Page 16 - Garrett County 2021-2022 Visitors Guide

What's New
PHOTOS BY BRANCH BENDER CIDERY
Branch Bender Cidery Builds on Farming Tradition
Branch Bender Cidery (facebook.com/branch-bender- cidery-314525845886738) in Accident is another new Garrett County destination with family history.
Co-owners Trish and Chester Yoder started the business on a farm they have owned since 2003, and which belonged to Trish Yoder’s parents before them.
“After the purchase of the farm, we wanted to create an agricultural business that reflected our passion for meeting new people, entertaining and something that would benefit the Garrett
County community,” Trish Yoder said. In 2017, the Yoders won an entrepreneurial competition at Garrett College, which provided the funds to help them move forward with their plans.
Branch Bender Cidery finally opened its doors in the fall of 2020.
“We have repurposed the old milk house, the milking parlor and the machine shed into tasting rooms, indoor and outdoor,” Yoder said. “The existing framework of the milking parlor was incorporated into the design of the indoor tasting room.”
The ciders produced by Branch Bender Cidery are not carbonated, and therefore have what Yoder called a “wine-like quality.” She added that, “Sweet wine drinkers, as well as beer drinkers, usually find a favorite cider and take one home.”
To accommodate COVID restrictions, Branch Bender Cidery offers outdoor tastings under a partially enclosed, restored machine shed. “Our guests can choose a table under the roof or take their tasting completely outside,” Yoder said. “There are plenty of tables, and
spaces between the tables are at least six feet. Additionally, private tastings can be scheduled on off hours, evenings and weekdays.”
Over the course of 2021, the Yoders plan to continue weekend tastings at the cidery, open a retail store inside the tasting room, and hold special events that incorporate live music and food trucks.
Red Barn Inn Is a New Destination for Events
After a comprehensive renovation, the former North Glade
Inn has now reopened as the Red Barn Inn & Events Center (theredbarninn.com), a beautiful, scenic venue for weddings and other celebrations.
“When we purchased
the North Glade Inn
last December, we were
instantly drawn to the
deep local history and
iconic nature of the
property,” said owner
Lori Livingston. “At this
time, the interior of the
Red Barn Inn has been
completely updated. My
favorite elements are
the handcrafted lanterns
that welcome our visitors
at every door. The barn
itself is undergoing a
total makeover as well.
We have added a huge
gas fireplace and barn beam mantle. After consulting a structural engineer and making the necessary changes, we added a heated concrete floor to the barn.”
Perhaps the most significant change, Livingston said, has been the addition of an Amish-built pavilion that will be available for weddings, corporate functions, family reunions and community events.
PHOTO BY RED BARN INN
PHOTO BY RED BARN INN
14 The Deep Creek Experience