Traveling in the Deep Creek Lake Area
Places to Stay…What to Eat…Things to Do…
If you prefer nouvelle, organic, locally farmed, tenderly prepared fare, you have to search a bit, but happily, we can recommend some excellent places to find fresh food in the mountains. We've listed some of our favorites below, including good places to find organic, local food if you'd prefer to cook your own meals. Wednesdays and Fridays are farm market days at the town park in Oakland.
The Lake area, including adjoining parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, offers excellent choices in B&Bs, inns and motels — a wide array, ranging from simple and economical, to historic and distinctive, to downright world-class exceptional.
Need some idea's about unique places to visit in Mountain Maryland? We're happy to be included in Diane and Jeff Caslow's travel blog at Preservation Maryland! Or check out the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce's loaded website!
Long known as a family vacation area and as a perfect spot for couples' romantic getaways, more and more extended families also are choosing to meet at Deep Creek Lake for that long-overdue family reunion. When relatives are dispersed in the Midwest, on the East Coast, and in the Southern Mid-Atlantic, many groups see Deep Creek as an excellent central location for gathering the entire clan. Listed below are the Lake's top rental agencies.
If you prefer nouvelle, organic, locally farmed, tenderly prepared fare, you have to search a bit, but happily, we can recommend some excellent places to find fresh food in the mountains. We've listed some of our favorites below, including good places to find organic, local food if you'd prefer to cook your own meals. Wednesdays and Fridays are farm market days at the town park in Oakland.
The Lake area, including adjoining parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, offers excellent choices in B&Bs, inns and motels — a wide array, ranging from simple and economical, to historic and distinctive, to downright world-class exceptional.
Need some idea's about unique places to visit in Mountain Maryland? We're happy to be included in Diane and Jeff Caslow's travel blog at Preservation Maryland! Or check out the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce's loaded website!
Long known as a family vacation area and as a perfect spot for couples' romantic getaways, more and more extended families also are choosing to meet at Deep Creek Lake for that long-overdue family reunion. When relatives are dispersed in the Midwest, on the East Coast, and in the Southern Mid-Atlantic, many groups see Deep Creek as an excellent central location for gathering the entire clan. Listed below are the Lake's top rental agencies.
Accommodations for every preference
•Blue Moon Rising McHenry 240-442-5287 http://www.bluemoonrising.org
Blue Moon Rising is Deep Creek's coolest eco-tourism destination, featuring innovative one-of-a-kind cottages that rely on sustainable materials in construction and sustainable energy for power. As a center for sustainable education it is dedicated to cultivating economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Enjoy a gorgeous view of the lake, while deer wander the forest near your private lodging.
•The Deer Park Inn Oakland 301-334-2308 http://www.deerparkinn.com
Superlative dining (see Food), and distinctive lodgings, too—the inn is romantically situated in what remains of the late 19th-century Victorian resort village of Deer Park. Built by architect Josiah Pennington, you'll see why this elegant 1889 structure, formerly called Pennington Cottage, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
•Hartzell House Bed and Breakfast Addison, Pa. 814-395-5248 http://www.hartzellhouse.com
Located just a half-dozen miles from the winery, Hartzell House in the historic village of Addison, Pennsylvania is known for its attention to detail, excellent service, and gourmet breakfasts. Experience casual luxury at this historic inn, built c. 1870 by Judson Hartzell and worthy of praise as a handsome example of Carpenter Gothic Victorian architecture.
•Inn at Deep Creek McHenry 301-387-5534 http://innatdeepcreek.com
Located at the center of the Lake area, The Inn at Deep Creek is perfect for any stay—family vacations, romantic rendezvous, getaways with friends, or corporate retreats. Enjoy private suites with fireplaces, new beds, coffee in each room, and complimentary Wi-Fi. This pet-friendly Inn has a large grilling area with picnic tables, an outdoor heated pool, a boat slip on the lake, and a 2nd-floor community balcony with gorgeous views.
•Lake Pointe Inn McHenry 301-387-0111 http://www.deepcreekinns.com
Furnished in the Arts and Crafts tradition, Lake Pointe Inn is a luxury B & B lodge on Deep Creek Lake convenient to skiing and activities at Wisp Resort. The inn offers daily pontoon boat cruises and complete lake access with swimming, canoes and kayaks, plus an evening bonfire. Or come inside to pamper yourself in the massage room, steam shower and sauna.
