Page 60 - Garrett County 2022/2023 Visitors Guide
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Community Profile: TOWNS
Mountain Lake Park
Another historic resort town, Mountain Lake Park, sits between Loch Lynn Heights and Oakland. It is Garrett County’s largest municipality.
Mountain Lake Park’s origins date to 1881, when a small group of Wheeling, W.Va. and Oakland residents identified the area as suitable for establishing a summer resort founded on Christian principles. A year later, J.M. Jarboe of Oakland began building
the famous Mountain Lake Hotel, and the town became a popular holiday destination through the 1940s. Prominent visitors included President William Howard Taft, Mark Twain, William Jennings Bryan and evangelist Billy Sunday.
Mountain Lake Park’s rich heritage is still evident in a variety of Victorian-style homes that have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today’s most popular attraction in town is the Simon Pearce
Factory Store, which offers glassblowing demonstrations and sales of stunning glassware.
Population: 2,147 Elevation: 2,466 Incorporated: 1931
Oakland
Garrett’s county seat is also a National Main Street community, as designated
by the National Historic Trust. The town’s architecture is notable for its Victorian influences, and the 1884 Queen Anne-style B&O Train Station is one of its historic centerpieces.
The Mountain Fresh Farmers Market is
a fixture at Oakland’s outdoor pavilion, which also hosts events such as the Little
Yough Summer Music Festival. Oakland has a state-designated Arts & Entertainment District as well as numerous independently owned shops and restaurants.
For business owners, Oakland offers unique opportunities through the Main Street Program in association with the Greater Oakland Business Association.
Population: 1,851 Elevation: 2,534 Incorporated: 1862
PHOTO BY CREDE CALHOUN – VISION QUEST STUDIOS
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