“These activities provide families an opportunity to connect and bond with each other, which is important for everyone to do but particularly for families,” says Kate Gavenus, tourism director for the town of Beech Mountain. “Some vacations can be so busy, but spending time in the mountains hiking, fishing and canoeing allows you time to relax.”

New this year, the Brick Oven Pizzeria in the heart of Beech Mountain will offer a full afternoon and evening of free activities each Friday of the month in the field next door to the restaurant. Friday field days begin at 2 p.m.with bounce houses and children’s games. A family-friendly concert follows at 5:30 p.m. Movies under the stars will take place in the same location at 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

On Saturday, June 16, the annual “A Cool 5 Race” begins at Town Hall. The challenging five-mile course tops out at 5,400 feet in elevation. A less strenuous option is the 1.5-mile fun run/walk or the 1.5-mile walk and wag for families with four-legged members.Family Fun Month leads right into Beech Mountain’s Mile High Fourth of July Celebration, which runs June 29-July 4. On Saturday, June 30, the famous 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog serves up some of the tastiest barbecue in the High Country at Beech Mountain Resort. Fireworks then light up the night sky above the mountain.

Several properties offer Family Month lodging specials, including three nights for the price of two. Some activities require Family Fun Month participation cards, which are available along with complimentary fidget spinners for kids 12 and under at the Beech Visitor Center.

For a full lineup of events and list of lodging specials, go to: www.BeechMtn.com or call 800-468-5506.

Rock the Casbah at Beech Mountain’s Retro Ski Weekend

News Update by Craig Distl

Ski back in time and rock the 1980s like never before during the Totally ’80s Retro Ski Weekend at Beech Mountain.

This year’s event takes place Feb. 22-25 with four days of throwback activities, including the best music lineup in the weekend’s seven years of bending the space-time continuum.

Saturday night’s headliner at Beech Mountain Resort is Charlotte’s Cassette Rewind, the hottest ’80s tribute band in the Carolinas. Born in the ’80s and raised on radio, Cassette Rewind cues up the ultimate high-energy new wave rock experience.

“We’re going to keep people completely engaged, fists in the air, singing as loud as they can and dancing the entire time,” says lead singer Brandon Kirkley. “We’ve added six or seven new songs just for the retro ski weekend.”

It’s such a rad weekend that Kirkley and his bandmates will arrive Thursday evening to take in many of the activities, which range from a dayglo ski parade to a Rubik’s Cube Contest to the widely-popular $500 Totally Retro Apparel Contest.

New events this year include an Over the Top Arm Wrestling Competition on Friday and a 1980s Name That Song Contest on Saturday.

“It’s a total immersion experience we don’t get at any of our other gigs,” Kirkley says. “We play a lot of ’80s shows, but having a full weekend dedicated to 1980s is incredible. We love the retro cars in the ski village, hearing the bands and seeing all the neon on the slopes.”

The righteousness starts Thursday night at Fast Eddie’s with classic rockers DeCarlo, featuring Tommy DeCarlo, lead singer of the legendary rock band Boston. On Friday night, the Mile High Tavern serves up the retro punk sounds of The Spazmatics from Charleston, S.C.

Other festivities include totally tubular snow tubing, retro karaoke, Ms. Pac Man contest and special guest appearances. Emcees for the weekend are Ace & TJ of the syndicated Ace & TJ radio show.

Everyone is encouraged to dress in 1980s ski clothes on the slopes and retro fashions off, so dig out those leg warmers, acid wash jeans, Members Only jackets and bandanas. Only Beech Mountain takes you back to a time when ski clothes featured shoulder pads, rock stars wore spandex, and video killed the radio star.

For details on the retro weekend, go to: www.BeechMtn.com, or call (800) 468-5506.

Beech Mountain History Museum Holiday Openings

The Beech Mountain History Museum will be open December 26 - 31 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. The Museum is located on the Beech Mountain Parkway, next to Fred's General Store. There is no charge for admission.

If you haven't visited the Museum lately, you may be interested in some of their new exhibits. The Museum is fortunate to have on loan an exhibit of the photographs of W.R. Trivett, known as “The Picture Man.” Trivett (1884-1966) was a self-taught professional photographer who lived on Beech and photographed Beech Mountain folks. Another new acquisition, a large-scale model of The Land of Oz as it was in the 1970s, has been very popular with many visitors. In addition, the Museum was given an infant coffin and a grain cradle, made by John Harmon (1868-1957), known as “The Coffin Man.” Harmon lived on Beech Mountain and made over 500 coffins, without a complaint. A scale model of the Beech Mountain home of Ray Hicks (1922-2005) is a unique exhibit which you won't see anywhere else. Ray Hicks was a well-known teller of Jack Tales and was named a National Treasure by Smithsonian.

