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Rainy Day Fun: Best Indoor Activities in Deep Creek, Maryland

While Deep Creek, Maryland is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. But fear not! Even on a rainy day, there are plenty of enjoyable indoor activities to keep you entertained in Deep Creek. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best indoor activities that will ensure you have a fantastic time, rain or shine.

  1. Bowling: Head to The Alley, a short drive to Oakland for a classic bowling experience. Challenge your friends or family members to a friendly game and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
  2. Lazer Tag: If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, try laser tag at the nearby Deep Creek Fun Zone. Engage in fast-paced laser battles and let the competitive spirit soar.
  3. Shopping: Rainy days provide an excellent opportunity to explore Deep Creek’s charming local shops like Bear Creek Traders or visiting Oakland to discover quaint hometown boutiques and antique stores. Browse unique diners, art galleries, and antique shops to discover hidden treasures and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. The area boasts a vibrant arts and crafts scene, making it a haven for art enthusiasts and collectors.
  4. Deep Creek Axe throwing provides a fun and family friendly environment while testing axe throwing skills. Enjoy listening to music while watching friends or family throw and drinks from the upstairs bar.
  5. Deep Creek Discovery center: Where can children put their hands in a black bear paw print, touch fossils from times long gone, and sneak a peek under a microscope to learn about Deep Creek Lake’s under-water ecology?  The Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center allows children to do all this – and much more! Nestled along the shores of Deep Creek Lake at Deep Creek Lake State Park, the Discovery Center is a one-of-a-kind educational venue for people of all ages. Through hands-on exhibits that showcase the natural resources of Western Maryland, families can learn about the flora, fauna, wildlife, cultural and historical heritage that have turned this former logging and coal mining region into a popular modern day vacation destination.
  6. Garrett Theaters: Enjoy a movie at the local hometown theater of Deep Creek and Oakland, Maryland. Escape into a new world in your seats of the theater of you’re looking for an escape from a rainy day.

Don’t let a rainy day dampen your spirits while visiting Deep Creek, Maryland. The region offers a variety of engaging indoor activities for all ages and interests, explo or enjoy recreational centers and entertainment venues. With these options, you can ensure that your time in Deep Creek remains enjoyable, rain or shine.

Navigating Deep Creek Lake: Where to Rent Boats for an Adventurous Day on the Water

Deep Creek Lake, nestled in the scenic beauty of Western Maryland, offers the perfect playground for boating enthusiasts. With its sparkling waters and miles of shoreline, renting a boat is an excellent way to explore and make the most of your time at Deep Creek Lake. In this blog post, we will guide you through the top boat rental options available, ensuring an unforgettable day on the water.

  1. Deep Creek Lake State Park Boat Rentals:
    • Discuss the boat rental options available at Deep Creek Lake State Park, which include pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
    • Highlight the convenience of renting from the state park, considering its central location and proximity to popular lake attractions.
    • Provide information on rental rates, reservation procedures, and any additional amenities or services offered.
  2. Deep Creek Marina: At Deep Creek Marina, you’ll find a diverse selection of boat rentals to suit every preference. They offer late-model boats, ensuring reliability and quality. Choose from their collection of Sea Ray and Regal sport boats, some of which feature water sports towers for beginners learning to wakeboard or water ski. Additionally, Deep Creek Marina provides pontoons, ski boats accommodating up to 15 passengers, jet skis, canoes, kayaks, tubes, and various water toys. With their wide range of options, you can find the perfect vessel for your adventure on the lake.
  3. Deep Creek Lake Ent. Boat Rentals: Deep Creek Lake Ent. Boat Rentals is another excellent option for boat rentals at Deep Creek Lake. They offer pontoon boats, ski boats, fishing boats, water skis, kneeboards, and tubes. Their rental service operates seven days a week from May 1st through September 30th, ensuring convenient access to watercraft throughout the boating season. If you fall in love with the boating experience, they also sell boats for those considering future water adventures.
  4. Bill’s Marine Service: Bill’s Marine Service is a trusted provider of boat rentals with flexible rental durations. Whether you need a boat for just a few hours or an entire week, they have you covered. Their rental fleet includes ski boats of various horsepower, pontoon boats, fishing boats, and water sports equipment. If you’re looking to enhance your boating experience, visit the Deep Creek Lake Beach Hut run by Wisp Resort, where you can rent tubes and paddleboards to add even more fun to your day on the water.

Fire on the Mountain: Celebrating the 4th of July at Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, comes alive with excitement and patriotic fervor each year on the 4th of July. As fireworks burst in the night sky, illuminating the surrounding mountains, the annual “Fire on the Mountain” celebration creates a magical atmosphere that draws visitors and locals alike. Join us as we explore the festivities, traditions, and unforgettable experiences of Independence Day at Deep Creek Lake. The display is set to begin around 9:30 pm and is set off from the tubing hill at the Mountain Park. 

