In the picturesque Allegheny Mountains of western Maryland, Garrett County is a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered. While many visitors flock to popular destinations like Deep Creek Lake and Wisp Resort, this article aims to shed light on the lesser-known attractions that make Garrett County truly special. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a tranquil getaway, these hidden gems will captivate your senses and leave you wanting more.
Casselman River Bridge State Park: One of Maryland’s historic treasures, Casselman River Bridge State Park is home to the oldest surviving stone arch bridge in the United States. Built in 1813 as part of the National Road, this remarkable structure spans the Casselman River and offers a glimpse into the region’s transportation history. Take a leisurely stroll across the bridge, explore the surrounding trails, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this hidden gem.
Big Run State Park: For those seeking solitude and untouched wilderness, Big Run State Park is a must-visit destination. This secluded park encompasses over 2,000 acres of pristine forests, streams, and rugged terrain. Hike along the park’s scenic trails, listen to the soothing sounds of nature, and keep an eye out for wildlife sightings. Camping is also available, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of this hidden natural oasis.
Spruce Forest Artisan Village: Step back in time at the Spruce Forest Artisan Village, a charming community dedicated to preserving traditional arts and crafts. Located in Grantsville, this unique village showcases historic log cabins transformed into workshops for local artisans. Watch blacksmiths, woodworkers, and weavers in action as they create beautiful handmade crafts. Don’t forget to explore the adjacent Penn Alps Restaurant and Gallery, known for its delicious farm-to-table cuisine and rotating art exhibitions.
The Garrett County Historical Museum: Discover the rich history of Garrett County at the Garrett County Historical Museum in Oakland. Housed in a former Victorian-era residence, this museum features exhibits that highlight the county’s cultural heritage, including artifacts, photographs, and documents. Learn about the region’s Native American history, early settlers, logging industry, and more. The museum also hosts special events and educational programs throughout the year, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of Garrett County’s past.
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Jay Ferguson
Who I Am
My name is Jay Ferguson, and I am a lifelong resident of the Deep Creek Lake area. I am also co-owner of the real estate side of Taylor Made. I have been in the real estate business for 21+ years now and I LOVE what I do! I have to say, my career really took off when I co-founded the real estate side of Taylor Made in 2014. Its been an amazing experience, building a real estate company from the ground up and achieving so much so quickly! In August 2016, we purchased Long & Foster Real Estate Deep Creek, where I had started my career in 2000. In 2018, we on-boarded virtually every agent from Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty as they closed up shop and the real estate family grew even more! We now have over 40 sales agents and have expanded to West Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well. Taylor Made is the #1 vacation rental company at Deep Creek with over 475 vacation rental homes, and over one hundred thousand yearly visitors. Its amazing what we have accomplished using the principles of honesty, teamwork and customer service!
Personally, my wife Jessica and I enjoy traveling and especially spending time in the outdoors, hiking and exploring the many diverse areas that Garrett County is naturally blessed with. We have raised two wonderful children here, Kayleah (22) and Noah (13). In the summer, we love spending time on the water with friends & family and enjoying the lake life! We are both active in our church, our community & local school activities, and we fill our schedule with plenty of volunteer efforts. I currently serve on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity. I am proud to say that I was named Deep Creek Time’s Favorite ‘Community Champion’ in 2019. I was also named Garrett County Realtor of the Year in 2018-19, as well.
I really enjoy promoting my hometown. I am very proud of the resort area that has developed over my lifetime and look forward to growing the area even more! Deep Creek Lake has been described as ‘The Lake Tahoe of the east', and I think that speaks volumes about the potential to own property here! Deep Creek Lake isn't really a town or city by itself; it's comprised of three towns: Oakland, Swanton & McHenry, Maryland. I am very passionate about my hometown and am impressed with how many people know about it as we travel around the country. Deep Creek Lake is an amazing place to visit and even better place to live! During the pandemic in 2020, our market exploded and more and more people left their primary residence in the city to live here permanently. With distance learning in schools and tele-commuting becoming the ‘norm’, many more people were drawn to the area to ‘live where they love to play’.
Why You Want Me Working for You: In addition to being an owner, I am consistently one of the top-producing agents in the entire area and the Associate Broker of record for Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales. I have 21+ years of experience and I am a problem solver. There aren’t many situations that I have not encountered and I have a strategy for almost every scenario that you may encounter. I
have extensively trained in all areas of real estate & emerging technologies, and also have trained as an appraiser, as well as served as a full-time Broker. I have a strong knowledge of the industry, as well as many trusted local contacts & affiliations that allow me to perform at a very high level and deliver results. I have a great deal of respect for my peers in this industry and have strong working relationships that I would love to put to work for you.
Call me to discuss your situation - I know I can be of great service to you & others you care about!
Honesty. Integrity. Results.
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