tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141126760745358452012-01-16T12:48:24.785-05:00View of the Blue Ridge Mountains from our home on Beech Mountain NCAlex Chapmanhttps://profiles.google.com/111824455940882587177noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125Subscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with My AOLSubscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with Pageflakestag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-62692252069154033252012-01-16T12:48:00.001-05:002012-01-16T12:48:24.792-05:002012-01-16T12:48:24.792-05:00

The Town of Beech Mountain is showing some appreciation for the ladies who brave the snow and ice of winter to visit our mile-high community.  On Sunday, January 22nd, 2012, there will be a free Women's Spa Day at the Beech Mountain Town Hall, from 11 a.m. until 2 in the afternoon.  Yes, you read that correctly:  Free services will include massage, yoga, meditation, healthy snacks, and beauty

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-41803322780509582352011-12-09T10:50:00.001-05:002011-12-09T11:06:04.995-05:002011-12-09T11:06:04.995-05:00

Great News!   Now you can spend less of your precious Beech Mountain get-away time in a grocery store, but still get all the provisions you need for your hungry group of family and friends.  Lowes Foods in Banner Elk (about 25 mins' drive from Beech Mountain Bliss) is now offering the Lowes Foods To Go service, so you can order your groceries ahead of time online and just drop by at a

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-24956468321558978092011-11-29T16:15:00.001-05:002011-12-09T11:06:50.606-05:002011-12-09T11:06:50.606-05:00

Snow!  Of course, Mother Nature has already favored the Mountain with several coats of that magical white stuff already.  But now, in anticipation of a December 3rd opening date, the folks up at Beech Mountain Resort (formerly known as Ski Beech) are cranking up their snow machines today. You can check out their progress with the Live Web Cams online.  The extra snow guns added to their

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-22163412079947897472011-10-28T06:00:00.000-04:002011-12-09T11:06:34.857-05:002011-12-09T11:06:34.857-05:00

Starting November 1st, 2011, Grandfather Mountain is offering a "Secret Season" Pass, which allows a person to visit the park an unlimited number of times from November through April 30th, 2012, for just a one-time charge of only $25 ($15 for kids under 12). During the colder months, the Mountain becomes a magical place with crystal clear skies, and abundant wildlife to glimpse against the

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-61663374357512128122011-10-21T16:13:00.000-04:002011-10-21T16:13:40.779-04:002011-10-21T16:13:40.779-04:00

Well, Ski Season for Beech Mountain, NC, is just around the corner.  And since we already had our first snow weeks ago, it seems as if the winter of 2011-2012 is going to give us a good supply of snow once again.  Everyone is getting things ready to welcome the season, and one of many events coming up is a Kick-Off party up at Jackalope's View.  The festivities begin at 6pm.  So come on up for an

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-15725524167522215232011-10-08T16:32:00.001-04:002011-10-08T18:54:54.784-04:002011-10-08T18:54:54.784-04:00

Now is definitely the time to head up to the mountains to enjoy the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves!  It is said that 2011 will be an especially good year for soaking in the beauty of the Highlands, as slightly drier and cooler conditions in the months leading up to the Fall have produced a climate that is perfect for brilliant leaf color. And if you are able to steal away to our area, plan

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-27192708482636574412011-10-06T13:23:00.000-04:002011-10-06T13:23:44.190-04:002011-10-06T13:23:44.190-04:00

Come join in the fun, with a tour of the Beech Mountain country side from a hay ride. The ride will be offered this Saturday, October 8th, starting at 3pm (weather permitting), and will leave from in front of the Beech Mountain Town Hall. Riders will be entertained with stories and conversation provided by one of the "town gurus." We're hoping for a sunny Fall day; but remember to bring a

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-51648582833431879622011-10-01T15:53:00.000-04:002011-10-01T15:53:34.305-04:002011-10-01T15:53:34.305-04:00

Beech Mountain is definitely the place for breaking records, and it's happened again - this time, for the coldest October 1st!  And, it's been snowing, as you can see on this video.  Here's hoping this is a harbinger of a fantastic 2011-2012 ski season!