This Holiday season, bring your family and friends for a visit to the Beech Mountain History Museum and get a glimpse of the lives and stories that made Beech Mountain, and our Club, the amazing place it is today.

For questions about the Museum, please call Ann Iles at (828) 387-2930 or (828) 387-1988.

Retro ’80s Ski Weekend Named a Top 20 Event in Southeast

Press Release by Craig Distl

ATLANTA, Ga. – Southeast Tourism Society has named the Totally ’80s Retro Ski Weekend at Beech Mountain one of the Southeast’s top 20 tourism events for January/February 2018.

The Totally ’80s Retro Ski Weekend is Feb. 22-25, and this marks the first time in the weekend’s seven-year history that it has earned a spot in the STS Top 20. Events considered for recognition must be at least three years old and have attendance of at least 1,000.

The four-day weekend celebrates the New Wave decade with retro skiing daily, ’80s tribute bands nightly, and lots of throwback activities in between. People wear dayglo retro ski apparel on the slopes and 1980s fashions off the slopes.

Activities include a retro ski parade, Rubik’s Cube contest, Ms. Pac Man competition, 1980s Name That Tune, and the ever-popular $500 Totally Retro Apparel Contest. There are also special appearances by a Ghostbuters Ecto-1 and the South’s top Bret Michaels look-alike.

“The Southeast Tourism Society is the preeminent voice for travel in our region,” said Kate Gavenus, tourism director for the Town of Beech Mountain. “We are quite honored and feel it will help us spread the word about this uniquely fun event.”

STS Top 20 Festival and Event Awards have highlighted programs around the Southeast since 1985. Travel industry experts select 20 events in the January/February time frame and STS publicizes them throughout the United States. The complete list is published on two websites: www.southeasttourism.org and http://www.travelmediapressroom.com/sts/

“In spotlighting the Top 20 festivals and events, STS is not only giving these events the recognition they deserve but we’re also creating a quick reference guide to some of the best festivals in the Southeast,” said Bill Hardman, president and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society.  “These events are important to the economic vitality of our communities.”

Headquartered in Atlanta, STS is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting tourism in 12 states – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

For information about the Totally ’80s Retro Ski Weekend at Beech Mountain, visit www.BeechMtn.com or call 800-468-5506.

Beech Mountain Celebrates a Half Century as the Highest Slopes in East

News Release provided by Craig Distl

 

A milestone occurs this winter in the North Carolina mountains. Beech Mountain Resort marks 50 years of skiing on the highest elevation slopes in eastern America.

 

The resort had a new vision for Southern skiing when it debuted in the winter of 1967-68. It was the only North Carolina resort built around an alpine village, and remains that way today.

 

“Skiing in the South was just being developed and this was a unique facility at 5,506 feet in elevation with a Swiss Bavarian village. It exposed the Southeast market to something new,” says general manager Ryan Costin. “That continues to be one of our strongest assets – a layout where you can navigate the village and experience all the wintertime activities we have here.”

Courtesy of Sam Dean Photography

 

To celebrate the half century mark, Beech Mountain Resort offers season-long throwback pricing for night sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tuesdays are ladies’ nights with $9 lift tickets – the same price as opening day. Wednesdays are men’s nights with $9 tickets and Thursdays are couples’ nights featuring a first ticket for $14 and a second ticket for just $8.

 

In addition, the resort hosts a special celebration Jan. 20-28 featuring activities, contests, live music, games and fireworks. Meanwhile, the events calendar throughout the season will include special recognitions of the 50th year.

 

New this winter is a streamlined check-in process in which customers purchase lift tickets and rental equipment at a central location, then go straight through the fitting process and are ready to hit the slopes in less time. Also new this winter is the ability to buy multi-day tickets and multi-day rentals to avoid repeating the same process each day.

 

“Going into the 50th year, we took a hard look at not only the product on the mountain, but the process, too. That's one of the elements we needed to make easier,” Costin explains. “We want people to spend as much time outside enjoying activities as they possibly can.”

 

Other activities at the resort include snow tubing, ice skating, and learn-to-ski programs for adults and youths. For après ski, the resort is located in the town of Beech Mountain, which offers lodging, restaurants and nightlife within walking distance or a short drive of the slopes.

 

“It’s an exciting year for us and we look forward to another half century of serving skiers across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions,” Costin says. “A lot of people are surprised at just how good a winter season we have. Our infrastructure provides a strong product all winter.”

 

For resort info, visit: www.beechmountainresort.com or call (800) 438-2093. For lodging and visitor info, go to www.beechmtn.com.