•Lake Star Lodge 301-387-5596 http://lakestarlodge.com
The LakeStar Lodge is a charming lakefront hotel, located at the north end of Deep Creek Lake. Every guest room has a view of the lake and of the ski slopes of Wisp Resort. The Lodge is located in a 'no wake zone' cove, so swimming or lounging on the docks is as relaxing as it is breathtaking. Great spot for Deep Creek's awesome 4th of July fireworks—or to enjoy a wine tasting with Deep Creek Cellars wines!
•North Glade Inn Bed & Breakfast McHenry 301-387-3373 http://www.northgladeinn.com
This beautiful, locally-owned inn is located a few miles off Route 219 over the Glendale Bridge. The North Glade Inn is Deep Creek's only B & B with an adjacent Par 3 Golf Course. The Inn also boasts a fishing pond, lake front access, and a barn welcoming Wedding receptions. It is close to Savage State Forest with easy access for kayak tours.
Blue Moon Rising is Deep Creek's coolest eco-tourism destination, featuring innovative one-of-a-kind cottages that rely on sustainable materials in construction and sustainable energy for power. As a center for sustainable education it is dedicated to cultivating economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Enjoy a gorgeous view of the lake, while deer wander the forest near your private lodging.
•The Deer Park Inn Oakland 301-334-2308 http://www.deerparkinn.com
Superlative dining (see Food), and distinctive lodgings, too—the inn is romantically situated in what remains of the late 19th-century Victorian resort village of Deer Park. Built by architect Josiah Pennington, you'll see why this elegant 1889 structure, formerly called Pennington Cottage, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
•Hartzell House Bed and Breakfast Addison, Pa. 814-395-5248 http://www.hartzellhouse.com
Located just a half-dozen miles from the winery, Hartzell House in the historic village of Addison, Pennsylvania is known for its attention to detail, excellent service, and gourmet breakfasts. Experience casual luxury at this historic inn, built c. 1870 by Judson Hartzell and worthy of praise as a handsome example of Carpenter Gothic Victorian architecture.
•Inn at Deep Creek McHenry 301-387-5534 http://innatdeepcreek.com
Located at the center of the Lake area, The Inn at Deep Creek is perfect for any stay—family vacations, romantic rendezvous, getaways with friends, or corporate retreats. Enjoy private suites with fireplaces, new beds, coffee in each room, and complimentary Wi-Fi. This pet-friendly Inn has a large grilling area with picnic tables, an outdoor heated pool, a boat slip on the lake, and a 2nd-floor community balcony with gorgeous views.
•Lake Pointe Inn McHenry 301-387-0111 http://www.deepcreekinns.com
Furnished in the Arts and Crafts tradition, Lake Pointe Inn is a luxury B & B lodge on Deep Creek Lake convenient to skiing and activities at Wisp Resort. The inn offers daily pontoon boat cruises and complete lake access with swimming, canoes and kayaks, plus an evening bonfire. Or come inside to pamper yourself in the massage room, steam shower and sauna.
•Lake Star Lodge 301-387-5596 http://lakestarlodge.com
The LakeStar Lodge is a charming lakefront hotel, located at the north end of Deep Creek Lake. Every guest room has a view of the lake and of the ski slopes of Wisp Resort. The Lodge is located in a 'no wake zone' cove, so swimming or lounging on the docks is as relaxing as it is breathtaking. Great spot for Deep Creek's awesome 4th of July fireworks—or to enjoy a wine tasting with Deep Creek Cellars wines!
•North Glade Inn Bed & Breakfast McHenry 301-387-3373 http://www.northgladeinn.com
This beautiful, locally-owned inn is located a few miles off Route 219 over the Glendale Bridge. The North Glade Inn is Deep Creek's only B & B with an adjacent Par 3 Golf Course. The Inn also boasts a fishing pond, lake front access, and a barn welcoming Wedding receptions. It is close to Savage State Forest with easy access for kayak tours.
Activities for Everyone
All Earth Eco Tours Friendsville 800-446-7554 http://www.allearthecotours.com
All Earth offers unforgettable Kayak Tours on the Savage River Reservoir—where you can paddle quietly while watching nesting bald eagles only 20 minutes from the bustle of Deep Creek. All Earth also provides innovative family outdoor Eco Tours including day adventures, yoga, guided hikes from Mild to Wild, farm tours, Cross-Country Ski Lessons and team-building/learning programs for groups. Discover a tour where you can hear the birds sing, see eagles soar, learn a lot, and have fun with no worries about boat traffic or crazy wakes. Perfect for families and nature lovers of all ages.
•Firefly Farm Creamery & Market Accident 301-746-8188 http://www.fireflyfarms.com
Learn about the art of cheese making and sample artisan cheeses that have garnered international awards. Choose to peruse the shelves of this unique specialty foods market, put together some goodies to pair with your Deep Creek Cellars' tasting visit, or make a reservation for a 'Tasting & Pairing Experience'. Oh, yes, and you can find our wines and pear butter there, too!
