Honey Bear House

10/05/2026

It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year! 🍁🍂

A guide to viewing the fall leaves in North Carolina.

08/02/2026

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.

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