Cozy Mountain Getaway

Saturday--Explore and Shop
Amble downstairs for a breakfast served by innkeeper Caroline McNiece. Fresh fruit, coffee, muffins, cereals, and juices abound, along with the fluffiest omelets in Maryland.

Make sure to stop by Yoder's Country Market, a treasure trove of all-natural grains, jellies, jams, and baked goods. Then continue your drive into the nearby town of Oakland, where you'll want to browse the Book Mark'et on South Second Street. Next door sits The Garrett County Historical Society Museum. Though modest, it is free and has some unique armaments and historic pictures of local structures.

For lunch, stop in at Cafe La Donna for a delicious sandwich. Try the hearty Monte Cristo: a grilled turkey, ham, and Swiss delight on sourdough bread served with powdered sugar and cherry compote.

Though it doesn't contain much nowadays, a quick trip through the historic Queen Anne-style train station is a must. Oakland was, after all, a train town founded by the B&O Railroad. Complete your afternoon with a trip to the Simon Pearce manufacturing facility outside of town. The store is jammed with gorgeous handblown lamps, bowls, glasses, and vases.

Should the town of Oakland not keep you entertained all afternoon, a sleigh ride at Pleasant Valley Dream Rides will awe with stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside. Located on an Amish dairy farm, rides cost $10 per person, and reservations are recommended; (301) 334-9612.

Many locals prefer the Deer Park Inn for special dinners; (301) 334-2308. The menu changes regularly at this old Victorian mansion, but a typical meal might include an appetizer of local corn chowder with smoked bacon and crabmeat ($6), sea bass with a Champagne-butter sauce ($20), and crêpes filled with ice cream ($5.50).