If you have never been to Deep Creek Lake, one of the first things you are probably thinking about is how to familiarize yourself with the lake.

5.  Railey provides a good map if you are looking for a rental from them.  Downside is that the icons are huge and sort of overtake the map.

4.  Here is one without rentals on it, looks a little old school…but at least it shows the span of the lake and major attractions like Wisp and the State Park.  It also has the major roads.

3.  Deep Creek Marina uses a Google mashup map with several local businesses on it.

2.  Taylor Made is another rental company in the Deep Creek Area, and their map is a rental/hybrid view using Google Maps.  You can change the view to map from hybrid, but there are still rental icons that cannot be removed which clutter it up.

1.  Google Maps is the winner.  This one has no icons on it, and you can clearly see the lake and roads.  Hit “larger map”, and try zooming into street view (keep zooming in, and it automatically brings you to street view.  You can explore roads at the street level, and change the views.  You can even select Google Earth after downloading the plugin, and check out the photos option.
View Larger Map

Deep Creek Lake Sign

1) Get a boat and have some fun.  If you’re new to our site, you’ll see we have quite a thing for our friends over at Deep Creek Marina.  Not only do they offer great boats, but they’ll supply you with the water vehicle sure to keep all of the kids busy while you relax on the dock.  Got a boat?  Did you get it from Deep Creek Marina?  Good.

2) Explore the area. When you go on vacation, nothing says ‘relax’ like lounging on Deep Creek Lake. But what some people forget is while the lake may be the main point of attraction, the surrounding area has lots to offer. With a little planning and gusto to explore the surrounding Deep Creek area, you’ll notice places such as Swallow Falls and many of the hiking, camping, kyaking, fishing and golfing opportunities in the nearby surrounding areas of the lake.

3) Eat well. What many people don’t realize is that our daily lives revolve around food. In the busy rush of our usual routines, we never have the time to plan out a special meal or something out of the ordinary. One thing you don’t want to worry about is finding a decent enough grocery store. Deep Creek Lake’s own, Foodland, is a great option and has anything you would find back home. If you feel like dining out, the Pine Lodge Steakhouse is a great option serving a variety of meats including elk! If you’re looking for pizza, our tenured taste buds would never shun Brenda’ for a great Italian meal.

So remember, when on vacation, have fun in the water, roam the mountainside, eat well and enjoy every moment to the fullest.

I hope you enjoy this one. I know it might seem a little expensive to ride the Deep Creek Lake Mountain Coaster, it is well worth it. I have not been on anything else like it.

Given the hot weather that swept Pennsylvania in the past few weeks, Its no wonder we’re writing about ice cream Besides traditionals such as iced lemonade or a dip in the lake, what else in the Deep Creek Lake area could satisfy both your craving for cool and your never-ending search for that sweet goodness we call ice cream?

Now on their 14th birthday, the Lakeside Creamery has given the nearby residents something to smile about. Situated just off of Garett Highway, the most notable ice cream parlor around the lake features 90 flavors, each made on the premisis of the creamery! Not only do they offer sugar cones or waffer cones, but this ice cream parlor makes their own waffle cones as well. Open the front door to their store and you’ll have to get one yourself.

You can also pull your boat to the Creamery’s dock and grab some ice cream from the convenience of your boat! In fact, fill up your pontoon boat and bring the whole gang. Benches and tables sit right at the water’s edge looking over a spectacular view of the lake! Visit at sundown and watch the sunset with your hubby as your ice cream blissfully melts away.

Its a fact – people love ice cream and we can’t get enough of the Lakeside Creamery. Take our word for it. You have to try it to believe it!

While travelling in Western Maryland, you may find yourself a bit homesick from the beach.  But alas, most Western Maryland inhabitants do not long for such a thing when you have the best lake in Maryland at your fingertips!  When you’re not looking to test your sea legs on a boat while drifting aimlessly on Deep Creek Lake, we recommend visiting the beach located on the Deep Creek Lake State Park.  Without further ado, here are 5 Great reasons to visit the Beach on Deep Creek Lake:

1) Clean Fun In The Sun:  Since the beach at Deep Creek Lake is located on the State Park, the area surrounding the beach is always kept clean and beautiful.  Bags are handed out as you enter the park to bring your trash along with you.  Deep Creek Lake’s State Park not only boasts a clean environment, but a great lake to enjoy on their man-made beach.

2) Cool Off After Hiking:  Given the location of the beach in relevance to the many, many trails that run directly into the park near the beach area, what better way to cool off after an avid day full of exploring and exercising!  You can find several hiking trails by visiting the State’s Park Website  by doing either a 2.5 mi., 5.6 mi.or .5 mi hike.  Or you can go here for a list of the Deep Creek Lake State Park Trail Guide and here for the entire Garrett County Trail system.  You can also visit Swallow Falls for some more interesting hiking paths.

