Plan Your Trip
The Ultimate Deep Creek Guide
Everywhere we send friends and family and Ken!
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Things to DoThe Lazy Bear Gift Shop
Browse local boutiques—Lazy Bear, Blair's by the Lake, Cashmere Clothing, Short Story Brewing, Beef Jerky Experience.
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Things to DoCARC Recreation Center (Gym & Indoor Pools)
Guest access to gym, two pools, and basketball—minutes from the cabin.
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Things to DoFirefly Farms Creamery & Market
Sample artisan cheeses; stock up on crackers, jams, and picnic treats.
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Things to DoDeep Creek Pottery Studio
Paint some pottery and make memories with your group
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Things to DoHoni Honi Lakeside Party
The perfect place to spend a weekend afternoon or night out with your friends (top bachelorette/bachelor party location).
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Things to DoWisp Resort Mountain Coaster
Alpine coaster through the forest; you control the speed.
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Things to DoDay Trip: Nemacolin Resort
Bowling, axe throwing, spa, wildlife sanctuary, 5-star dining—40 minutes away.
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Things to DoPleasant Valley Dream Rides (Horse-Drawn/Trail)
Scenic carriage rides and nearby stables offering hourly horseback rides.
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Things to DoFunland Mini Golf & Arcade
Classic mini-golf, arcade games, and prize counters for all ages.
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Our Favorite
Things to DoSwallow Falls State Park
Muddy Creek Falls plus three smaller ones, on an easy mile-long loop through old-growth hemlocks—the best short walk in the county. Go early on a summer weekend; the lot fills by mid-morning.
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Things to DoWisp Resort Snow Tubing
Multiple tubing lanes and a magic carpet—reserve ahead on busy days.
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Things to DoSchoolhouse Earth (Petting Zoo & Shop)
Meet farm animals and browse gifts, décor, and local products.
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Things to DoDeep Creek Lake State Park (Beach & Picnic)
Swim beach, trails, and Discovery Center—great for families.
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Things to DoBoat Rentals: Deep Creek Marina
Rent pontoons or ski boats; cruise and tube around the lake.
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Things to DoDeep Creek Lavender Farm
Fragrant fields and handmade lavender goods in a serene setting.
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Things to DoLakeside Creamery
House-made ice cream with lake views—try Blueberry Cheesecake.
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Things to DoArrowhead Market (Groceries & Steaks)
Grab steaks, donuts, and essentials for a grill-night at home.
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Things to DoGarrett 8 Cinemas
Local theater with value tickets and family-friendly shows.
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Things to DoDowntown Oakland & Vagabond Taproom
Antiques and boutiques on Main Street; craft drinks at Vagabond.
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Things to DoJet Ski Rentals (Various Marinas)
Best conditions early or late day; explore coves at speed.
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Things to DoTall Pines Distillery
Small-batch spirits with a rustic tasting room and local flair.
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Things to DoBlackthorne Cellars
Award-winning farm winery less than a mile from the lake; covered patio, fire pits and an indoor fireplace for cool days.
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Things to DoHigh Country Creamery & Market
Watch cheesemaking; enjoy café fare and regional dairy products.
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Things to DoWhispering Pines Furniture
Handcrafted furniture, candles, and rustic décor finds.
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Things to DoFall Corn Mazes (Seasonal)
Family-friendly farm mazes and fall fun at nearby venues.
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Things to DoMountain Fresh Farmers Market (Sat 10-1)
Shop local produce, meats, crafts—often with live music.
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BreakfastRolling Pin Bakery & Restaurant
Exceptional breakfast and lunch destination with standout cookies, pies and cheesecakes by order—perfect for a special treat or catching up with friends.
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Things to DoBall Auction Outlet
Discount furniture and eclectic home finds—short drive away.
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Things to DoBear Creek Traders
Big selection of souvenirs, apparel, toys, and lake-life décor.
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Things to DoSipside Lounge
Classic cocktails, live music, and occasional food trucks downtown.
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Things to DoGarrett College Farmers Market (Summer Fridays)
Seasonal market with fresh foods, crafts, and live music on campus.
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Kids & FamilyDeep Creek Funzone (Mini Golf & Arcade)
Mini-golf, arcade, go-karts, and family attractions by the lake.
