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Meet Bob Holcomb-Taylor-Made Real Estate-Deep Creek Lake

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

The Taylor-Made Vacations and Sales are proud to introduce Bob Holcomb as an integral part of our team. After 23 years of working around the world in golf course construction, the epiphany in Holcomb’s career came when he was hired to supervise the construction of Lodestone Golf Club at Wisp Resort. He subsequently fell in love with Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County. “I haven’t experienced any place that offers the variety of activities such as fishing, snowboarding, wakeboarding, waterskiing, snowmobiling and hiking”.

Meet Bob Holcomb-Taylor-Made Real Estate-Deep Creek Lake — Jack Nicklaus Bob Holcomb

Bob has had a lucrative career working with some of the world’s legendary golf design greats, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Fred Couples, Rees Jones and most recently… Hale Irwin, at Lodestone private course atop Wisp Mountain near Deep Creek Lake.

While the world’s greatest courses are typically designed by these legends, its guys like Holcomb who take the blueprints and bend them to fit the earth. The result is “a very artistic interpretation of the plans,” Holcomb said. “Having experienced different design philosophies, its enjoyable for me to apply this knowledge in the field…it’s like a hybrid in your mind”. Bob has gained acclaim as perhaps the industry’s finest in golf course construction. His creativity led one architect to describe him as “Picasso” using the earth as his canvas.

He has shaped or reshaped courses that have hosted some of the world’s mightiest tournaments, including Hazeltine, the Atlanta Athletic Club (which hosted both the U.S. Open and PGA Championship), the critically acclaimed Brandon Dunes in Oregon and The Victoria in Portugal (which was host of the 2005 World Championship World Cup and the Portuguese Masters).

Bob’s role with the Spiker Team and Long & Foster will center on Real Estate Sales, as well as being available for questions at Lodestone Golf Information Centers. Please feel free to talk with Bob and learn the Lodestone “behind the scenes” stories that relate the process that blends the brute force of heavy equipment to rip the earth like bulls, then sculpt it like plastic surgeons.

Lodestone Golf Course Opening May 1, 2010

Lodestone Golf Course Opening May 1, 2010

When word broke of the new Lodestone trial membership opportunity there have been a lot of questions regarding the timeline for the golf course opening. I just spoke to Karen Myers, general partner of Wisp Resort Development, Inc., and she has informed me that the front nine will start play tomorrow, Saturday, May 1^st 2010 for Lodestone members and trial members.

Lodestone Golf Club play is also available for visitors to try out, for a greens fee of course. For more information you can contact the Membership & Club Director, Karen Forsythe, at 301.616.4035.

The back nine is scheduled to open tentatively in early June, and already has golfers chompin’ at the bit!!

Also, I have been informed that Hale Irwin will be here to christen the back nine July 9^th & 10^th. Members and trial members will be a part of a small entourage that will be allowed to walk with Hale as he plays for the 1^st time a certain classic.

Sign up now and don’t miss your opportunity to play summer golf on this masterpiece, and have a chance to meet Hale Irwin. Feel free to call me, Bob Holcomb 240.321.5335, if you have any questions about the design, construction process of Lodestone Golf Club.

Karen Myers inducted in the Maryland Business Hall of Fame

Karen Myers inducted in the Maryland Business Hall of Fame

Last night I was fortunate enough to attend the Maryland Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame Award Ceremonies. Deep Creek Lake native and a 10^th generation Frazee, Karen Frazee Myers, was inducted into Maryland’s Business Hall of Fame. Karen was recognized by her peers for her decades of promotion of the one-time sleepy Deep Creek Lake/Garrett County area, which has become a go-to destination for Mid-Atlantic residents.

Karen’s “nose to grindstone” work ethic has bloomed several successful businesses throughout her lengthy career. Her flourishing businesses, Mountaineer Log & Siding www.mountaineerlog.com, Wisp Ski & Golf Resort www.wispresort.com, Deep Creek Marina www.deepcreekmarina.com, and real estate business are products of her relentless determination.

