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‘Staycations’

Gas prices may bring boost to local tourism

Cumberland Times-News

If there is a silver lining in the rising cost of gasoline prices it might be that Western Maryland tourism will see a boost this summer.

In the spring and summer of 2008, gasoline prices increased to the $3.60 to $4 range. When that occurred people started taking “staycations,” a term meaning they were taking a vacation near home, rather than to far distant points.

Experts are predicting gasoline to far exceed $4 per gallon this spring and summer, creating a situation similar to 2008.

Dave Williams, whose firm has long helped to promote tourism in Allegany County, said the fact that the county is only two hours from the Washington and Baltimore beltways is a big asset when people are worried about saving on gasoline costs. This year his firm will use the slogan “Drive Less — Do More” to highlight the fact that Western Maryland is not far away for downstate residents and they should consider penciling in Western Maryland as a vacation destination while gas prices are high.

With such attributes as Canal Place and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, state parks and forests, Cumberland and Frostburg arts districts, Rocky Gap’s convention center and golf course and Deep Creek Lake, there is plenty for a vacationer to like about our area. Additionally, the Great Allegheny Passage was not completed back in 2008, and now hikers and cyclists have the bike trail as another big reason for visiting here.

Tourism continues to be a major element in the local economy. If $4-per-gallon gas prices result in more visitors to the region, at least that will be one benefit from the pain at the pump.

More here.

Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!

877-563-5350 – toll free

Staycation: Mountainous Maryland

….Almost an hour further, you’ll find Deep Creek Lake and similar activities to Rocky Gap, but with skiing in the winter and white water rafting in warmer months. This area of Garrett County—the westernmost county in Maryland—is widely visited and has a bustling tourist season. Here, you’ll find a bit more diversity in activities.

Deep Creek Lake has several high-quality dining venues, a modern movie theater, go-carts, shopping mall and more choices for indoor recreation. Night clubs, water sports and horseback riding are also on the list of recreational activities, along with all-terrain vehicle rentals and guided trails.

Whether your wallet will let you travel only as far as Rocky Gap, or all the way to Deep Creek, there’s certainly no shortage of adventures to be found in-between the two.

More here.

Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!

877-563-5350 – toll free