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Kids & FamilyMonkey Business Adventure Park
Zipline and aerial challenge courses with lake views.
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Kids & FamilyDeep Creek Marina (Boat Rentals)
Rent a boat and dock while you dine at lakeside eateries.
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Lunch & DinnerBrenda's Pizzeria
Delicious pizza and Italian fare on the lake. Their massive Abondanza pizza serves a crowd, and plenty of gluten-free options ensure no guest gets left out.
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Lunch & DinnerAce's Run Restaurant & Pub
Casual but with great lake views: Wednesday pasta night, Friday stir-fry, the fried chicken biscuit sandwich and burger all shine — with solid gluten-free picks too.
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Kids & FamilyWisp Resort Scenic Chairlift
Ride to the summit for panoramic lake views.
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Kids & FamilyAdventure Sports Center International (ASCI)
Watch whitewater rafters or book a guided run on the man-made course.
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Kids & FamilyWisp Chipmunk Challenge Course (Kids)
Kid-friendly ropes and zip elements designed for ages 4+.
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Kids & FamilyMarsh Mountain Mining Company (Wisp)
Pan for gems and fossils; playground nearby for little explorers.
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Kids & FamilyFishing: Deep Creek Lake / New Germany SP / Herrington Manor SP
Cast from shore or boat; quiet waters at nearby state parks.
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Kids & FamilyAll Earth Eco Tours (Savage River Reservoir)
Guided flatwater kayak tours with excellent wildlife viewing.
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Kids & FamilyWilderness Voyageurs (Bike & Float)
Bike the GAP trail and float the Middle Yough with outfitter support.
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Kids & FamilyCandyland Heaven (at Farmers Market)
900+ varieties of candy at the weekend market—kid paradise.
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Our Favorite
Kids & FamilyHoni Honi Bar & Uno's Lakeside
Live music for parents; oversized whale/elephant/pirate ship for kids.
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Our Favorite
Lunch & DinnerPawn Run Bar + Kitchen
This laid-back lakeside spot serves craft cocktails and shareable plates in a relaxed atmosphere — showing you don't have to wait long to grab good food.
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Lunch & DinnerStonecroft Manor
Housed in a historic mansion, this affordable gem offers a huge menu with something for every taste — beef Wellington, chicken & brie, seafood skins and plenty of gluten-free options.
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Lunch & DinnerDutch's at Silver Tree
Lake-view dining where jeans are fine but the ambiance shines. Don't miss the Crab Caesar salad, crab bread and a refreshing Grapefruit Crush.
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Lunch & DinnerFirewater Kitchen + Bar
Right on the water, this spot offers craft cocktails, outdoor seating by the lake, a fire-feature and a menu full of unique flavorful dishes — ideal for a relaxed night out.
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Our Favorite
Lunch & DinnerMountain State Brewing Company
Don't miss the sunset here! Wood-fired pizzas, BBQ and sunset views from the deck make this the perfect WALKABLE destination.
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Lunch & DinnerPine Lodge Steakhouse
A great spot for steak, fish or lobster — don't miss the cream of crab soup. A little upscale but still relaxed enough for a comfortable dinner with friends or game-day outing.
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Lunch & DinnerUno Pizzeria & Grill (Deep Creek)
The familiar Uno experience — but set lakeside, with live music outdoors at nearby venues. Ideal for casual dining with friends and larger groups.
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Lunch & DinnerCanoe on the Run
Quick, tasty sandwiches and paninis with an outdoor deck — perfect for a casual lunch close to the house or an impromptu meet-up with friends.
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Lunch & DinnerLedo's Pizza - McHenry
Affordable pizza spot with a twist—gluten-free and cauliflower crust options make this a smart pick for diverse tastes without breaking the bank.
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Lunch & DinnerShrimp on the Barbie
Fun and flavorful: great burgers, seafood, wings, plus live music and even a mechanical bull. Ideal for an energetic group dinner or night out.
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Lunch & DinnerTrout's House Seafood Market
Fresh-seafood haven—grab lobster, scallops, shrimp, even steamed crabs to bring back and cook at your cabin. A lunch stop turned gourmet take-home treat.