Finding the perfect spot to watch the Fire on the Mountain fireworks at Deep Creek Lake can enhance your experience and provide the best views. Here are some recommended locations to enjoy the fireworks display:

  • Scenic overlook along Rt. 219
  • Wisp Resort
  • Lawn at Garrett College
  • Boat on Deep Creek Lake, particularly McHenry Cove
  • Local Businesses in McHenry

Wisp Resort hosts a free Stage Wisp concert before the Fireworks display. Enjoy FREE live music from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm under the saddle tent on the front lawn at Wisp – don’t forget your blanket and lawn chairs! Hot eats and cool drinks will be available for purchase on the outdoor deck.

Garrett County Gran Fondo set for Saturday, June 17

MCHENRY — Cyclists are getting ready for a wild ride through the scenic wonders of the Deep Creek Lake area and mountain Maryland.

The 12th annual Garrett County Gran Fondo fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, June 17, and is presented by Garrett Trails Non-Profit.

“Everyone from casual cyclists to experienced athletes will participate in a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with ride lengths varying from 25-125 miles,” said Josh Spiker, Executive Director of Garrett Trails. “From the stunning views of the mountains to the small-town culture at each stop, riders will get to experience all that Garrett County has to offer.”

The participation of hundreds of cyclists supports local trail initiatives led by Garrett Trails, including advocating for more trails that serve people of all abilities, equal access to public land and connecting communities with hiking and biking paths.

Spiker noted that these challenging routes will take riders through some of the most picturesque spots in the county. Along the way, riders will experience crossing the Youghiogheny River twice, full-service aid stations located in small towns from Friendsville to Barton, and seven timed climbs that will challenge even the most fit athletes.

The timed climbs include some familiar to local residents, including Bowman Hill, Dry Run Road from Savage River Reservoir and Michaels Road climbing for over four miles from Barton.

“We are excited to offer this unique opportunity for cyclists to explore and experience what makes Garrett County so special,” Spiker said. “The Gran Fondo is not only an intense physical challenge but also a great way to explore our beautiful home.”

Riders are reminded that the fundraiser is not an overall race, and to observe all traffic laws.

“We’re grateful for the many people that chose to support us by registering for the GCGF,” Spiker said. “We want everyone to have a great ride and get home safe, and we have all the routes posted at www.garrettcountygranfondo.org. It’s a good resource for drivers to see where they may encounter groups of cyclists this Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.”

for more information Garrett County Gran Fondo set for Saturday, June 17 | Garrett News | wvnews.com

Deep Creek Lake Lions Club 10th Annual Boat Parade, July 1st

The Deep Creek Lions Club 10th Annual Boat Parade will start from the boat launching ramp at Silvertree Marine in McHenry cove and will proceed in single file past a number of judging stations along the route to Dutch’s Restaurant at Silvertree. Spectators at the judging stations will vote for their favorite boats. Entrants in the parade will need to pay a MINIMUM $50 registration fee, and the number of entries are limited, so be sure to pre-register to ensure your spot. Prizes this year are limited to the custom flag and trophy. All the funds raised benefit our Blind Skier and Camper Programs and our McHenry Community Park. Non-profit organizations can enter a boat for FREE and can keep all the money they raise! You can start fundraising for your boat right away! Enter your boat here: Entry Form Online Then have your supporters “vote” for your boat number with donations to the club! Here’s how to vote below:

How to VOTE:

Vote with CASH: On shore or on the docks: Our Lions Club robo-boat will follow the parade, and we can collect your donations dockside! OR Vote Online: Venmo, Credit Card, Paypal and the Mailing address for checks

**Be sure to put in the payment notes the boat number you are voting for!

for more information Boat Parade – Deep Creek Lake Lions Club (deepcreeklions.org)

Little Yough Family Flick events in Oakland

Oakland’s Little Yough Family Flicks summer movie series in the Oakland A&E District will return on June 15th with the 2022 film, “Thor: Love and Thunder”, sponsored by Healy Insurance Group, Inc.
The Little Yough Family Flicks is a rebranding of the formerly known Oakland Pocket Park Movies. The name has changed but the fun, family evenings will remain the same. Guests are welcome to bring chairs, blankets, food, and non-alcoholic beverages and enjoy the flicks on the big 24’ screen.
The family-friendly, free movies are held at the Mountain Fresh Pavilion in the Oakland Town Parking Lot every Thursday evening from June 15th to August 17th, except for Thursday July 6th and Thursday, August 3rd, 2023. There is a change to the start time of the movies this year. The movies will begin at 7pm and are shown rain or shine. This year’s movie schedule is packed with blockbuster hits