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-71001108505111295542011-09-23T14:25:00.002-04:002011-09-27T16:50:09.907-04:002011-09-27T16:50:09.907-04:00

This weekend, Beech Mountain Resort (formerly known as Ski Beech), hosts the 2011 USA Cycling Mountain Bike Gravity National Championships.  The resort aims to have this new course, along with their  other state-of-the-art Mountain Biking courses and facilities, fully open to the public by 2013; but for now, watching the top riders in the sport compete will be an exciting enough treat for

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-82901330539085180532011-09-21T19:17:00.000-04:002011-09-21T19:17:08.103-04:002011-09-21T19:17:08.103-04:00

On September 24th (this Saturday), nearby Apple Hill Farm will be celebrating National Alpaca Day.  We have been to Apple Hill Farm a lot, and we love it!  And with all that will be offered this weekend (free tours, knitting and felting demonstrations, the alpaca babies!), it's going to be an especially fun outing for the whole family.  And as we draw closer to Christmas, this is also a great

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-58863198461021072132011-08-19T16:50:00.000-04:002011-08-19T16:50:54.459-04:002011-08-19T16:50:54.459-04:00

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-2592261668190480072011-07-06T07:43:00.006-04:002011-07-07T22:45:40.356-04:002011-07-07T22:45:40.356-04:00

All kinds of great things are happening on and around Beech Mountain, NC, these days. The latest is in the area of micro-brews. On September 24th, 2011, Beech Mountain Resort will be hosting the inaugural Brews ‘n’ Views Beer Festival. The event will feature the tasting of some great local beers, with live music and fantastic views - and as it will coincide with the Mountain Biking Gravity

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-41465601279275418592011-06-29T19:41:00.001-04:002011-06-29T19:42:43.137-04:002011-06-29T19:42:43.137-04:00

One of our absolutely favorite warm-weather activities up on Beech Mountain is the Mile-High Kite Festival.  Held every year on Labor Day weekend, it is a splendid way to spend the day with the family. We always try to get there first thing in the morning, because the first 200 kids to turn up get a free kite to decorate and fly.  Here is an excellent video on YouTube about the festival.  But,

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-65787399433794031972011-06-27T21:33:00.000-04:002011-06-27T21:33:08.323-04:002011-06-27T21:33:08.323-04:00

Beech Mountain, NC, was home to the original Land of Oz Park from 1970 until it closed more than 20 years ago.   But for one weekend every Fall, lovers of OZ and the old theme park gather at its grounds on the top of Beech Mountain, to re-live happy memories and the magic of OZ.  And this year, on August 5-7, the park will come alive one other weekend, as members of The International Wizard of Oz

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-65784455056238541012011-06-21T10:54:00.001-04:002011-06-21T10:54:52.628-04:002011-06-21T10:54:52.628-04:00

Well, it's nearly time for the Annual Highland Games on Grandfather Mountain!  This year, they will be held July 7th thru the 10th on Grandfather Mountain.  As in years past, there are tons of things for folks to come and enjoy (whether you're of Scottish descent or not):  sheep herding, and entertainment for the kids, many different musicians and fantastic concerts of Celtic-inspired bands, and

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-27605270594367816382011-05-15T11:46:00.001-04:002011-05-15T11:47:46.271-04:002011-05-15T11:47:46.271-04:00

The North Carolina Birding Trail includes Beech Mountain (location #5) on its list of recommended spots for getting a glimpse of several notable species of our fine feathered friends:  Ruffed Grouse, Cedar Waxwing, Black‐and‐white Warbler, Black‐throated Green Warbler, Black‐throated Blue Warbler, Canada Warbler, etc. I would add that watching the hummingbirds from our deck is one of our

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-29007377636682841162011-04-07T09:00:00.001-04:002011-04-07T09:00:12.670-04:002011-04-07T09:00:12.670-04:00

Our beloved Tweetsie Railroad theme park in nearby Blowing Rock opens on April 29th for their 2011 Season! Only about a 45 minutes' drive from Beech Mountain Bliss, it's a favorite destination for us whenever we come to stay at our mountain get-away place! Further details about all their special events are now available online!

