The Deep Creek Blog

Savage River Lodge on Going Green

The Savage River Lodge, winner of the MD Office of Tourism's 2011 Green/Sustainable Tourism Award, shares on "going green" in Maryland Life. 

Pet Friendly Lodging at Deep Creek Lake

USA Today Travel posts a listing of pet-friendly lodging at Deep Creek Lake.  Also, if you inquire of the vacation rental companies, they can steer you towards pet-friendly vacation rentals. 

World Next Door TV Visits Deep Creek Lake

This video will make you want to get to Garrett County pronto before the snow melts!  Sonja Lowery's World Next Door TV visited Wisp Resort, hosted by Railey Mountain Lake Vacations.  

Happy Birthdady KoKo and Karma

Happy birthday to the Savage River Lodge puppies , KoKo and Karm, who turn one today. Read all about them here.  

Win A Deep Creek Prize Pack at The Pittsburgh Channel

Visit WTAE's The Pittsburgh Channel to enter to win a Deep Creek Prize Pack.  

Budget Travel Names Deep Creek Lake One of the Top Summer Lake Towns

Deep Creek Lake and the town of Oakland in Garrett County, Maryland has been selected by Budget Travel as one of America’s Top Summer Lake Towns of 2010.
 
“We are thrilled that Budget Travel has chosen Deep Creek Lake and Oakland for this honor,” said Joyce Bishoff, Interim President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “As one of only eight towns selected in the country, we are honored to be included in this prestigious national listing.”
 
The article notes area eateries, lodging, marina offerings, state park activities and the Garrett County Historical Society along with photographs of Deep Creek Lake and downtown Oakland.  Deep Creek Lake/Oakland is the only town selected from the Mid-Atlantic region and one of only two towns selected on the east coast.
 
For more information about Deep Creek Lake, Oakland, Garrett County, Maryland and to see the full Budget Travel article, please head to visitdeepcreek.com.
 

Savage River Lodge Recommended in "10 Short Trips"

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette lists the Savage River Lodge in "10 short trips from Pittsburgh for the long summer". 

Bear Creek Crossing B&B Weekend

Last summer I was asked to spend a complimentary weekend at Bear Creek Crossing B&B with my family to blog about the experience.  We had originally scheduled the trip for the first weekend in February, hoping to experience the perfect Garrett County winter weekend, but the timing of the blizzard got in our way.  We scheduled again for this past weekend. It was not exactly a winter wonderland...but rather like Brigadoon, which was perfect just before St. Patrick's Day. 

If you've never stayed in one, a bed and breakfast (or B&B) is a home or other small inn that typically offers lodging along with breakfast.   The word "B&B" often brings to mind formal Victorian homes crammed with antiques along with shared bathrooms, but many are evolving to comfortable places to make yourself at home while you unwind.  Bear Creek Crossing proves to be one of these.   My husband, like many men, used to be leery of B&Bs, but we've had some positive experiences in the past.  So, when I brought up the project, he was a willing participant, along with my daughter.

Peggy and Buzz Gosnell's Bear Creek Crossing is not your grandma's B&B, that's for sure.  It is warm, inviting, modern and clean.   Their website describes the place as "traditional, quaint, classic charm with a modern day appeal".  This is a good description, as the inn is decorated tastefully, yet comfortable enough for us to feel right at home upon entering. 

There are two spacious rooms, each with comfortable king beds, television and private baths.   Both are decorated in warm soothing earth tones.  There is also a cottage bedroom, the Sunflower Room, with a double, four poster bed.  This room is perfect for guests needing an extra room for children.   Outside of the bedrooms there is a sitting loft where guests can enjoy relaxing on sofas, tv, games or reading.   There is also a second sitting area in the main living room of the house. 

It rained most of the weekend, so we did not get to experience the outdoor amenities. I have visited in the summer, so I've seen the place in full bloom.  Some of the extra bonuses of staying here include a gated campfire and picnic area along with a country garden.  Guests can enjoy a quiet afternoon on the hammock in the country garden or an evening of family fun roasting marshmallows over the campfire.  The large front porch makes for a great meal time or just a moment to relax. 

Guests have experienced everything from quiet romantic getaways to family birthday weekends.  This past year, weekend visitors who braved epic winter storms were able to have great ski weekend getaways.  The B&B is located little more than a five minute drive to the Wisp Resort, making it a great location for winter warriors. 

In the warmer months, the B&B makes a great location for weddings, and the venue is available for special events. Bear Creek's wedding planner works with couples to plan a full-service wedding on the premises and can arrange for lodging for all of the guests attending as well.  Guests have also made use of the inn for mother-daughter retreats, birthday weekends and anniversaries.  

As the website states, you can truly make yourself at home in this B&B, and even have access to a living and dining area.   Other amenities include central air and high speed internet access.  