•Ken's Irish Pub RIP. Friendsville 301-750-5112 www.facebook.com/KensIrishPub/
Oh, how we miss the days when we could grab a pint and see some of the best live music around in the beloved small-town vibe of Ken's Irish Pub. Always wanted to run your own cool pub or just wanna relocate to our beautiful mountain community? Talk to us.
•Our Town Theatre Oakland 301-334-5640 http://ourtowntheatre.wix.com/ott
Our Town Theatre provides a wide variety of plays and other theatrical experiences for participants and artists of all ages to encourage the growth of knowledge and positive action in our community. Run entirely by volunteers, OTT is our region's true community theatre, inspiring locals and visitors, young and old, by walking their talk: A theatre should be the cornerstone of its society. We miss you Jane!
•Precision Rafting Expeditions Friendsville 800-477-3723 www.precisionrafting.com/
Offering World Class rafting on the Upper Youghiogheny, Savage, Cheat , Big Sandy, and Potomac rivers, Precision Rafting Expeditions is your premier whitewater outfitter for guided raft trips. Voted the number one outfitter by Outside magazine for Upper Yough trips, Precision pioneered rafting adventures on area rivers for over 33 years of commercial rafting. You've not seen our area's beauty until you've seen it from a river!
•Schoolhouse Earth Friendsville 301-746-8603 http://www.schoolhouseearth.com
Featuring an eclectic selection of home and garden decor, fashion items, jewelry, children's gifts, books, and more, Schoolhouse Earth offers the most unique shopping experience around. Visit a year-round Christmas showroom filled with holiday collections, an outdoor garden and patio area and petting zoo. Allow some time to take it all in at this creative and welcoming spot!
All Earth offers unforgettable Kayak Tours on the Savage River Reservoir—where you can paddle quietly while watching nesting bald eagles only 20 minutes from the bustle of Deep Creek. All Earth also provides innovative family outdoor Eco Tours including day adventures, yoga, guided hikes from Mild to Wild, farm tours, Cross-Country Ski Lessons and team-building/learning programs for groups. Discover a tour where you can hear the birds sing, see eagles soar, learn a lot, and have fun with no worries about boat traffic or crazy wakes. Perfect for families and nature lovers of all ages.
•Firefly Farm Creamery & Market Accident 301-746-8188 http://www.fireflyfarms.com
Learn about the art of cheese making and sample artisan cheeses that have garnered international awards. Choose to peruse the shelves of this unique specialty foods market, put together some goodies to pair with your Deep Creek Cellars' tasting visit, or make a reservation for a 'Tasting & Pairing Experience'. Oh, yes, and you can find our wines and pear butter there, too!
•Ken's Irish Pub RIP. Friendsville 301-750-5112 www.facebook.com/KensIrishPub/
Oh, how we miss the days when we could grab a pint and see some of the best live music around in the beloved small-town vibe of Ken's Irish Pub. Always wanted to run your own cool pub or just wanna relocate to our beautiful mountain community? Talk to us.
•Our Town Theatre Oakland 301-334-5640 http://ourtowntheatre.wix.com/ott
Our Town Theatre provides a wide variety of plays and other theatrical experiences for participants and artists of all ages to encourage the growth of knowledge and positive action in our community. Run entirely by volunteers, OTT is our region's true community theatre, inspiring locals and visitors, young and old, by walking their talk: A theatre should be the cornerstone of its society. We miss you Jane!
•Precision Rafting Expeditions Friendsville 800-477-3723 www.precisionrafting.com/
Offering World Class rafting on the Upper Youghiogheny, Savage, Cheat , Big Sandy, and Potomac rivers, Precision Rafting Expeditions is your premier whitewater outfitter for guided raft trips. Voted the number one outfitter by Outside magazine for Upper Yough trips, Precision pioneered rafting adventures on area rivers for over 33 years of commercial rafting. You've not seen our area's beauty until you've seen it from a river!
•Schoolhouse Earth Friendsville 301-746-8603 http://www.schoolhouseearth.com
Featuring an eclectic selection of home and garden decor, fashion items, jewelry, children's gifts, books, and more, Schoolhouse Earth offers the most unique shopping experience around. Visit a year-round Christmas showroom filled with holiday collections, an outdoor garden and patio area and petting zoo. Allow some time to take it all in at this creative and welcoming spot!
