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NC Fall Foliage And Elevation

North Carolina Travel — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 00:26:56 +0000

NC Fall Foliage And NC Elevations

The importance of fall foliage and elevations. When you read a fall foliage report, the experts and meteorologists always mention mountain elevations. Why is mountain elevation so important? And where are the highest, mid, and lowest elevations in the NC mountains? This post will explain the reason elevation is so important. And list the different popular mountains in each elevation range.

NC Fall Foliage

Fall foliage colors always begin in the highest elevations, those over 5,000 feet. How and why the leaves change color is pretty complicated. But when the change does start taking place, elevation is significant. Higher elevations have cooler air temperatures. The cooler temperatures result in trees preparing to enter their winter dormant period. To add to that, the highest trees change color first, and the highest leaves in a tree change first. At the start of autumn, the air temperatures cool, and a tree’s growth cycle slows down. Since the leaves at the very top of the tree are furthest from the roots, nutrients stop reaching them first. Fewer nutrients mean less chlorophyll. Without chlorophyll, the leaves lose the green. No chlorophyll results in the color change. The type of tree depends on the color of the leaves. Different tree species have different colors their leaves change into during the fall foliage season.

Fall Foliage Leaf Color Chart (image by WV Division of Forestry)

Elevations In The North Carolina Mountains

Mount Mitchell – The highest mountain elevation in NC is Mount Mitchell. Mount Mitchell is 6,684 feet. It is located north of Asheville in Yancey County. At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River.
Cold Mountain (6,030 ft)
Richland Balsam – Height: 6,410 feet part of the Great Balsam Mountains. The highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 431
Waterrock Knob – elevation of 6,292 feet. Located in both Haywood and Jackson counties in the western mountains of North Carolina. Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Grandfather Mountain – Grandfather Mountain is 5,946 feet. It is near Linville, North Carolina.
Beech Mountain – Peak Elevation: 5,506 feet.
Sugar Mountain – summit elevation of 5,300 feet.
Banner Elk – 3,895 feet
Blowing Rock – 3,566 feet
Boone – elevation of 3,333 feet
Mount Jefferson – is located in Ashe County, North Carolina. The mountain is part of the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. The mountain has an elevation of 4,665 feet.
Highlands is at 4,500
Cashiers – 3,484 feet. Located in Jackson County
Pilot Mountain – elevation at the peak is 2,421 feet. Located near Mount Airy.
Chimney Rock – Chimney Rock State Park is located in Rutherford County. The elevation is 2,280 feet.
Valle Crucis – 2,858 feet. Located in Watauga County
Asheville – is at 2,200 feet

Where To Go

Looking at the locations of the mountains you can understand why the Blue Ridge Parkway is so popular during the fall foliage season. The parkway runs right through some of the highest mountain ranges in North Carolina. Other areas to visit would be Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk. More south the areas of Cashiers, Highlands, and Franklin have some great views of the Nantahala National Forest. Bryson City and Cherokee are close to the Great Smoky Mountains. Views of the Great Smokies during the fall foliage season are very nice. And Asheville is a popular destination during October.

Typical Timing To View Peak Fall Foliage in NC Mountains

Late September – Spotty color begins at elevations over 6,000 feet in the highest mountains.
First week of October – Color appears at or above 5,000 feet elevation, including Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain.
Second week of October – color appears at the 4,000-5,000 feet elevations.
Third week of October – color spreads to the 3,000-4,000 feet elevations.
Fourth week of October – color makes it to the 2,000-3,000 feet elevations.
Early November- color spreads into the 1,000-2,000 feet elevations.

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Old North State Food Hall I-95 Selma

North Carolina Travel — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 22:06:56 +0000

Old North State Food Hall
I-95 Exit 97

The recently opened Old North State Food Hall is a great place to stop and grab a bite to eat. The new food hall is conveniently located just off Interstate 95 at Exit 97 in Selma, NC. The Old North State is the nation’s first interstate food hall. It’s 12,000 square-foot space holds multiple vendors that offer a mix of regional cuisines: from American classics to Mexican, Indian and Cuban. You can dine in or take out your food, but no delivery service is available.

