With the holidays over and spring seeming like a far-off mirage, you have a choice: suffer through winter’s doldrums or make the most of it.

We’ll take the latter. The destination? McHenry, the small Garrett County, Maryland, town located near the northernmost tip of Deep Creek Lake.

Boasting 172 acres of ski terrain, Wisp Resort is the area’s most obvious highlight, but McHenry — a quaint, vacation-friendly community — has plenty to see and experience, no lift ticket required.

Attractions

Wisp Resort: This is the reason so many out-of-towners make the trip to McHenry. Founded in 1955, Wisp — which receives an average of 100 inches of natural snow per year — has 11 miles of trails and slopes. Skiers and snowboarders can purchase daily lift tickets ($29-$79 for ages 13-69 and $24-$69 for ages 6-12; prices vary based on schedule), and all equipment can be rented on-site.

Wisp is appealing because vacationers can find so much of what they need at the resort, says Lori Zaloga, the company’s director of marketing. “You never have to get back in your car until it’s time to go home,” she said.

While there are things to do and see away from the resort, it is possible to spend your entire trip at Wisp. Amenities include dining options (DC’s Bar & Restaurant, Sundown Cafe and more) and shops for clothing and equipment. The resort’s hotel includes 102 suites and 67 guest rooms for rent.

Outdoor activities are at the heart of Wisp’s appeal. Even if snowboarding or downhill skiing aren’t your thing, there are snow-tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, a mountain coaster and other ways to spend hours outside. For those looking to learn the popular sports, Wisp recently installed a 14-acre teaching area for snowboarding and skiing beginners. 296 Marsh Hill Road, McHenry.

Winter season at the four-season resort typically runs through the end of March (tentative closing date this year is March 27). wispresort.com.

Eats and drinks

Pine Lodge Steakhouse: On a recent weekday night, this casual restaurant held a quiet dinner service filled by seemingly regulars. Seated at the bar, we were happy to see our oak barrel steak ($20) arrive medium rare as we had ordered. The French onion soup was a flavorful steal at $5. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. 1520 Deep Creek Drive, McHenry. pinelodgesteakhouse.com.

Trader’s Coffee House: Jean Thomas, manager of this coffee shop approximately four miles from Wisp, recommends her favorite specialty drink, the salted caramel latte ($4 for a medium). It’s made with espresso, steamed milk and Torani-salted caramel syrup and finished with a drizzle of Ghirardelli caramel sauce. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Sunday; 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 21311 Garrett Highway, Oakland. traderscoffeehouse.com.

Ace’s Run Restaurant and Pub: Located at the lakeside resort Will O’ the Wisp, a lodging alternative to Wisp Resort, this eatery serves a familiar menu of pub fare. Visit on “No Ordinary Burger Tuesday,” which allows patrons to build their own sandwich with toppings such as a fried egg and oven-roasted tomatoes. Sunday through Friday, happy hour runs 3-7 p.m.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 20160 Garrett Highway, Oakland. acesrun.com.

Family activities

Simon Pearce Glassblowing: Watch the glassblowers handcraft finished products for the retail store, less than 15 miles from Wisp. Free and open to the public daily: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Regular store hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 265 Glass Drive, Oakland. simonpearce.com.

Streams & Dreams Fly-Fishing Lessons: Don Hershfeld, owner of the Streams & Dreams bed and breakfast, about 4 miles from Wisp Resort, offers fly-fishing lessons year-round. Hershfeld emphasizes proper techniques above all else. “This is something most people take a lifetime to learn not well,” Hershfeld joked. $60/hour; lessons scheduled in advance. 8214 Oakland-Sang Run Road, Oakland. streams-and-dreams.net.

Smiley’s Fun Zone: Not all kids appreciate the “great outdoors.” For those in need of more familiar stimulation, this bar-meets-entertainment complex offers laser tag ($6.27), duckpin bowling ($4.18) and an arcade filled with video games. Noon-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. 72 Fort Drive, McHenry. dclsmileys.com.

The Alley: If Smiley’s focuses on the kids, this bowling alley caters to the whole family. Aside from the bowling (10-pin standard), the Alley has ping-pong, shuffleboard, cornhole, pool tables and big-screen TVs for the game. $3.79 per game and $1.99 for shoe rental. Noon-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. 499 Oakland Drive, Oakland. deepcreeklakebowling.com.

Events

Stage Wisp Concert Series: Every Friday night in January and February, Wisp hosts a free concert at its Wispers Mountainside Bar on the main lodge’s upper level. 6:30-9 p.m. wispresort.com.

HART for Animals Adoption Event: On the last Saturday of each month, this nonprofit hosts a free meet-and-greet of adoptable pets from the Garrett County Animal Shelter. Visit the HART Animal Center to find a potential new family member. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1265 Bumble Bee Road, Accident. hartforanimals.org.

Deep Creek Dunk: This fundraiser dives into Deep Creek Lake on Feb. 20. Donations benefit Special Olympics Maryland. On-site registration begins at noon at Uno Pizzeria & Grill’s Honi-Honi Bar behind the restaurant. Participants hit the water starting at 2 p.m. 19745 Garrett Highway, Oakland. dunkmd.com.

Accommodations

Will O’ the Wisp: Will O’ the Wisp offers 47 condominiums with private balconies or patios. There’s also a heated indoor pool, a steam room and other amenities. 20160 Garrett Highway, Oakland. Rates: willothewisp.com.

The Deer Park Inn: This onetime Victorian mansion has three rooms available for rent. Owner and chef Pascal Fontaine prepares your candlelit dinner from a rotating menu. Rates begin at $145. 65 Hotel Road, Oakland. deerparkinn.com.

Haley Farm: This bed and breakfast has evolved into an inn and retreat center, so it works for small groups and larger endeavors such as family reunions. Lodging options include suites and a three-bedroom lakeside cottage 10 minutes from the farm. Rates begin at $145. 16766 Garrett Highway, Oakland. haleyfarm.com.