Sweitzer’s BBQ is officially expanding with a brand-new location coming soon. Get ready for more of the mouthwatering BBQ and catering favorites you love, served straight out of this fantastic new space. Stay tuned for opening dates, menu updates, and sneak peeks as the finishing touches are put on the new building!

Lakeside Creamery NORTH location is open every day, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM! LC NORTH location has homemade ice cream, soft serve, milkshakes, sundaes, and tornadoes! Come and see them at 25297 Garrett Hwy, McHenry, MD 21541

Something new has arrived in Oakland! Brewery and the Beast Social House is officially open, bringing great food, craft brews, and a welcoming community space to the neighborhood. The doors are open Tuesdays from 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, and Sundays from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (closed Mondays). Gather your friends, check out the new spot, or give the Social House a call at +1 (240) 785-6600 to plan your visit!

Next Level Marine in Oakland has become the first authorized MasterCraft dealer for the Deep Creek Lake region. The full-service dealership will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 20 to showcase MasterCraft’s premium towboat lineup.

As of May 1, Black Bear Partners officially took ownership of the Black Bear Tavern with plans to restore its reputation as a premier destination for food, drinks, and entertainment. The new ownership group, consisting of Warren and Barb Porter, Mark and Mollie Cicacci, and local resident Nick Senella, is dedicated to working alongside the current staff to build on the tavern’s traditions. Looking ahead, the venue is launching a full summer lineup of karaoke, live music, DJs, and special events to create a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors.

From the June issue of the Lakefront Magazine.

Deep Creek Lake made an appearance all the way down in Florida recently! During a visit to The Casey Key Tiki Bar, Laurie and Danny Dohnalek and friends added a custom sign to the establishment’s growing collection of “happy place” markers from around the country. Their sign proudly points toward Deep Creek Lake — 1,064 miles away — complete with two black bears for a little Mountain Maryland flair. The tiki bar has a tradition where visitors post signs showing the distance to their favorite place, and now Deep Creek Lake has officially joined the wall.

The iconic elephant statue that has been a staple for decades is moving to a conservation center. A new elephant will be arriving to take its place on Saturday, May 16. Be sure to stop by Deep Creek UNO this weekend to see the new addition.

Traders Coffee House has officially opened its Fresh Kneads stand, bringing a lineup of freshly baked favorites to customers. This weekend’s offerings include focaccia, honey wheat bread, pepperoni bread, English muffins, and their well-loved cinnamon roll tins. The stand is open until 6:00 PM.

New boat dealership and dock services company launches with boat sales & service, dock sales & installations, boat lifts, and marine retail

Next Level Marine (NLM) is opening its doors at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. Located at 226 Builders Way, Oakland, MD 21550, NLM offers new boat sales, dock sales and installation, boat lift systems, and a retail shop carrying dock furniture, marine accessories, and maintenance products.

Deep Creek Lake draws homeowners and boaters from across the Mid-Atlantic, the area has had a need for a dedicated one-stop-shop marine operation. NLM works with customers on everything from buying their first boat to getting a dock designed, built, and outfitted.

“Boats, docks, and lake life are about enjoyment. We look for ways to make every interaction with us more fun, more memorable, and more valuable.” — Joey Simson, GM/President, Next Level Marine

NLM operates a full boat service and maintenance department on site. The team handles seasonal winterization and spring commissioning, engine diagnostics and repair, oil and fluid changes, prop work, storage and shrink wrap, and general mechanical upkeep. Customers can schedule routine maintenance ahead of the season or bring a boat in when something breaks. The shop is staffed to address on-water service calls and work around in a timely manner.

“We take full responsibility for the customer experience from the first conversation to years after the sale. We care deeply about the result, not just the transaction.” — Joey Simson

The dock services team handles custom design, construction, installation, and boat lift systems sized for each boat slip. NLM’s staff works directly with customers from the first conversation through installation and aftercare.

Operations begin today, with the showroom officially opening to the public on April 6th at 226 Builders Way, Oakland, MD 21550. Customers can visit in person, call to schedule a consultation, or learn more at www.nlmdcl.com.

It’s happening today! Lake&Lure Grand Opening Event at 2205 Glendale Road, Swanton, Maryland. The ribbon cutting starts at 3:00 PM — shop around, meet the team, and grab a free gift!

Quest for Hope Counseling recently held its Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on August 25! They provide professional faith-based counseling for individuals, couples, and families in Western MD. Learn more at www.questforhopecounseling.com.

The Possibility Shop has expanded to Oakland, MD! The new pop-up location offers unique finds while supporting the Garrett County community. It is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM.

On Monday, August 18, 2025, big things happened at The Fort at Deep Creek Lake! Lazy Bear Gift Shop is now open, offering a fun mix of local crafts, souvenirs, and unique gifts to make your time at the lake extra special.

Right next door, The KW Collective has officially launched their new real estate hub — a welcoming space designed for connection, growth, and opportunity for agents, clients, and the community.

Stop by The Fort (1550 Deep Creek Drive, McHenry) to check out these exciting new spots!