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Deep Creek Dunk: A Complete Guide to Weekend Events

Deep Creek Dunk

Deep Creek Dunk

The Deep Creek Dunk is a favorite winter event that draws big crowds to that area each year. When is the Deep Creek Dunk? The 2023 Deep Creek dunk is February 25 at Uno Chicago Grill/the Honi-Honi bar. Taylor-Made is a proud sponsor of the festivities that benefit Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD).

If you’re not familiar, the Deep Creek Dunk was started in 1998 with the support of the Maryland State Police and Natural Resources Police. Individuals and teams commit to “dunking” in the icy lake water and raise funds for SOMD during the months prior. The day of the event takes on a festive atmosphere with music and a costume contest keeping everyone entertained.

Here’s the complete schedule for Deep Creek Dunk weekend:

Friday, February 24

Goosebumps, Grapes & Growlers – Head to the Honi-Honi from 6-9PM for an evening of fire and wine. The admission goes to Special Olympics. Taste a variety of wine and beer from the comfort of a heated tent.

Continue reading “Deep Creek Dunk: A Complete Guide to Weekend Events”

Top 14 Deep Creek Lake Winter Activities for Non-Skiers



It’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 t
ake 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 fireplace 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 trail conditions and for rental equipment availability.

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. You can also shop at The Painted Cupboard or Oakland Mercantile. 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, & Escape Games
Wisp Resort is well-known for skiing, but they also offer a variety of activities that anyone can enjoy. Reserve a snow tubing session, try out the escape game, 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 Friday-Sunday from 10AM-4PM during the winter season.

Festival of Trees Garrett County

Festival of Trees Garrett County

The Festival of Trees Garrett County is held every Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. For 2022, the festival dates are November 25th and 26th. Friday hours are 9-5 and Saturday hours are 9-4 with the live auction of trees starting at 6PM. Tickets are available at the door and proceeds benefit the Dove Center.

Festival of Trees Garrett County

Fun for all ages, you can see beautiful trees decorated with unique themes by local businesses and organizations. Each day, the fun kicks off with breakfast with Santa. The cost is $10 per person with seatings at 9 and 10AM. You will get a full breakfast plus priority in line for a professional photo with Santa in his sleigh. Continue reading “Festival of Trees Garrett County”

Autumn Glory Festival



The five-day Autumn Glory Festival celebrates the beautiful colors of our local fall foliage for it’s 55th time this year. Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 12 and running through Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, this popular festival brings more than 60,000 people to the local area.

Click here to visit the official Autumn Glory website.

NEW FOR 2022The town of Oakland will host a carnival the 12th-16th on Liberty Street. Gambill Amusements will provide more than a dozen rides along with games and food.

autumn glory

The Kick-Off Dinner and Reception is Wednesday, at Wisp Resort. The evening features a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres and a full course dinner including assorted desserts. A presentation follows with an introduction of the Autumn Glory King & Queen, Sponsor Recognition Presentation, Golden Ambassador Presentation and a Commemorative Photo Auction. The evening ends with live music and dancing.

Turkey dinners are an important part of the Autumn Glory festival tradition. Before it became the event we know today, it started as a turkey grower’s festival. The Turkey Trail lists the numerous local restaurants and churches that serve up delicious dinners.

A family friendly event will take place at the Oakland Fire Hall on Thursday. Sponsored by the Oakland Volunteer Fire Dept. The Fireman’s Parade starts at 7 p.m.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Maryland State Banjo, Fiddle, and Mandolin Championship will happen at Southern Garrett High School.

Autumn Glory Festival

The Grand Feature Parade will be held Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. on Omar Street in downtown Oakland and travels the length of 2nd Street, rounding Alder Street and ending on 3rd Street near Fox’s Pizza Den. Thousands of people will gather to enjoy regional bands, local professional and amateur floats, dance teams and dignitaries. Parade concessions will be available on Green Street located across from Naylor’s Hardware. A children’s tent and baby comfort station will be located at the B&O Station complete with children’s crafts, popcorn and face painting.

autumn glory parade

The old-fashioned Glorious Harvest Farmers Market & Craft Show will be held at Mt. Fresh Pavilion in downtown Oakland. There will be handmade arts & crafts, homemade baked goods, lots of pumpkins, fall decorations, home grown fresh vegetables and fruits, jams and jellies, cheese, meats and more.

Also on Saturday, the Civic Club hosts their Antiques, Vintage, and Makers Market. You can browse treasures at the Oakland Community Center from 9am-6pm.

The Autumn Glory Craft & Gift Show will be held on Saturday and Sunday at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lots of craft vendors will be showcasing their  items and gifts. Festival apparel will be available for purchase and includes t-shirts, sweatshirts and more. Admission and parking are free.

