winter – Jay's Real Estate Blog

Top 14 Deep Creek Lake Winter Activities For Non-Skiers

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales Blog

t’s a common conundrum – what’s a non-skier to do when friends and family are hitting the slopes at Wisp Resort? Deep Creek Lake winter activities offers lots of options that can keep every member of your crew entertained. It’s a great way to enjoy a weekend getaway near Pittsburgh, Baltimore, or Washington, DC.

Here are just a few of our favorite Deep Creek Lake winter activities for the non-skiers staying at a Deep Creek Lake vacation rental:

Deep Creek Lake winter activities

Hiking at Swallow Falls State Park
Crisp white snow makes this beautiful place even more spectacular, and it’s definitely a must see throughout all four seasons. If you’re up for some serious hiking, explore trails to all three of the waterfalls – Swallow Falls, Muddy Creek Falls, and Tolliver Falls. There is also a handicap accessible trail and view platform at Muddy Creek Falls for those that need an easier route or just want to take a short stroll. Be sure to bring your camera and wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Trails can be slippery during the winter months. Get more info.

Simon Pearce Tours
Watch master glassblowers at work, then shop for the beautiful items they make in the retail store. You can also choose from a wide variety of second-quality glass. Located in Mountain Lake Park, it is just a short drive from most Deep Creek Lake vacation rentals. Find out more.

Guided Snowshoe Tours
Weather permitting, All Earth Eco Tours offers another great way to experience Swallow Falls State Park. Their snowshoe tours are a “no experience required” way to cruise through the woods and take in the scenery. For those seeking high adventure, ask about their trips to Big Savage Mountain and Lost Lands.

Sleigh Rides at Deep Creek Lake

Sleigh Rides
One of the classic Deep Creek Lake winter activities, you can take a ride back in time as you swish through open fields and over hills listening to the sound of muffled hoof beats in the snow. Sleigh rides at Pleasant Valley Dream Rides are an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors no matter what your age.

Cold Drinks By a Warm Fire
Get cozy by the fire place at local restaurants like Firewater Kitchen & Bar, Uno Chicago Grill or Dutch’s at Silver Tree, and warm-up with your favorite beverage.

Sled Riding at Blackwater Falls State Park
Within one hour of the Deep Creek Lake area, you’ll find the ultimate sledding hill! Head to Blackwater Falls State Park to ride up on a conveyor, sled to the bottom, and repeat! Bring your own sled or rent one on-site.

Sample Award Winning Cheeses
Stop by Firefly Farms in nearby Accident, to check out their award winning goat cheese and browse their selection of gourmet foods. They can even make you a personalized cheese board to go.

Cross Country Skiing
With minimal instruction, you can kick and glide on cross country ski trails at Herrington Manor State Park and New Germany State Park. Call ahead to check for availability of rental equipment.

Shops & Antiques
Avoid the cold temperatures when you visit area shops and antique stores. Schoolhouse Earth, Bear Creek Traders, A Mountain Fix, and High Mountain Sports are a few of our favorites at the lake. Take a short drive to Oakland to browse antiques at Englander’s or Cabin Fever. While you are there, hit up Flipside Sounds – a vinyl shop in downtown Oakland.

Deep Creek Axe Throwing Co.
Test your skills in the Deep Creek Lake axe throwing arena! This fun indoor activity is suitable for ages 8 and up.

Museum Tours
When visiting Oakland, history buffs should stop at the two museums operated by the Garrett County Historical Society. Return to the past as you explore area treasures, learn about early settlers, and check out Model T Fords. Call for hours of operation.

Snow Tubing & Mountain Coaster Rides
Wisp Resort is well-known for skiing, but they also offer a variety of activities that anyone can enjoy. Reserve a snow tubing session or take a ride on the mountain coaster.

Arcades
Everyone in your group will enjoy playing a wide variety arcade games and snacking on great food at Deep Creek Fun Zone.

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center
Fun for kids of all ages, the Discovery Center is a one-of-a-kind environmental center with hands-on exhibits that showcase the natural resources of Western Maryland. Open weekends during the winter season.

Deep Creek Lake Water Levels for the Winter 2021/2022

Garrett County Government

Brookfield Hydroelectric facility has agreed to lower the Deep Creek Lake water levels near the lower end of the “Rule Band” for several month during this winter. The lower rule band lake level for December and January is set at 2,455 feet.The lower lake levels during the winter months will have the following benefits:

allow Garrett County Department of Public Works – Public Utilities Division to install pipes for the McHenry to Thayerville water connection project,
provide opportunities for lake property owners to conduct maintenance on shoreline stabilization projects,
potentially reduce nuisance or invasive submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in shallow habitats by exposing the plants to freezing temperature.

