As of April 30, 2025, Garrett County’s favorite ice-cream haven officially hit a major milestone—30 years of scooping joy under the stewardship of beloved local businessman Bill Meagher. What began in the summer of 1995 as a small lakeside shop has blossomed into a local institution—now with not one but two locations!
30 years ago, entrepreneur Bill Meagher set up shop at 20282 Garrett Highway in Oakland. With cream from nearby farms and ballooning flavor creativity (“Like No Udder!”), his homemade waffle cones and scenic lakeside ambiance struck gold from day one. Families, tourists, and locals soon fell in love with the Creamery: today it offers over 90 unique flavors and is consistently rated a top spot at Deep Creek Lake.
More than ice cream, Bill’s vision has expanded: Deep Creek Donuts, Copper Kettle Popcorn Factory, Fun Time Watersports, and even real estate ventures now fall under his umbrella—and his community efforts earned him the prestigious “Greater Good Award” in early 2024.
On June 10, 2025, just weeks after reaching the mark of its 30 years in business, the team quietly flipped the switch on Lakeside Creamery North, located at 25297 Garrett Hwy, McHenry, right next to Archie’s BBQ. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., it serves scoops and soft-serve in a fresh, fami- family-friendly atmosphere—no quarts, but plenty of local flavor. It’s a perfect stop for north-side visitors and park-goers heading toward Deep Creek Lake.
The original Lakeside Creamery menu included handcrafted waffle cones, fresh cream, and that now-iconic lake view. Over the next three decades, the flavor count skyrocketed, the seasonal staff became summer staples, and the Creamery earned top TripAdvisor praise from visitors far and wide. On the day, April 30, 2025, the Creamery celebrated its 30th anniversary—marking three decades of ice cream, innovation, and community connection.
Bill Meagher’s approach has always been community-first. He’s been described as “humble, brave, thoughtful, brilliant…” by regional leaders. With two Creamery locations, he’s literally doubling the county’s sweetness, both in cones and in local impact. He didn’t just build a business, but rather a community. Whether mentoring young workers, partnering with local charities, or teaching entrepreneurship, he’s kept that Appalachian giving spirit alive. The Greater Good Award said it best: Bill’s got “less fame, more gain” written all over him.
As the North-side Creamery settles in, expect seasonal specials and maybe a north-side exclusive flavor? Perhaps summer events, charity cones, or collaborations with Deep Creek’s festivals.
Drop by either location—30 years of legacy combined with fresh scoop-side summer vibes await. Here’s to another 30 more!
Written by Michael Fratz