Plunge & dunk
Taking the Plunge: Two Dunks for Special Olympics – Annapolis & Deep Creek Lake
What do you get when you combine freezing water, amazing people, and an unforgettable experience? You get the 2025 Annapolis Plunge and Deep Creek Dunk, two incredible events I participated in to raise money for Special Olympics Maryland. Not only did these events push me out of my comfort zone, but they also introduced me to some fantastic new places and people along the way.
The Annapolis Plunge: A Corporate Challenge with a Purpose
The first of my two dunks took place at the Annapolis Plunge in January. I drove down to Annapolis on a Friday for the Corporate Plunge as part of the Leadership Maryland team. I had never been to Sandy Point State Park but have been wanting to go. You can see it as you start your journey across the Bay Bridge and of course, I enjoyed that for this event, I could exit prior to the bridge. If you live in Maryland, you understand. The Annapolis Plunge is a long-standing, week-long event for the Special Olympics, and it was amazing to see the level of participation and support. The event culminates with the Plunge itself, where we bravely enter the freezing waters to raise funds for the athletes.
The corporate plunge was a unique twist, as my group participated alongside other local businesses and organizations. There was a concert onsite before the plunge, which added to the lively atmosphere and made the whole experience feel like a celebration of community support for such a worthy cause. It was incredible to see so many people coming together to support Special Olympics, and the energy in the air was contagious.
Deep Creek Dunk: A Weekend Adventure in the Snow
The Deep Creek Dunk was up next on my calendar, and it did not disappoint. I drove up to Deep Creek Lake on Friday evening in February, just as the snow started to fall. The drive was a bit of an adventure, but I stopped at Oak Barrel on the way up to break up the drive. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend this stop for its charm and great food!
When I arrived, I stayed at the newly renovated Cove Creek Lodge, which was perfect for a weekend getaway. The lodge is cozy, with modern amenities, including a 24/7 self-checkout area stocked with snacks and drinks, and a guest-only bar where I enjoyed a a glass of cava. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, with rain showers and top-notch products (Beekman!) to make you feel pampered after a cold, snowy day.
On Friday night, there was a Growlers & Grapes event to start the fundraiser, which was a great way to mingle with fellow attendees and supporters. Dinner at Aces was incredible; the food was top-notch, and I’ll definitely be returning in the future.
Saturday Adventures: Coffee, Shopping, and the Dunk
Saturday was a busy day, and it started with a stop at Traders Coffee for a much-needed pick-me-up. Their donut muffin was amazing, paired perfectly with a latte to fuel up for the day ahead. After coffee, I realized I still needed a pair of water shoes for the dunk. Lucky for me, I stumbled upon Appalachian Sports in the same shopping center, and the kind lady working there went above and beyond to help me find the perfect pair of water shoes from storage. I ended up with a great pair that I’ll be able to use again in the future.
Next, I drove around to explore the area. I drove by the Red Barn Inn, checked out Swanson Grocery for their famous pepperoni roll, and took a quick peek around the Firefly Market. I also spotted several people ice fishing while on my drive. I was also surprised to see that they use their snowmobiles on the ice of the lake itself to travel around.
Finally, it was time for the Deep Creek Dunk itself. The lake was stunning, even in the cold. The ice was at least 15″ deep, and they had to chainsaw through it to make the dunking hole. I’ve never experienced anything quite like it, and I have to admit, the plunge was cold but, it was all worth it for the cause. There was a lot of excitement and laughter from everyone who participated, and it felt so rewarding to be part of an event that raised funds for such an incredible cause. I truly cannot wait to go back next year!
The Cove Creek Lodge Experience
I can’t say enough good things about Cove Creek Lodge. The atmosphere is so warm and inviting, with spacious rooms that made it easy to relax after a long day. Whether you’re staying in the cozy rooms, enjoying a drink at the guest-only bar, or grabbing snacks from the 24/7 self-checkout area, the Lodge was the perfect home base for my Deep Creek Dunk weekend. The amenities (microwave, Keurig, stove top, and even a dishwasher drawer) made it feel like a home away from home. I will be returning in the future and will extend my stay for more than one night.
A Quick Stop on the Way Home
On my way home, I made a quick stop at Simon Pearce to look around. They offer glassblowing workshops at their factory store, but unfortunately, I didn’t have much time. Next time, though, it’s definitely on my list!
Looking Forward to Next Year
Both the Annapolis Plunge and Deep Creek Dunk were amazing experiences, and I can’t wait to do them again next year. If you’re looking for a fun, impactful way to support a good cause and experience some unique adventures along the way, I highly recommend you join me next year. There’s so much to do, see, and enjoy, and it’s a great way to give back to the Special Olympics.
As for future trips, I’m looking forward to dining at additional places such as Firewater and Rolling Pin next time I’m in the area. There’s always something new to discover, and I can’t wait to explore more of this beautiful region.
Until next year!
Annapolis:
Deep Creek Lake:
