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Garrett State Forest: The birthplace of Maryland’s state forests

Garrett State Forest is the birthplace of forestry conservation in Maryland.  It is important to note the key role Garrett County and its public lands played in preserving the natural environment. 

garrett state forest

Garrett State Forest History

During the early 1900’s, just 20% of mature forest cover existed east of the Mississippi.  The previous century saw large scale timber operations greatly exceed timber growth.  One of the results was large, uncontrolled forest fires that further damaged the fragile environment.  Most of Maryland’s forests were populated with small stands of regenerating seedlings or saplings.  Large trees were truly an unusual sight. 

In response to the deplorable conditions of the state’s forests, the descendants of one of Garrett County’s founding fathers issued a challenge to the state government.   John and Robert Garrett were heirs to the B&O Railroad fortune who offered a generous donation of nearly 2,000 acres of forest land on one “small” condition.  The state must create a department specifically for the management and supervision of public lands.  Accepting the gift and the conditions, a forestry law was passed in 1906 establishing a Board of Forestry.  This made it the third state in the Union to enact such a law.  The tract of land donated by the Garrett brothers became is part of what is now Garrett State Forest, Maryland’s first state forest.  It has expanded over time to include about 8,000 acres of mountain forests, streams and valleys. 

Continue reading Garrett State Forest: The birthplace of Maryland’s state forests

Support Small Businesses in Garrett County

Small businesses in Garrett County and around the Deep Creek Lake area need your support! The COVID-19 crisis has hit our area especially hard with the lack of revenue from tourism.

Support Small Businesses

It is important to stay home and be safe right now. However, there are still ways that you can support your favorite small businesses.

Order Takeout

Give yourself a break from cooking! Below is a list of local restaurants offering takeout. Be sure to call ahead or check their social media/website to see if online ordering is an option.

3rd Street Diner
(301) 334-3300

Arrowhead Market
(301) 387-4020

Black Bear Tavern and Restaurant
(301) 387-0500

Brenda’s Pizzeria
(301) 387-1007

Burger King (McHenry)
(301) 387-2561

Cornucopia Cafe
(301) 895-8142

Deep Creek Seafood
(240) 488-1042

Deep Creek Shop n’ Save Deli
(301) 387-4075

Dutch’s at Silver Tree
(301) 387-0525

Firefly Farms
(301) 746-8188

Heidi’s Bakery & Cafe
(240) 321-5804

High Country Creamery
(240) 979-0620 ext 1005

JG’s Pub
(301) 387-6369

Ledo Pizza
(301) 387-6300

Little Sandy’s 
(301) 387-9850

MoonShadow
(240) 442-5542

Mountain State Brewing Co.
(301) 387-3360

Oakland DQ Grill & Chill
(301) 334-6161

Penn Alps Restaurant & Craft Shop
(301) 895-5985

The Casselman Bakery & Cafe
(240) 442-5202

The Rolling Pin Bakery
(301) 746-8500

Continue reading Support Small Businesses in Garrett County

Wisp Resort Opens for the 19/20 Season

Wisp Resort opens for the 2019-20 winter season Friday, December 13th! This year, there are more than $1 million in improvements and additions. It will operate under the direction of recently hired General Manager, Ron Hawkes. They began making snow Nov. 12, one of the earliest snowmaking starts in the past few years.

wisp resort opens

Wisp Resort Opens with Improvements

New technology will be in place this year that involves lift tickets and snowmaking. There is also a new restaurant and an app for the resort.

Wisp is well-known for their advanced snowmaking capabilities. Five new Techno Alpin TR8 tower fan snow guns were added. They were placed on Squirrel Cage – a favorite expert slope. The new guns are more energy efficient and can work in a wider range of temperatures.

Continue reading Wisp Resort Opens for the 19/20 Season

Deep Creek Lake Wedding Mini Guide

This Deep Creek Lake wedding mini guide is meant to give an overview of options in our area. I’ll admit, I’m not a wedding expert. Real estate is my focus. However, I do know the area and some of the most popular options for your special day.

deep creek lake wedding

Deep Creek Lake Wedding License

This is an important detail. You apply in person at the Garrett County Courthouse. It is open from 8:30am-3:45pm, Monday-Friday (except holidays). The fee is $40.

Garrett County Court House
 203 S. 4th Street, Room #109
 Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-1937

You must be at least 25 years of age, only 1 person needs to apply. Bring the following info: Name, Address, Date of Birth and Social Security number.

If either party is divorced, you present the Divorce Decree. You may use the marriage license 2 days after it is issued and it is good for 6 months.

Have Your Event in a Taylor-Made Vacation Home

Imagine saying “I do” with stunning lake views in the background. Have your ceremony and/or reception at a vacation rental home will make it truly unique. Taylor-Made has more than a dozen properties that host weddings. They must be outdoor events, and there are a few guidelines. Our event coordinator will help with all the details.

Whether or not you have your ceremony in a rental home, Taylor-Made can help with accommodations for you and your family. Homes range in size from 1-9 bedrooms. Also, they have tons of fun amenities like private pools and hot tubs. Stay in homes that are close together and turn your destination wedding into a fun, family vacation.

Deep Creek Lake Wedding Event Barns

Event barns have become increasingly popular venues. They combine rustic elegance with a touch of whimsy. Additionally, the surrounding acreage offers lots of great photo opportunities.

