We’re in the thick of it here in the mountains of Deep Creek + Garrett County, MD! SUMMER!!!

For our far western corner of Maryland, summer mostly means lots and lots of visitors. With over 1 million visitors coming to Deep Creek each year, Memorial Day to Labor Day presents a sort of “hustle and bustle” scene. People are visiting from Washington DC, Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey, North Carolina…some even as far as the west coast! Family vacations, bachelorette and bachelor parties, anniversary and birthday celebrations, weddings, retreats, weekend getaways…Deep Creek has the power to bring all these people together! If you ask me, it’s pretty darn cool. 🙂

As someone who grew up visiting the lake every summer and is now a transplant enjoying the residential scene, I LOVE that so many people choose Deep Creek for their vacations and getaways. There’s an energy that the tourism and visitors bring and it gives me a sense of pride for this area. An area that so many seek to visit and that we get to call home every day.

Even though we’re sort of “away from everything” and have the quiet, getaway, relaxing feeling that the mountains and lake create, two big reasons people choose to visit, there’s a lot going on and a lot to do! 

As a Deep Creek Photographer who has been around these mountains for a decade and as a self-proclaimed Deep Creek Tour Guide, I feel it’s my duty to share all of that. So here’s a lonnngggg list of summer things to do in Deep Creek:

-Grab a drink at Harbor Bar at Dutch’s at Silver Tree and enjoy the outdoor deck scene
-Hit the ice cream spots! We have over a dozen in Garrett County – Lakeside Creamery, Katie’s in McHenry, Devler’s in downtown Oakland, to name a few
-Include Arrowhead Market’s locally famous chicken sandwich in one of your lunches – they’re on special on Wednesdays
-Boat over to one of our lakefront eating spots – Uno’s, Dutch’s at Silver Tree, Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub, Firewater Kitchen & Bar, Brenda’s Pizzeria, Trader’s Coffee House, Cabin Lodge Grill
-Pick up some fresh seafood at Trout’s House Seafood in McHenry
-You gotta go to the Garrett County fair! It’s one of our family’s favorites! Carnival rides and games, so many animals to see, lots of delicious food made by local organizations
-Enjoy a picnic table and a beer at Short Story Brewing
-Have lunch, dinner or late evening drinks at Black Bear Tavern’s deck
-Sit outside at Canoe on the Run and enjoy a coffee…along with one of their homemade brownies or bars (so delicious!)
-Hit up MoonShadow for Sunday brunch
-Attend Wine in the Woods at Savage River Lodge
-Visit all three waterfalls at Swallow Falls State Park
-Enjoy a FREE outdoor concert at Stage Wisp – every Wednesday evening in July & August
-The Honi-Honi bar is a MUST-VISIT! During the day, it’s a family-friendly hangout space so yes, take the kids. And make sure you climb the elephant while you’re there!
-Enjoy the sand and water at Deep Creek Lake State Park beach area. Insider tip: It’s a trash-free park, so take bags so your trash can go home with you.
-Try a unique, crafty cocktail at the new Firewater Kitchen & Bar Catch the sunset and a wood-fire pizza at Mountain State Brewing
-Enjoy a hard cider tasting at Branch Bender Cidery in Accident – a charming farm with friendly owners. Pick up some cheese and snacks from FireFly Farms Market before you go.
-FLUFF the lavender at Deep Creek Lavender Farm! Blooms peak through mid-July
-Bite into a warm, delicious, local pork burger from Wildom Farm at the new Deep Creek Farmers Market – every Friday through September 2nd from 3 to 7pm
-Looking for rainy day activities? Try The Alley in Oakland for bowling and shop for produce, snacks, and LOTS OF CANDY at Candyland in Oakland!
-Rent a kayak! Rent a boat! Check Aquatic Center, Bill’s Marine, Fun Time Watersports, High Mountain Sports, Lake Life Boat Rentals, and Silver Tree Marine

And believe me, this isn’t all of it! YAY DEEP CREEK!