Adventure into the Outdoors is the slogan of Allegany Expeditions Incorporated located in Cumberland, Maryland. Owner Darrell C. Spence is excited about the future of adventure tourism in the Western Maryland region. The area in which we live is the center of the outdoor adventure universe according to Mr. Spence. Everything that is important to the outdoor industry surrounds us here. We have a wide diversity of outdoor opportunities nestled into an area full of scenic beauty and people rich at heart.

AEI celebrates its 12th year of business this October. The company found its roots in guiding outdoor adventures for groups like Boy Scouts, Outdoor Clubs, and Church Youth groups. However, today the AEI client list is a wide range of individuals, families, groups, and corporations.

The heart of AEI is their guides. Spence comments that the quality of the staff is the reason for a successful number of repeat business. The guides are also responsible for creating an atmosphere that allows for a fun work environment. Several of the guides have been with AEI from the beginning. Gary Green is a good example of the kind of staff that makes the company so successful. Gary is a state employee working as a mental health counselor for the local health department. Gary’s free time is spent on the rocks or on the river providing AEI with the kind of guidance that only a seasoned, experienced, dedicated outdoors person could provide. The most recent addition to the AEI staff are the new fly fishing and bass fishing guides.

AEI now provides outdoor adventures for canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, rappelling, backpacking, caving, fly fishing, bass fishing and cross-country skiing. They recently partnered with other outdoor businesses to provide an even greater diversity of activities that can be blended or shared creating more opportunities for everyone.

The outdoor industry has gone a long way in a short time recently, according to Spence. AEI has been affected by these changes for the positive. A more open-minded government combined with corporate thinking that now sees the advantages to healthier and happier employees is good for business. Spence feels in general that more people of all walks of life are more willing to become in tune with the natural world. Having a guide service like AEI making these types of outdoors adventures safe and fun is what it is all about.

Allegany Expeditions Inc. also prides itself upon meeting their client’s special needs and wishes. Customized adventures are certainly the rage. Group leaders and persons coordinating activities for individuals, play a more significant role than ever before in the planning process. Meeting the expectations of almost every adventure is achieved by prior planning and good communication that facilitates meeting their clients’ specific wants.

AEI may not be for everyone, but for those of you who want to experience the outdoors in a way that is sure to make you come back for more and more again, call or e-mail them at 1-800-819-5170.

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