Deep Creek Lake Rule Band for monthly water levelsInformation on the Deep Creek Lake water level “Rule Band” can be found at the following Department of the Environment website: https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/water_supply/pages/deepcreeklake.aspxand on the Department of Natural Resources website: https://dnr.maryland.gov/pprp/Pages/DeepCreek/results.aspx

5 Favorite Oakland Winter Fest Activities

TAYLOR-MADE DEEP CREEK VACATIONS & SALES BLOG

Oakland Winter Fest is held the Saturday of President’s Day weekend each year. It is a great way to celebrate the season with friends and family. You can stroll through the historic downtown as you enjoy delicious food and fun activities. For the second year, you can buy a $15 ticket for the Wine Walk. You can taste approximately 12 different wines, which will be available at a number of locations throughout the town.

I picked out 5 of my favorite Oakland Winter Fest activities that you absolutely don’t want to miss!

WATCH MASTER ICE CARVER BILL SANDUSKY CREATE BEAUTIFUL SCULPTURES.
Each year, Bill travels from Erie, PA to create more than 30 unique ice carvings that decorate the sidewalks. You can watch his demonstrations or check out one of the interactive sculptures.

TAKE A HORSE DRAWN SLEIGH RIDE.
Take a free sleigh ride through the streets of this picturesque small town. It is a classic winter experience that you will always remember.

To read the full article click here.

It is a great day at Deep Creek! Look at all of this fresh snow that we have!

Beautiful winter photo!!

Winter season opens at Wisp Resort

From The Garrett County Republican

DEEP CREEK LAKE — Maryland’s Wisp Resort opened for the 2018-19 winter season on Friday, Dec. 14.

Regular operating hours have commenced.

The Mountain Park opened Dec. 15 with snow tubing and mountain coaster. The Mountain Park will be open from 4-8 p.m. through today, and continue with regular season hours over the weekend.

“We anticipate opening with nearly 60 acres of terrain on a base depth of 18 inches to 36 inches, and more terrain will open as snowmaking progresses,” Mountain Operations Director Artie Speicher last week.

Wisp Resort began snowmaking Nov. 21, and as of Dec. 13, a total of 56 million gallons of water had been pumped, equating to approximately 367 acre feet of snow while running the system for 319 total hours.

To read the full article click here.

Annual Winter Fest in Oakland this weekend

OAKLAND — Oakland’s annual Winter Fest will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Friday and Saturday, Feb. 17 and 18, featuring expert ice sculptor Bill Sandusky.
With his ice carving company, Erie Ice Works, Sandusky has been a member of the National Ice Carvers’ Association since 1999. He worked in Western Pennsylvania for 18 years, lived in Colorado for a time, and has returned to Erie, Pa.

for more information click here

DCL Safety Alert: Brookfield Renewable Reminds Recreators to Use Caution Around Deep Creek Dam

GARRETT COUNTY, MD-Brookfield Renewable Director of Operations John McVaigh today issued a statement reminding those recreating near Deep Creek Lake to exercise caution, pay attention to signage and to always be aware of your surroundings, particularly around Deep Creek’s hydroelectric facility & dam.

McVaigh said, “Public safety is our top priority and we do our best to educate the public about the possible dangers that exist when recreating near hydroelectric dams. With snowmobiling season upon us, we felt it was prudent to once again remind snowmobilers and other recreators that there are inherent dangers and risks around waterways in general, and particularly near dams and hydropower facilities. Water doesn’t necessarily always freeze the way you expect near hydroelectric facilities and other structures (such as bridge piers, etc.). While it may be frozen on the surface, the water is always moving underneath and ice thickness can vary greatly from one area to another. We are strongly encouraging recreators to stay well away from the area of the dam and the powerhouse in the interest of public safety.”

Winter Fest- this weekend!

Due to the high temperatures we are to have the original weekend of Feb 18 – 19, Winter Fest (sculptures and vendors/crafters) have been rescheduled for February 25 & 26.

Join us in downtown Oakland for Winter Fest 2017! Master Carver Bill Sandusky will be joining us when we line the streets with over 30 ice sculptures and witness some of them LIVE! In addition, we will have a Indoor Market Place for food and craft vendors at 221 S. Third Street. There will be a book signing with David Craig-”Greetings from Gettysburg”. Held at Oakland B&O Museum. It is a history of the battlefield being created as a national park. Saturday from 10am-4pm. There will be sleigh rides, great shopping and dining specials too!

UPDATE-

So everyone…here is the deal. Temperatures Saturday are to be in the 60’s. We are keeping everything on Saturday including the book signing, crafters, carriage rides, etc. The Deep Creek Dunk is also Saturday.

Sunday the temperatures are to be in the mid thirties with snow! The sculptures will not go out until Sunday morning. The live carvings will also be done on Sunday. This way the carvings will last at least 24 hours and the live carvings can still be done. If we put them out on Saturday, they would only last a couple of hours and we could not do the live carvings.

This is the schedule no matter what happens weather wise! I honestly believe this is the best option in such a difficult situation. I encourage all businesses to be open on Sunday as I feel we will still get numerous visitors.

Please spread the word as much as possible. Thank you all or your patience and understanding.

For more information, click here.

50 Wonderful Winter Marketing Ideas

Putting your house up for sale this winter?

Here are 50 great ideas from Zillow. From creating a list of winter service providers (cough, cough Taylor-Made DCV&S) to creative infographics- there are some great ideas here!

Tag: winter