Good Food
•Backbone Food Farm Oakland 301-334-5633 http://www.backbonefarm.com
At the foot of Backbone Mountain in Pleasant Valley, MD, Backbone Food Farm is a working family farm dedicated to small scale, independent agriculture, stewardship and diversity. With over 20 seasons as organic growers, Backbone's farm products are available by membership in their CSA (in its 17th year), as well as at local restaurants & farmers markets (including Oakland's Mountain Fresh Farmers Market). This is a real and beautiful working farm; check their website for CSA information, family farm events, educational opportunities and lodging.
•Bittersweet Café, Farmington, PA (info coming soon)
•The Deer Park Inn Oakland 301-334-2308 http://www.deerparkinn.com
10 minutes from Oakland and 20 minutes from McHenry, the historic Deer Park Inn is the brightest diamond in any rough around. If you're looking for country French food to rival that in any city you're from, call for reservations and treat yourself to a truly exceptional dining experience.
C'est vrais: Our hands-down choice for the very best cuisine, and "Best Place to Celebrate a Special Occasion" in Mountain Maryland!
•Firefly Farm Creamery & Market Accident 301-746-8188 http://www.fireflyfarms.com
FireFly Farms Market is your one-stop destination in Garrett County for delicious cheeses and specialty food & drink items. Choose to peruse the shelves of this unique specialty foods market or make a reservation for a 'Tasting & Pairing Experience'. We are proud that Firefly Farms Market also carries select Deep Creek Cellars wines and our delicious organic Pear Butter to pair with their award-winning cheeses.
•Haines Market, Bruceton Mills, WV (info coming soon)
•Moonshadow Café & Bar McHenry 240-442-5542 http://www.moonshadow145.com/#view
This Café's new location in McHenry makes it a great place to gather and enjoy good food and drink in Moonshadow's friendly, casual, and creative atmosphere. Check out their live music on weekends.
•Water Street Cafe Friendsville 301-746-4025 http://waterstreetcafemd.com
Tasting wine at Deep Creek Cellars? You don't have to have an empty stomach. Grab breakfast or lunch on the way to or from the lake, but don't miss this go-to café for a wholesome meal in a relaxing café atmosphere, where you can watch the rafters paddling the river. In a historic building on the Youghiogheny, Water Street Café has all you need: fresh deli & grilled panini sandwiches, awesome breakfast burritos, fresh fruit smoothies with Greek yogurt and local maple syrup, organic fresh ground coffees. Chris's pepperoni rolls are the BEST on the planet—please bring Nadine some for a discount on your wine purchase!
•Working H Meat Market Friendsville 301-750-5039 Working H Farms Website
You've got some nice wines and now you need some farm-raised, antibiotic- and hormone-free beef, pork or chicken to serve with them? Don't miss this farm market on your way back to the lake. The Hardesty family runs this special shop, as well as managing several farms in nearby West Virginia, where high-quality pastured, USDA-certified chicken and livestock are farm-raised for your table.
At the foot of Backbone Mountain in Pleasant Valley, MD, Backbone Food Farm is a working family farm dedicated to small scale, independent agriculture, stewardship and diversity. With over 20 seasons as organic growers, Backbone's farm products are available by membership in their CSA (in its 17th year), as well as at local restaurants & farmers markets (including Oakland's Mountain Fresh Farmers Market). This is a real and beautiful working farm; check their website for CSA information, family farm events, educational opportunities and lodging.
•Bittersweet Café, Farmington, PA (info coming soon)
•The Deer Park Inn Oakland 301-334-2308 http://www.deerparkinn.com
10 minutes from Oakland and 20 minutes from McHenry, the historic Deer Park Inn is the brightest diamond in any rough around. If you're looking for country French food to rival that in any city you're from, call for reservations and treat yourself to a truly exceptional dining experience.
C'est vrais: Our hands-down choice for the very best cuisine, and "Best Place to Celebrate a Special Occasion" in Mountain Maryland!
•Firefly Farm Creamery & Market Accident 301-746-8188 http://www.fireflyfarms.com
FireFly Farms Market is your one-stop destination in Garrett County for delicious cheeses and specialty food & drink items. Choose to peruse the shelves of this unique specialty foods market or make a reservation for a 'Tasting & Pairing Experience'. We are proud that Firefly Farms Market also carries select Deep Creek Cellars wines and our delicious organic Pear Butter to pair with their award-winning cheeses.
•Haines Market, Bruceton Mills, WV (info coming soon)
•Moonshadow Café & Bar McHenry 240-442-5542 http://www.moonshadow145.com/#view
This Café's new location in McHenry makes it a great place to gather and enjoy good food and drink in Moonshadow's friendly, casual, and creative atmosphere. Check out their live music on weekends.
