Rebooting Raven

“Somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue, and the dreams you dare to dream really do come true.“

If you’re a Wizard of Oz fan and you haven’t been to the Land Of Oz on Beech Mountain, NC it should at least be on your to do list.  I took my mom, who grew up with the movie.  I enjoy the movie, but prefer the book (usually the case).  Both of us really enjoyed the experience.  Be forewarned, pretty much the entire adventure is up hill (more accurately up mountain).  If you’re up for the hike it is absolutely worth every step.

Unfortunately in spite of its popularity, Oz is only open a few weekends each fall.  Dates are usually announced in the spring; tickets go on sale durning the summer.  Beware, they sell out quickly. 

Know before you go:

• When buying tickets if heights aren’t an issue for you check out the sky lift.  It’s an extra cost but we really enjoyed it.  Although we almost didn’t get to ride it due to weather, so that is a risk.  If you don’t go by sky lift they have buses take you further up the mountain to Oz from the parking lot. 
• They also offer Observation Deck tickets at another additional cost.  The view from the Observation Deck is really something.  It’s also at the top of some more stairs, after walking up a mountain.  If this is your thing, do it! 
• Oz tickets are timed, but you can take as much time as you need to wonder and explore once inside.  That being said, 90% of the time I recommend getting somewhere early to make the most of your time, so AM tickets are prime.
• Check out the map and figure out where the bathrooms are.  It was a trek back downhill once we realized we’d pasted the closest bathroom.  When we went there was a set of facilities after the Scarecrow and before the Wicked Witch. 
• There’s food, drinks, and shopping in the Emerald City at the end.  Eat before hand so you have plenty of time to take all the pictures!
• Charge your phone or camera. You’ll be using it.

Note: As of July 2025 the website states there will be no OZ in 2025 as they reevaluate after last year’s hurricane with plans to open again in 2026.

We used a VRBO rental to stay near the mountain.  It was great but had a lot of stairs.  I live in a city, so I enjoyed the morning visit from the neighbors.  Please do not feed these adorable creatures.  As you can see they’re oblivious to roadways.  Which can be pretty dangerous on such windy roads.  

Grab a cup of coffee before heading up the mountain at First Chair Coffee Shop.  Again, I recommend getting there early.  We weren’t the only ones who stopped in on the way up to Oz.  As we enjoyed the mild weather on the deck the place was quickly filling up with people dressed in all kinds of Oz attire.  

For the shoppers they have a few vendors located near the parking area and more in Emerald City.  As you can guess 99% of the items are Oz related.  We got a couple of really cute handmade hats and enjoyed a quick, silly photo shoot.  

Once you’re in Oz relax and enjoy!  It truly is an experience.  The set up allows for lots of people but at no point did it feel overwhelming.  There were some off and on delays when we were there due to weather.  But the cast did everything they could to manage the situation.  Luckily all showed a little patience and everyone was still able to enjoy the day.  If you run into weather issues remember you’re basically hiking up the side of a mountain, and safety is the number one priority for everyone, including the staff and volunteers.  

The Land of Oz is a must see for any movie or book fans.  People of all ages and from all locales come each year to live the magic in person.  I hope you get to experience it for yourself.  Happy travels!

“Folklore, legends, myths and fairy tales have followed childhood through the ages, for every healthy youngster has a wholesome and instinctive love for stories fantastic, marvelous and manifestly unreal.” ~L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz