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| Autumn at Oz 2014 Dates © Katrena |
This yellow brick road is not in Kansas but can be found in the mountain region of North Carolina. If you have a favorite scene or character from the Wizard of Oz, chances are that you will be able to find them atop Beech Mountain.
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| Professor Marvel at Autumn at Oz at Beech Mountain © Katrena |
Autumn at Oz only happens one weekend each year, and the 2014 dates are scheduled for October 4 and 5. This unique, family friendly activity transports folks into what seems to be another land, full of captivating characters and props to resemble the popular movie.
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| Beech Mountain Autumn at Oz © Katrena |
Many visitors return year after year, and quite a few of the characters and people working with the program have returned to entertain everyone numerous times as well. This event tends to sell out every year; ordering tickets in advance is essential if you have your heart set on visiting Autumn at Oz. They do not offer an alternate date for weather – this family-friendly activity has been held in the snow, fog, rain, and beautiful sunny days. You are pretty sure to see a twister while visiting, but it's nothing to get all bent out of shape about.
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| Fun Things to do near Boone, NC © Katrena |
The yellow brick road is uneven with steps in various places, so this activity would not work for someone who must travel by wheelchair or stroller. Ensure that everyone is wearing comfortable walking shoes - you might need rubber soles or snow chains on the ruby slipper! I would advise carefully checking the weather forecast for the area and while packing extra layers as appropriate. Be prepared with some strong arms if you are planning to carry a little one. Ensure your camera is fully charged with lots of memory – this place is brimming with photo opportunities. I've been known to take over 100 pictures while enjoying Autumn at Oz.
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| Land of Oz in North Carolina Mountains © Katrena |
Tickets include a time for arrival. You may arrive early, but you cannot travel to the mountain's peak until your designated time. According to my sources, in 2014 they plan to open the ski lift again, which should help relieve some congestion for traveling up and down the mountain. Ski lift riders must be at least 36 inches tall, and there is a $5.00 charge for riding the lift this year. The bus shuttle is included with the ticket price.
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| Uncle Henry in Autumn at Oz in Beech Mountain © Katrena |
Once you complete the ascent, you'll quickly discover a world atop the mountain that feels as if you have been transported to another time and place. You will walk through various scenes based on the movie with an opportunity to speak with various characters from those scenes.
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| Wizard of Oz Museum at Beech Mountain © Katrena |
Before entering Dorothy's house, take a few moments to walk through the museum that features some vintage items from the original movie and quite a few Wizard of Oz items, including some from the days of the original Beech Mountain Oz that featured a balloon ride to the top of the mountain. My family traveled to this magical place in the early 1970s, but I was too young to remember that trip. My mom has told some great stories about our Oz visit back then and came with us on our first visit with the most recent generation.
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| Vintage Items from Land of Oz in North Carolina © Katrena |
Another small Wizard of Oz museum lies at the end of the yellow brick road as well. It features a quilt with a Wizard of Oz theme and several costumes and decorations used years ago at Beech Mountain that have been preserved over the years.
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| Munchkin Land at Autumn at Oz © Katrena |
I have been impressed with the friendly attitudes of the characters at Autumn at Oz. Thousands of people enjoy this once-a-year event, and the characters and associates somehow manage to keep smiles on their faces even if their teeth were almost chattering! Several of them have taken a few moments to talk about their experiences, such as Mrs. Gulch who once played the part of Dorothy in years past. One year I believe a dog traveled from Florida to play the part of Toto – note that pets are not allowed at this event.
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| Wicked Witch of the West on Yellow Brick Road in Beech Mountain © Katrena |
My family has dressed up as various characters from the movie. Many guests often go all out with a motley assortment of costumes based on the Wizard of Oz movie adapted from the Wonderful Wizard of Oz book by L. Frank Baum. My kids have enjoyed Autumn at Oz a couple of times and are already asking to go back again this year.
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| Get Your Picture Made with Dorothy and Wizard of Oz Characters © Katrena |
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Travel NC With Kids. I hope you enjoy my articles and pictures.
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| Follow the Yellow Brick Road and Meet Oz Characters © Katrena |
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