April 03, 2008

Where Can I Find Wi-Fi at Deep Creek Lake?

Most of us want to relax and "get away from it all" in Garrett County.  The reality is that some people are not able to take an extended vacation, perhaps not even a long weekend, without checking in on line. Some of the need to stay connected is mandated by an employer or business, and some perhaps self-imposed. The Baltimore Business Journal recently reported on a new phenomenon which Solutions Research Group calls "disconnect anxiety". 

Disconnect anxiety refers to various feelings of disorientation and nervousness experienced when a person is deprived of Internet or wireless access for a long period of time. 

So, what can you do to avoid "disconnect anxiety" in Garrett County?  Below is a list of businesses, restaurants and places to stay that offer wireless Internet access.   Most of the services listed below are free of charge, but please call to confirm with the business before you go or book a stay.   There are also homes available that have computers with Internet access or wifi, so be sure and ask the rental agency before you book.   We did our best to research local businesses to find these places, but can't guarantee that we hit every spot.  If you know of or own a business that offers wi-fi that isn't named here, please email info@deepcreekblog.com and we'll add it to the list.

Restaurants, Businesses and Public Places

Black Bear Tavern
Brenda's Pizzeria
Fireside Deli & Wine Shop
Jearbryo's

Lakeside Creamery Cafe (At The Fort)
The Lake Salon
Santa Fe Grille

Trader's Coffee House

Hotels and Inns

The Casselman Inn
Carmel Cove Inn

Comfort Inn Deep Creek Lake
Comfort Inn Grantsville
Good Timber Bed & Breakfast
Haley Farm B&B

Lake Pointe Inn
Lake Star Lodge - (in lobby and Vacation Suite)
The Oak and Apple B&B

Savage River Lodge (in main lodge)

Suites at Silver Tree (with a fee)
The Stonebow Inn
Will O' The Wisp
Wisp Resort (for hotel guests)

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January 18, 2008

FAQ #1: Where Should We Stay?

Friends know that we spend a lot of time at Deep Creek and they often ask for advice when planning a trip to the area.  The most common question that they ask is where to stay.  There is no easy answer to this question, because of the variety of lodging choices available.  People familiar with the area usually have a favorite spot.  The same location, however, may not be ideal for the next person.  Here are a few key questions we suggest they think about to put together a great trip. 

Do you want to "get away from it all" or do you want to be in the midst of a lot of activity?
  Garrett County offers some true peace and quiet, yet also has locations that are close to nightlife and attractions.  Seclusion can be found in many areas, including remote ends of the lake and quite coves.  Off lake rentals can also offer tranquil and private settings.  If you want to have easy access to or be within walking distance of family activities, nightlife and entertainment, look at locations such as McHenry, places close to RT 219 or the Glendale Road area. 

Do you want to be on or off the lake?
  If you have a boat or are planning on renting one, having lake front or lake access with a dock will be an important feature for you.  If you are more interested in off lake activities such as golfing, hiking, or fly fishing, then you can consider a location without lake access. 

Do you want to "rough it" or are you looking for luxury? Campers can choose "primitive camping" in some of the state parks and forests.  Cottages are available in some of the state parks, such as Herrington Manor and New Germany State Park.  Traditional lake cottages can also be rented which offer what could be referred to as more of an "Old Deep Creek" experience.   If you want more comfort or even luxury there are many new residences in the area that offer lavish  accommodations.   Generally, the more "equipped" the home, the more expensive the rental will be.  Consider off season rentals for better deals on upscale housing. 

Are you planning a romantic getaway or a family reunion?  The size of your group will determine the type of places that are available for you.  If you're planning a romantic trip for two, consider one of the area bed and breakfasts or a condominium.  If you're planning for a large group, there are many different properties available as well.  There are several hotels and inns that could accommodate you as well as rental homes available.  Large rental homes can accommodate big groups and provide amenities such as indoor pools and home theaters.  Just remember if you are with a large group to please mind the rules and ordinances for the property, such as capacity, parking and trash guidelines.

Finally, asking others who have visited or have homes in the area will almost always provide you with enough information to get started.  We've also put together a list of resources to look at in helping to plan the perfect trip to Garrett County. 

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce

Rental Agencies:

Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty
Long and Foster Resort Rentals
Offlake Rentals

Railey Mountain Lake Vacations
Taylor-Made Deep Creek Lake Vacations

Hotels, Motels & Condominiums

The Comfort Inn
Suites at Silver Tree
Will O' The Wisp
Wisp Resort

Bed and Breakfasts/Inns

The Casselman Inn
The Deer Park Inn 
Good Timber Bed & Breakfast
Haley Farm Bed & Breakfast
Lake Pointe Inn Bed & Breakfast
North Glade Inn
The Oak and Apple Bed & Breakfast
Savage River Lodge
The Stonebow Inn
Savage River Lodge
Streams and Dreams
Woodland Rill Bed & Breakfast
Waters Run Bed & Breakfast

Camping

Big Run State Park
Bumble Bee RV Park and Campground, LLC
Deep Creek Lake State Park
Double G RV Park
Garrett State Forest
Herrington Manor State Park
New Germany State Park
Potomac Garrett State Forest
Savage River State Forest
Swallow Falls State Park

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January 16, 2008

Frequently Asked Questions

Back in December we sent out a call for questions about Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County.  This project inspired a new series of articles soon to be running under the new "Frequently Asked Questions" series.   Keep an eye out for the first article in the next day or two. 

The Deep Creek Blog will continue to take questions about the area and will seek to answer them to the best of our ability.  Send questions to info@deepcreekblog.com.   Also, we encourage comments on these articles as well, as this site has a lot of readers who are very familiar with the area. 

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