Even during the big moment in her life, Karen still recognizes her partners, her family, her friends and her employee’s who have supported her through sometimes difficult years. Her resiliency through the hard times (and the good times) along with her insight into what would make her endeavors successful has paid off long term.

Karen’s career really started 35 years ago in the real estate business when the lake was “undiscovered” as a resort and second home destination. It took many years for Karen to put Garrett County and Deep Creek Lake on a mainstream map.

Her daughter, Betsy Spiker, took over the reigns from her mother to become Deep Creek Lake’s trusted real estate guru.

She has mentored her children throughout their lives to be positive community role models and successful business leaders. Her son, Adrian Spiker, has taken a dream of creating the best marina in Deep Creek Lake and made it a reality. She has influenced and guided him into making the most thriving marina on the lake.

“Not too bad for a country girl” says Karen Myers at the awards podium in Baltimore, Maryland. Not too bad at all for a woman who grew up in a family from White Rock who exceeded, by anybody’s standards, personal success…business success…family success…community success…spiritual success… I have been fortunate to be in Karen’s circle for the past 3 years and understand and respect why the State of Maryland has chose to recognize this special woman with such a prestigious honor.

Congratulations, Karen!!

Wisp Community Yard Sale Deep Creek Lake

Wisp Community Yard Sale at Deep Creek Lake

Have you had a chance to get the garage cleaned out and finish your spring cleaning? Chances are you have a bunch of stuff cluttering your house, we all do. You know how the old saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure (or woman’s for that matter)”. “Trash” can be substituted with “cool stuff”. Wisp Resort has a solution to your muddled garages and storage areas. Rent a table and bring things that you have no need for to sell them to people who may love them. Kind of recycling if you may. I can tell you from past events to get there early because you will be rewarded with a vast selection of “stuff” that you will throw down the green for.

On May 18th 9:00am – 3:00pm they will be holding a garage sale for your extra items that will surely help it find a home. Who knows, you may find some neat things and come home with more than you bring. Tables will be rented to host your sale, or just drop by to go shopping. Call 301-387-4911 to reserve your site!

Wisp Community Yard Sale Deep Creek Lake

10 for 10 at Wisp Resort Deep Creek Lake

10 for 10 at Wisp Resort , Deep Creek Lake

10 for 10 at Wisp Resort Deep Creek Lake. It doesn’t get any better than this!! Ten delicious dishes for only $10 dollars each at DC’s Wisp Resort! It’s hard to believe you can eat this good for such an affordable price. What’s the point of cooking at home anymore?

Ramp Recipe Deep Creek Lake

Ramp Recipe

Well its official, I have finally found my favorite Ramp Recipe here at Deep Creek lake. My friends had a ramp fest in their hunting cabin this weekend, which gave me a different prospective on ramp dishes other than my old favorites. Fried Ramps in beer batter are definitely how I enjoy them the best.

First you have to go to your favorite ramp patch and dig you a mess. I like the newer, smallish bulbs myself as they fry up crispy and sweet without leaving you with that legendary ramp fume breath.

Next you clean them up and cut the bulbs to 1”-2” lengths. You can leave more of the stems if you want a little more crunch on the ends. I use my Momma Holcomb’s beer batter recipe but McCormick’s in a box will work great too.

You want to heat your vegetable oil up to a medium heat. You do not want your heat too hot or you will brown the outside and the ramps will be raw on the inside.

Cook until golden brown. Strain them on a paper plate with paper towels. Add a little salt. And enjoy.

Note: cook two times more than you think you will eat because these are addicting.

Serve with a Tomato Ramp Martini…

The Spiker Team supports PAWS

The Spiker Team supports PAWS. I am very proud to work for a team here on Deep Creek Lake that continually helps raise money for heartfelt causes and charities in our community. Long and Foster employees and The Spiker Team consistently lead the way in volunteering in events like The Special Olympics, The Deep Creek Dunk, The Lions Club, The Cardboard Box Derby and many other rewarding causes.

