Beech Mountain

Two months ago Beech Mountain was largely isolated as a result of outages caused by Helene. Now the surrounding roads have been mostly repaired and the economically important ski season is off to a strong start.

Land of Oz, which first opened in 1970, offers an immersive theatrical experience of the classic film during its three-weekend Autumn at Oz festival each September. WFDD’s April Laissle followed Dorothy’s journey through Kansas, Oz and the Emerald City for this installment of Piedmont Pit Stops.

Watauga County’s Ray Hicks drew national acclaim for his storytelling skills focusing on the adventures of a poor but clever boy named Jack. Hicks passed away 20 years ago. Other raconteurs have kept the tales alive, but the High Country way of telling them faces an uncertain future, and changes in the Appalachian region could determine the outlook for this centuries-old tradition.

The High Country community of Beech Mountain is getting a highway marker to honor famed storyteller Ray Hicks. Hicks grew up on Beech Mountain on land…