Additional events that are taking place over the five days include the following:

Antique Show
Car Show
Historic Tours
Horseback Trail Rides
Ski & Snowboard Swap

Don’t miss the Fall Foliage Heritage Short and Extended Driving Tours that take you throughout beautiful Garrett County. The fall foliage color begins in late September and peaks in mid-October so you can enjoy the best color during the time of the festival.

Search now to make your plans to be here for Autumn Glory weekend!

Quick Guide: Deep Creek Lake Fall Getaways



Deep Creek Lake fall getaways are a favorite way to enjoy the best of this colorful season. Reserve your Deep Creek Lake vacation rental, pack your hiking boots and sweaters and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

20 THINGS TO DO AT DEEP CREEK THIS FALL

-Take the scenic route for a fall foliage driving tour and leaf peep on scenic back roads

-Take a hike at Swallow Falls State Park (or one of the other 8 state parks in the area)

-Snack on a yummy pumpkin roll from Trader’s Coffee House

-Snuggle up by the fire with someone special at a Deep Creek cabin

-Enjoy the view from the ziplines at Monkey Business Adventure Park

-Check out foliage on the Barn Quilt Trail

Snap photos of fall colors at scenic spots like the Cove Overlook

-Do some early holiday shopping at Schoolhouse Earth

-Mountain bike on the trails at Deep Creek Lake State Park

-Order craft brews and flat breads and watch one of the famous sunsets on patio at Mountain State Brewing Company

-Wind your way through the Cove Run Farms Corn Maze

-Stop by Klotz Corn & Pumpkins to for brightly colored mums and perfect carving pumpkins

-Warm up with s’mores on a crisp fall night at your lakeside fire pit

-Experience the Autumn Glory Festival events and pick up a traditional turkey dinner at a local restaurant

-Ride the Mountain Coaster at Wisp Resort (weekends only)

-Visit Casselman Bridge State Park and grab a bite at Cornucopia Cafe

-Visit the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market for local maple syrup and fall harvest veggies

-Make a pile of leaves for the kids to play in

-Browse the shops in historic downtown Oakland – recently named among the Top 50 Small Towns with the Best Fall Foliage

-Take some time to slow down with Deep Creek Lake fall getaways and make memories with your favorite people! Reserve now for the best selection.

Deep Creek Lake Fall Getaways

Quick Guide: Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival

Deep Creek Lake

Everyone’s favorite late summer event, the Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival, is September 10, 2022!  This weekend-long celebration brings hundreds of visitors to the area.  Benefitting HART for Animals and the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival, it is a great time that supports great causes.

deep creek lake art, wine & beer festival

Here’s a quick guide to what you need to know to make the most of your getaway during Deep Creek Lake Art, Wine & Beer Festival weekend:

Buy your tickets in advance, and you’ll save! Adult tickets are $30.50 in advance and $37 at the gate.  That gets you entrance to the festival, a commemorative wine glass, and wine tastings.

Continue reading “Quick Guide: Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival”

Taylor-Made Top 5: Garrett County Fair Edition



2022 Garrett County Fair Dates: July 30th – August 6th

This year is the 65th anniversary of the Garrett County Fair and to mark that milestone, I put together a Top 5 list of things you absolutely have to do.  As a native of the Deep Creek Lake area and longtime fair attendee, I feel I’m more than qualified to point out some of the best things about this favorite summer event. Continue reading “Taylor-Made Top 5: Garrett County Fair Edition”

Deep Creek Lake Fireworks & More July 4th Fun



Fireworks Deep Creek Lake

From fireworks over the water to small town parades loaded with charm, the Deep Creek Lake area is a favorite place to celebrate Independence Day!  I put together a guide to some “can’t miss” events that you have to check out if you are here for the holiday.  They include some tips to finding the best spot to watch Deep Creek Lake fireworks.

If you are looking for live music throughout the weekend, check with the Honi-Honi Bar, Black Bear Tavern, or MoonShadow.

Continue reading “Deep Creek Lake Fireworks & More July 4th Fun”

Deep Creek Lake Area Fishing – A Favorite Spring Activity



During the spring months, Deep Creek Lake area fishing opportunities abound!

Fishing is as much about the catch as it is about experiencing the outdoors. Garrett County’s miles of cold mountain rivers, lakes and streams have made it a favorite fishing destination. You can take a boat out on the lake, wade into a fast flowing stream or head to one of the area’s many state parks that offer fishing.

deep_creek_lake_fishing1

With 3,900 acres to explore, Deep Creek Lake supports a wide variety of desirable game fish. It is best known for its large and smallmouth bass fishery. Other common species include: walleye, brown and rainbow trout, chain pickerel, northern pike and yellow perch.

Tips for successful Deep Creek Lake fishing: Continue reading “Deep Creek Lake Area Fishing – A Favorite Spring Activity”