The Vagabond (Our) Story

- Pat & Michelle Hudnall, Owners -

Born and raised in Tucker County, West Virginia, just south of Garrett County, we both learned early to appreciate the beauty of this particular piece of the world. After high school, our graduate schooling and early careers took us away from the area for some time. We married in 2003 and, together, developed a love of travel and outdoor adventure and met some lifelong friends along the way. However, we found ourselves yearning to return to where we grew up - our forever home. In 2008, an opportunity to do just that came knocking. We decided to make the change and move our young family to Oakland and we haven’t looked back since.

As we have settled into our lives in Garrett County and grew our family over the past decade, we have become more and more involved in the community. Michelle can’t go anywhere without chatting about how a dog or cat is getting along. Pat has helped coach both of our children in various sports and helped co-found the youth mountain bike team in Garrett County, of which we both now coach. We have continued to enjoy all that Oakland and the surrounding area has to offer - biking, hiking, exploring, swimming, camping; an outdoor enthusiasts wonderland! But, all the while, we felt the community was missing...something.

During our wanderings, we cultivated a love of craft beer and the fun, relaxing atmosphere that comes with a taproom or craft beer bar. For a long time we would say that someone needed to build a place like that in Oakland. A place for people to gather for a pint of beer and good food. A place to relax and meet new friends, or to catch up with old friends. A place to just “be.” Before we really knew what was happening, all of the talk and ideas we had turned into The Vagabond Taproom!

We want The Vagabond Taproom to celebrate the local history of Garrett County, including the namesake Four Vagabonds, as well as provide a vision for where this great community could go. We hope you, your family and your friends enjoy the Vagabond as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to life!

“Cheers”
Patrick, Michelle, Eliana and Cameron