Page 57 - Garrett County 2021-2022 Visitors Guide

Deer Park
During the 1800s, this small town east of Oakland was a favorite resort for the wealthy and famous in the Baltimore-Washington area. Three presidents (Grant, Harrison and Cleveland) vacationed at the Deer Park Hotel, and a fourth (McKinley) visited before he ascended to the presidency. While the hotel was razed in 1942, a marker commemorates its former site.
Deer Park is experiencing a rebirth in other ways, with new water and sewer lines being installed and new construction being planned. Historic homes and buildings are undergoing restoration. Deer Park is the source of Deer Park Natural Spring Water and is home to the Flying Scot Sailboat Company, which manufactures state-of-the-art fiberglass boats.
The area’s elegant vacation tradition remains alive at the Deer Park Inn. Housed in a Victorian cottage, the inn and restaurant contain many period furnishings, including some from the Deer Park Hotel.
Population: 370 Elevation: 2,441 feet Incorporated: 1884
Friendsville
Garrett County’s oldest settlement was named for its founder, John Friend Sr. (For more, see “Garrett County – A History” on page 29.) Following the establishment of the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad, the town became an important shipping point for lumber. Today, Friendsville is conveniently located along I-68.
Vacationers flock to Friendsville for adventure sports,
including great opportunities for whitewater rafting along the Youghiogheny River. The Youghiogheny, as well as Bear Creek, are two of the most significant trout waters in Maryland, and the Kendall Trail along the Youghiogheny River is a great destination for scenic hiking.
Local businesses include Precision Rafting, Wilderness Voyageurs and Demaree Inflatable Boats. Those interested in genealogical research will find records at the Friend Family Association of America’s headquarters, at First and Maple Streets.
Population: 483 Elevation: 1,549 feet Incorporated: 1902
www.visitdeepcreek.com 55
My Deep
Creek Experience
“I grew up in Garrett County, and my wife and I first met at Frostburg State University. We were both fortunate enough to make some connections while in school and receive offers for employment opportunities in our respective fields right out of college. As we continued to grow professionally, we began to become rooted in the community through various volunteer efforts and connections with friends and family. We stayed because it’s a beautiful place to live and raise a family. We like the simplicity and privacy of living away from larger cities, yet close enough to them that we can visit at any time. As the pandemic recedes, we look forward to regularly being able to visit our favorite restaurants more frequently — including Mountain State Brewing, Archie’s Barbeque, The Greene Turtle and Cornucopia Café. Summer is probably our favorite time of year in Garrett County. We enjoy hiking and swimming at Swallow Falls, paddleboarding at Savage River Dam, and fishing in a small pond at our house. We like playing host to friends and family who visit from more populated areas and showing them what Garrett County has to offer.”
BLAKE WALKER
VICE PRESIDENT & COMMERCIAL BANKING TEAM LEADER FIRST UNITED BANK & TRUST