Local News
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Deep Creek Daily Notes Blog September 8
The weather today will be mostly sunny, with highs in the upper 70s. West winds of around 5 mph. A multi-agency public safety training exercise is taking place today, September 8, and Wednesday, September 9, near the former Adventure Sports Institute International on...
At the End of the Lane: Discovering Blackthorne Cellars
Some places reveal themselves slowly. Driving along the roads surrounding Deep Creek Lake, it would be easy to miss the gravel lane off of Sand Flat Road leading to Blackthorne Cellars. There are no grand entrances or dramatic announcements. Instead, visitors find...
GCPS Summer Food Service Program Serves More Than 70,000 Meals
While classrooms may be quiet during the summer months, Garrett County Public Schools' (GCPS) commitment to supporting students continues in full force. Through the GCPS Summer Food Service Program, a dedicated team of 19 staff members has served 70,042 nutritious...
2026–27 Winter Upgrades & Improvements at Wisp Resort
Building on the summer 2025 investment of 28 new snow guns, Wisp continues to enhance the winter experience with another major round of snowmaking improvements ahead of the 2026–27 winter season. Snowmaking Upgrades Are Underway Little Dipper Transformation One of the...
Maryland Authors Named to 2026 National Book Festival’s “Great Reads from Great Places”
Two Maryland authors have been chosen to represent the state at this year's National Book Festival as part of the "Great Reads from Great Places" program. Maryland Humanities, which serves as the state's Center for the Book affiliate under the Library of Congress,...
New Project Explores How the First 13 Miles of Rail Changed America
A new art and history project is putting a spotlight on a short stretch of track that helped set the direction of American transportation. "The First 13 Miles of American Rail" focuses on the original run of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad between Baltimore and...
Oakland Launches New Commercial Facade Improvement Grant
The Town of Oakland has opened applications for a new grant program aimed at sprucing up its downtown and commercial corridors. The FY 2027 Commercial Facade Improvement Grant is a locally funded initiative designed to encourage property owners and business operators...
Tri County Council’s Revolving Loan Fund Backs Local Businesses
Small businesses in Garrett County that might not qualify for traditional bank financing have another option through the Tri County Council for Western Maryland's Revolving Loan Fund. The program offers flexible gap financing on reasonable terms, aimed at businesses...
Free Coaching Program Helps Farm Businesses Take the Next Step
Farmers and food entrepreneurs in Garrett County have a new opportunity to sharpen their business plans at no cost. The University of Maryland Extension is now accepting applications for its Maryland Agribusiness Coaching Level 2 Program, a free eight-week course...
Historic Deer Park Inn Marks 30 Years of Hospitality
The Deer Park Inn, a longtime fixture of Garrett County's dining and lodging scene, recently marked 30 years under the ownership of Pascal and Nadine "Sandy" Fontaine. The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce joined local officials in celebrating the milestone,...
Play Out Loud Opens Its Doors in Downtown Oakland
Downtown Oakland has a new spot for families to spend an afternoon. Play Out Loud, a year-round indoor play space, recently celebrated its grand opening with support from Garrett County Business Development, Oakland's Mayor and Town Council, and the Garrett County...
Garrett County Launches Interactive Map to Spotlight Roadside Stands
Garrett County's Department of Business Development, teaming up with the Garrett County Extension Office, is putting together a free interactive map that will make it easier to track down roadside stands scattered across the county. The goal is straightforward: help...
Appalachian Farm and Food Alliance Awarded NourishMD Grant
The Appalachian Farm and Food Alliance has been awarded a NourishMD Grant, funding that will go toward turning the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market pavilion in Oakland into a fresh food hub that operates all year long. The grant program is run through the Maryland...
Deep Creek Sandwich Shop Now Open
Something delicious has arrived!! The Deep Creek Sandwich Shop is officially open, serving up classic subs, hearty deli combos, and specialty sandwiches like teriyaki chicken and meatball mozzarella. Browse the boards and order ahead online at...
Oakland Tractor Supply Goes All-Out for Hunting Season with Ultimate Wildlife Destination Event
OAKLAND TRACTOR SUPPLY GOES ALL-OUT FOR HUNTING SEASON WITH ULTIMATE WILDLIFE DESTINATION EVENT Community celebration features massive giveaways, special financing on UTVs and safes, brand representatives, and local food trucks. BRENTWOOD, Tenn., AUGUST...
AAUW Garrett Branch Celebrates 80 Years of Women’s Equity with an ’80s-Themed Bash
In partnership with The Garrett County Commission for Women and The Dove Center, the community is invited to honor eight decades of progress on August 26 at Deep Creek Lake State Park. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Garrett Branch is marking a...
Casselman River Bridge State Park Joins the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom
Casselman River Bridge State Park in Garrett County recently joined the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, which honors and preserves the history of resistance to enslavement. The landmark earned the designation thanks to its role in the...
How Dogs Can Beat the Dog Days of Summer
When the sun and the star Sirius rise together this time each year, it marks the “Dog Days of Summer,” where hot temperatures can lead to sitting quietly just trying to keep cool. But dogs in Garrett County may disagree with the notion of lazing around in the summer...
Record of River and Climatological Observations for July 2026
Mutts, Meows & Mocktails
HART for Animals, Inc. is excited to announce a paw-some adoption opportunity sponsored by our friends at Mark's Mocktails! Throughout the month of August, every dog or cat adopted from HART will go home with a complimentary 4-pack of Mark's Mocktails to celebrate...
The Dog Days of Summer Ticket Sale is Almost Here!
The Dog Days of Summer are here, and it's your last chance to SAVE on tickets for the 22nd Annual Deep Creek Lake Art, Wine & Spirits Festival! From August 7 through August 16 at midnight, enjoy 15% OFF every ticket option for Friday* and Saturday's festival and...























