Owl’s Nest is well known in the White Mountains region and beyond as a premium golf destination, but today we wanted to dive into some exciting developments and some lesser-known bonuses you can experience should you choose to go there, whether you’re a golfer or not.
Building a Dream Spot
First off there have been a lot of recent upgrades at Owl’s Nest! Charlie Carpenter, their Marketing Manager gave us a full overview of the latest and greatest ones.
“Owl’s Nest has recently seen the completion of the BoatHouse outdoor pool and jacuzzi, and stage; all of which are operational and accessible to the public now; and the Sunset Pavilion, our newest wedding and event venue with a beautiful open-air design, timber framework, and located directly next to our restaurant, Panorama Six82, offering beautiful views of Franconia Notch to the north.”
As if those changes weren’t exciting enough, they’re just the beginning! Whether you’re seeking a unique place to stay, a spot to watch or play a game, or some top cuisine, Owl’s Nest is in the process of building it just for you!
“Owl’s Nest is currently in the process of building a 33-room boutique hotel, Lafayette Lodge; Slice Pizzeria, a 4000-square foot woodfire pizzeria featuring two golf simulators, ten TVs, a large center bar, and an outdoor deck overlooking holes ten and 18 on our course; and Butch’s Brooklyn Deli & Grocery, a one-stop-shop for gourmet deli sandwiches, local coffee, and other culinary delights,” said Carpenter.
Finally, there’s the exciting Vineyard Course renovations. Carpenter said, “The Vineyard is currently undergoing many changes to the course. A ten-acre vineyard has been planted and is growing along the edge of the course. Eventually, the course is expected to have a full winery and vineyard to produce its own branded wine. The course is being renovated in two phases by Robert McNeil and Northeast Golf Company. The front nine holes are currently under construction with the back nine to follow next season. Improvements to the course include a redesign of all holes, tree management, bunker removal and re-structuring, improved irrigation, new cart paths, tee enlargement, practice facility improvements, and more attention to meadow areas to create more openness throughout the course.”
He continued, “The pro shop at the Vineyard Course has undergone a complete redesign, and currently, a new restaurant, the Pemi Burger Bar, is working towards completion directly next to the pro shop. The Stay & Play units for golf groups have also gone through a complete redesign and interior update with brand-new furnishings, amenities, and furniture.”
Why Golfers Choose Owl’s Nest
There are many reasons golfers choose Owl’s Nest. Here’s a list of our favorites. It…
…is an 18-hole Nicklaus Designed Golf Course.
…has terrain that is both challenging and playable.
…is nestled into the mountains that surround the course.
…is forgiving enough for beginners and rugged enough to keep the top golfers in the region coming back year after year.
…boasts some of the highest quality turf in the region.
…has a back nine that is most well known for its intense elevation change and beautifully sweeping views.
…is a prime spot (on a clear day), where golfers with a keen eye can spot up to eight of New Hampshire’s 4000-footers.
Exciting Upcoming Events
Even if you aren’t a golfer, there are plenty of happenings to enjoy at Owl’s Nest. Most recently, they hosted their Annual Summer Bash celebration that included activities for the whole family like beach access to their 9.9-acre lake, and new pool and jacuzzi, lawn games by the pool, a Surf and Turf Lobster Bake Buffet in the LakeHouse venue and an outdoor concert with the Red Daisy Revival Band on their outdoor stage at the BoatHouse. Concert food was provided by Tartaglia’s Woodfire Pizza Truck, Del’s Lemonade, and Full Circle Food Truck and drinks were made available from the BoatHouse bar. There was also a beautiful display of fireworks over Lake Harold after the concert that was enjoyed by all!
It’s never too early to begin planning for 2024, so mark your calendars now!
As for a 2023 event, there’s still the upcoming Annual Beer Walk on Sunday, October 1 and it really is a must! Carpenter said, “It’s a craft beverage tasting festival that will feature a selection of our favorite local and regional craft beverage makers. The Beer Walk is one of the essential fall activities for guests to attend here in the White Mountains and in addition to beverage sampling, will include Tartaglia’s Pizza Truck, food from Panorama Six82, and live music throughout.”