3) Picnic With Your Family: Why sit in the comfort of your home, when you can grill out right near the beach!  With many charcoal-designed grills ready to use along the outskirts of the beach area, bring some steaks, burgers and dogs along for the trip and dine outside the way you really wanted to – under the beautiful canopy of surrounding trees and foliage.

4) As It Is Said, ‘Variety Is The Spice Of Life’: Very few can go boating day in and day out on their vacation without trying out something new. Afterall, the Deep Creek Lake Area has much to offer. Whether you decide to visit the WISP resort to go white water rafting, or go golfing at any of the nearby golf courses, visiting this great area of Western Maryland is all about being outdoors. Why not take a break from your planned daily activites and relax on the beach? Surely this is one activity you should try at least once during your stay!

5) The Beach!:  What better reason to go to the beach, than the beach itself! The soft sand, the waves pushed ashore from passing boats, sand castles, the smell of suntan lotion and overall just a great location for relaxing in the sun!

Photo courtesy of Long and Foster.

The Pine Lodge Steakhouse, located in the heart of Deep Creek, has been offering fine dining to both visitors and residents since 2002. In fact, one could argue that it has cornered the market in Deep Creek fine dining!

Pine Lodge Steakhouse

My wife and I, along with her sister and her husband enjoyed a very nice dinner there last year……and, it really did feel like we were eating in a lodge!  The architecture is very cool, and I can honestly say that I have never before eaten a filet mignon in a log cabin style restaurant.

The owner, Smiley, also has cornered the market in Deep Creek for fun. Jonathan Kessler, whose nickname is “Smiley”, also runs Smiley’s Fun Zone & Pizzeria and has several other ongoing businesses in the area.

The atmosphere at Pine Lodge Steakhouse is definitely casual (points scored here!), and the prices are very reasonable.  The nine ounce filet is only $28.19.  This summer when we visit Deep Creek again, the 10 ounce “Oak Barrel” steak has my name on it.  My mouth is watering right now.

In addition to the variety of steaks/ribs, you will find a nice selection of seafood, pasta, surf and turf, chicken entrees, and soups and salads on the menu. The wine menu was also an upside surprise, with plenty of interesting options.

It’s always smart to make your reservations ahead of time, as Pine Lodge gets a strong recommendation from me, and my dinner crew that night.  Enjoy!

(The slopes of Deep Creek Lake’s Wisp Mountain snow blowers release snow down their paths – Photo Courtesy of Deep Creek Ski)

During the summer, Deep Creek Lake has much to boast, given the large lake with lots of water to move around in, whether you’re in a boat or on a jet ski. When the winter hits, Deep Creek Lake’s attributes flip-flop as the height of the mountains glisten in the sun as fresh-fallen snow turns the beautiful area into a winter wonderland in the truest sense – people come from all around to go down the mountains in the snow.

Most likely you’re going to Wisp Mountain where the Wisp Resort attracts hundreds of skiers every winter. 2009 season passes range from $599 for an adult limited pass at regular price to student passes $339 (ages 6-18+ College Students). More information on ski passes can be found here. The earlier you buy your tickets before the season, the greater your discount will be. The prices shown above are much higher than if you were to buy your tickets earlier.

Lift Tickets for skiing go for the following prices:
(taken from the Wisp website)

Opening Day to Dec. 19, 2008 & March 16, 2009 to March 29, 2009
Pricing below – Adult/Junior
Extended Day: $32 /$25
Morning: $30 / $22
Twilight: $30 / $22
Afternoon: $22 / $15
Night: $22 / $15
2-Day: $64 / $47
3-Day: $90 / $67
All Day Rentals: $38 / $38

(Photo Courtesy of the Wisp Resort)

If you’re looking for a safer route to enjoying the outdoors, yet drifting down the mountain with ease, perhaps snow tubing is right up your alley. Snow tubing is available for all ages. Although you may not bring your own tube, The Wisp Resort boasts 300 snow tubes for rent. Tubing is bought in two-hour sessions on weekends.

The tubing lanes themselves are 750ft. That’s the equivalent of two and a half football fields! Rates range from $15 Monday – Thursday to $22 on weekends. Visit the Wisp Resort tubing page for more info.

From the Wisp website:

If you like to sled, you’ll love Snow Tubing! It’s one of the fastest growing winter sports in America because everyone can do it! Just hop in the tube, step onto one of two Conveyor Carpets and up you go! With nine tube shoots, designated helpers and it’s own snowmaking and grooming machines, Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park is winter attraction you don’t want to miss!

Would you believe it – you can even go down the Mountain Coaster even in the winter! If you would like to share any of your photos of the Wisp Resort in the Winter season, we’d be happy to hear from you and feature your experience our site.