•Water Street Cafe Friendsville 301-746-4025 http://waterstreetcafemd.com
Tasting wine at Deep Creek Cellars? You don't have to have an empty stomach. Grab breakfast or lunch on the way to or from the lake, but don't miss this go-to café for a wholesome meal in a relaxing café atmosphere, where you can watch the rafters paddling the river. In a historic building on the Youghiogheny, Water Street Café has all you need: fresh deli & grilled panini sandwiches, awesome breakfast burritos, fresh fruit smoothies with Greek yogurt and local maple syrup, organic fresh ground coffees. Chris's pepperoni rolls are the BEST on the planet—please bring Nadine some for a discount on your wine purchase!
•Working H Meat Market Friendsville 301-750-5039 Working H Farms Website
You've got some nice wines and now you need some farm-raised, antibiotic- and hormone-free beef, pork or chicken to serve with them? Don't miss this farm market on your way back to the lake. The Hardesty family runs this special shop, as well as managing several farms in nearby West Virginia, where high-quality pastured, USDA-certified chicken and livestock are farm-raised for your table.
Where to buy our wines (if you can't make it to the Winery)
•Arrowhead Market DCL/Oakland 301 387 4020 https://arrowheadmarket.com
•Deep Creek Beverage McHenry (240) 442-5446 http://www.deepcreekbeverage.com
•Firefly Farm Creamery & Market Accident 301-746-8188 http://www.fireflyfarms.com
•Friendsville Discount Liquor Friendsville 301-746-5639
•Maryland Discount Beverage Center LaVale (301) 729-0880
•McHenry Beverage Shoppe McHenry 301-387-5518 http://www.deepcreektimes.com/mchenrybev/ Deep Creek Cellars is proud to have our wines offered by McHenry Beverage, the area's largest selection of Beer, Wine, Liquor, Cigars and Micro-Brews. Their friendly and very knowledgeable staff can help with every need—from stocking the pantry at your vacation rental to discovering treasures for your home wine cellar.
•Midway Discount Beverages Oakland 301-334-2140
•Deep Creek Beverage McHenry (240) 442-5446 http://www.deepcreekbeverage.com
•Firefly Farm Creamery & Market Accident 301-746-8188 http://www.fireflyfarms.com
•Friendsville Discount Liquor Friendsville 301-746-5639
•Maryland Discount Beverage Center LaVale (301) 729-0880
•McHenry Beverage Shoppe McHenry 301-387-5518 http://www.deepcreektimes.com/mchenrybev/ Deep Creek Cellars is proud to have our wines offered by McHenry Beverage, the area's largest selection of Beer, Wine, Liquor, Cigars and Micro-Brews. Their friendly and very knowledgeable staff can help with every need—from stocking the pantry at your vacation rental to discovering treasures for your home wine cellar.
•Midway Discount Beverages Oakland 301-334-2140
Vacation Rentals
•OffLake Rentals Deep Creek Lake 877-389-9740 http://www.offlakerentals.com
OffLake Rentals offers affordable accommodations comfortable for your family & your budget! By spending less on where you stay, you can spend more time on your mountain vacation…whitewater rafting, skiing, fishing, hunting, sightseeing, or just spending relaxing time with family.
•Railey Mountain Lake Vacations Deep Creek Lake 301-387-2124 http://www.deepcreek.com
•Taylor-Made Vacations & Sales Deep Creek Lake 866-351-1119 deepcreekvacations.com
With over 200 vacation rental properties, Taylor-Made Vacations & Sales invites you to experience the beauty of Deep Creek Lake and the surrounding area. With four seasons of fun available in the area, you'll want to come back time and time again to experience it all.
•Vacasa Deep Creek Lake Rentals Deep Creek Lake 301-387-6187 vacasa.com
OffLake Rentals offers affordable accommodations comfortable for your family & your budget! By spending less on where you stay, you can spend more time on your mountain vacation…whitewater rafting, skiing, fishing, hunting, sightseeing, or just spending relaxing time with family.
•Railey Mountain Lake Vacations Deep Creek Lake 301-387-2124 http://www.deepcreek.com
•Taylor-Made Vacations & Sales Deep Creek Lake 866-351-1119 deepcreekvacations.com
With over 200 vacation rental properties, Taylor-Made Vacations & Sales invites you to experience the beauty of Deep Creek Lake and the surrounding area. With four seasons of fun available in the area, you'll want to come back time and time again to experience it all.
•Vacasa Deep Creek Lake Rentals Deep Creek Lake 301-387-6187 vacasa.com