Other Offerings
Not feeling like hitting a golf ball? Try playing pickleball! Owl’s Nest is experiencing a big rise in participation.
Carpenter said, “We’ve seen great progression with our pickleball community at the resort this summer. Our new Director of Racquet Sports, Cos Chiujdea, has immersed himself within our community and has created a fantastic array of offerings. As can be expected, Cos offers a variety of group and individualized lessons that players may customize to fit their playing level and needs. Cos prides himself on being accessible to his clients and is open to their needs and goals within the sport. Cos also offers clinics such as Pickleball 101 for introductory players, and Dinks & Drills which focuses on tactical play and strategies.”
Feeling competitive? Owl’s Nest will be unveiling its first Pickleball Ladder Challenge, running through October! “Teams will compete weekly for the best position at the top of the ladder rankings. The top team at the conclusion in October will be crowned champion!” said Carpenter.
The Owl’s Nest pickleball community is growing every day and the future is bright! Carpenter said, “Tournaments, mixers, and other gatherings will become consistent throughout the season for us and will continue to bring people together through competition and camaraderie!”
Come One, Come All!
At many destinations, you can’t bring the whole family, but at Owl’s Nest, all are welcome!
Carpenter said, “We pride ourselves on being the premier, four-season White Mountain vacation destination for families, friends, and pets alike. We offer lodging accommodations fit for any kind of stay from a couples’ retreat in our Nano Cottages to a family and friends gathering in our beautiful rental homes. Select units are dog friendly for those who want to bring their furry friend along for the trip. At Owl’s Nest, we aim to provide a sanctuary for both kids and adults alike to relax, recreate, dine, and live here.”
Unique Features & Figures
Owl’s Nest…
…is the #6 Ranked Nicklaus Design Course Worldwide by Value
…is the #2 Pickleball Resort in the world by Tennis Resorts Online.
…offers yoga twice weekly in their LakeHouse venue, live music every Wednesday at Panorama Six82 throughout the summer, and horseback rides through the
surrounding mountains with local outfitter, Abenaki Farms.
…has the largest man-made lake in New Hampshire with access to peddle boats, kayaks, and paddle boards for use (9.9-acre Lake Harold)
…hosts over 100 weddings a year cumulatively in the LakeHouse and Sunset Pavilion venues.
…has a sister golf course, the Owl’s Nest Vineyard Course, located in Ashland, New Hampshire.
…is located within a 30-minutes of the Lakes Region and the heart of the White Mountain National Forest.
…is 30 minutes from Waterville Valley, Loon Mountain, and Cannon Mountain.
…is minutes from the Corridor 11 Snowmobile Trial Network, allowing the resort to have a plethora of recreational opportunities in all seasons.
…will eventually have three on-site eateries with a convenience store.
Own a Piece of Owl’s Nest
While Owl’s Nest, like most courses offers valuable memberships, they also provide opportunities to buy a piece of paradise.
“We are now offering residential ownership opportunities with Waterscapes at Owl’s Nest in the newly developed Southlake Townhomes and upcoming North Lake Homes. The South Lake Townhomes are now selling and tours are available for the brand new model home. Reservations are being taken now for North Lake Homes,” said Carpenter. If you’re interested in ownership, more information is available here.
Carpenter said, “With the addition of new real estate opportunities at Waterscapes, we are hoping to build a strong community of families that will be with us for generations to come.”
A Place for You
Locals and travelers alike love Owl’s Nest. “Locals can expect to find a warm and welcoming resort atmosphere with a variety of activities and events to experience each week. From live music, yoga, golf, racquets, and dining, there are plentiful reasons for locals to visit us,” said Carpenter.
Carpenter continued, “Travelers can expect to get one of the most luxurious and authentic White Mountain resort experiences to be found in the area. From beautiful lodging accommodations, world-class facilities and amenities, and convenient access to all the area has to offer, travelers are indeed in for a treat when they visit us.”
We think Carpenter said it best, “Once you’re here, there are few reasons to leave!”