Deep Creek Lake State Park‘s most attributable feature is most likely the beach seen on the coast of the lake which features a pleasant beach atmosphere, picnic tables with grills and restroom accomodations.  But the park has much more to offer than what is seen.  With camping accomodations, a Discovery Center (open 10 A.M to 5 P.M.) and hunting available during regulated hunting seasons, and plenty of hiking the park’s habitat makes for wide range of possibilities. The park even has a night time fire dance on the beach for kids!  Let’s dig into some details, shall we?

Here’s a short blurb about the activities the State Park has (from the State Park website):

Interpretive programs, consisting of evening campfire programs, and talks and hikes on the natural and cultural resources of the park, are led by a park naturalist and are available at various times throughout the year and by special request. Activity schedules are posted on bulletin boards throughout the park and at the Discovery Center.

For general park information call 301-387-5563. The Discovery Center can be reached at 301-387-7067 during business hours.

State Park Map (courtesy of their website)

If you are interested in visiting the Discovery Center and learning about the surrounding habitat, we recommend visiting the Discovery Center and checking out the hiking guide. From the State Website:

Deep Creek Discovery Center is an educational/interpretive center for people of all ages to enjoy and learn.  Through hands-on exhibits that showcase the natural resources of Western Maryland, families can learn about the flora and fauna, wildlife, cultural and historical heritage that have turned this former logging and coal mining region into a popular modern day vacation destination.

As mentioned above, the park hosts camping with 112 campsites available from Spring through Fall.  Below are the following rates, taken from the State website.  It would be good to note that boat launching prices in the town itself are a bit pricier than the $10 fee for the State Park:

- Campsites: $25/night
- Campsites with electric: $30/night
- Bear Den: (3-sided camping unit complete with wooden floor, roof and fireplace) $40/night
- Yurt: (a round, fabric tent with floor and furniture) $50/night
- Camper cabins: $50/night
- Shelters (75 capacity): April-June (Weekdays, Monday-Friday) $25/day; July-August-Labor Day (Weekends, holidays, Saturdays & Sundays) $80/day; July-August-Labor Day (Weekdays, Monday-Friday) $40/day; April-May-June-September-October (weekends, holidays, Saturdays & Sundays) $40/day

Entrance Fees to the Park:
Memorial Day-Labor Day $3/person;
Labor Day-Memorial Day $3/vehicle.
Out-of-state residents add $1 to all day use service charges.

- Boat Launch: $10/vehicle (year round); out-of-state residents add $1.

Directions to Deep Creek Lake State Park:
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From Pittsburgh: Take I-79 south to I-68 east. Exit 14A (Route 219 South Deep Creek Lake). Continue on Route 219 South for 18 miles. Turn left onto Glendale Road. Continue on Glendale Road for one mile, crossing over the Glendale Bridge. Immediately after crossing the Glendale Bridge, turn left onto State Park Road. Continue on State Park Road for one mile until you see the information sign for the state park facilities.

From Washington, D.C.: Take 270 north to I-70 west to I-68 west. Exit 14A (Route 219 South Deep Creek Lake). Continue on Route 219 South for 18 miles. Turn left onto Glendale Road. Continue on Glendale Road for one mile, crossing over the Glendale Bridge. Immediately after crossing the Glendale Bridge, turn left onto State Park Road. Continue on State Park Road for one mile until you see the information sign for the state park facilities.

From Baltimore: Take I-70 west to I-68 west. Exit 14A (Route 219 South Deep Creek Lake). Continue on Route 219 South for 18 miles. Turn left onto Glendale Road. Continue on Glendale Road for one mile, crossing over the Glendale Bridge. Immediately after crossing the Glendale Bridge, turn left onto State Park Road. Continue on State Park Road for one mile until you see the information sign for the state park facilities.

Get Your Drink On!

The Honi-Honi Bar, or “The Honi” if you are a regular is a must see.  The coolest part is that you can boat right up to the dock and park for a few cocktails!

Lastly, let me save you a trip….don’t go on a Sunday. They are closed due to county regulations. We had to learn this the disappointing way……. BOOOOO!!!! December 2008 – update on alcohol consumption on Sundays.

The Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster is a very cool “roller coaster”!!

You can find Wisp Resort and the Mountain Coaster at 296 Marsh Hill Road McHenry, MD 21541.

Either 1 or 2 can be seated in 1 coaster.  After being pulled to the top of the mountain, you have control over the speed on the way down with a simple lever.  This is great fun for both kids (3+) and adults (as can be seen above!)

The ride down from the top takes about 2 minutes total, and there are several sweet twists and turns, and this is well worth a repeat ride or two or three.  Recommended time is at dusk, to avoid the lines.  Only $10 per ride for single rider, or $15 for a double…with discounts available for multiple ride packs.  Go as a group and get a pack, that is what we plan on doing on our next trip.

Update for 2012.  3 ride single packs are $25, and 3 ride packs for double riders are $40.  Or, if you will be there for a week, you might as well step up to the 10 pack!