The White Barn at Lucas Farm
4161 Garrett Hwy, Oakland, Maryland 21550
301.616.6077 

Twin Tails Event Farm
4150 Garrett Hwy, Oakland, MD 21550
301.616.4268

Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Wedding Mini Guide

Wolf Den Run State Park

Wolf Den Run State Park is Garrett County’s newest state park. Opening day is July 15, 2019. This rugged wilderness area is filled with trails that will be open to off road vehicles (ORVs) as well as hikers. It is the eighth State Park in our area.

About Wolf Den Run State Park

The park is made up of three separate parcels. There is about three miles of frontage on the Potomac River’s North Branch. You will also find three brook trout streams, 1,700 acres of mixed forest and bluffs that are 900 feet above the Potomac River. Each parcel has a mix of mountainous terrain along with streams, meadows and wetlands.

Phase 1 – Huckleberry Rocks Area

The first parcel to open is the Huckleberry Rocks area. The park entrance for this area is located at 890 North Hill Road in Kitzmiller. There are 12.5 miles of trails available for motorized recreation. Of that, 6.5 miles can be used by full-size vehicles.

Wolf Den Run State Park
Huckleberry Rocks Area
Continue reading Wolf Den Run State Park

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales Celebrates 10th Anniversary!

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales marked their tenth anniversary in 2018! This is a great company to work for, and I am proud to be a co-owner of the real estate division. In addition to celebrating ten years in business, we recently completed the addition of 4,500 square feet to our office!

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales History

Taylor-Made was started in 2008 by Jodi Taylor Refosco, her husband Joe and her brother Chad Taylor. Jodi and Chad had years of experience in the vacation rental industry. They worked for their parents at Deep Creek’s largest rental company until they sold it in 2007. Joe has a strong background in hospitality and also worked for the elder Taylor’s and played a key role in developing their in-house laundry facility. Continue reading Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales Celebrates 10th Anniversary!

Fort Alice: The Civil War Comes to Garrett County

Fort Alice is one of the many historic sites that you can visit in Garrett County. It is located in Oakland, the county seat. If you are planning to visit the museums in Oakland, this is a great addition to your itinerary.

fort alice

The History of Fort Alice

On Sunday, April 2, 1863 the Civil War came to Garrett County.  The crack of a Union sentry’s warning shot pierced the quiet of an otherwise tranquil Oakland Sunday.   They had the good manners to wait until church services had ended.  Confederate soldiers invaded the town under the leadership of Colonel Asher Harman.  The raid took the town by complete surprise. Everyone from the citizens exiting church to the Union soldiers stationed at nearby Fort Alice were shocked by the site of the soldiers in gray.

As the citizens scurried in the streets, seeking the safety of their homes, the Confederate soldiers took food from hotels and stores for themselves and for their animals.  Some ate dinner at private homes, as the impeccable manners of the Rebel soldiers were hard to refuse.  Also, some townsfolk were even reimbursed for their hospitality with Confederate currency. Continue reading Fort Alice: The Civil War Comes to Garrett County

Deep Creek Event Guide for Mid-Summer 2018

Your Deep Creek event guide for mid-summer 2018 is filled with lots of fun happenings. The entire family can enjoy outings that give you the opportunity to explore the Deep Creek Lake area. As an added bonus, many of them are FREE!

Deep Creek Event Guide

Deep Creek Event Guide

Stage Wisp Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays through August 29, 6:30-9PM

Free summer concerts on the lawn at Wisp Resort are accompanied by beautiful sunsets. Bring some chairs and tap your feet to local and regional musical acts.

Pocket Park Movies
Thursdays through August 16, Movies Begin at Dusk

Pocket Park movies are fun nights for the whole family! Bring your chairs or blanket and come out to the Mountain Fresh Pavilion in downtown Oakland. Plus, they are free!

Yoga in the Lavender Field
Fridays through August 10, 9-10AM

Experience gentle stretch yoga while surrounded by the scent of lavender. Bring a mat and straps if you have them.  Sip lavender infused iced tea after your the session. The Lavender Farm is located between McHenry and Accident. Continue reading Deep Creek Event Guide for Mid-Summer 2018

Featured Community: Waterfront Greens at Deep Creek Lake

Waterfront Greens at Deep Creek Lake is a favorite community. Year round residents, second home owners and vacationers love the scenic location and numerous amenities. Also, it is close to popular activities.

waterfront greens

Waterfront greens amenities

There is something for every member of the family to enjoy. All of the homes have access to the common lakefront gazebo. Many have dock slips as well. There are a total of eight shared docks. The quiet cove is ideal for fishing and kayaking.

A signature feature of Waterfront Greens is the catch and release fishing pond. Surrounded by picturesque gazebos, it provides recreation and a great photo op. Little kids especially enjoy casting their line. Continue reading Featured Community: Waterfront Greens at Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake Spring Events

Deep Creek Lake spring events offer something for all ages and interests. Because the weather is warming up, it is a great time to explore state parks. Spring brings out lots of new listings too. You can get great rates on vacation rentals. So, you can have a fun weekend getaway while you look for Deep Creek Lake real estate.

deep creek lake spring events

Deep Creek Lake Spring Events

Ramp Cook-Off
April 28, 11AM-1PM, Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center
Ramps are a wild onion that signal springtime in the mountains. You can enter a dish or sample the entries.

Spring Flinger Disc Golf Tournament
April 29, 12:30PM (registration begins), Wisp Resort
This 9-hole disc golf tournament is fun for the entire family. Rental discs are available.

Birdfest
May 4-6, Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center
Guided hikes through area state parks give you a chance to observe native and migratory birds. Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Spring Events