We stopped by Deep Creek’s newest waterfront restaurant, Firewater Kitchen + Bar, for a wonderful mid-week meal. Make sure you put this place on your list: you’re going to want to stop by for drinks and dinner at your next trip to the lake (for dine-in or carry-out).
Located right on the water behind the popular Ace’s Run restaurant, Firewater’s interior is a stunning display of lake views, custom woodworking, and modern design. It totally nails that fancy-but-casual, want-to-try-everything-on-the-menu feeling we look for in good restaurants.
Their cocktail menu alone makes it worth the visit. Each drink is artfully made with well-balanced flavors, fun glassware, and quirky details– like a little Sasquatch-shaped ginger cookie that garnished my ‘Sasquatch’ cocktail.
So far, some of our favorite dishes have been the edamame dumplings, the steak frites, and the creme brûlée for dessert. We are even happy to report that the food passed the carry-out test and was still fresh and delicious after the car ride home.
We can’t wait to see how this restaurant shines come summer! We can see an outdoor dining deck that looks like it is going to make for a great gathering spot.
If you are a golf lover come and experience the beautiful lush green golf courses that Deep Creek Lake offers. From scenic mountaintop views to natural rock features, and challenging courses, even the most experienced golfer will enjoy their time golfing in Deep Creek Lake. You can golf on top of Marsh Mountain or compete in one of the various competitions, the fun never ends in Deep Creek. Golfing in Deep Creek is not only a great way to relax and unwind after a day on the lake, but they also have some of the best and most well-maintained courses around. Here are a few of our favorite courses in Deep Creek.
Wisp Resort Fantasy Valley Golf Course
Photo Credit Via Instagram @Wispresort
Wisp Resort Fantasy Valley Golf Course was named one of them. “100 must- Play Courses of the Mid- Atlantic” by Golfstyles Magazine. This course is designed around the natural contours of the Wisp ski slopes. The views are breathtaking of the mountains and there are 6,446 yards, par 70 championship course ebbs and flows along tree-lined fairways. The bunkers are strategically placed as well as the water hazards. There are multiple different tees making it fun, enjoyable yet challenging for a player of any level.
Address: 296 Marsh Hill Road, McHenry, MD 21541
Phone: 301-387-4000
Wisp Resort Lodestone Golf Course
Photo Credit Via Instagram @Wispresort
Lodestone Golf Club has some of the largest greens on the East Coast. The beautiful views of the mountain ranges and the Deep Creek Lake offers rock outcroppings and natural surroundings making this mountainous course a gem. The large fairways are big enough to be forgiving yet they offer various tees to challenge every golfer. You will also see an abundant amount of wildlife while enjoying a round of golf.
Address: 212 Marsh Hill Rd Mc Henry, MD 21541
Phone: 301-387-4653
Golf Club at Oakland
Photo Credit Via Instagram @nebgolf
The Golf Club at Oakland is known as one of Maryland’s best-kept secrets. The course is only a few minutes away from Deep Creek Lake. The course offers 18 holes of championship golf spanning over 6395 yards of beautiful scenery and rolling terrain. The course is the host of the Annual Western Maryland Amateur Championship, which brings amateurs from all over the country to test their golfing skills. Although the course can be quite tough, it is suitable for golfers of any skill level. So come with the family even if you are a beginner golfer. Don’t forget to stop by the clubhouse for a nice meal and check out their selection of clubs there.
Address: 433 N. Bradley Lane, Oakland, MD 21550
Phone:301-334-3883
Thousand Acres Golf Club
Photo Credit Via Instagram : @Thousandacresgolfclub
The championship golf course has been carefully constructed to enhance the playing field with the natural character and beauty of the exquisite piece of land. The first nine holes are currently open and available to play. Thousand Acres Golf Club twists and winds through the wooded terrain of the Appalachian Mountains of Western Maryland. It also has beautiful views of Deep Creek Lake. Enjoy the Deep Creek Lake Marina as well as Fairway by the Slopes. The course is perfect for those who want an early or afternoon tee time.
Deep Creek Lake offers a variety of courses and styles to play. Enjoy a family outing to a course or a relaxing day away from the lake to play a round of golf. No matter what course you decide to play you will have a great time with wonderful scenery.
Imagine gliding through the slopes as the crisp wind blows through your hair. From skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and much more, there is never a dull moment in the winter at Deep Creek Lake. The beautiful, mountainous terrain and high elevation of Garrett County make it a prime location for a ton of snow, and of course, wonderful downhill skiing. Locals, as well as many travelers, come every year to partake in the exciting ski season. With an average of 100 inches of snow annually, the natural snow and high elevation make Deep Creek any skier’s dream.
