Blair’s By the Lake: Bringing Fresh Style to Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake is famous for its outdoor fun and small-town feel, and now there’s a new shop that’s quickly becoming a favorite for locals and visitors. Only two months after moving to its new location, Blair’s By the Lake is showing that great fashion, friendly...
The Town of Deer Park
A Literal Taste of the Past, Present and Future A first-time guest to the Deep Creek Lake area may pass right by the small town of Deer Park, unaware of the critical role the town played in bringing tourism to the lake and bottled water to our fridge. Tucked beside...
Follow the Yellow Signs: The 2026 Artist Studio Tour
The Garrett County Arts Council invites residents and visitors to explore the 2026 Artist Studio Tour on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 from 11am to 5pm each day. This free, self-guided tour offers a rare opportunity to step inside working studios, meet local...
Tennis Traditions on Red Clay in Mountain Lake Park
On July 23rd, a yellow ball will strike the red clay court from the first serve at the Western Maryland Tennis Championships, adding to more than a century of history at the Mountain Lake Park Tennis Club, all made possible through the efforts of players, members, and...
Mountain Lake Park… A Look Back
In conjunction with Garrett County’s 250th anniversary, let’s reminisce and take a look at Mountain Lake Park, which was established in 1881, making it a little bit younger at 145. On September 3, 1881, 5 businessmen rode through “Hoyes Big Pasture,” now known as...
Garrett 250 Birthday Bash
Across Garrett County, preparations have been underway for months. Volunteers have attended meetings, organizations have planned exhibits, communities have coordinated activities, and countless individuals have contributed their time and talents to create something...
“A County United” Large Flag Unfurling WE NEED YOU!
Some moments become stories. Help unfurl a 130-foot American flag and be part of Garrett County’s America 250 celebration. As America counts down to its 250th birthday, Garrett County is preparing a patriotic moment that organizers hope will be one of the most...
Our Beautiful American Flag
An America 250/Garrett 250 Guide for Kids, Teens, and Families in Garrett County As America reaches its 250th birthday, families across Garrett County are taking time to learn what the American flag truly represents and how to treat it with care. Around here,...
Garrett 250 Birthday Bash: Celebrating America Together!
On Saturday, July 18, Garrett County will come together for a once-in-a-generation celebration honoring the people, places, and stories that have shaped our community over the past 250 years. This family-friendly community gathering will celebrate local heritage while...
Victorian Chautauqua
Mountain Lake Park was founded in 1881 along the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad as one of the nation’s early Chautauqua resorts, drawing thousands of Victorian-era visitors each summer for education, culture, and recreation. The Victorian Chautauqua was established in...
What’s In a Name?
Ever wonder how Garrett County towns were named? No? Why not? Work with me here. Most town names seem pretty straightforward, while others might leave you scratching your head. All that mattered was that the name made sense at the time. The fact that these names are...
July 2026 Issue
Dear Friends, Thank you for picking up The Lakefront Magazine and for supporting the local businesses, attractions, and organizations that make this community such a special place. Whether you’ve been reading us for years or this is your first issue, I’m so glad...
The Historic Casselman River Bridge
If you’ve driven through Grantsville lately, you’ve probably noticed the scaffolding wrapped around the historic Casselman River Bridge. The restoration of the bridge is a collaborative effort between two key Maryland agencies working together to preserve one of the...
Kayaking On, Around, and Above DCL
As the weather warms, you’ll see kayaks all around DCL. Some will be solo, while others will form up like a gaggle of geese. Some will pass by slowly, and others look like wind turbines in a storm. But kayaking didn’t start here. So, where did it start? Like most...
Brewing Community for 25 Years
Located on Rt. 219, along the lakeside, you will find a restaurant and coffee shop that is as well known as Deep Creek itself. Celebrating their 25th anniversary, Traders Coffee House and Brenda’s Pizzeria have been more than just businesses to pass through. Tourists...
Loch Lynn Heights: Home To Fully ADA Compatible Playground
While the nation is celebrating its 250th birthday, Loch Lynn Heights, which was incorporated in 1896, is officially 130 years old this year. The small town has a history rich with tales, including the famous Loch Lynn Hotel, which was essential to tourism in the...
2026 Kick Off to Summer
The Oakland Arts & Entertainment District, in partnership with the Town of Oakland, Greater Oakland Business Association, and Garrett County Arts Council, is ready to celebrate the start of summer with the annual Kick Off to Summer Festival on Saturday, June 20,...
Cranesville, Then and Now
The small town of Cranesville was established in the 1850’s by John Crane. Cranesville is primarily located in Preston County, West Virginia, but borders Garrett County, Maryland. Probably the most notable feature about Cranesville is the Cranesville Swamp Preserve,...
Friendsville’s Youghiogheny River Provides a Natural Playground
As we look towards Garrett County celebrating America's 250th birthday at a celebration event in July, we are provided an opportunity to take a moment to understand and appreciate all the county has to offer. Friendsville, the most northern municipality in Garrett...
Beyond the Stars Jackpot Show
The Beyond the Stars Jackpot Show will return to the Garrett County Fairgrounds in McHenry, Maryland, on June 13–14, 2026, bringing together youth livestock exhibitors, families, and agricultural supporters from across the region for a weekend celebrating hard work,...
Summer Splashing at Mountain Lake Park
Mountain Lake Park’s first 60 years featured a small lake where families could gather in the summer while children splashed about in the water to cool off. Although that lake has long been lost to history, 6 years ago the town created a new spot for families to gather...
Garrett 250 Buntings Available
As Garrett County prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Garrett 250 organizers, in partnership with the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, are encouraging residents and businesses to show their patriotic spirit with decorative Garrett 250 Celebration...
Black Bear Tavern Under New Ownership
As of May 1, Black Bear Partners officially became the new owners and operators of the longtime Deep Creek Lake gathering spot, Black Bear Tavern. Their immediate plans are to restore the tavern’s reputation as a go-to destination for food, drinks, entertainment, and...
Runway for a Cause: Fun, Food, Friends… and Style
The Civic Club of Oakland is pleased to announce its first annual Runway for a Cause: Fun, Food, Friends . . . and Style, a fashion show featuring clothing from Chico’s of Morgantown. The event will be held on June 13, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM at St. Peter’s...