The Mountains are Alive With the Sounds of Music and Great Food!!! Beech Mountain Style

Beech Mountain Club Pickleball

News Release

by Elizabeth Higginbottom

Beech Mountain Club is hosting a regional Retreat for Pickleball Ambassadors of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia on June 25-28.  Ambassadors are individuals who have pledged to promote and grow pickleball in their area. These hard-working folks do not get paid. They do this for the love of the sport of pickleball. Beech Mountain Club is putting together this retreat so the Ambassadors in this region can gather to share best practices for growing the sport, participate in breakout sessions to learn new ideas, build camaraderie and, of course, play Pickleball. The Retreat is an all-inclusive 4-day 3-night event which will allow the 50 participants a chance to visit beautiful Beech Mountain and experience what the mountain has to offer its residents.  

On the local front, the Pickleball Center is gearing up for another spectacular season!  We have put together a schedule of Beginner Clinics, Intermediate Clinics, Round Robins, League Play, Men's Only Play, Women's Only Play, and fun social events for Beech Mountain Club members, their guests and qualified renters.  Drop by the Pickleball Center to pick up a copy of the schedule today!

LOCAL EVENT:

Avery County Wine & Beer Festival June 10, 2017

At Blind Squirrel Campground

Live Music & Great Food/Bring Blanket & Chair

Click for Information!

CLICK TO ORDER TICKETS ONLINE

 

Holston Camp and Retreat Center Wildcat Lake Music Festival 

(Benefit for Holston Camp)

August 12 @ 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm 

 

• $10  Adults; $5  Ages 12-6
• Ages 5 and under FREE!
• Games and prizes for kids!
• Horseshoes, Bocci Ball, and Cornhole tournaments.
• Activities include: Hiking, swimming, canoe/kayak, paddle boards, and fishing.
• Please, no pets. No alcohol served.
• Bring lawn chairs and/blankets.
• Food vendors will be present.
• Package rates for lodging and camping

BAND SCHEDULE: 

2:00-3:15  Swing Set
Big Band music of the 20's thru the 50's

4:00-5:00  Clint Roberts (www.clintrobertsmusic.com)
Americana Singer/Songwriter from Western North Carolina. Starting fresh with new EP "Where The Heart Is". 

5:45-7:00  The Groove Inc.
The Groove Inc. is a band of veteran musicians who loves to play Blues, Soul, Rock and Motown with conviction!!

7:45-10:00  Chuck Johnson and Charlyhorse. (www.thecharlyhorse.com) Chuck Johnson & Charlyhorse is what Americana Music has always striven to be. A group of outstanding musicians and modern day troubadours who weave tales of small southern towns and hell-fire preachers, shuttered cotton mills and down home philosophers. The music of Chuck Johnson and Charlyhorse is firmly anchored in the Americana roots tradition. Influences from Rock, Country, Bluegrass, R&B and Soul, gives each tune its own unique feel. Onstage, the upshot is compelling, soulful performances. The Band's performances are salted with wry humor, and the band camaraderie always invites the audience into the act. Chuck Johnson & Charlyhorse is truly an American band tailored made for Americana Roots Music. Listen here.

SPECIAL GUEST:  George Rabb "Man of a Thousand Voices"

 

CLICK TO VIEW SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE!

It's Baaack: the Totally ’80s Retro Ski Weekend at Beech Mountain

News Release by Craig Distl

From material girls to men without hats, fans of the 1980s will flock to Beech Mountain this month for the sixth annual Totally '80s Retro Ski Weekend.

The weekend, consisting of four days of tubular awesomeness, takes place Feb. 23-26 at Beech Mountain Resort and throughout the town of Beech Mountain. This year's festivities include live '80s music each night, retro ski fashions every day and a plenty of old school activities ranging from a Rubik's Cube competition to '80s karaoke to the ever-popular Totally Retro Apparel Contest.

A talking Knight Rider KITT car and stainless steel DeLorean will be on display in the ski village, while arcade aficionados can take a shot at the high score in the Ms. Pac Man contest. There will also be opportunities to take photos with Brake Michaels, the Carolinas' premier Bret Michaels look-alike artist.

Most attendees say the highlight of the weekend is checking out the colorful throwback ski clothes.

"You dust off all your best '80s gear and wear it on the slopes. It is awesome and fun and the pictures are worth a thousand words," says Talia Freeman, marketing director for Beech Mountain Resort. "People get so into it. You wouldn't believe some of the stuff we see."

This year promises an even larger array of 1980s ski threads as the first-ever '80s ski apparel parade unleashes a neon procession of dayglo Fridayafternoon from the top of the slopes.

Further bending the space-time continuum is an audacious lineup of bands, starting with the power rock of Raleigh-based Rockzilla on Thursday night at Famous Fast Eddie's, followed by the new wave sounds of Cassette Rewind from Charlotte on Friday night at Mile High Tavern. Headlining the weekend Saturday night is The Breakfast Club, America's Favorite 1980s Tribute Band, in the Beech Tree lodge at the ski resort. During intermission Saturday night, a winner will be crowned in the $500 retro apparel contest. A late-night dance party closes the Saturday bash.

