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What to see within a half hour drive of Deep Creek Lake…

So you are here now what? 

Many have traveled from the fast pace of life’s obligations to get to the mountains and then someone in their group makes them ask, “What is there to do around Deep Creek Lake”? The questions has lots of answers so the local bartender, cashier or restaurant server that typically gets asked that question needs to know what bucket list you are looking to empty!

There are always the old faithful activities like (1) visit Swallow Falls, (2) we have many state parks to be sure to visit the Discovery Center at the DCL State Park and (3) grab a pole and head to Herrington Manor SP or New Germany SP to fish, and of course everyone’s go to answer… (4) hey we have 80,000 acres of public forests take-a-hike!  These are respectable answers but most times the bartenders tip jar is not multiplied by seeing those grateful tourists back because of their help!

The hotel front desk staff or local Chamber of Commerce guides will help you to understand that guests frequently come to appreciate these answers…

Want to shop?  Check out the Mom and Pop gift shops located at the lake like Angela Shaffer’s The Christmas Chalet and Tourist Trap for souvenirs and unique gifts, head to School House Earth or their sister store in McHenry, pick up some engraved wine glasses or custom resort apparel at The Pine Lodge Mercantile (and maybe a great lunch too), and head to Oakland to walk the streets of our own slice of Americana to explore the many shops.  Head north to hit up FireFly Farms in Accident, or sneak into Grantsville for antiques and gifts Northern Garrett County style.  Of course if the shopping you desire is Walmart, CVS, or grocery we have them!

Looking for Entertainment? The adults in the group may appreciate a stop at the Honi Honi which depending on the season is the most consistent option for finding a band to hear. Family will get their SMILE on at Smileys Fun Zone where at least a half day can evaporate playing mini golf, arcade games, riding go carts, not to mention eating some great pizza, wings or sandwiches!  The answer for nightlife can be Black Bear Tavern, back to the Honi for a new band, any of the many Honky Tonks or if you are the group that makes your own entertainment a simple visit to Pine Lodge Saloon or Dutch’s can blend adult beverages with great food and friendly service!  The Garrett Eight Cinema is always showing eight great flicks!  Jump on the back of a horse at Western Trails or Circle R!  Find some adventure at Wisp Resort’s adventure Park or ride the manmade river rapids at ASCI!  Since you drove all the way here to these beautiful mountains you should remember to head outside to sit by a fire pit, hike through the woods or just breath the fresh cool air!  That is after all mountain entertainment!

I truly hope this summary gets you started on making Deep Creek Lake the treasure enjoyed by many for so long!  This is just the tip of the iceberg so get busy digging into the pleasures of a little bit of boredom and if you are surrounded by the right people in your group the relaxation just may become contagious!