Wisp Ski Resort
If you are looking for a beautiful mountain getaway, look no further. Wisp Resort is a hidden gem in Western Maryland. It is just a few short hours away from Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Ohio, and even New York City. Wisp Ski Resort is a four-season resort, located on the shores of Deep Creek Lake. The resort offers many different activities, like learning to snowboard or ski. This winter wonderland is the perfect place for a family snowboarding or skiing trip.
With over 170 acres of terrain and slopes, Wisp Resort is able to capture the essence of any skier. From beginners to advanced riders, there is a large variety of groomed trails and 12 lifts, so skiers have plenty of choices. No worries, if you are not a fan of going downhill right away, there are three terrain parks for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. This way everyone in the family can enjoy a day on the slopes.
Wisp Resort has cross country skiing available at the Nordic Center, located in the Appalachian Yurt in Sundown Village. All of the trails rely on natural snowfall and are located on the Fantasy Valley Golf Course terrain. The most popular trail for beginners is the Little and Big Dipper. If you are looking for a longer ride, try out the Wisp Trail or the Possum Trail. For those looking for a bit more of a trail, common favorites are the Down Under Trail, Deer Run, and Ace’s Run. For the most difficult trails, try out Devils Drip, Main Street, or Over The Edge. There is also freestyle terrain located right next to the Sunset Blvd trail.
Winter Activities
Deep Creek Lake is home to Maryland’s only ski resort. It has been growing and expanding since 1955. With over 172 acres of ski terrain and 34 downhill slopes, this area has become a must-visit during the winter season. The fun doesn’t stop at just skiing though. Deep Creek offers cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even snow tubing. For those who are wanting a thrill that doesn’t involve snow, try out the mountain coaster. There is something for everyone in the family to do.
For those wanting to take part in additional cross-country skiing, here are a few of our favorite slopes outside of Wisp Ski Resort. The New Germany State Park offers miles of trails and is the most well-known among frequent visitors. They have trails for all experience levels, as well as the flat green trail that parallels Poplar Lick or the Three Bridges Trail. Herrington Manor State Park is a snow-filled wonderland with over 52 acres of lake. There are over 10 miles of easy to intermediate trails to explore as well as a nice fireplace to warm up inside the lake house. The Deep Creek Lake State Park offers hiking trails that are ungroomed but are open to any cross country skiers. They have a 5.5 mile Meadow Mountain trail that enables you to catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife.
Lodging
If you are visiting the area and are interested in a more premium vacation rental or a space that can accommodate a large group, Red Barn Vacations is a perfect match. We have a portfolio that represents only the finest properties at the lake. Bring your whole family, business retreat, or even just your closest friends. Each home within Red Barn Vacations is designed exquisitely while keeping comfort in mind. Our homes offer many amenities, depending on where you choose, however, the high-quality standards remain intact no matter where you book.
Many of our properties come with a lake view, mountain view, ski view, and even some lakefront view. Some of the homes are located within a short walk of Wisp Ski Resort, making the trip to head to the slopes only a few minutes. Imagine waking up to the sight of the beautiful, snow-covered Wisp Mountain. Come the fourth of July, you can even see the fireworks set off at Wisp from the comfort of your own vacation rental.
To find your next Red Barn Vacation property search all of our properties here.
Deep Creek Lake is a wonderful place to visit year-round, however, there is just something about the winter season that is so special. With so many different parks and ski areas to choose from, as well as other activities, the fun truly never ends. So grab your lift tickets, and we will meet you at the chair lifts for an exhilarating time. We hope to see you soon in Deep Creek Lake.
Get the inside scoop on a great home! Jessie, Marketing Director of Red Barn Vacations, recently spent a cozy winter weekend in our cabin, Wispy on the Rocks, and shares her experience in the home.
If you will, we’d like to share with you our reflections on 2020. We do so because our experience in 2020 is imprinted upon the very bones of our business. The gifts, the burdens, and the challenge of the last twelve months is entirely integral to the growth we expect in 2021, and beyond.
For those itching for a vacation, but concerned about safety parameters, we are here to reassure you that a Deep Creek vacation can be safe and restful— in our homes, on the slopes, and on the lake.
Guest blog by Jessie from Red Barn Vacations. Every year, my family comes down to Deep Creek for the annual Art & Wine festival, benefiting HART for Animals.
The whole crew in a previous year.
