Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite RealtorTaylor-Made Real Estate Betsy Spiker Holcomb-301-616-5022
49th Annual Autumn Glory Festival – This event reigns king here at the lake celebrating the Fall season. LINK
Pumpkin Race and Festival– Bring the kiddos and family out to this fun event which entails a pumpkin race through the white water course. LINK
Springs Folk Festival– The Springs Folk Festival invites you to join in the celebration of the arts, skills and labors of our forefathers. Watch the men and women baking bread and weaving, the men hewing logs and threshing grain and the children enjoying themselves on an old-time hayride. LINK
Go Hiking-Take your pick on hundreds of trails throughout Garrett County. LINK
Paddleboard– There is not a better way to see the fall season. A spiritual vantage point. LINK
Take a relaxing drive- Deep Creek lake and the surrounding rural areas come to life with color in the fall. A nice “Sunday drive” is enjoyable any day.
Go fishing- Fishing in the fall can be productive and soothing as you basically have the lake to yourself most mornings.
Visit one of seven State Parks- We have no shortage of state parks here in Garrett County. It’s a wonderful time of the year to enjoy them.LINK
Relax around the fire- Night time is so relaxing when the temps have cooled to sweatshirt weather and the fire’s crackling.
Pontoon boat ride- Take a deep breather and relax to a nice chill pontoon ride around the lake to observe the beauty.
Deep Creek fall events are popping up all over the lake area. This quieter season brings us warm days, crisp nights, and lots of fun activities. When you’re not attending an event, be sure to get outside and enjoy the brilliant foliage that our area is famous for. Continue reading Deep Creek Fall Events
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor
Taylor-Made Real Estate Betsy Spiker Holcomb-301-616-5022
Throughout the last couple of years as the focus shifts to the upcoming fall foliage season, I have found the most spectacular and soothing way to experience this sought after season via paddleboard. The visitors have slimmed down to next to nothing and the lake shifts from being a physical playground for activities to a visual backdrop for nature’s art. The season also brings calm days mixed in with traditional windy fall days. It is on these calm days that you can witness a spectacular visual ever-lasting gumdrop of emotions that will take you from pure elation to a centered mental calm. It is experiences like these that elevate the lake to spiritual status.
To see the mountains gleaming with fire and glowing with rich hues of the fall season is only magnified when you see a double image reflection mirroring off the lake. These powerful reflections bring the water alive as they transform into a three-dimensional bouquet of seasonal colors. The paddleboard becomes your soul mobile as Deep Creek Lake takes you down a peaceful highway that will recharge your faith in nature. Each quiet dip of the paddle propels you across an amazing and colorful glass-lake, virgin of ripples. The horizon slowly inches toward you like an out-of-reach oasis which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the dreamy conveyor belt that only a few have experienced.
Our nationally respected and loved Fall spectacle is an event here at the lake that a lot of folks have been lucky enough to experience year after year. This year I encourage and challenge you to try it from a different cockpit vantage point. The end of summer does not mean the end of paddleboarding or enjoying an intimate relationship with the lake. Set sail this autumn with your favorite non-powered watercraft and experience the hallowed ground at Deep Creek Lake that is worshiped by only a handful.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite RealtorTaylor-Made Real Estate Betsy Spiker Holcomb-301-616-5022
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor
Taylor-Made Vacations and Sales
It’s mid-September and we are transitioning into an absolutely gorgeous time of the year here at the lake. Temperatures are comfortably maxing out to the mid 70’s during the day and cooling down to the mid 50’s at night with very low humidity. It’s not quite feeling completely like fall but you can feel a subtle transition towards the season.
On the way to work this morning, I noticed the lake was free of any activity, be it boating or water sports. The winds, like most days this time of year, were very calm and the aura the lake gave off was both peaceful and soothing. It’s amazing how this affects everyone who lives and visits at the lake. Everyone I’ve run into today has been all smiles with a common discussion about the beautiful weather we are so fortunate to enjoy. I have mentioned this in the past many times, but if you can get here this time of year with your family you will experience a different and special personality of Deep Creek Lake. Maybe you need to unwind with your loved one and have a romantic get-away. This is the time of year where your focus can be crisp and clear like the weather surrounding you.
