One of my favorite things to do as a kid was go bowling. I mean, is there a better way to exercise, socialize, and compete all at once? Plus, all bowling alleys seem to possess that unique bowling vibe — part nostalgia, part party, and all fun.

That being the case, it’s no surprise that my kids love bowling, too. As the weather gets colder, my wife and I receive weekly requests to visit The Alley in Oakland. It’s our favorite bowling spot and one of the best places in the Deep Creek Lake area for some indoor family entertainment.

Not only does The Alley tick all the right boxes bowling-wise, but they also serve some of the most delicious pizzas around. It’s the perfect spot to take the family for both dinner and fun (including drinks for Mom and Dad!).

My kiddos particularly enjoy cosmic bowling in the evenings (complete with special lighting and music), billiards, and the arcade area. They’re old enough to enjoy all of those things, but if you have littles, never fear. The Alley offers tiny rental shoes, ramps, lightweight balls, and automatic bumpers so everyone can participate.

Personally, I appreciate the big-screen TVs next to the lanes, which are great for watching football while playing a frame. They also have dart boards, an air hockey table, a foosball table, ping pong tables, and a shuffleboard table. There’s truly something for everyone!

And the best part? The Alley is always clean, and the staff is always friendly. You really can’t go wrong here.

So, whether you’ve never been or just took a break for the summer, check out The Alley. It’s a great time, and you’ll add some memories to your jar. Just tell them Justin sent you!