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| Land of Oz at Beech Mountain, NC © Katrena |
Although most people think you cannot take a stroll down a yellow brick road in real life, many people in and around Beech Mountain know better. As the landscape begins to take on the amazing motley of Autumn hues in North Carolina on the first weekend of October, many people begin to arrive in Autumn at Oz, perhaps even dressed as their favorite character.
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| Autumn at Oz Near Boone NC © Katrena |
Based on L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful World of Oz," folks traveling to Beech Mountain can recapture a bit of what they remember from the book, the movie, and perhaps previous visits to the ski lodge turned into Dorothy's dream. My mom mentioned taking my siblings and me to the Land of Oz when I was very young. She said folks would sit and watch an outdoor drama based on the book. She also remembered the ski lift being decorated like large helium balloons as riders would ascend the hill to walk on the yellow brick road.
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| Fun Things to do with the Kids in October © Katrena |
In 2012, I decided my kids were old enough to enjoy this experience. Autumn at Oz is a very popular attraction that is now only offered one weekend a year and may sell out, so it is a good idea to purchase tickets before the event. I purchased my tickets online last year and found the process to be pretty simple. In order to control the crowd, visitors choose a time for going up the mountain. They provide entertainment, vendors, and play equipment to enjoy while waiting for the designated time.
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| Meet Characters from The Wizard of Oz Movie © Katrena |
I would encourage visitors to plan to arrive early and to be prepared for any type of weather. In 2012, the area was unusually cold and foggy, and I was quite impressed with the enthusiasm of the people dressed in character. They kept smiles on their faces, even if their teeth were about to chatter! Several people along the trail mentioned that it had snowed during a previous year. Many years have offered quite comfortable temperatures and lots of sun.
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| Tips for Visiting Oz in NC © Katrena |
Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and good shoes for walking. If anyone in the family tends to get carsick, be aware that the road to "Oz" is a winding country road. Traffic may become heavy on those winding roads because this is a popular destination. We saw many signs directing us to the area along the way.
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| Fun Family Activities in NC Mountains © Katrena |
They offer two ways to reach the summit of the mountain: ski lift and bus. We enjoyed riding the ski lift. The fog began rolling in as we road and became so thick that you couldn't see the chair in front. The photographer in me was a bit disappointed, but I think it may have made the Wicked Witch of the West and the flying monkeys grin a bit wider as we traveled along the trails!
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| Meet Dorothy from Wizard of Oz © Katrena |
After exiting the ski lift, we were soon were greeted by Dorothy and Toto. My kids would have probably been content to hang out with Dorothy and her dog all day, but we were all curious about what we would see along the path.
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| Photo Opportunities at Autumn at Oz on Beech Mtn © Katrena |
The path includes many signs and lots of props based on the movie and/or book. Various characters are stationed along the way, and the characters and even some other visitors will gladly pose for pictures. Many characters have returned to play their part for many years, and it was interesting to hear some of their stories. Before visitors get to the house, you will see scenes and characters from the part of the story based in Kansas...only this one's in color!
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| See Costumes and Figurines Based on Wizard of Oz © Katrena |
Take the time to walk through the mini museum while waiting to enter Dorothy's house. They have quite a few original pieces used in the movie and a large variety of figurines and other items with the Wizard of Oz theme. I particularly enjoyed looking at some of the original costumes and The Emerald City sign.
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| See Ski Lodge Turned into Oz © Katrena |
Groups are ushered into Dorothy's house at designated times. My youngest liked Auntie Em as much as Dorothy and Toto! Eventually, Dorothy hurries the group as a tornado approaches, thanks to some strobe lighting and creative decorating in the back portions of the home.
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| Find the Wicked Witch at Oz © Katrena |
As visitors spill out the back door, they will probably notice that things don't particularly look like "Kansas" any more. If you glance down and to the left, you might see a pair of legs with striped stockings sticking out from underneath the house.
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| Meet and Greet Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Lion at Oz © Katrena |
If you look in front of you, you'll discover a wonderful journey down the yellow brick road. Meandering down the yellow brick road will give you the opportunity to meet a variety of characters who lived in Oz and the Emerald City, including all of Dorothy's friends and even a few of her adversaries.
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| Meet Flying Monkeys at Oz © Katrena |
Many of the props look pretty realistic and may frighten some children. Of course, as thick fog began to settle on top of the mountain last year, everything looked a little spookier! My youngest wasn't crazy about the flying monkeys or the witch, so she stayed close to me, figuring I'd probably save her if they came after her (but they didn't!).
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| See Purple Horse from Oz at Beech Mountain © Katrena |
A person could easily take over 100 photos on this trip. If you have the opportunity, take a few moments to ask some of the seasoned characters about their favorite memories on this mystical mountain. Many of them have volunteered numerous hours year after year to make the experience amazing for more than one generation. I was impressed with how authentic they have tried to make the characters, costumes, and props. A LOT of work and coordination goes into this adventure behind the scenes.
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| Find the Real Yellow Brick Road © Katrena |
My daughters and I have visited quite a few places, and the trip to Autumn at Oz in Beech Mountain is one they are likely to remember for years to come. They have enjoyed the book and movie for years, but to "meet" the characters was a special memory to cherish. Hands down, this has been one of our favorite trips, even if it was a bit cold in Kansas last Fall!
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| Land of Oz Characters Near Boone NC © Katrena |
Find additional pictures and more information about this awesome October travel destination at my sister blog Love 2 Travel With Kids:
Autumn at Oz in Beech Mountain – Where Yellow Brick Meets the Road! Readers may also wish to read more of Katrena's travel articles:
Visit the
Travel NC With Kids site map to find additional travel reviews and pictures.
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