As you walk into the hall, to the left of the main entrance is Cock A Doodle Moo, Barley & Burger and Luna Pizza. In the back of the food hall is Longleaf Tavern. The craft beverage bar features NC craft beer, cider, wine, and spirits. You can take your food into the tavern and or take your drinks out into the food hall. To the right of the main entrance is Fuku Chicken, Aroma De Cuba, Curry In A Hurry, My Cielo Taqueria , and Mac House.

Located in the center of the food hall are Bean And Bubble (locally roasted coffee and Asian treats) and Butter Cream (ice cream and toppings). Tables are set up all around the food hall. Once you place your order and are given a drinking cup, self serve soda fountains and tea dispensers are located in the center area.

Old North State Food Hall Seating Area

On the walls of the food hall all are beautiful images of popular North Carolina sties such as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, beach scenes, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and sand dunes.

Old North State Food Hall Vendors

Cock A Doodle Moo is a BBQ Vendor, specializing in slow smoked meats and sides including potato salad, coleslaw, smoked wings, hot dogs and pulled pork.

Barley and Burger is a gourmet burger shop that serve American hamburgers. Their hand-formed burgers are named after movies like Godfather, Truffle Shuffle, Big Kahuna, and Rocky Balboa. Side orders include fries, tater tots and pretzel bites.

Luna Pizza Cafe specializes in Neapolitan pizza that is hand-stretched to order and cooked in a huge brick oven. They also have fresh-made salads, appetizers, and desserts.

FUKU offers spicy fried chicken sandwiches, sides, and slushies. Chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggies, dirty fries (Crispy Golden Waffle Fries, Sweet + Spicy Chicken Strips, Bacon, Ranch, Sweet + Spicy Sauce, Scallion) , loaded fries (Crispy Golden Waffle Fries with Spicy Cheese Sauce, Bacon, Ranch, Scallion) and wings are on the menu.

Aroma De Cuba offers authentic South Florida Cuban cuisine, like Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, plantain chips, and Cuban coffee.

Curry In A Hurry offers authentic Indian food, with an American twist. Order dishes like Butter Chicken Curry, Kati Roll Chicken and Kati Bowl.

My Cielo Taqueria is an authentic Mexican restaurant that have Chimichangas, Huevos w/ Chorizo, Jalisco Torta, Shrimp Fajitas, Cheese Quesadilla, tacos, nachos and many more.

The Mac House serves mac and cheese and grilled cheese as a starter but take it further adding BBQ chicken, bacon, Mac meatballs and more. Menu items include Caribbean Jerk Chicken Mac & Cheese, BBQ Pork Mac & Cheese, Original GF Mac & Cheese, and Spinach & Artichoke Mac & Cheese.

Bean and Bubble serves roasted coffee and Asian treats, including Poke bowls and bubble tea.

Butter Cream offers ice cream with an assortment of toppings and fresh baked cookies.

Location and Hours

The food hall is open everyday with the following hours:

Saturday 7AM–10PM
Sunday 7AM–9PM
Monday 7AM–9PM
Tuesday 7AM–9PM
Wednesday 7AM–9PM
Thursday 7AM–9PM
Friday 7AM–10PM

Old North State Food Hall is a great place to stop, rest, relax and grab some great food. Whether you are local and just looking for a new place to eat, or traveling and need a nice place to take a breaking, the new food hall is great choice. There is something for everyone at the multi-vendor food hall.

Map and Directions

The Food Hall is located at 67 JR Road, Suite 300, Selma, NC. From Interstate 95 take Exit 97. Follow the signs. It is located near Denny’s just off of US 70.

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Shadow of the Bear NC Mountains

North Carolina Travel — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 22:09:28 +0000

“The Shadow of the Bear” NC Mountains Annual Fall Visitor

The Shadow of the Bear NC mountains’ annual fall visitor will make an appearance soon. Every fall foliage season Whiteside Mountain in Jackson County gets an unusual visitor. At sunset, this visitor slowly creeps across the valley of the mountain growing larger with every minute. The unusual visitor is a bear, or “The Shadow of the Bear”. When conditions are just right in late October as the sun sets behind Whiteside Mountain the “shadow of the bear” is visible for about 30 minutes between 5:30-6:15 PM. It must be sunny and it only lasts for about 30 minutes. Conditions must be just right. Rain clouds, fog, haze, or cloudy conditions can prevent the shadow from being visible.