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-26838767020328759192011-04-01T07:47:00.002-04:002011-07-16T23:02:04.308-04:002011-07-16T23:02:04.308-04:00

We are less than three months away from A Cool 5, the High Country’s most exciting, most competitive, most beautiful and most family friendly benefit race! Registrations are pouring in, pasta dinner spaces (featuring guest speaker Molly Barker) are limited, and shirts/swag are guaranteed only on a pre-registration basis, so be sure to sign up soon to secure your spot! With a world renowned guest

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-52043556282350043622011-03-27T21:32:00.001-04:002011-03-27T21:33:06.659-04:002011-03-27T21:33:06.659-04:00

A new, and very sweet, business has recently opened its doors on the side of Beech Mountain, NC:  Beech Mountain Beekeeping Supplies and Honey.  Bees are fascinating creatures and we all owe them a huge debt of gratitude and respect for their busy bee ways.  Even if you are not in the market for your own bees, bee-keeping supplies or gear, a visit just to taste and to observe the extraction and

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-92076655250786599542011-03-08T13:17:00.000-05:002011-07-16T23:02:04.309-04:002011-07-16T23:02:04.309-04:00

Beech Mountain Resort will remain open for the day session until 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 13th, which will be the 100th and final day of operation, for the 2010-2011 season.  To celebrate, there will be games and entertainment and special rates on tickets too.  Visit the Beech Mountain Resort site for further details on the events and special ticket pricing.

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-26995344338690882042011-03-04T14:14:00.001-05:002011-03-04T15:02:37.270-05:002011-03-04T15:02:37.270-05:00

To help its visitors make the most of those incredible views and unique climate of mile-high Beech Mountain, NC, the Town of Beech facilitates the Emerald Outback Trail System, a comprehensive public trail park with many miles of trail for hiking, biking, running, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing use.   The Emerald Outback, to date 8 miles of single track, double track, and fire/gravel road

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-92000381506040993512011-03-02T19:43:00.000-05:002011-03-02T19:43:31.254-05:002011-03-02T19:43:31.254-05:00

My friend, Judy Perez (who's a fabulous masseuse, by the way), spotted a bear up on Beech Mountain; and she managed to catch him on film!  So, I guess Spring is on its way, then!  This bear, named Alan, was a little camera shy; he turned around and meandered back into the woods before Judy could find her zoom lens.

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-44871305277773644682011-02-22T15:48:00.000-05:002011-02-22T15:48:38.313-05:002011-02-22T15:48:38.313-05:00

So, what to do if you're heading up to Beech Mountain with the family, and some of the people in your group don't ski?" How about ice skating! It's fun and the village atmosphere at Beech Mountain Resort makes it extra fun! A centerpiece of the Beech Mountain Resort’s Alpine Beech Tree Village is the 7,000 square-foot outdoor, and refrigerated  (No fear of temporary thaws ruining your glide here

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-88701472913657680492011-02-03T22:40:00.000-05:002011-02-03T22:40:43.162-05:002011-02-03T22:40:43.162-05:00

 Did you know that Beech Mountain has already had over 115 inches of snow this season?!?  And we thought that last year's ski season was incredible!  I guess the weather gods hadn't gotten it out of their systems quite yet.  It's snowing again with not much let-up for awhile.  Time to head up that way and enjoy it all before it all melts away (although, it's hard to imagine that happening at the

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414112676074535845.post-69783415500732603652011-02-03T22:17:00.000-05:002011-07-16T23:02:04.310-04:002011-07-16T23:02:04.310-04:00

Beech Mountain Parks & Recreation department has announced the Fourth Annual "A Cool 5 Race Weekend" benefit event.  First held in June of 2008, the Race Weekend has become an annual event, starting with the pre-race festivities on Friday, June 10th, 2011, a pasta dinner, guest motivational speaker, music, and entertainment for the entire family. Saturday, June 11th, 2011, is race day.  Events

Heather Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265275330246020129noreply@blogger.com1