Things to Do in Deep Creek, Maryland

Last week, my family went on a week long vacation with our good friends to Deep Creek, Maryland. Normally, our summer vacations consist of visiting family in Pittsburgh and occasionally making it down to the Jersey Shore. We didn’t know what to expect when visiting Deep Creek. Our friend had been going since she was seven years old so I knew we were in good hands. Basically, we were going along for the ride!

When you think about going to the lake or the mountains, or in this case both, you think there are only a few things to do: swim in the lake, fish, and boat. But that is not the case when it comes to Deep Creek. There are a ton of things to do, especially with the kids!

Wisp Resort

Wisp Resort is a ski resort in Deep Creek but the fun doesn’t only happen in the winter time. They are open all year round with a ton of activities to choose from. Wisp is Maryland’s only 4-season ski, golf and recreational destination resort. From riding the mountain coaster to ziplining through the trees to mining for gems, they have something for everyone!

Swallow Falls

I will be the first to admit that I was not looking forward to hiking at Swallow Falls. What can I say, I’m not an outdoorsy kind of girl. However, I am so thankful that I took one for the team and did it. Ending at the waterfall and seeing how much fun my kids had made it all worth it. I would totally do it again!

Smiley’s

What do you do when it’s raining at the lake? Bumper cars!

A video posted by Stephanie (@thestephglover) on Jul 13, 2015 at 12:23pm PDT

If you need a break from the lake or it’s a rainy day, then you will probably want to hit up Smiley’s Fun Zone. We were lucky enough to have this within walking distance. When it started raining one afternoon, we scurried over so the kids could have some fun at the arcade! Another night, we went up for ice cream. And the dads enjoyed taking all the boys up for a round of mini-golf!

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center

The Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center is another great rainy day activity. Nestled along the shores of Deep Creek Lake at Deep Creek Lake State Park, the Discovery Center is a one-of-a-kind educational venue for people of all ages. Through hands-on exhibits that showcase the natural resources of Western Maryland, families can learn about the flora, fauna, wildlife, cultural and historical heritage.

Rent a Boat

 

And they’re off! A photo posted by Stephanie (@thestephglover) on Jul 16, 2015 at 8:24am PDT

We didn’t see the need to rent a boat for the entire a week. Instead, we rented a boat for a few hours one day. There are many places to rent boats while staying in Deep Creek. If you know you want to rent a boat, book your rental as soon as possible so you can ensure you will have a boat!

Hit the Beach

If  jumping off the docks isn’t cutting it, you can head back to Deep Creek Lake State Park and enjoy their beachfront. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and tubes while you are there or just have fun running in out and of the lake.

Candyland

Source: Deep Creek Vacations

Yup, there is such a place called Candyland in Oakland, Maryland, just a short drive from Deep Creek. Candyland  has over 900 varieties of candy, including vintage candy. They also offer fresh fruits and vegetables, variety of cheeses, apple butter, jellies, honey, flours, shelled nuts, trail mixes, Amish food products, plus a whole lot more.

Honi, Honi Bar/Uno Pizzeria & Grill

This pretty much sums up our vacation.

A photo posted by Stephanie (@thestephglover) on Jul 15, 2015 at 6:07pm PDT

There will come a point in your vacation where you all need to get out for the night. And I have the perfect spot for you. Head to Uno Pizzeria & Grill for dinner and ask to sit outside for an awesome lake view. After dinner, walk down the steps to the Honi Honi Bar. Grab some (free) popcorn, order a drink, and let the kids run it out over the lawn. There’s a playground area along with these huge chairs perfect for photo oops.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Deep Creek, Maryland, check out the rental home where we stayed. Just steps to the lake and within walking distance to restaurants and activities!

The Chalet is located at the north end of the lake with an assigned boat slip. You are 3 minutes away from Wisp Ski Resort, which is right across the lake along with stores and restaurants. The house sleeps 8-10 people in three bedrooms and a loft with all the conveniences of home. Furnished with all cooking utensils, towels and sheets, microwave, stone fireplace, television, VCR, DVD, PlayStation, stereo/CDplayer, washer/dryer and much more!