Last night at Wispers Bar at Wisp Resort, Long and Foster showed up again to support PAWS aka Partners of Animal Welfare and Safety. This nonprofit volunteer organization has been around since 2001 and has led a crusade to protect the interests of animals here in Garrett County. They help end the suffering of unwanted animals by reducing pet over-population through spay/neuter and feral cat programs. They assist low income residents by paying for portions of vet bills for neutering and spaying their animals. Check out their website and learn a lot more about this wonderful organization and also upcoming fundraiser events.

Legendary and loved Long and Foster agent Ed King was behind the bar with Betsy Spiker volunteering their time as guest bartenders. The PAWS donation bucket was filled up by the end of the night and the raffle tickets that cluttered the bar and restaurant area also raised a lot of money. Thanks to all who made it out and contributed to a fun time for another great cause.

Wild Ramps Deep Creek Lake

Wild Ramps at Deep Creek Lake

Wild Ramps Deep Creek Lake. April is here, and for the Mountains surrounding Deep Creek Lake that means that wild ramps, which are classified as wild leeks, are just about ready to harvest. These wild leeks have a very strong and pungent flavor that taste to me like a mixture between onions, garlic and leeks. My favorite way to eat them is to put them in fried potatoes with some salt and pepper. Cooking them tames down the flavor some but understand they always pack a delicious punch. Eating them raw is another matter. Only the hardcore brave eat these wild treats fresh from the ground. The intense flavor will have you committed to its enjoyment for many, many hours…or days. I’m not sure if tooth brushes and toothpaste ever have a chance at getting the bold taste of ramps off your breath, but when you are up here in the Mountains you are among the majority!

Deep Creek Lake fundraiser for The Little Youch Music Festival

Deep Creek Lake fundraiser for The Little Youch Music Festival. Come join the fun at Deep Creek Lake at The Mountain State Brewing Company on April 9, 2010 6 pm – 9 pm for a fund raiser benefiting The Little Youch Summer Music Festival. Come join Guest Bartenders Rob Michael, Scott Lohr, and Arlene Murray for what is sure to be another successful event. Local favorites The Hillybilly Gypsies will be throwing down the bluegrass jams throughout the night. All bar tips will be donated to the Little Youch Summer Music Festival. Come out and have a homemade brew and munch on some flatbread while tapping your toes to the Hillbilly Gypsies and supporting a good cause. I’ll see you there.

Springtime Water Skiing on Deep Creek Lake

Springtime Water Skiing on Deep Creek Lake

After a record breaking snowfall this past winter which led to epic skiing and snowboarding conditions, spring has opened up the window to warmer summer sports. “Warmer” might be a stretch when talking about water temperatures, but the air temperatures have been midsummer- like for the last 3 weeks. A couple of passionate water skiers disregarded talk about the ice cream headache cold waters here at Deep Creek Lake this time of year and decided to have a go at being the first ones on the lake. The only unorthodox detail that I left out is that these skiers would have to saddle up in 3mm dry suits to be able to tolerate the 45 degree temps the lake is serving up this early in the season. The only vulnerable body parts were the feet, hands, and head which didn’t keep these hardcore guys from enjoying an exciting Easter Weekend on the lake. What a great experience to see friends enjoying a wonderful day of water skiing while watching the snow skiers enjoying the final weekend of winter sports at Wisp Resort.

Meet Bob Holcomb-Taylor-Made Real Estate-Deep Creek Lake

Lodestone Golf Course Opening May 1, 2010

Karen Myers inducted in the Maryland Business Hall of Fame

Wisp Community Yard Sale Deep Creek Lake

10 for 10 at Wisp Resort Deep Creek Lake

Ramp Recipe Deep Creek Lake

The Spiker Team supports PAWS

Wild Ramps Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake fundraiser for The Little Youch Music Festival

Springtime Water Skiing on Deep Creek Lake

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