What is it about mountains and lakes that causes us to pause, take a deep breath and relax? Add a resort with a garden spa, a golf course and a 3,200-acre state park, and you will be quickly packing up and heading to the Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort, in Western Maryland’s scenic Cumberland Valley.

The lakeside resort, nestled in the foothills of Rocky Gap State Park, literally takes your breath away as it beckons you to escape. 

The rustic resort is warm and relaxing, with large windows that invite in the beauty of the outdoors. Guest rooms feature all the modern amenities, including dataports for those who still need to stay in touch. The Lakeside Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner by a large stone fireplace overlooking the lake and a spectacular view of the mountains.

The restaurant features a seafood buffet on Friday nights, a prime rib buffet on Saturday nights and a Sunday brunch buffet. The Lakeside Lounge is the perfect place to relax and enjoy food and drink.

The Garden Spa provides a delightfully elegant place to relax and offers spa packages that include facials, massage therapies, manicures and pedicures. Of course, there is an indoor and outdoor pool with Jacuzzi and fitness room.

The 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course entices golfers of all abilities. Nicklaus himself played on the course in 2001. “The Golden Bear” has carved an exciting, scenic course out of the mountain terrain and provides five sets of tees on every hole. The extensive practice areas and expert instruction will help you with your game.

No need to leave the kids at home, if you’re so inclined. Rocky Gap Resort is a family-friendly place. Western Maryland Adventures, which is headquartered in the lobby, plans many family recreational activities including whitewater rafting, rappelling, geocaching and horseback riding. The group also plans activities for kids including crafts, programs and campfires. For information, call 301-784-8467 or visit www.wmdadventures.com.

Rocky Gap State Park features several hiking trails, ranging from very easy to more difficult. The easiest trail (Touch of Nature) is perfectly accessible for slow walkers and those with disabilities, taking visitors through the woods to a dock overlooking the lake. Fishermen can drop a line into the manmade lake surrounding the resort to catch trophy-size trout, bass, blue gill and catfish.

The park also features an aviary that is home to several species of birds that cannot be reintroduced into the wild because they have injuries or disabilities. The park uses the birds as part of the Scales and Tales program to educate the public about birds of prey and their role in nature. There are over 270 campsites in the state park campground.

In season, you can swim in 243-acre Lake Habeeb, which includes three manmade beaches. You can relax on the lake in a paddleboat, kayak or canoe. Gas-powered watercraft is not permitted on the lake. The lake features an underwater scuba trail that was designed to highlight the aquatic life.

When you get the itch to shop, you can explore nearby Victorian-era Cumberland. Downtown Cumberland has a wide variety of shopping, art galleries and cultural attractions. Most attractions are within walking distance, so park your car and explore the beautiful and historic downtown. Start off at the Visitors Center on Canal Street to get your game plan and then spend the day exploring. The Allegany County Museum is on Baltimore Street along the pedestrian walkway.

Rocky Gap Resort is a two-hour drive from Washington, Baltimore and Pittsburgh, off of I-68. It is located at 16701 Lakeview Road NE, Flintstone, MD 21530. For information, call 800-724-0828 or visit www.rockygapresort.com.

For information on Allegany County attractions and downtown Cumberland, visit www.mdmountainside.com or call 1-800-425-2067.