One business to shut down and a festival to take a break in Lawrence County

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

Two Lawrence County venues won’t be open for the public, one closing indefinitely and one saying they are just taking a break.

Woody and Bears House of Brews located on KY 2565, celebrated their grand opening April 5, 2024, but less than a year later, owner Curtis Ryan made an announcement he will be closing, citing he wants to spend more time enjoying life and creating a new business venture that will allow him to do so.

“I absolutely love and thoroughly enjoy owning this place,” said Ryan who is also known as Bear, who also said he enjoyed all the awesome people he’s met and created friendships with. “For the past six months it’s been a lot of work on me! I’ve missed my kids and my time as the man of the house. All I do is work. Past 10 years straight 7 days a week! I’m a little tired. So, my beautiful woman and my awesome kids will be creating a new business adventure that isn’t taking away from enjoying life in its self.”

When the restaurant first opened it was a partnership with Woody Wilburn, who decided to leave the business to Ryan later in the year also saying he didn’t have the time it took to run the restaurant with all his other obligations.

The last day of business for the restaurant will be Saturday, Feb. 22. Ryan says he hopes everyone that can will stop in before then.

Another popular entertainment festival has announced it will not be held in May. The Fallsburg Summer Stage Festival, however, the announcement doesn’t come as a closing, but as a break for the year 2025.

The Fallsburg Summer Stage is held at the Creekside Cabins and RV Park, located on North Rt 3 in Fallsburg and has been known to feature many talented bands.

The following announcement was made public through social media by Jimmie Lockridge and Chad Simmons.

“Since our founding in 2021, we had one goal in mind: Let’s foster a platform for the outstanding talent we all know and love so well in our corner of Appalachia.

That goal has not changed and will not change but we’re here to share the disappointing news that Fallsburg Summer Stage will take a break for 2025.

We cannot stress enough that this is a “see you later” and not “goodbye.” Making this decision was a tough one, but necessary for now.  In the meantime, we want to remind you: Appalachian artistry is at the center of what makes our region, its people, and our hills so special.

Please continue to support your community. Go to local shows. Support your local artists. Lend a helping hand to your neighbors. Help us keep the heartbeat of Fallsburg Summer Stage going, even if we’re going to slow it down, if only for a bit.”

Those who love attending the event “Fallsburg Summer Stage” say although they are disappointed by the break this year, they are excited to see the entertainment return in 2026.