Garrett County History- Loch Lynn Hotel

Loch Lynn Hotel at Mountain Lake Park, Oakland, Maryland. Built in 1894, opened in June, 1895. Features of the hotel: Maple flooring, elegant ballroom, billiard room, rotundas, parlors, dining rooms–all these on the first floor. Laundry engine at the back of the hotel forced water from the well into a large reservoir fifty feet high for the hotel and surrounding cottages. Occupied an elevated site giving a fine view of Mountain Lake Park. 100 chambers plus apartments for a modern first class hotel. The lake supplies ice for the hotel and town. A large ice house was built to store the ice for home use and for sale.
On September 19, 1918 a fire totally destroyed the hotel. Fortunately, there was no loss of life. Only the hotel owner and her daughter were there and escaped unharmed. The hotel had just finished it’s summer season and was empty of guests. 

photo and more information via Facebook

Deep Creek Watershed Foundation Fundraising Event

The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of a special evening at The Pawn Run Restaurant & Bar, marking the third year of this exciting event. Join the Foundation for an unforgettable night of great music and fundraising in support of DCWF’s important initiatives.

For those who haven’t had the pleasure of visiting the “new” Pawn Run, prepare to be amazed. The establishment’s new owners have given “the oldest bar in the Deep Creek area” a remarkable facelift. Enjoy a superb small plate menu featuring delectable culinary creations, along with a selection of unique cocktails and beverages to satisfy every taste.

Adding to the excitement, the Foundation has invited Beyond Primitive, a highly popular band from Friendsville, to provide the musical entertainment for the evening. Get ready to groove to their infectious rhythms and enjoy a lively atmosphere.

In addition to the fantastic music, the Foundation has curated an array of outstanding auction items, providing attendees with the opportunity to bid on incredible experiences and desirable items. Additionally, throughout the evening, there will be 50/50 drawings, offering chances to win exciting prizes.

For any inquiries or further information about the event, please feel free to reach out to the event coordinator, Sandy, at 240-321-2524. Don’t miss out on this memorable occasion to support the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation while enjoying a fantastic night of music, camaraderie, and fundraising.

Deep Creek Pottery: Art in the Park & Outdoor Festival

Don’t miss Deep Creek Pottery’s upcoming show at the Art in the Park & Outdoor Festival! Featuring food, outdoor vendors, local artisans, and music! Taking place at Rocky Gap State Park on June 10th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and June 11th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Garrett County Hospice celebrates 40th Year

Brodak’s Banquet Hall, May 18 – Hospice of Garrett County, a vital institution serving the community for four decades, celebrated its momentous 40th anniversary with a remarkable event. Sponsored by WVU Medicine-Garrett Regional Medical Center and the dedicated staff of Hospice of Garrett County, the evening at Brodak’s Banquet Hall brought together over 100 attendees to honor this milestone achievement.

The event was graced by the presence of esteemed special guests, including two founding members of the Executive Committee, Pauline Faucett and Alice Vitez-Sisler. Faucett served as treasurer, while Vitez-Sisler held the position of secretary. Their pioneering contributions laid the foundation for the organization’s success.

Prominent physicians integral to the mission, Dr. Margaret Kaiser and Dr. Dan Miller, were also in attendance. Dr. Miller received recognition for his unwavering commitment as the medical director for an impressive 28 years. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the organization’s impact on the community.

Reflecting on the organization’s humble beginnings, Hospice of Garrett County Executive Director, [insert name], emphasized the transformation from a group of passionate volunteers with a vision to enhance the lives of Garrett County residents suffering from life-limiting illnesses to a fully operational entity in 1983. This transition was made possible by the unwavering determination and selflessness of the “go-getters” who led the charge.

“We have since expanded to two locations with a dedicated full-time staff, working together to fulfill our mission of providing compassionate and dedicated service to the people of Garrett County, just as our founders envisioned,” Brenneman stated. “With the same spirit of love, hope, and compassion, we eagerly look forward to the next 40 years, embracing the ever-changing needs of our community.”

The celebratory evening was further enhanced by live music from the talented Steve Smith Band. Attendees were treated to delicious food catered by Sweitzer’s BBQ, and several exquisite quilts were generously donated for a silent auction held during the event.

Moreover, a significant announcement was made by current Board President Ernie Gregg and his wife Terri. The couple generously donated a parcel of land located at Alpine Lake Resort, which will be made available for sealed bids. Detailed bid packages can be obtained from the Hospice offices in Oakland and McHenry.

As the event concluded, it was clear that the 40th-anniversary celebration served as a testament to the indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment of Hospice of Garrett County. The organization remains dedicated to serving the community with love, hope, and compassion, ensuring the provision of quality end-of-life care for many years to come.