Local Insider
Who is Jessica Fike & Why For the Love?
Hi friends! I’m Jessica Fike – mama to three kiddos, wife to Garrett County native Brian, and photographer of families and weddings. Since 2013, my family has called this corner of Maryland “home” and I’m excited to share it with the world…because we, along with so many others, LOVE it here!
Even though I haven’t been here long, my ties to Deep Creek started long ago…
In 1974, my Grandma and Grandpap Smith bought a cabin on Marsh Hill Road here at Deep Creek Lake, just beyond Wisp Resort. My mom, uncles and grandparents began spending their summers at the cabin, learning how to water ski and enjoying “Buttercup” the family boat. My siblings and I started doing the same in the 80s.
I remember hanging out on the oversized deck, coloring inside when it rained, talking to neighbors through the open windows as they walked by to go down to the water, and frequenting the Honi-Honi by boat. I also remember visiting Deep Creek Lake State Park for beach time and exploring Swallow Falls State Park. Mini golf at Smiley’s at The Fort and ice cream at Lakeside Creamery were always on our to-do list, too.
Never did I ever think living here was a possibility. For the longest time, I didn’t know Deep Creek beyond summer. As a visitor, I didn’t know people lived in Garrett County year-round and that the winters are actually pretty harsh (#TundraofMaryland). I didn’t know so many other visitors came to the lake to get away. I didn’t know Deep Creek was and is so well-cherished for its outdoor beauty and relaxing appeal. And I didn’t know that I’d fall in love with all of it.
For the Love of Deep Creek exists because I, WE, love it here, and so do many others. This place brings people together for vacation, reunions, weekend getaways, group retreats, weddings, community events, and second-home opportunities. This place has power and I want For The Love of Deep Creek to be a resource, a way to serve and excite those who visit and live here. To serve the 1 million+ visitors who come to Garrett County each year, along with the hundreds of local businesses who feel their effect. And to excite those who already love and live at or near Deep Creek, as well as those who have yet to find us.
DISCLAIMER: All the information on this website is my own opinion. No one is paying to be a part of this website and there are no advertisers. It’s all based on personal experiences and preferences. Even though there will be an attempt to make For The Love of Deep Creek a complete resource, some information may still be missing. Other online resources to check out: DeepCreekTimes.com, VisitDeepCreek.com and the LakefrontMagazine.com
Vlog Episodes
It has been years since a vlog episode has been created and I'm not sure if and when the vlog might relaunch. But hopefully someday I find the time and resources to pick this back up. Deep Creek needs to be seen in a fun, active light, right!?! There might be some helpful and enjoyable Deep Creek info these…
Now on to the Creative Conversations Over Coffee series of the vlog! Originally inspired by Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee show, this was an attempt at showcasing some of the wonderfully talented wedding vendors we have here in Garrett County. Our wedding scene is hip and happenin’ and we couldn’t make it happen without these folks!
So if you’re getting married (And may I suggest considering Deep Creek as your location!?) or just enjoy weddings, here are some episodes for you…
And if you want to see more of these old videos, visit the YouTube channel.
