VisitDeepCreek.com; @DeepCreekGroups
Garrett County’s appealing blend of outdoor adventure options, historic charm, and Appalachian culture make it a niche destination for business and social event planners.
Key venues in this northwestern Maryland county include the 26,270-square-foot Performing Arts Center at Garrett College’s McHenry campus. The venue has a proscenium theater with full audiovisual capabilities and flexible seating for 382 people. Other components include a multipurpose conference center with a 2,000-square-foot sub-dividable space for a standing capacity of 300 people.
Also in McHenry, the 169-room Wisp Resort boasts more than 20,000 square feet of indoor event space. The resort’s largest space fits 1,540 seated theater style, 718 for receptions, and 400 in classroom configuration. Wisp Resort also provides audiovisual capabilities, full-service catering, and numerous teambuilding and group activities. Outdoors, the resort offers coasters, rides, mini golf, ziplines, ropes courses, and other activities. Nearby, Adventure Sports Center International features the world’s only mountaintop re-circulating whitewater course for rafting, kayaking, and other adventures.
County seat Oakland has a vibrant cultural scene, with arts, music and more. “Visitors love Oakland’s quaint, historic downtown area, which has Victorian architecture, antique shops, and locally owned eateries,” says Holly Lane, project and groups manager for Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.
Oakland has a robust craft beer scene, including establishments like Barrel House, Red Shedman Farm Brewery, and Deep Creek Brewing Co. In the tiny community of Accident, Garrett County’s newest brewpub, Brewery & The Beast, offers a regularly changing menu of burgers, salads, tacos, and other comfort food.
Deep Creek Lake is Maryland’s largest freshwater lake and Garrett County’s most-visited destination for boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and other activities. Visitors can also explore Garrett County’s portion of the Appalachian Trail and hike to spectacular waterfalls, such as Swallow Falls.
