Micro Guide: Beech Mountain, N.C.

By Marla Milling Published September 24, 2014

You’ve heard of a Rocky Mountain High—well let us introduce you to an East Coast High. With an elevation of 5,506 feet, the quaint town of Beech Mountain, N.C. is the highest spot east of the Rockies.

The population is only 350, but don’t let that fool you. The place hops year-round with as many as 5,000 visitors in the summer seeking a mild climate and great outdoor adventures like mountain biking. In the winter, that number rises to 10,000, as people make the trek for winter fun at Beech Mountain Resort.

Where to Play:

Recommended Videos

Beech Mountain Resort is the place to be if you love the thrill of racing down a snow covered mountain on skis or snowboards. While we love all the action, one of our favorite things at Beech is the 5506 Sky Bar at the top. They have food service as well as brews including the ones they brew.

The Beech Mountain Brewing Co. makes three distinct ales on-site: the 5506 Pale Ale, Cream Ale and Scotch Ale. The brewery helps the resort attract patrons even in warmer months, and we love the way they transform the ski lift in the summer to accommodate mountain bikers. They take out every other chair and add a lift just for the bikes. Makes it easy to race down the mountain and then get back on the lift for another go.

Where to Eat:

It may seem like a funny pick, but the downstairs deli of a general store lives up to its claim of “Best Breakfast in Beech Mountain.” Fred’s General Mercantile serves up a man-sized breakfast in the Backside Deli. Eggs are served to order along with plates heaping full of bacon, sausage, country ham, hash browns, grits and more. Fuel up for a long day on the slopes at Beech Mountain Resort.

Where to Sleep:

Chances are you’ll want to stay close to the action. Even if hitting the slopes isn’t your thing, renting a cozy cabin offers fun for all. Check out the offerings at Emerald Mountain Realty. Nostalgia buffs can spend a night in Dorothy’s House at the now-defunct Land of Oz Theme Park. Yes, really.

Of course, Cindy Keller, owner of Emerald Realty has rentals to house a group as well. Check out the Dream View Chalet, named for its incredible far range views. Situated atop a cliff, this 4 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath home features the perfect home away from home.

Toss a log on the fire and kick back and enjoy your time in the mountains.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Marla Hardee Milling is a full-time freelance writer living in a place often called the Paris of the South, Sante Fe of the…

Topics

Travel

My favorite experiences in Malta (that you’ll want on your itinerary)

How to experience Malta’s food, wine, and history

Malta

Though it spans only 122 square miles and ranks as the 10th smallest country in the world, Malta has so much to see and do. Located just south of Sicily, Italy, this tiny island country has so much to explore, from top-tier wineries to fortified cities like Mdina. For the traveler who likes to see, run, do, and explore -- Malta has so much to uncover. I never ran out of things to explore here during my recent visit. In fact, I found myself wishing I had booked a longer vacation, feeling pressed for time. Take note: You won't want to miss these five things to do in Malta (and its sister islands) on your next visit.

Day trip to Gozo

Travel

I didn’t expect fine dining and virtual dodgeball — but this Orlando resort delivered

Caribe Royale Orlando offers sports, fine dining, and family fun in one spot

Caribe Royale Orlando

Though I've visited Orlando dozens of times in the past couple of years, I always seem to find a new resort to explore every time I visit. The Orlando area is home to over 450 different hotels and resorts, which leaves me with lots of options to choose for an Orlando getaway. During my most recent visit to the area, I stayed at Caribe Royale Orlando, an expansive, all-suite resort located just a few miles outside of Walt Disney World.

Unlike many hotels in the area that are heavily Disney-focused, this unique resort offers a little something for every age group. From sports simulators to fine dining options for adults to a kid-focused pool with a 75-foot waterslide, here's a look at Caribe Royale Resort Orlando's elevated take on a classic family getaway and what made it feel different than other Orlando resorts I've stayed at.

Travel

This European country is the No. 1 fall travel spot, says Pinterest

Switzerland took the number one spot

Switzerland

Fall travelers are craving cozy escapes, and Pinterest’s 2025 Fall Trend Report reveals exactly where they’re headed. The platform analyzed search data to uncover this year’s top seasonal travel trends, and the results show a clear preference for European countryside getaways filled with charm, culture, and calming scenery.

Leading the pack is Switzerland, which saw a 367% surge in searches for countryside escapes. It’s easy to understand why. The country is dotted with storybook towns like Gimmelwald, where visitors can enjoy a peaceful Swiss Alps retreat near hiking trails. In Lavaux, the autumn wine harvest draws travelers to terraced vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva, while culture seekers can head to Zurich for the city’s annual film festival. Meanwhile, Basel’s centuries-old Autumn Fair transforms the entire city into a lively celebration of tradition, rides, and food.