When And Where

It takes place only for about 3 weeks, from mid-October (10/15) through early November (11/10). Its trek across the mountain valley is a treat to see during the fall foliage months. But “the shadow of the bear” also repeats its journey in winter from mid-February through early March.

To see the Shadow of the Bear you must be very lucky or very dedicated. Weather conditions must be just right. And it may take multiple trips to the overlook on different days before the conditions are right and the shadow can be seen shadow crossing the valley. And taking a photo is even more difficult!

Whiteside Mountain

Whiteside Mountain has an elevation of 4,930 feet. Its sheer rock cliffs are among the highest in the eastern United States. Whitetop Mountain is located in Jackson County, NC. The shadow of the mountain at sunset cast upon the lower valley looks very much like a bear walking across the treetops. To view this unusual site go to Rhodes Big View Overlook on US Highway 64. The overlook is a few miles west of Cashiers and five miles east of Highlands. But the overlook is not marked! See directions below to find Rhodes Big View Overlook.

Directions

From Cashiers – Beginning at the traffic light at the intersection of Highway 64 and NC 107 in Cashiers, travel west on Highway 64 (toward Highlands) for about 4.3 miles. The Rhodes Big View Overlook, which is not marked, is on the left. If you reach the sign for the entrance to the Whiteside Mountain Trail, you have gone too far and missed the overlook.

From Highlands – Head east on Highway 64 and travel a little over 5 miles. The overlook is just past the sign to Whiteside Mountain Trail and just over the Jackson County line. The overlook will be on the right. Park in the pull-off area across the road from the overlook. Be careful, the area can be crowded, and beware of oncoming traffic.

From Asheville – Take I-26 to exit 40/Highway 280/Airport exit to Brevard. Then follow U.S. 64 to Cashiers. About 70 miles and about 2.5 hours driving time.

Shadow of the Bear Location and Map of Highlands and Cahiers Area

The Cullasaja Gorge

While in the area of Highlands, NC a ride on the Cullasaja Gorge is a must. It is located along US 64 between Franklin and Highlands, NC. The gorge is a 7.5-mile ride along the Cullasaja River. This road is narrow, steep, and full of twists and turns. Drive slow and be very cautious of oncoming traffic.

The views of the mountains, the forest, and the river are just spectacular. There are several waterfalls located along the way. The waterfall Bridal Veil Falls, just 1.2 miles west of Highlands. Dry Falls has a 75-foot waterfall with a nice view of the river. From Dry Falls parking area, a short trail leads you behind the waterfall ( so you stay dry). Also, a walkway provides a great view of the waterfall from the parking area. Other falls along the Cullasaja Gorge are Quarry Falls and Cullasaja Falls. In autumn a ride on the Cullasaja George is so beautiful when the leaves are golden yellow, orange, and red.

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Shopping At Carolina Premium Outlets

North Carolina Travel — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 21:23:59 +0000

Carolina Premium Outlets In Smithfield

Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield, North Carolina is such a great place to shop. The outlet is located right next to I-95. On I-95 take either Exit 97 or Exit 95 and follow the signs. The outlet has over 75 stores. Types of shops include women’s clothing, men’s clothing, children’s clothing, intimate apparel shops, sportswear shops, leather goods, jewelry shops, shoe wear shops, a candle shop, kitchen shops, and many more. Many of the shops are name-brand outlets. The outlet store prices can save you from 25% up to 65% every day. Plus you can join their VIP Shopper Club and save even more.

Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield, NC

Some of the name-brand shops located at Carolina Premium Outlets are Talbots Outlet, Lane Bryant Outlet, Kate Spade, and American Eagle Outfitters. Sports-related shops include Adidas, Under Armour, Timberland, and Nike Factory Store. Jewelry stores located at the outlet are Zales Outlet, Kay Jewelers Outlet, and Claire’s.

Another popular store that will save you money is the Yankee Candle store. They have a huge variety and inventory no matter what the season. They have all the scents popular for the season and the holidays. Other specialty stores located at Carolina Premium Outlets include the popular Bath and Body Works. They have all the bath and body lotions, soaps, and sprays we know and love. Next door there is Perfumania, another popular shop. Save money on well-known perfume brands.

