Maryland: Cumberland, Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort, Horses, Scavenger Hunts, and a Climbing Wall. Located the on the shore of pristine 243-acre Lake Habeeb surrounded by the forested foothills which create Maryland’s historic Cumberland Valley, Rocky Gap offers families life at a slightly slower pace. Golf, swim, enjoy the Rocky Gap Garden Spa or multitude of area activities and hike through nearby Rocky Gap State Park.

Accommodations: From lake view and golf course view guest rooms to lake view, mountain view, presidential and governor suites, accommodations at Rocky Gap feature coffeemakers, hair dryers, a full-size iron and ironing board, individual climate controls, two telephones, dual telephone lines, dedicated work area, high speed Internet access, pay-per-view movies and Nintendo games. All suites include a separate parlor, a separate dining area and a well-appointed bedroom, and the presidential/governor suite includes a fireplace and butler’s kitchen. The dining opportunities at Rocky Gap range from casual to formal, from candlelight dining at the Lakeside Restaurant to swimsuit friendly terrace dining at Signatures.

Activities: The horseback riding is terrific with trails and ties for all skill and energy levels. Golfing options a varied and challenging. Organized programs for children provide interesting activities to engage and entertain. One great option for kids/parents at Rocky Gap is Kids Night Out, a blend of pirates, treasure hunts, hikes, bug hunts, arts & crafts, and games. The Hook, Line & Sinker program introduces kids to the equipment, technique and art of fishing, while the Dig It program lets kids become archeologists on a Rocky Gap dig, searching for markers of the past and getting their hands dirty with history. Bonus points: For families, the Family Scavenger Hunt is a fun way to explore Rocky Gap National Park, and summer night hikes are a memorable introduction to the diversity of sights & sounds in the park. The climbing wall is always a hit with kids.

Value added: Each evening in the backyard of the lodge, campfires are held from 7:00-10:00.

Discovery: Some rooms at Rocky Gap Lodge are pet-friendly, and leashed pets are welcome in the resort and on the immediate grounds in designated doggie walking areas featuring disposal bags and a fire hydrant. To reserve a pet friendly room, simply request a VIP (very important pet) room complete with doggie treats.

Here’s the deal. The folks at Rocky Gap, AAA Four Diamond mountain resort, have a way to pack a month of fun into six days and the plan includes of outdoor adventure, relaxation, and a set of custom tailored adventure activities in Rocky Gap State Park and all over the Mountain Side of Maryland. The family adventure vacation package includes: five nights for a family of four and within 48 hours of making your reservation, your Family Adventure Planner will be in touch with you via telephone to help plan and schedule of your adventure stay on-site, at Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort and within the 3,200 acres of Rocky Gap State Park. Family Adventure options include: golf on our award winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Course; organic spa treatments at the Rocky Gap Garden Spa; evening family bonfires; hiking, biking and boating in Rocky Gap State Park. Need to know: The Family Adventure Planner onsite will also help schedule off site adventures that can include: horseback riding, whitewater rafting from mild to wild, rides on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and sporting clays. They have made family adventure easy and affordable by offering four days lodging for a family of four for only $540 with a fifth night free. The package based on quadruple occupancy and fare based on golf view room (2 adults and 2 children). Available April 1st through October 31, 2009.

Location on the planet: Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort 16701 Lakeview Road NE Flintstone (Cumberland), Maryland 21530. www.rockygapresort.com

Fun stuff in the area.

Go mild or go wild. Western Maryland Adventures is a great outfitting resource for anyone that loves the outdoors. They offer over 30 different outdoor adventures from horseback riding, rock climbing and rappelling, to whitewater rafting on the Upper Youghiogheny, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. For a unique group experience try out paintball – an intense team challenge unlike any other. Bonus points: If you’re looking for a relaxing scenic bike ride, Western Maryland Adventures can provide you with a bike shuttle to either the historic C&O Canal or the Allegany Highlands Trails – the package includes a four hour bike rental, a helmet and a shuttle to the head of the trail. (Western Maryland Adventures. 16701 Lakeview Road NE, Flintstone, MD. 1(301) 784-8403 or www.wmadventures.com)

Ride the rails. Take a ride through time on a vintage 1916 Baldwin Locomotive with the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. The tracks wind through the spectacular scenery of the Allegheny while an on board narrator provides passengers with information about the scenery, history and culture of the region along the route. Not to be missed: Take an evening ride on the Murder Mystery Train – nineteen intriguing mysteries will be presented throughout the season, and each evening includes dinner on the train, along with murder, mystery and mayhem. Bonus points: For an even more memorable train experience, passengers aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad can reserve a spot alongside the engineer in the cab of the locomotive or in the caboose of the train. Of course, during the Christmas season passengers are invited to ride the train with Santa on a themed Santa Express. (Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. 13 Canal Street, Cumberland, MD. 1-800-TRAIN-50 or 1(301) 759-4400 or www.wmsr.com)

Revel in a film reel. The historic Frostburg Palace Theatre hosts a film series year round, showing a variety of classic, independent and foreign films as well as notable documentaries – films not found in a typical movie venue, films which challenge cultural assumptions, stretch expectations for cinematic techniques and fulfill the need for artistic integrity. After each film showing community members host open discussions about the film in the theatre. Bonus points: Occasionally the Frostburg Palace hosts special director presentations of films accompanied by a post-viewing director Q&A. (Frostburg Palace Theatre Inc. 31 East Main Street, Frostburg, MD. 1(301) 687-0921 or www.frostburgpalace.org)

Everything’s waiting for you downtown. The historic Cumberland town centre is an organization of shops, restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and sidewalk cafes lining century old streets. Historical sites and buildings are interspersed with a charming commercial district, blending history with shopping, dining and art appreciation. Not to be missed: During the warmer months the weekly Farmers Market spawns evenings full of live music and activities. Bonus points: Baltimore Street hosts some of the city’s biggest sidewalk festivals and block parties – not to be missed arts & crafts and entertainment. (Downtown Cumberland, MD. 1(301) 722-5500 or www.downtowncumberland.com)