Give the Gift of Mountain Memories

This holiday season, give the gift of experience, because memories are priceless and can last a lifetime. The preference for gifting experiences over material items is growing, and Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, has plenty of ways to wrap up time together.

Whether it’s for the kids who want to express their creativity, the train enthusiast in search of a once-in-a-lifetime rail-fan opportunity, or a family that simply needs an excuse to get away, these experiential gifts are sure to bring joy during this special time of year.

 

​FOR THE RAIL FAN

A steam engine decorated with Christmas lights and a holiday wreath on the engine is parked in front of a historic brick depot at night.

Have a train lover in your family? Surprise them with tickets on one of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s excursion experiences.

Gift ideas:

  • Holiday or themed excursions
    During the holiday season, the railroad transforms into a rolling winter wonderland. Look for festive excursions like THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride and other seasonal specials that carry riders through the mountains with cocoa, carols, and plenty of nostalgia.
  • Dinner and specialty trains
    Treat the adults on your list to a high-end dinner train, where multi-course meals are paired with mountain views and vintage rail ambience. It’s a date night or friend outing they won’t forget.
  • Hands on the Throttle Experience
    For the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime gift, consider the Hands on the Throttle experience, which allows participants (18 and older) to step into the right-hand seat and operate one of the railroad’s steam locomotives under the guidance of an experienced engineer during a 60-minute session.

How to gift it:

Purchase excursion tickets or gift certificates directly from Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and tuck them into a train-themed ornament or vintage railroad postcard.

 

FOR THE MUSIC LOVER

DelFestTDDW2

Know someone who lives for live music and festival vibes? Make their year with tickets to Allegany County’s signature bluegrass celebration.

Gift idea: DelFest Festival Passes
DelFest, held each Memorial Day weekend at the Allegany County Fairgrounds, celebrates the rich legacy of Del McCoury with world-class roots performances in a family-friendly, laid-back setting along the Potomac River. A multi-day festival pass is a gift that keeps on giving—four days of music, camping, and mountain sunsets.

How to gift it:

Print the confirmation and pair it with a band tee, enamel camp mug, or a small cooler bag for their future festival weekend.

 

FOR THE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

Yaks and Tracks

In Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, the outdoors is the star of the show. Rail trails, rivers, and ridgelines make it easy to give the gift of fresh air and new adventures.

Gift ideas:

  • Tracks and Yaks Railbiking & Kayaking
    Tracks and Yaks, Maryland’s first rail-biking operator, offers guided experiences along the historic Western Maryland Railway line. Their gift card bundles make it easy to give an outing that combines laid-back fun with stunning mountain views.Book:
    • The Helmstetter Hotshot ride from Frostburg Depot through Brush Tunnel and around the famous Helmstetter’s Curve, or
    • The Track and Yak experience, where you pedal to downtown Cumberland, enjoy lunch, and then paddle a four-mile stretch of the Potomac River.
  • State Park Adventures
    Consider gifting a weekend away at nearby state parks—think hiking, fishing, paddling, or simply unplugging at a campsite or cabin. It’s the perfect reset for anyone who loves being outside in any season.

How to gift it:

Pair a Tracks and Yaks gift card with a water bottle or pair of wool socks, or print a “Mountain Side Adventure Voucher” and wrap it with a trail map and a bag of local coffee.

 

FOR THE HISTORY FANATIC

George-Washington-Exhibit-Crossroads-of-America-Allegany-Museum

Allegany County, Maryland, boasts three centuries of American history—transportation, industry, frontier stories, and more. For the history buff in your life, consider a gift that preserves the past and keeps their favorite sites thriving.

Gift idea:

Museum memberships & donations in their honor
Make a contribution or purchase a membership to one of our local historical organizations. A donation in their name helps maintain exhibits, preserve artifacts, and support educational programming.

How to gift it:

Present a donation certificate in a vintage-style frame, or tuck a membership card into a local history book or historic map print.

 

FOR THE KIDDOS

Toads Pottery

Experiences are often the gifts kids remember most—especially when they get to get messy, creative, and proud of something they’ve made.

Gift idea: Mr. Toad’s Pottery Experiences
Mountain Maryland’s beloved paint-your-own-pottery studio, Mr. Toad’s Pottery, gives children (and grownups) the chance to paint one-of-a-kind masterpieces to use and display at home.

  • Visit the studio to choose a piece and paint on-site, or
  • Order a take-home ceramic painting kit, pick it up, paint from the comfort of your home, and return it to be fired in the kiln. The studio will contact you when your piece is ready for pick-up.

Everyone can be an artist here, and the final piece becomes a keepsake from a cozy afternoon of creativity.

How to gift it:

Wrap a Mr. Toad’s gift certificate with a small set of brushes, an apron, or a handwritten “Paint Day with Me” coupon for extra quality time.

 

For the Sports (and Friendly Competition) Lover

A man holds an axe ready to throw it at a target.

Know someone who loves a good challenge and a little friendly trash talk? Give them an experience that scores serious fun points.

Gift idea: ForeAxes

At ForeAxes, you can:

  • Reserve an axe throwing lane for an unforgettable night out
  • Book a golf simulator bay to “play” courses from around the world
  • Hang out with friends over craft cocktails and oversized board games

It’s a go-to spot for adult fun and an excellent choice for friend groups that would rather share an experience than exchange physical gifts. Gift certificates also make easy stocking stuffers.

How to gift it:

Slip a ForeAxes gift card into a golf ball sleeve, mini axe keychain, or deck of cards and invite your recipient to pick a night to play.

 

FOR AN APPRECIATOR OF THE ARTS

CulturalExperience

If your loved one lights up at live theatre, concerts, and gallery walls, Allegany County’s arts scene offers plenty of ways to give the gift of inspiration.

Gift ideas:

  • Theatre Tickets or Season Passes
    • Cumberland Theatre and Embassy Theatre host a full slate of plays, musicals, and special performances throughout the year. Gift tickets to a specific show or contribute toward a season subscription for your favorite arts lover.
    • Frostburg State University Cultural Events Series
      The Cultural Events Series at Frostburg State University brings in nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, musicians, and performers. A season pass or tickets to a marquee performance make for an elevated night out.
  • Allegany Arts Council Membership
    Sponsor a membership to the Allegany Arts Council in someone’s honor. Membership helps support gallery exhibitions, community programming, and public art—and gives your recipient a deeper connection to the local arts community.

How to gift it:

Combine tickets or membership materials with a small sketchbook, set of note cards featuring local art, or a photo of downtown at night to set the scene.

 

Keep the Holiday Magic Going

Still checking off your gift list? Explore even more local inspiration in our Holiday Shopping Guide, featuring artisan-made goods, hometown favorites, and uniquely Mountain Maryland finds.

And while you’re browsing, don’t forget to support the small businesses that make our communities shine. From November 28 – December 21, every purchase at a locally owned Allegany County business is your chance to Shop Small, Win Big with weekly giveaways and a $550 grand prize.