Autumn at OZ - We're Off to See the Wizard!

October 5 - 6   Autumn at OZ    Follow the yellow brick road to the annual Autumn at Oz party. Be sure to dress warm, you never know when a twister will come through. Visitors can tour Dorothy's House, Uncle Henry's Barn, and a mini Oz museum. There will be food, crafters and games, plus chairlift rides up to Oz for those who prefer not to go by shuttle. Get tickets online.

In 2013 Autumn at OZ celebrates 20 years. Both children and adults will be enchanted as they experience the re-­creation of Dorothy's magical trip from her farm home in Kansas through the twister and down the yellow brick road to the "Land of OZ". Along your journey you will be met by a full cast portraying many of the vibrant characters similar to those of the original Oz.

There is ample parking for visitors with transportation to and from the Land of Oz included in the ticket price. Go by bus to an elevation of over 5,000 feet above sea level, high atop beautiful Beech Mountain where fantasies come to life RAIN OR SHINE.

The purchase of your ticket designates the time that you will be transported to the Land of OZ from "The Village" in the Resort of Ski Beech.

The Land of Oz opens at 9:30AM and limited tickets are available for attendance every hour. On Saturday the last bus leaves the parking lot for Oz at 3:30; Sunday at 2:30. The Park closes at 6:00PM.
Get links for lodging and complete visitor information on the Beech Mountain NC Guide.

New Bridge on the Mountains to Sea Trail

Hikers can now keep their feet dry when they cross High Shoals Creek as they follow the NC Mountain to Sea Trail (MST) along the Blue Ridge Parkway between Moses Cone Park and US 421 near Boone.

A new bridge was installed over the creek thanks to a $40,000 grant from the federal Recreational Trails Program matched by $7,422 donated by FMST members and 149.5 hours of work donated by FMST volunteers in Watauga County.

Attendees at the dedication ceremony in July received an ample demonstration of the need for the bridge. A rain storm the night before followed by steady rain throughout the day brought a torrent of water down the creek and under the bridge. A hardy group of volunteers and staff crossed the bridge in full rain gear and dry feet to celebrate this great addition to the trail.

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail  connects Clingman's Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockey's Ridge State Park on the NC Outer Banks with 1000 miles of footpaths and temporary connectors. Currently about 530 miles of footpaths are complete with work crews, mostly volunteers, continuing construction. The connectors make it possible to hike the entire 1000 miles.

The route passes through 37 counties containing about 40 percent of the state's population. The trail is used by people out for an afternoon stroll as well as those planning to hike the trail from one end of the state to the other.

Madison County Fair this Weekend in Marshall

October 3-5   Madison County Fair   Fair events include; rides, produce and cooking competitions, livestock competitions, special contests and exhibits. 4-H certified livestock and horse shows. Create some memories similar to the ones you have from growing up and going to the Fair with your family.

Carnival rides are there for the delight of all as well as craft booth and food vendors. But, the most fun is viewing the competitions of livestock and all the other categories ranging from baking to photography

Find links for local lodging and visitor information on the Marshall / Mars Hill NC Guide.

Chimney Rock State Park offers Guided Hike and Nature Program this Weekend

October 5   Old Growth Forest “Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike at Chimney Rock State Park   Learn what is special about a forest with canopy members over a century old, some even 200 to 300 years old. See the largest known Chestnut Oak in the Park among other prime specimens of their kinds on this moderate 1-hour hike. No additional cost with paid admission! Meet at Grady's Animal Discovery Den in the Meadows. 

October 5 - 6   Grady's Wildlife of WNC at Chimney Rock State Park   Come meet some of Grady the Groundhog's live woodland friends and learn about their natural habitats. Or marvel at our Birds of Prey, including a Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl. The family-friendly Grady’s Wildlife of WNC programs vary and are offered at 2 PM at the Outdoor Classroom on the Meadows. Best of all, the programs are included with your Park admission. All you need to bring are your kids and their curiosity about the natural world.
 
Find complete local visitor information on the Chimney Rock NC Guide.