It’s also a great time to preview real estate since the crowds have thinned down and the rental homes are a little more accessible. Book a long weekend here at the lake and let Betsy Holcomb show you homes within your criteria. Start planting the seed now for your home here at the lake so you can enjoy these special surges in the season. Call Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales @ 866-351-1119 to find a great rental property to help enjoy your stay.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite RealtorTaylor-Made Real Estate Betsy Spiker Holcomb-301-616-5022
I love all the great summer sports here at Deep Creek Lake to enjoy! Wakeboarding and paddleboarding have always been my favorite. Having a beach/surfing background, I always wondered what it would be like to try the up and coming wake surfing sport that has been the rage over the last few years. My lucky day came the other day when my brother-in-law, who owns Deep Creek Marina, called me to see if I wanted to try Malibu Boat’s top-of-the-line wake surfing boat. For years I have heard of people trying to use weights, extra people and cargo to make this sought after wave that is big enough to propel a surfer-fabricated wave. Most efforts seemed in vain and the one time I tried there just wasn’t enough juice to keep me gliding.
Fast forward to yesterday when I was lucky enough to go out on the state-of-the-art Malibu M235 wakeboard/wake surf boat. This boat was easily the most impressive boat I have ever laid eyes on. Looks are only a small piece to the puzzle though. I wondered as it was being gently launched in the water how it would perform, specifically how big and powerful of a wave it made. I consider myself the ultimate test for this engineer created wave because I am 6’ 7” 270 lbs, which is far heavier than riders it was designed. I brought one of my personal surfboards to try out because I was sure that technology in this sport was not up to par for someone my size. I would need considerable power to propel me on this normally calm lake.
The ballasts were filled and the gates that make the wave were deployed and the first rider took his place in the water. You basically put your heels on the rails of this mini surfboard/skimboard as the boat is slowly clicked into gear. The pressure of the water moving at idle speed plants the board to your feet. Holding on to a short wakesurf rope, you give the signal that you are ready and the boat guns the throttle. You pull up similar to a wakeboard take off until you stabilize waiting for the wave to take shape. This only takes a few seconds and it’s amazing to feel this fabricated wave swell behind you. It actually curled/tubed for portions of the session.
As a new rider, the first thing you have to do is find the vein of the wave. This vein is where the most power is located. There is a speed slot, I’m guessing six inches from the rear platform to about four feet away that provides the best power to surf in. As you are finding this power zone you are still holding on to the rope basically free surfing some and being pulled by the boat. After you find the power, then you throw the rope back to the boat and start surfing! Yeeewwww! Carving up and down the wave and cutting back give you a real and strange sense of surfing. You are connected to the boat by the vacuum of this wave peeling behind you. It feels like you are racing down the wave but it also feels like you are barely moving as you notice the shoreline.
It’s very hard to explain so you’ll have to try for yourself! The adrenaline is at full RPM’s and you immediately feel your legs fatiguing. Most surfers in the ocean crave long waves but when you finally get some you find your legs are not in good enough shape to handle it. Behind a boat this wave becomes perpetual and challenges the most experienced rider’s endurance.
I tried my personal shortboard and had a blast screaming behind the boat. Although it was a little large for the wave it was an amazing experience just cruising behind the boat and getting some pumps down the line. There are many different sizes to find the ultimate board to shred on for your body type. I would highly recommend everyone trying this unique and challenging sport the next time you are hear at the lake. Call Deep Creek Marina at 301-387-6977 for information about boats for sale that are capable of creating this tremendous wave! You’ll be hooked!
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor
Sweet & tangy with a hint of spice“Three food processors” full of sweet banana peppers.
