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, recognizing the Fontaines’ three decades of running the business.
Since taking over in 1996, the Fontaines have built the Inn’s reputation around French cuisine served within a distinctive piece of local history: the Pennington Cottage, a structure dating back to 1889 that holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places. That combination of fine dining and historic preservation has made the Inn a draw for both longtime residents and visitors exploring Garrett County’s Deep Creek Lake area.
Beyond marking the anniversary, county leaders highlighted the Fontaines’ ongoing commitment to maintaining the property’s historic character. The family is currently pursuing additional restoration projects intended to keep the Pennington Cottage in good condition and ensure the Inn remains a working piece of local history rather than simply a preserved relic.
Thirty years in business is no small achievement for a hospitality property, and officials pointed to the Inn’s longevity as a sign of the loyalty it has built with guests over the decades. With restoration work continuing, the Fontaines appear positioned to keep the Deer Park Inn welcoming visitors well into its next chapter.
Source: Garrett County, MD Business Development newsletter, August 2026.
