Description

Exploring Garrett County with Lynn Beckman

In this episode, we sit down with Lynn Beckman, a lifelong advocate for Garrett County and a key figure in its tourism and community development story. Lynn shares firsthand insights into how Garrett County evolved into a thriving four-season destination, the challenges of marketing a rural region, and the people whose vision helped shape its future.

From the early days of the Garrett County Promotion Council to the transformative impact of WISP Resort on winter sports, Lynn reflects on the strategies, risks, and creativity that helped put Garrett County on the map. The conversation also dives into the rich history of Deep Creek Lake, outdoor recreation, and the lasting legacy of leaders like Ace Heissand marketing innovator Asa Stanton.

This episode is a thoughtful look at how tourism, history, and community pride intersect—and why Garrett County continues to be a “magical place” for visitors and residents alike.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction to Lynn Beckman and Garrett County
• 04:49 – The Role of the Promotion Council
• 09:57 – Vision for Tourism and Economic Development
• 14:56 – The Impact of WISP and Winter Sports
• 19:55 – The Evolution of Outdoor Recreation
• 25:01 – The Legacy of Ace Heiss
• 30:03 – Deep Creek Lake’s Unique History
• 35:11 – Asa Stanton and Marketing Innovations
• 40:11 – Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Glades Star Archives: https://archive.org/details/GladesStar

Article about Deep Creek Lake dam. By Tony Lolli: https://lakefrontmagazine.com/deep-creek-lake-almost-wasnt-a-450-foot-advantage/