Carolina Pottery is located at Carolina Premium Outlet in Smithfield. If you need home decor items you can find them at Carolina Pottery. They carry almost everything needed to decorate a home, deck, and outdoor living. Plus there is a huge supply of craft supplies such as ribbon, wreaths, bows, floral arrangement supplies, flags, and entrance doormats. And anything you need for the kitchen or dining can be found here. If anyone needs a specialty kitchen utility item you can find it at Carolina Pottery.

Southern Smokehouse BBQ at Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield, NC

If you get hungry during your shopping trip there is a great barbecue restaurant at the outlet. Southern Smokehouse BBQ by the Barbecue Provision Company offers meals at their restaurant, as well and sauces and rubs! Their meats are wood-fired daily. Southern Smokehouse BBQ is open 7 days a week. Their menu offers Texas Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, smoky turkey breast, and smoked sausage plus more. Sides include baked beans, corn on the cob, potato salad, mac and cheese, chili, coleslaw, and others. They also have sandwiches, tacos, loaded baked potatoes, and my favorite the BBQ nachos. They even have desserts!

Snack shops at the outlet include Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. The shop has sweet & savory soft pretzels with a variety of toppings & dips. It’s located next to Pepper Palace and Southern Smokehouse BBQ. For those that love popcorn, there is Popcorn Pleasers. It has fresh-popped kettle corn popcorn in different flavors. The store is located next door to Southern Smokehouse BBQ.

During the holiday season, Carolina Premium Outlet is a great place to do all your gift shopping. All types of stores are conveniently located in one location. Any type of gift needed can be found at Carolina Premium Outlet. Numerous stores all in one location with food and snacks nearby. Plan a shopping trip today!

While in the Smithfield/Selma area you can also shop for antiques. This area is known for its many antique shops. For movie fans, the Eva Gardner Museum is also located in Smithfield at 325 E Market Steet. There is also the Ruby Theatre located in nearby Selma. Their Christmas Jubilee show is sure to get you into the holiday spirit with a “musical journey through your favorite Christmas songs”.
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Dan Finch Pottery Open House

North Carolina Travel — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 19:26:25 +0000

Dan Finch Pottery Open House

The annual Dan Finch Pottery Open House is this Sunday on November 13, 2016. It starts at 10:00am and last till 5:00pm. The yearly open house is a popular event when Dan opens his pottery workshops for all to visit and enjoy. There is free admission! This year he will have numerous potters at his open house event and live demonstrations. It’s a fun-filled event with shopping, pottery demonstrations, music, fun and food. There are pottery demonstrations, live music, shopping and food. Even kid’s activities like face painting and Santa’s Workshop.

Dan Finch Pottery Open House Nov. 13, 2016 Bailey, NC

It’s a great place to buy functional pottery for the home or kitchen as well as pottery for home or garden decor. More shopping items includes jewelry, wall hangings and sculpture. This year there will be music by the Southern Star Band and a special appearance by Rebecca Bryant, Singing Cowgirl. Free admission and parking!

Dan Finch is a well-known potter that works in stoneware, porcelain, wood-fired, salt-glazed, and raku pottery. Finch Pottery and Nursery is located near Bailey, NC. He was Director of the North Carolina Pottery Center and a former President of the Village of Yesteryear at the North Carolina State Fair. He also runs a pottery school at his studio. He also has Finch Homes for Bluebirds and has a blueberry farm.

The Dan Finch Pottery Open House takes place in Bailey, NC and it’s a great way to spend a cold November Sunday afternoon sipping hot chocolate and shopping with family and friends for those unique holiday gifts while exploring a famous potters workshop.

Finch Pottery Open House Location and Map
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Christmas At Biltmore

North Carolina Travel — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 16:01:55 +0000

Christmas at Biltmore

Visit Asheville for Christmas at Biltmore Estate this holiday season. The enchanted Christmas at Biltmore starts November 1, 2019 and lasts through January 5, 2020. The 35-foot tall Christmas tree was just put up Friday, Nov 1st. Biltmore is decorated with about 55 Christmas trees throughout the house and grounds this year. Millions of lights have been hung, miles of garland strung and hundreds of wreaths have been put up. The house and grounds have been decorated with bows, ribbons, flowers, and greenery to make this year’s Christmas at Biltmore Estate as beautiful as ever for this year’s holiday season.

