If you are planning a Deep Creek Lake summer vacation for your family, chances are you can’t wait until it is time to pack up the car and head to the mountains. Getting away with family is an opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted time with your favorite people as you make memories that will last a lifetime. It is one of the best ways to bond and build relationships.
Here are our tips for making the most of your Deep Creek Lake summer vacation:
Let the kids help plan the trip
Give them a chance to pick out an activity they want to do or a place they want to eat. They will love having a chance to contribute.
Kids love visiting the aviary at the Discovery Center, riding the mountain coaster at Wisp Resort and kayaking at DCL State Park.
Check out Deep Creek Pottery where kids can paint their own pottery or make a colorful mosaic. This is a great option for rainy days!
Family Farm Tours give you an up close look at local life on an organic farm. A guide leads you on a tour of the farm and you learn about shittake mushroom cultivation, greenhouse growing and naturally raised livestock. Kids will have a chance to visit with some small farm animals and the farm dogs and see cows and the herd of horses.
Mountain State Brewing Co. has board games to keep you busy while you wait for your flatbread, the 26 inch “Abondanza” at Brenda’s Pizzeria is always a crowd pleaser, and be sure to check out the arcade at Smiley’s.
Take lots of pictures
Beautiful sunsets happen every night and are best viewed from homes facing the lake’s western shores. Herrington Manor State Park is also a great spot to watch the sunset. The water is often very still with great reflection that makes for a lovely photo. Dramatic selfie backdrops are around every corner at Deep Creek Lake – from towering waterfalls and a man-made whitewater course to pristine forests and soaring lake views.
If you want to improve your skills, All Earth Eco Tours leads photography workshops and photo safaris.
Give yourself extra time
Take some of the stress out of traveling with family in tow by adding early check-in or late check-out. You can call us up to two weeks prior to your arrival to get three extra hours of vacation time for a $75 fee. When you arrive early, you feel less rushed as you unpack and make yourself at home. Similarly, a late check out allows you to gather your things and take one more boat ride before it is time to head home.
Try something new
Whether this is your first trip to the lake or your fiftieth, there is always something new to discover. Recent additions to the area include the inflatable waterpark at Splash Island at Will O’ the Wisp, The Escape Room at Wisp Resort, and arcade games and pizza at Fun Unlimited. If you haven’t experienced some of our more adventurous activities, I encourage you to try whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River or hiking to all three waterfalls at Swallow Falls State Park.
Monkey Business Aerial Adventure Park offers ziplines and aerial obstacles for ages 5 and up. Their parent company also opened Deep Creek Ninja Factory. This indoor obstacle course is tons of fun!
Make your reservations early
Avoid the disappointment of missing out on your favorite home or the location you love best.
Lakefront properties tend to fill quickly, so book early to be on the water. If your dates are flexible, take advantage of lower early summer or late summer rates. Not only is it easy on your wallet, it is a quieter time with good weather.
Search now and start your countdown to summer vacation today!