All told, it was a great weekend, and we enjoyed our B&B experience in Garrett County.  Enjoy the pictures below, some taken by me and some provided by Bear Creek Crossing. 

Enjoy the large front porch during warmer weather.

This campfire and picnic area is gated, great for keeping an eye on the kids. 

 

My daughter was sad the hammock was put away for the season.

The main living area, with a gas burning fireplace, is great for relaxing...especially on a rainy day.

The Sunflower Room is perfect for extra guests or children.  

 

Dining area where we enjoyed great breakfasts.  

Peggy's Coast Toast

Sunday Morning at Bear Creek Crossing B&B

This morning we enjoyed breakfast with another family here at Bear Creek Crossing B&B.  They came in on Saturday for a one night stay.  They also had children, so it was fun for our daughter to have some other kids on the premises.  Peggy is family friendly, but is also careful not book couples desiring a romantic getaway on the same weekend when children will be at the inn.   

We enjoyed fresh fruit along with Coast Toast, a recipe Peggy discovered on a trip to San Diego, and ham.

 

Rainy Saturday in Deep Creek

Although there were people skiing and snow tubing yesterday at Wisp, the rain was really coming down, and we decided to pass.  In pursuit of something fun to do, we headed over to the Discovery Center...a great stop on a rainy day.  Apparently a number of people had the same idea, because at 2:30, when it was time for Critter Encounter, a whole bunch of people streamed into the Center. 

After the Discovery Center, we headed over to Lou DiCarlo's Stained Glass Gallery.  My better half had never been there and I have always wanted him to see it.  If you've never been, Lou is a master stained glass artist and his home is packed with loads of his creations.  I have my eye on a lamp in there, so it was time to drop a few hints. 

After that, we plunked around to a few other places and then settled down for an early dinner.  This is the scene we arrived home to on a foggy evening.  

 

Rise and Shine

After a great night's sleep in the Hemlock Room, we woke to a quiet morning here at Bear Creek Crossing B&B.   The rain and mist made it very peaceful looking out from the front porch.  The sound of Bear Creek's flowing water can be heard all the way up here at the inn. 

Breakfast consisted of fresh fruit, homemade buttermilk biscuits and omelets.  Since the rain had put somewhat of a damper on the outdoor activities that we had planned, we enjoyed taking our time over breakfast without feeling a need to rush out the door.  It ended up that the meal filled us for the entire day and we never even had to stop for lunch.

Friday Evening at Bear Creek Crossing B&B

We rolled into Garrett County in the midst of some fog and rain yesterday, ready to enjoy our first night at Bear Creek Crossing B&B.  There is still snow in Garrett County, but it is slowly melting as the rain and warmer temperatures have descended upon the area.

The B&B is located off of Rt. 219 in Accident.  If you're headed south on 219, Bear  Creek is first spotted by white signs with a little black bear right before the driveway.  Winding up the drive, some of the hemlocks are still covered in snow. The inn is so pretty with little white lights decorating the outside.  There is still enough snow here to make it look just right.  After checking in, Peggy, the proprietor, gave us the tour and showed us to our rooms and then we relaxed with some wine, cheese and crackers. 

We decided to head out to Brenda's Pizzeria for a quick bite, and then back to the Inn to relax.  The lake area was really quiet, as it appears that the rain has scared off many would be visitors.   Anxious to get back to relaxing at the inn, we didn't stay out for long.  Before turning in, we enjoyed some conversation with Peggy hearing stories about the B&B as well as her family. 

I have to say, it was wonderful to drive into the lake and not really have to "do anything" upon arrival, such as open the house, cook, put groceries away, etc...I really needed a night to kick back, so this was a perfect start to a great weekend. 

Checking out the Sunflower Room upon arrival...perfect for kids!!!

Live Blogging from Bear Creek Crossing Bed and Breakfast

The Deep Creek Blog is taking on a new project.  My family and I are spending the weekend at Peggy and Buzz Gosnell's Bear Creek Crossing B&B and I'm looking forward to bringing you the experience via some "live blogging".

This trip was originally scheduled for the weekend of the Snowpocalypse...the first one, early in February.  We finally managed to get it back on the schedule and we are coming, rain or shine!    We are looking forward to some great food, relaxation and general fun around Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County.  The plan was to take in activities such as snow tubing and ice skating, but we'll keep our options open depending upon the weather. 

Check back this weekend for blog posts complete with photos and perhaps even some video. 

Stay Two Nights Get Third Free in Garrett County

Have you seen this promotion from the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce?  Stay two nights, get the third one free at participating rental agencies, rental homes and B&Bs until April 1, 2010.  Click here for details and a list of participating businesses.   

Tax Increase Debate At Commissioner's Meeting

The Times-News reports on the recent Garrett County Commissioner's meeting where the proposed hotel tax was debated.