Sweet Banana Pepper Mustard Recipe. It is that time of the season! Canning, canning and more canning! While over at a friend’s house a few weeks back and tried an amazing sweet banana pepper mustard. I literally could not put it down. The next day I immediately went out and bought a fresh peck of peppers and got to work. Recipes online are all similar for the most part with one major fault in my opinion…too much sugar!!! Most recipes call for 6 cups of sugar which is far too sweet for me. Here’s what I suggest as a base recipe. You can’t go wrong.
Combine…
1 QT of yellow mustard
1 QT of cider vinegar
2 cups of sugar
2-4 Tbsp of honey
1 Tsp salt
1 cup flour
1 1/4 cup of water
36 large, 40 medium or 50 small banana peppers
Optional- 2-4 hot banana peppers
Directions…
Seed and chop peppers
Mix everything together
Warm to a boil stirring constantly so you don’t burn the mustard.
Ladle into hot sterilized jars. Cap with sterilized hot lids and snug rings and process 10 to 15 minutes in water bath.
Fall in love with this delicious snack! Eat it with pretzels, hot dogs, sandwiches, glazes on hams or whatever else floats your boat! Try adding your own flair to each batch if you like. I tried fresh ginger on my last batch and it was a hit with the family!
Substitute hot peppers if you like.
Processed peppersStir!! Mustard can burn easily on med high heat!Let jars cool slowly after water bath.Dry seeds on a paper plate/paper towel for next year!
Say good-bye to summer with fun late summer events at Deep Creek Lake. Combine your search for Deep Creek Lake real estate with a weekend getaway that is planed around one of these popular festivities.
ANNUAL APPLE BUTTER BOIL – September 3-4
Head to Herrington Manor & Swallow Falls State Parks for the annual old-timeapple butter boil. Lots of other yummy snacks will be available too. MORE INFO
DEEP CREEK LAKE ART & WINE FESTIVAL – September 9-11
Friday night wine pairing dinners at area restaurants precede the main event at the Garrett County Fairgrounds on Saturday. Sample wines, enjoy live music and shop for items from local artists. MORE INFOContinue reading Late Summer Events at Deep Creek Lake
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor
Art and Wine Festival 2016. This year we will celebrate the 12th annual Art and Wine Festival. The event benefits HART for Animals and the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival. This festival consistently brings in huge crowds of people and is always an enjoyable success. They boast 200 local and regional wines to sample and enjoy. The wine store is available to purchase your favorites during the day long tasting.
Friday night many restaurants will participate in wine pairings/tastings. Cornish Manor, Pine Lodge Steak House & Saloon, Uno Chicago Grill, Dutch’s at Silver tree and Savage River Lodge will have special menus and wine pairings.
The Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival starts on Saturday from noon until 6:00 PM at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. The wine store will be open until 7 pm.
Wine Tasting: National distributors and Maryland wineries will offer samplings of a variety of over 200 wines to satisfy even the most discriminating tastes. Premium Wine Tasting Area: $20 for 10 tasting tickets. Must have purchased festival adult entry fee. Wine Shop: Guests may purchase the wines at the festival’s retail store (open until 7 PM), with net proceeds donated to the HART/GLAF. This is the main event of the weekend and will wonderfully stimulate your wine pallet.
Artists: Over thirty professional artists and craftsmen will display and sell their art, from handcrafted jewelry and wood carvings to oil paintings, and hand painted furniture and accessories.
Food Artisans: Taste and purchase homemade products from local food artisans including Firefly Farms, DeBerry Farms, Yummy Crumbs, Bisselli Pasta, and more!
Food: Delicious sandwiches, cheeses, ice cream, salads and more will be available for sale throughout the day from Archie’s, Lakeside Creamery, TJ’s Crab Wagon, Rotary Club, Our Kitchen Here at Home, Knights of Columbus, and Copper Kettle Popcorn Factory.
