Once a Visitor, Now a Local: Stories of People Who Made Allegany County, Maryland, Their Home

When Rebecca and Tom Ferleman arrived in Allegany County, they expected a short-term escape. Relocating during the COVID pandemic, they settled in a small home in Georges Creek, planning to return to their fast-paced lives in Montgomery County, MD. But Cumberland had other plans. “We stopped at a local shop downtown, said hello, and before we knew it, people were inviting us into their homes. That warmth was unlike anything we had experienced.” That moment sparked a realization—Cumberland wasn’t just a place to visit; it was a place to belong. With remote work offering flexibility, they made it home. After years surrounded by neighbors they barely knew, here, friendships formed instantly. “All it takes is a few moments to say hello, and suddenly, you’ve got a dozen real friends.”

Transitioning from visitors to locals had its surprises. Adjusting to a slower, more connected lifestyle was both a challenge and a gift. “In D.C., we barely paused to engage. Here, we learned to slow down and appreciate the community.” They missed big-city conveniences at first but soon found new favorites—artisan cheeses, handcrafted wines, and “the best bacon we’ve ever had” from a small butcher. Now, they channel their love for connection into The Ferleman Gallery and Gallery Stage, a gathering place as much as an art space. “We wanted to create a spot where people share stories and build friendships, just like we did when we arrived.”

Tom's and Rebecca's Advice for Newcomers:

 “Meet people, listen to their stories, and get involved. Friendships here happen quickly but run deep.”

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Rosa Garcia’s first visit to Allegany County was a winter trip to meet her husband’s family back in 2005. A Baltimore native, she was used to the hustle of city life and had never traveled beyond Frederick County, MD. “I remember the first time we drove west,” she recalls. “I had no idea what to expect. But when we passed through Sideling Hill, I was mesmerized. The landscape— it was like nothing I had ever seen.” Her husband, a Frostburg native, introduced her to the region’s charm, but it was the fall foliage that made such an impression. “Driving up I-68 in autumn is like traveling through a painting—rolling amber hills, bursts of red and gold, and that soft golden light breaking through the trees. It’s unreal.” Over the years, each visit deepened her connection to the area. She loved wandering downtown, sipping coffee from local cafés, and immersing herself in the county’s nonstop celebrations. But it wasn’t until the pandemic shifted her work to remote that she realized—this could be home.

Finding the right home took patience. As a mother of two, ensuring accessibility for her oldest son, who uses a power wheelchair, was a top priority. “We wanted him to experience everything that makes this place special—without barriers.” The family initially lived in Hotel Gunter, where they learned how businesses used ramps and how parks could be navigated. She connected with local groups advocating for improved accessibility and is now working on a website to guide others. “The great outdoors is for everyone,” she says. And within a year, they were able to find the home that suited their needs.

Rosa's Advice for Newcomers:

  “Be ready to slow down and seek adventure—this is a place where both can thrive.”

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Summers in Fort Ashby, WV, felt like stepping into the past for Ruth Davis-Rogers as a child. Her family’s deep roots stretched back to when the land was still part of Virginia. Weekly trips into Cumberland were an event - paying bills, shopping downtown, and, if luck was on her side, a stop at the Dairy Queen in Ridgely. “In my young mind, Cumberland was a huge, bustling city,” she recalls. The historic architecture, the hum of industry, and the ever-changing streets left an impression that never faded.

As an adult, life took Ruth through Kansas and Florida, but Maryland always pulled her back. When reassessing her future, she made a list: a small, historic community near colleges. The answer had been there all along. “I already knew this place - it was Cumberland.” In 2017, she bought a home in Johnson Heights and never looked back. Becoming a local was seamless.  “People were welcoming everywhere I went,” she says. The Cumberland of today differs from the one she visited as a child. Its industry has changed, and some buildings need care, but its heart remains in its people. “The stories, the layers, the connections - that’s what makes this place special.”

Now, as Cumberland’s historic planner, Ruth helps preserve the past while shaping the future. Her advice? “Slow down. Walk downtown, talk to strangers, and take in the details. The real Allegany County isn’t just a place, it’s a story waiting to be discovered.”

Ruth's Advice for Newcomers:

 “Choosing where to live is like dating—spend time getting to know a place before making it home.”

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Stone Lyons came to Cumberland looking for a fresh start—an affordable home, a slower pace, and a break from the hustle of Washington, D.C. What he found was something even more meaningful. “The people here weren’t just friendly; they were invested in where they lived,” he recalls. A casual lunch at Uncle Jack’s Pizzeria turned into an impromptu welcome session, setting the tone for what would soon become home.

Originally from Maine, Stone was drawn to Cumberland’s historic charm—its preserved downtown, rich history, and absence of big-box chains. But it was more than aesthetics. The revitalization efforts happening downtown mirrored his own transition. “In some ways, we were both starting a new chapter,” he says. In 2023, he took the leap, relocating his video production company, Stone Lyons Media, and immersing himself in the area’s creative scene.

Moving had its challenges, but the community quickly embraced him. He met local creatives and business owners who helped him integrate seamlessly. Renting downtown during the Baltimore Street revitalization bonded him with shopkeepers and fellow residents, all hopeful for the city’s future. And it wasn’t long before he found his rhythm.

Now deeply involved in the local culture, he encourages visitors to explore beyond the surface. His advice to newcomers? “Take the plunge. Fresh air, great music, and a welcoming community are waiting.”

Stone’s Advice for Newcomers:

“New beginnings are exciting. Don’t overthink it—just do it!”

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