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Lunch & DinnerMoonShadow
Laid-back but stylish—scratch-kitchen eats, vegan options, brunch weekends and live music make this a standout spot to spend an afternoon or evening with friends.
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Lunch & DinnerEl Canelo Mexican Restaurant
Budget friendly Mexican dining in Oakland—flavorful dishes, casual vibe, and a smart pickup spot before or after a lake day.
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Lunch & DinnerBlack Bear Tavern
Sports bar and restaurant rolled into one—good bar food (don't skip the wings), live music and a fun vibe make this great for friends, game-day or casual hangout.
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Lunch & DinnerArrowhead Market
Grab-and-go or lunch stop—fried chicken, sandwiches, breakfast all day and a bakery too. Fast service makes it ideal for friends on the move.
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Lunch & DinnerArchie's BBQ
Barbecue done right—drive-thru friendly, big portions, award-winning ribs and a brisket salad with cornbread that's made for sharing with friends.
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BreakfastBlack Hawk Coffee Company
Charming coffee stop in a converted gas station with excellent brews, baked goods, and a mellow spot to relax or catch up with friends.
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BreakfastCasselman Bakery & Café
Fresh-baked donuts, pastries, bread and a full breakfast & lunch menu; a perfect stop for a treat or a midday break with friends.
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BreakfastTraders Coffeehouse
Lake-view breakfast and coffee spot with solid sandwiches and pastries; great for a relaxed morning with friends before your day begins.
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Breakfast3rd Street Diner
Classic all-day breakfast diner with a friendly vibe, great for a hearty plate and good conversation any time of day.
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BreakfastDeep Creek Donuts
Made-to-order donuts with a vacation-vibe twist; bring friends, pick your flavours and savour something special.
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BreakfastPerkins Restaurant & Bakery
Reliable breakfast and lunch spot with a bakery full of muffins, cookies & pies—great for a casual meet-up or family meal.
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BreakfastLittle Sandy's Diner
Vintage diner charm, comforting breakfast classics, and a warm local feel—ideal for a relaxed start to the day.
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BreakfastThe Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille
Great for groups or game nights—huge menu, plenty of TVs, and a lively atmosphere to enjoy wings, burgers and good times with friends.
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Things to DoLodestone Golf Course (Wisp)
Hale Irwin's 18 holes along the ridge above the lake—the serious course here. Book through Wisp and take a cart; the elevation change is no joke.
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Things to DoFantasy Valley Golf Course (Wisp)
Wisp's other 18—par 70 at the foot of the ski slopes, gentler than Lodestone and kinder to a mixed group. Also open to the public.
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Things to DoHerrington Manor State Park
A 53-acre lake with a swim beach, boat rentals and easy trails; a 5.5-mile path links it to Swallow Falls through the state forest.
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Things to DoCranesville Swamp Preserve
An ice-age bog with a boardwalk out over the sphagnum and tamarack—an easy 1.2-mile loop and nothing else like it nearby. The last stretch is gravel, so take the higher car.
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Things to DoHoye-Crest (Maryland's Highest Point)
Maryland's summit at 3,360 feet—roughly a mile up from the road, with a register to sign at the top. Parking is a pull-off big enough for two or three cars.
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Our Favorite
Lunch & DinnerThe Rowdy Rooster Bar & Grille
Casual bar and grille on Garrett Highway south of the lake—sandwiches, bar food and a full bar, open late most nights.
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Lunch & DinnerBrewery and the Beast
Garrett County's first brewery — hand-crafted beer and a full kitchen in Accident, a short run north of the lake. There is a second taproom in Oakland.
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Lunch & DinnerBaja Street Tacos & Wings
Street tacos, wings and classic Mexican plates on the Maryland Highway stretch north of Oakland — quick, casual and an easy weeknight run from the house.
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Our Favorite
Things to DoBill's Marine Service Boat Rentals
22-foot Bennington pontoons that seat twelve — the whole house in one boat. Reserve online well ahead; the driver must be 21 with a boater's license, and they sell temporary ones at pickup. Tubes cost extra.
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Things to DoWisp Resort Skiing & Snowboarding
Maryland's only ski resort, minutes from the house — a 700-foot vertical with snowmaking across most of the mountain and lights for night skiing. Lessons and rentals at the Learning Center; all three of ours learned here.
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