Honey Bear House

06/11/2026

https://www.citizen-times.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2026/06/09/following-the-yellow-brick-road-at-land-of-oz/90439961007/

Guests traveled the Yellow Brick Road at Land of Oz on Beech Mountain during the park's new Tea with Dorothy and Aunt Em experience, encountering familiar characters from Oz while exploring one of North Carolina's most unique attractions.

06/01/2026

New: Waterfalls & Wineries Road Trip Map! 70-mile loop from Banner Elk takes you to 6 waterfalls and 3 wineries, plus much more to see and do along the way. Included waterfalls: Linville Falls, Elk River Falls, Otter Creek Falls, Crab Orchard Falls, Waterfalls Park & Buckeye Creek Falls. Wineries: Banner Elk Winery, Grandfather Vineyard & Linville Falls Winery. Enjoy!

05/01/2026

Great news! Land of Oz reopens this year for Autumn at Oz in September and a new immersive experience in June. More details to come! These events will be held at the remains of the former amusement park atop Beech Mtn, NC, that operated 1970-1980. There were no events there in 2025. Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Wizard. Get your costumes ready! Your favorite Oz characters and songs return for a homecoming.
Follow them: Land of Oz

04/13/2026

In Watauga County, Beech Mountain received more than $353,000 for Shane Park, Seven Devils was awarded over $117,000 for repairs to Otter Falls Trail, and Watauga County received nearly $494,000 for Cove Creek Park.

Governor Josh Stein has announced more than four million dollars in grant funding for parks and recreation projects across western North Carolina. The money comes through the Helene Recovery Fund…

04/10/2026

“We could not be more excited to welcome Hawksnest Adventures into our family of brands,” said Matt Knott, CEO of Bound for Adventure and founder of River Riders we know today. “Hawksnest has built an incredible reputation for delivering high-quality, memorable outdoor experiences, and their team shares our passion for adventure, guest service, and innovation. Together, we are expanding our ability to connect more people with the outdoors in meaningful ways.”

SEVEN DEVILS — A local, family-owned attraction has changed hands after 35 years.

04/09/2026

🏔️ HAWKSNEST GOLF & SKI RESORT SOLD AFTER 35 YEARS OF COTTOM FAMILY OWNERSHIP

Hawksnest Golf & Ski Resort in Seven Devils has officially been sold, closing a chapter that spanned three generations of the Cottom Family.

The family took ownership in 1991 and built the property into a regional destination — transitioning away from skiing in 2008 to create what they describe as the East Coast's largest snow tubing park, and adding the zipline course in 2009.

"On behalf of the Cottom Family, I would like to express deep gratitude for the community's support over the decades," said Lenny Cottom. "The new owners bring fresh energy and a shared passion for outdoor recreation. We're excited to see the business evolve in their hands and look forward to our next adventure in the Boone area."

The new owners have not been identified. More details about upcoming changes and plans are expected in the coming months.

Full story ➡️ link in comments

02/05/2026

Hawksnest Adventures with the shout out! 😍

Plan your next snowy adventure with these 10 resorts to ski, snowboard, and tube within five hours of Oak City.

01/26/2026

01/12/2026

And you can see it from Honey Bear House. 😍

“One of the largest snow tubing parks on the entire East Coast, Hawksnest is your home base for all things winter fun. One of the things that sets this destination apart is variety; there are four distinct snow tubing areas to accommodate all ages and levels. In fact, the minimum age requirement to go snowtubing at Hawksnest is just three years! Of course, small children are required to ride with an adult if they are unable to reach their feet outside the tube to stop themselves at the bottom of the hill.”

One of the most epic snow tubing parks on the East Coast belongs at the top of your winter bucket list.

01/08/2026

Good things ahead for our beautiful town!

This is article is one of several looking at what's ahead in 2026 in Watauga County and its various municipalities.