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Riding, Boating, Hiking & More

Sometimes it can be difficult to figure out what to do first – I go for the opportunities least possible back home, and for me it was horseback riding. For beginners - as well as advanced - I heartily recommend the family run Circle R Ranch (301/387-6890). Their experienced guides will not only show you how to ride in a flash but make it immediately fun as well by leading the patient horses through leisurely winding trails over hill and dale.

Do not be surprised if the quiet clip clop gives way to fantasies of what it might have been like to use and rely on this transportation long ago. Some of the scenarios my kids shared: my daughter pretended to be a princess riding through the woods in Medieval times; my son participating in a battle scene; I rode through a famous town of the Old West as a gunfighter (I confess I succumbed to the imagery of Clint Eastwood while practicing his squint).

If budgets allow, Deep Creek Lake is one of the best places to explore and access by boat. You can book rentals through Bill’s Marine Service or Deep Creek Marina but if you own a boat and trailer, so much the better. For those in the know, it can substitute for a car, since most lakeside attractions and restaurants provide dockside moorings (some areas of the lake are only accessible by water). This is, of course, the only venue for water skiing. The popularity of this pasttime usually requires that boat rental reservations be made months in advance, so plan early.

A budget alternative to boating is nature appreciation. Try the trails of Wisp Mountain or Deep Creek Lake State Park nearby. This is the main public access to the lake’s only bathing beach, as well as picnic areas and a premium Discovery Center. The center offers excellent interpretive learning programs for budding biologists (try the Junior Ranger and Scales and Tales Campfire programs), and allows for some alone time for the parents. For a deeper immersion, sign up with outfitters such as Camp Earth, which provides naturalist guided hikes, kayak tours, farm tours and photography workshops. If burned out on hiking, try Western Maryland ATV Tours for true – and fun - remote wilderness exploration.

Weeklong stays may warrant a change of pace, and there are nearby opportunities for exploration and cultural appreciation. Try hiking Muddy Creek Falls at Swallow Falls State Park, or exploring the country communities, specifically historic Oakland - the county seat. Billed as “A Great Small Town”, Oakland offers great walking tour opportunities.

One of my favorite exploration activities in this cozy country community was a horse and buggy ride through vast Amish farmlands with Pleasant Valley Dream Rides. Also offering winter sleigh and Cinderella wedding carriage rides, the proprietor will regale you with local tales of the surrounding mountain vistas, Amish lore and farm life, as well as the Clydesdale horse are so massive they seem able to haul a Bradley assault vehicle.

For something really different, early risers and fanciers of the husky dog breed should sign up for a real-life dog sled ride on wheels. It is early in the A.M. so as to avoid overheating of the winter favoring tykes. Summer dog sledding is offered by www.yellowsnowadventures.com and www.huskypowerdogsledding.com

Numerous excellent dining opportunities abound – most are meat and potatoes fare. Try DC’s Bar and Restaurant at Wisp or Smiley’s. The Cornish Manor (301/334-6499) at 830 Memorial Drive, Oakland, is an excellent quality restaurant in a B&B style building with varied menu. It’s great for Sunday brunch as well as an upper scale lounge with entertainment.

The Sweetwater Grill at The Inn (301/387-5555) is part of a popular lodge. I had understood this to be a favorite restaurant for many from word-of-mouth reviews but, alas, it was closed on the Sunday we went. I can vouch that the scenery is spectacular on the lake with waterfront docking – especially at sunset.

For a bit of civilization and comfort, try a lakeside night out at Uno’s Chicago Grill with a couple of after dinner drinks at the adjacent Honi-Honi bar. Both combined establishments are also family-friendly with waterfront boat access as well as a unique kid playground with opportunities for memorable photographs.

A more hi tech and stimulating experience without the eats can be found at Smiley’s FunZone – the ultimate arcade and game park of the western mid-Atlantic. Guaranteed to liberate the adult child as well as the obvious ones, this massive amusement playground offers literally hours and hours of go-kart racing, putt putt golf, laser tag, video games and pinball all tucked into the hilly lake shoreline. My favorite was the go-karts and laser tag. This is a great opportunity for a tech fix for kids but take a break at their excellent restaurant to rest.

In fact, keep on resting... until ski season. For more information, visit the site of the Deep Creek Lake Visitors Bureau.