It’s a highlight of my year: great local art, wine galore, and time with my favorite people. Thanks to this year’s understandable cancellation of the festival, we’ve been forced to get creative. That’s right: we are hosting our own ‘ DIY Art & Wine Weekend’ at the lake! Here’s how you can do the same (any weekend of the year):
The Art
- Many of the shops in Downtown Oakland are still open including art galleries and antique shops. Many interesting and innovative pieces of art can be found in this walkable downtown setting. (And, while you’re down there, you may as well start on the art part, too, with visits to the Vagabond Taproom and Sipside Lounge, which just unveiled a beautiful new outdoor space.
- There are tons of at-home art projects that both the talented and less-than-talented (like myself) can pursue. My family opted to each purchase paint-by-number kits, but there are a variety of crafts that can be undertaken in the home, like stitching (all the rage), adult coloring books, and so much more (Please just be respectful to carefully cover any surfaces within the home when launching experimental art projects).
- Grab some supplies and try to follow along to an episode of Bob’s Ross’ ‘Joy of Painting’ series. Every episode is available for free on Netflix! Whether you are making cherish heirlooms or cherished memories
(or both), this activity is fun for the whole family.
The Wine
- Firefly Farms: A local artisan goat-cheese shoppe in nearby Accident, Firefly Farms does not have a huge selection of wine, but they do have a great curation. Whatever you buy from Firefly, be in wine or cheese or other savory staples, is guaranteed to be good.
- Deep Creek Beverage: This store is located at the north end of the lake area and has a drive-through window! No need to ever leave your car, just tell the clerk what you want and they will fetch it for you. The staff here (and everywhere around town) is incredibly helpful and ready to make suggestions.
- McHenry Beverage Shoppe: Offering the widest selection of inventory at the lake. If you want to browse around, this is the option for you.
- There are some killer spots around the lake to grab a drink, in whatever form you prefer. Some of our favorites include: Mountain State Brewing Company, Short Story Brewery, Vagabond Taproom, Sipside Lounge, Moonshadow Cafe, and The Honi-Honi Bar.
Charitable Donation Made to HART
- HART for Animals is a great local organization working hard to help out our furry friends. HART uses 87% of all its revenues to support charitable programs, including adoptions, spay/neuters, rescue and transports, and sheltering. Many of their fundraising events for 2020 had to be cancelled, but their resolve to help remains the same. if you chose to partake in a DIY Art & Wine weekend, consider making a donation to HART, who inspired the idea.
Pontoons, speedboats, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and more! The lake is full of marinas with all your favorite watercraft.
Weather you are looking for a peaceful cruise along the many coves and inlets of the lake, or if you want to go dock-to-dock at some of the best destinations around the lake, there is nothing quite like exploring Deep Creek by boat. Make sure to put pit-stops at the popular Honi Honi Bar and delicious Lakeside Creamery on your list! These iconic Deep Creek Lake destinations are essential stops along any day on the lake.
There are tons of rental options along the lake to help get you in the watercraft that is right for you. Boats of all sizes, speeds, and price-points, both motorized and self-propelled. Some rental places even provide delivery and pick-up service for those renting lakefront homes.
Here’s a quick guide to the many rental options at the lake:
Marinas
Deep Creek Marina
Bills Marine Service
The Aquatic Center
Silver Tree Marine
Fun Time Water Sports
High Mountain Sports
Lake Life Boat Rentals
Other
Deep Creek Water Trampolines
Fishing Equipment
Bill’s Outdoor Center
Have your own boat?
The boat launch at Deep Creek Lake State Park is available 24 hours a day, weather permitting, to help get you in the water, quick and easy.
For many of us, the drive to the lake is an exciting time. It’s the first taste of your vacation, and an opportunity to bond with your loved ones. With the setting sun illuminating the sky, the road unfurling before you, and the eager anticipation for your arrival, all the ingredients are there for memories made and laughter shared— all before you ever see our rolling hills.
Here are a few suggestions to make this time extra special:
Games
Song Tag
The driver picks a song to play first: any song will do. From there, the front-passenger starts thinking of a song similar, in some way, to the one playing. It can be similar in sound, theme, or lyric— or even something more abstract. Once finished, the front-passenger plays their selected song and the rest of the car sees if they can spot the connection. From there, the rest of the car takes turns picking the next song. This is a great way to explore a wide variety of music together!
Categories
One person picks a category like ‘NFL teams.’ Players take turns listing teams, one by one. The game continues until someone hesitates or repeats an answer.
Split the Car
Every passenger takes turns posing ridiculous’Would You Rather Questions’ with the goal of splitting the car between the two choices. If the question ‘would you rather be able to fly or speak every language?’ yields two votes for ‘fly’ and two votes for ‘speak every language,” the question poser wins for successfully ‘splitting the car.’
Found a great way to spend the time on your trip to the lake? Let us know!