Taylor-Made Real Estate Betsy Spiker Holcomb-301-616-5022
Silent Auction: The auction includes art, wine and wine accessories, jewelry, children’s items, gift certificates and other great finds. Auction begins at noon and ends at 4 pm.
VIP Wine Tasting Room Noon to 4 pm
Taste a selection of premium wines chosen by our wineries and have a bite to eat in our VIP Premium Wine Tasting Room. $20 per person includes 10 wine tasting tickets and appetizers. Plus you can now purchase your wine in the tasting room! We’ll have it waiting when you’re ready to leave! Additional tasting tickets available at $10 for 10 tickets. Premium wine is limited. Wine Tasting Room closes at 4 pm. Tickets available at VIP Wine Tasting Room entrance only. Must have purchased festival entry fee to enter VIP Wine Tasting Room. General admittance only is $10 and children12 and under are free.
After the festival, walk across the street to the Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Department for a Crab Feast! 1609 Deep Creek Drive, McHenry (entrance on Route 219 across from Garrett County Fairgounds). 5:00 – 9:00 pm Saturday, Sept. 10.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor
Taylor-Made Real Estate Betsy Spiker Holcomb-301-616-5022
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor
Boyhood wonder and excitement…
Our professionals taking great care of our people.
Thank you Firefighters, EMS and State and Local Police-Deep Creek Lake! I just want to take some time to give a sincere and well deserved thank you to our Rescue Squad, Firefighters and State/Local Police. It takes special people to work hard in not only securing our safety, but also helping us when our families lives are on the line.
A couple of weeks back there was a bad accident on the Glendale Bridge and I came upon the crews handling it while at Arrowhead Market. The firefighters, emergency medical technicians and state police handled the situation seamlessly. The professional chemistry that these men and women showed when performing their jobs gave me a sense of safety and security for my young family.
Yesterday up in our Sandy Shores neighborhood my two young boys heard the roar of fire truck sirens heading our way. As you can imagine, there is nothing more exciting than young boys hearing and seeing firetrucks. Our home is filled with every type of rescue toy known to man. Two trucks and one ambulance passed us on their way to a call. Both of my sons sat in the front yard waiting and listening to the sounds down the street from us. It wasn’t too long before we heard the mighty diesels roaring slowly back up the hill. My oldest went up the driveway to wave at the firefighter and was so happy and excited to get a honk from these kind folks. It made the world to him and that’s all he talked about for the rest of the day.
I am happy to see this positive interaction with the young children in our county. I believe in teaching my family respect for these honorable folks and show them the value of their actions. I feel fortunate to live in a town that has such a strong pillar of police and safety crews truly protecting and serving the good people of Deep Creek Lake.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor
Tubing Deep Creek Lake
Fishing and swimming DCL
Late Summer Activity – Deep Creek Lake. Here we are almost two weeks into August and the activity at the lake seems to be in full rpm mode. I took a spin around to get a feel for the number of people here at the lake on a “hump day” Wednesday. I was happily surprised to see people enjoying numerous Deep Creek activities. The summer season is showing no signs of slowing down. It’s fun to see the different ways families enjoy their stay here at Deep Creek Lake.
Cherry Creek Cove had the most activity with folks trying to get out of the breezy mid-point of the lake. I stopped and shot a few photos and became very jealous at all the fun I was missing out on. Families were out on kayaks, paddleboards, water skis, tubes, and jet skis. Smiles and laughter were the mood of the day. Fishing poles were wet, swimmers were being refreshed and boaters were cruising the cove. It all looked like a well synchronized dance.
We are past the 7th inning stretch and heading toward the end of the summer season here at the lake. Don’t throw in the towel just yet and call Taylor-Made Rentals @ 866-351-1119 X-1 for a wonderful rental property. Enjoy an extended week away from the stresses of work. Call Betsy Spiker Holcomb @ 301-616-5022 with any questions you may have regarding lake activities or real estate properties for sale.