"It's a unique ski weekend and draws a lot of non-skiers, too," says Beech Mountain tourism director Kate Gavenus. "When people come up the mountain and drive into town, we want them to feel like they've gone back in time, and many of them say they do feel that way."

For more info or lodging specials, call (800) 468-5506 or visit: www.BeechMtn.com.

Mile High Fourth: A Sizzling Cool 4th of July Weekend

Press Release
by Craig Distl

The mountain resort towns of Banner Elk and Beech Mountain have teamed up for a sizzling cool way to celebrate Independence Day weekend. The inaugural Mile High Fourth of July takes place July 1-4 and includes fireworks, barbecue, nine bands, a parade and much more.

Spread over four days in the two neighboring towns, this extravaganza offers a new option for the July holiday weekend. Highlights include a mile-high fireworks show Saturday night atop Beech Mountain and an all-American parade Monday on Main Street in Banner Elk.

“Banner Elk always holds its parade and ‘party in the park’ on the Fourth, while Beech Mountain always holds its fireworks and ‘roasting of the hog’ on the Saturday closest to the Fourth, so it seemed like a natural fit to partner on a larger celebration,” says Mike Dunn, chairperson of the Banner Elk Tourism Development Authority.

Both the fireworks show and the parade include other activities, such as family games, barbecue feasts and live music.

Speaking of live music, the weekend headliner will be Charlotte band Brandon Kirkley and the Firecrackers playing a 3 p.m. Sunday concert in the town meadow in Beech Mountain, which is Eastern America’s highest town at 5,506 feet in elevation. The aptly-named band will perform classic and modern rock and pop hits, many of which have a patriotic theme.

There is no admission charge for most of the nine bands playing at various venues across the four days, including the Sunday concert in the Beech town meadow.

Arts aficionados can take advantage of the four-day Art on the Greene fine arts and crafts show in downtown Banner Elk, as well as three stage performances of “Mary Poppins” by the Lees-McRae College summer theatre in Banner Elk.

Another activity is the two-day NatuRally Beech Weekend (Saturday and Sunday) hosted by the Buckeye Recreation Center. It includes educational programs, hikes, and workshops on the local environment.

A craft beer colla-brew-ration is on tap. Beech Mountain Brewing Co. and Flat Top Brewing Co. have teamed on a summer wheat IPA dubbed “Red, Wheat & Brew” which will be available at both breweries throughout the weekend.

For more details, go to www.MileHighFourth.com or call 800-468-5506.

Complimentary Golf Awarded as Thermometer Hits 80°

News Release
by Craig Distl

Nearly two dozen golfers received a surprise visit during their round on Tuesday, June 14, at the Beech Mountain Club. Each was greeted by head golf professional John Carrin, informed that the temperature had reached 79.9 degrees, and presented a certificate for a free round of golf.

 

Beech Mountain’s Summer of 79° stay-and-play promotion guarantees that golfers will play in temperatures that do not exceed 79 degrees. On the rare occasions when it does exceed that mark, a complimentary round of golf is awarded.

 

“We tell all guests at Beech Mountain Club that we are the coolest place in the Southeast to play golf,” Carrin explained. “Anytime the temperature exceeds 79 degrees, we don’t call that ‘cool’ anymore so we give them a certificate to come back and play at no charge.”

 

Many of the 23 golfers who received certificates that afternoon were shocked. It was a pleasant, blue-sky day with light breezes and low humidity. They didn’t seem to mind that the officially recorded high that day was 80 degrees.

 

“As I handed out the certificates, I said: ‘This is on behalf of the Beech Mountain Club with our deepest apologies for the weather.’ They just laughed,” Carrin said. “There was a group from Florida and a father-son twosome from Dallas, Texas. They’re probably not going to see 80 degrees before October in either of those two places.”

 

The Summer of 79 program launched in 2012. In that first summer, the mercury exceeded 79 degrees three times, but it did not reach that threshold again until June 14 of this year.

 

Carrin, the long-time golf professional at Beech Mountain Club, hopes the recent 80-degree scorcher is the final one this summer: “Not because we don’t want to give away golf, but because we really love the cool temperatures we enjoy all summer up here. If history is an indication, it will be unlikely we get that hot again.”

 

The town of Beech Mountain is the highest incorporated town east of the Rockies at an altitude of 5,506 feet above sea level. The high temperature has exceeded 79 degrees only 12 times since a National Weather Service reporting station was installed in 1992.

 

For details about the Summer of 79 stay-and-play program, visit www.Summerof79.com or call (800) 468-5506.