Christmas at Biltmore 2019

Daytime and Night Time Tickets to Biltmore

A daytime ticket includes the self-guided tour to Biltmore House, the gardens, shops, restaurants, Antler Hill Village & Winery, and a complimentary wine tasting at the Winery.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings are from November 1, 2019 through January 4, 2020. A reservation-only night-time ticket includes the self-guided tour to Biltmore House by candlelight and firelight, live music performed by choirs and soloists, and Antler Hill Village & Winery.

Come see the huge Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall decorated with millions of twinkling lights and hundreds of ornaments. Be a kid again and feel the magic of this special holiday season at Biltmore Estate. Tour Antler Hill Village and see it decorated and lit up for Christmas. Visit the Conservatory and see on display all the colorful poinsettia including pink, white, and red poinsettia.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore Estate

Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore are really spectacular. Tour the house by candlelight with all the fireplaces ablaze. Each night listen to the beautiful Christmas music performed by choirs and soloists. The Biltmore Candlelight Evening Tour runs November 1, 2019 – January 4, 2020. Biltmore Candlelight Evening is by reservation only and they sell out fast!

Biltmore is always pretty but at Christmas it is magical! Plan your trip to Asheville, NC now. For more information about all the special holiday events and to purchase tickets see Christmas at Biltmore.

Christmas at Biltmore..take a peek from 2017!

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Gingerbread House Competition

North Carolina Travel — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 22:37:57 +0000

Annual National Gingerbread House Competition at Grove Park Inn Asheville

The Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition display for this holiday season takes place from November 18, 2015 through January 3, 2016 in Asheville, North Carolina at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Judging for the annual competition takes place on November 16, 2015 and the awards ceremony is open and free to the public. This year is the 23rd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition at the inn. The gingerbread houses from this year’s competition will be placed on display to the general public Sunday through Thursday 9:00am till 9:00pm. They are on display for resort guest at anytime.

National Gingerbread House Competition Omni Grove Park Inn Asheville,NC

The bakers must make their elaborate gingerbread houses all edible except for the base. Every part of the gingerbread house must be able to be eaten. It takes an experienced baker to enter this competition with a great imagination. Not to mention a love for sweets!

It is so much fun to stroll through the display of magical gingerbread houses baked and decorated by cooks from all over the United States. While in Asheville make a special trip to the Omni Grove Park Inn to see this favorite holiday event. Enjoy the intricate candy decorated gingerbread creations. It will be hard not to get into the spirit of Christmas while walking though the display. You may even become inspired to make your own holiday gingerbread house!

The Gingerbread Houses are on display in the main lobby floor in both wings of the resort. A map can be obtained from the information desk of the Omni Grove Park Inn. While at the Omni Grove Park Inn you can also do some shopping at the gift shop, warm up and enjoy the fire in the fireplace in the lobby, and see the display of more than 80 decorated Christmas trees. The Omni Grove Park Inn is a magical place during the holiday season with Christmas trees, garland, lights, wreaths and decorations to impress us all. There is no charge to enter the resort and view the gingerbread houses but there is a $10 parking fee per car.

And while in Asheville you can also visit Biltmore Estate. Christmas at Biltmore this year is November 6, 2015 – January 10, 2016. Biltmore Estate is beautiful any time of year but during the Christmas holiday season the huge estate is magical. Biltmore during the festive Christmas season is decorated with strands of garland, red and gold bows, dozens of trees, thousands of ornaments, and millions of lights.

Biltmore at Christmas 2015

See the 2014 National Gingerbread House Competition at Omi Grove Park Inn here…

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New Casino Opens In Murphy

North Carolina Travel — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 22:36:21 +0000

Murphy Gets New Casino For Western NC

North Carolina has a new casino in the western part of the state. The brand new casino just opened in Murphy, NC on Monday September 28, 2015. Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel is now open for business as of 2:00 pm! It has 1,050 slot machines and 70 table games in the 50,000 square foot casino. When patrons get hungry the casino has a food court with Nathan’s Panda Express, Earl of Sandwich, Papa John’s Pizza, and Starbucks within the complex just steps away from the slot machines and gaming table.The hotel is a 300 room full service hotel.

New Casino in Murphy, NC Opens

Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino is located at 777 Casino Drive in Murphy, NC. This is the second Harrah’s casino in the Western North Carolina. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in Cherokee, NC opened in 1997 and annually has over four million people a year to visit the casino. The new casino in Murphy is expected to draw over one million visitors a year. It cost $110 million to build and took nearly 2 years to build with construction being started in October of 2013. The brand new casino should bring more visitors to the Murphy area and the mountains of North Carolina. Check out the new casino at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel.

Check out the new casino here…

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National Parks Birthday

North Carolina Travel — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 17:46:12 +0000

National Parks Birthday Tuesday

The National Parks birthday is Tuesday. The national park service is celebrating their 99th birthday Tuesday August 25, 2015. That day is called Founders Day. Many national parks do charge an admittance fee that will be waived on Founders Day. This Founders Day on August 25 will be the start of a year-long celebration that is the kickoff to the big Centennial Celebration in 2016! President Woodrow Wilson signed into legislation the creation of the National Park Service 99 years ago on August 25, 1916. Now, 99 years later there are 408 National Parks throughout the United States.

North Carolina has several National Parks and Tuesday would be a great day to visit one and help celebrate Founders Day. Here are just a few of the many National Parks located in the state…

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in western North Carolina

The Appalachian Trail

The Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway

Cape Lookout in the southern coastal region

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse at the Outer Banks

Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the coast

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island at the Outer Banks

Wright Brothers National Memorial

The Wright Brothers National Memorial at the Outer Banks

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Land of Oz Does Autumn At Oz

North Carolina Travel — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 19:05:27 +0000

The Land of Oz Does Autumn at Oz in October

The Land of Oz is located near Beech Mountain, North Carolina. It opens every year the first weekend of October for a very special one weekend only festival. The Land of Oz theme park’s annual Autumn At Oz celebration for this year takes place October 3-4, 2015. The festival has many fun activities for both children and adults. Some of the activities are face painting, photo ops with the characters, props and souvenirs, food, and drinks. People travel from all over to come to this one weekend only festival. The festival started out as a small reunion of the theme park’s former employees. Now it is has grown into a popular weekend festival in the mountains of North Carolina. Children and adults as well will all enjoy this special one weekend event that celebrates the Wizard of Oz. As an added bonus the fall foliage show will be under way in the mountains of North Carolina.

Visitors at the Autumn at Oz festival can travel thru the twister that took Dorothy to OZ, walk along the Yellow Brick Road, explore Oz, and meet many of the well-known characters such as the Tin Man, Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, Professor Marvel, Auntie Em and Uncle Henry, Glinda the Good Witch, the Wizard of Oz and The Wicked Witch of the West with her guards and flying monkeys!

Tickets are $35 for both adults and children. Children 2 years old and under are admitted free of charge. Entrance times to the park for October 3rd and 4th are 10-12, 12-2 or 2-4. You can stay until the event ends at 6:00 PM no matter what time you go in. Advance tickets are recommended due to the popularity of Autumn at Oz. It usually sells-out every year so get your tickets in advance. Buy tickets after August 1 on thee website Land of Oz under Autumn At Oz party.

What Is Land of Oz?

The Land of Oz was an operational theme park for 10 years from 1970-1980. Hard times hit the park and it closed. Then vandalism and destruction took its toll. In 1990 the area was taken over by Emerald Mountain development. With renovations and hard work now it has become what it is today. Emerald Mountain Properties have private parties at Oz, rentals, sales, Land of Oz, Oz souvenirs, Autumn At Oz Festival, bike and hiking trails and 440 acres to discover and explore.

Their website states “Each year we share the park and our memories on a special weekend. We call it our
Autumn at OZ party, where we all take a nostalgic stroll down the yellow brick road and see some of the
original cast perform again. Volunteers and local charities help us with the event, and everyone is invited. Proceeds pay for the party and help with restorations.” For more info about Land of Oz, Autumn at Oz and Emerald Mountain Properties visit Emerald Mountain.
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