Bob Holcomb – Page 36 – Deep Creek Lake Blog

The Honi Honi Bar Deep Creek Lake

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

The Honi Honi Bar Deep Creek Lake

Honi Honi

Fourth of July weekend is on the radar and I can already feel the buzz of Saturday afternoons at The Honi Honi Bar at Deep Creek Lake. For all of you who have not experienced The Honi on a Saturday, put your seatbelt on tightly and get ready to blast off with THE party at Deep Creek Lake. They have a huge dock to handle the large amounts of people that travel by boat and there is also plenty of parking if you decide to travel by car. The music will put you in a trance like the pied piper and seduce you into shaking your tail feathers on the dance floor with happy go lucky locals until your howling at the moon.

This is always a family/kid friendly party with a playground arms length from the music. Kick back and order some good food, have a cool drink, and watch the band and the little ones while tapping your toes to the beat of bliss. There is over 1 plus acres of grass for your kids to run around that gently slopes down to beautiful Deep Creek Lake. Nudge your way into some competitive corn hole games, or lay out a big blanket and soak up some rays. Whatever you do, do not miss the undisputed heavyweight championship party’s happening every Saturday of the summer here at Deep Creek Lake.

Deep Creek Lake Beach Hut

Deep Creek Lake Beach Hut

Wisp Resort has set up shop at Deep Creek Lake State Park with their new Beach Hut. The Deep Creek Beach Hut has a bunch of different recreational equipment to rent while visiting DCL. Take a 1-2 hour course learning the basics about sailing then rent a Hobie Cat. Enjoy renting by the hour or if you really have a knack for sailing, rent one for the week. They also have kayaks, canoes, tubes, and paddleboards for rent. Don’t hassle your family and yourself trying to haul bulky equipment around on your vacation. Just show up with a picnic basket and your favorite cool drinks and relax at the beach and enjoy your favorite lake activity.

They also offer guided paddleboard, kayak tours if you want to explore the lake with trained professionals. The weather is perfect at the moment, so pack up the family and come de-compress here with us at Maryland’s favorite vacation destination.

Paddleboarding Deep Creek Lake

Paddleboarding Deep Creek Lake

Paddleboarding Deep Creek Lake. My passion for surfboard construction tipped me off to paddleboarding many years ago, as builders looked for new ways to experience the soulful glide of surf crafts. Basically, the boards were stretched out a bit longer than their modern longboard cousins and widened by about a foot around center. The curve in the bottom of the board or “rocker” dictates if it’s going to be good for paddling/speed or performance and ability to turn. At my favorite surf break at my second home in the OBX, high performance paddleboards are the norm and have been in the line-up for many years. The surfers there are taking the sport to extreme levels surfing waves in excess of 10 feet. This sport is constantly evolving and being refined by the board builders and wave-riding community.

This year paddleboarding has made its way to Deep Creek Lake. Both Deep Creek Marina and Wisp Resort rent an array of different paddleboards to suit your taste. I had my first attempt at it last night and can tell you that it is a blast. Being very tall does offer a disadvantage for balancing as you can be a little top heavy but it doesn’t take long to master it and be off on your way. I suggest starting off on both of your knees facing the front of the board until you get stabilized, then stand up at about the center of the board. I found it easier to keep your eyes on the horizon as opposed to looking down at the board, to maintain your optimum balance. Start sweeping your paddle through the water gently and you’re on your way to a peaceful glide across beautiful Deep Creek Lake. A word of warning, you are required by law to wear a life vest at all times when on a paddleboard; you can be ticketed and fined for not wearing one. Be safe and have a fun time this summer enjoying DCL’s newest craze.

Deep Creek Lake’s Got Talent

Deep Creeks Got Talent

Last year around this time I was breaking out my Taylor 810 guitar and rehearsing and little bluegrass jam that I have played through the years to get ready for my first stage appearance to support Deep Creeks Lakes one and only talent show. Lodestone Golf Club’s superintendent Scott McMillion, who is a master mandolin player, had the responsibility of painting over top of my simple bass run rhythms with some spontaneous brushstrokes of finger picking heaven

People showed up with acoustic and electric guitars, harmonicas, tap shoes, or just their best stage outfit and voice’s to impress the judges. At the end on the day it is all about raising money for the which ended with a total of $13,000. Not bad for a three hour event. This year they are also going to raise money for the Deep Creek Lake Volunteer Fire Department.

Come join us on Saturday June 19^th from 6pm-9pm for a fun filled exciting event and wonderful cause.

Deep Creek Lake's Got Talent — Deep Creek Lake’s Got Talent

Deep Creek Lake Farmers Market

Mountain Fresh Farmers Market – Oakland, Maryland

My family in Virginia has been boasting about the abundance of strawberries and other fresh produce and to be quite honest I am very jealous. Growing up in Virginia Beach I have been accustom to eating fresh vegetables out of my dad’s garden as long as I can remember. Thankfully for me from June 6^th through October 31, Oakland, Maryland hosts the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, mushrooms, kale, green onions, asparagus, and the list goes on and on.. All fresh out on the garden and ready to tickle your taste buds. There are also homemade baked deserts, fresh spices, and handmade quilts and purses and a wealth of different items of interest. I hear that when the peaches come into season people get there 30 minutes before it opens and wait in long lines to get a taste of some delicious peaches. Check it out next time you are in need of truly fresh farmers market produce.

Zip Lines Deep Creek Lake

Zip Lines at Deep Creek Lake

Last night I had the opportunity to try out the new Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour at Wisp Resort. It was the best hour of excitment that I have experienced this spring. After a short trip up the conveyor belt at the snow tubing park you have your first crash course in zip lining on two very short training runs. Next you get to climb a rope ladder up to your first platform for a fun descent through the trees next to the famous mountain coaster. The feeling of flying through the air on a zip lines is both calming and exhilarating at the same time. After conquering the first three runs and walking over a few cable bridges it’s time for you to experience the tallest, longest, and fastest run of the tour. You are standing on a little platform over 50’ off the ground overlooking the most amazing views of Deep Creek Lake. After a few safety checks by a knowledgeable Wisp staff it’s time to launch across a 400’ zip trip which takes you the width of the entire tubing park. This will surely get your motors running! Finish up with another long zip run and slide into home plate with your endorphins cranking maximum RPM’s. Well worth the $39 for admission.

Call for details @ 301.387.4000

Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Marina

Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Marina

The countdown starts today and we are a mere three weeks away from Memorial Day Weekend. Do yourself a favor and visit the areas favorite Marina, Deep Creek Marina. With the coming of spring comes the responsibility of preparing your boat for the water with basic spring maintenance. Let D.C.M. and there 5 star certified mechanics get your boat running smoothly and start your season with confidently and safely.

If you are in need of a boat, D.C.M. has a large assortment on both used and new boats. Choose from new boats like Chris Craft, Sea Ray, Bennington, and Malibu. They also carry slalom skis, wakeboards, wake surfers, paddleboards, tubes, and any other kind of accessory you may need. They also have a huge inventory of rental boats. Do yourself a favor and pay them a visit on you next trip to Deep Creek Lake.

Bluegrass Night at JG’s

Bluegrass Night at JG’s

I’m going to let you in on a Deep Creek Lake secret… On the first Tuesday night of every month at JG’s Tavern, local guitar Luthier Roger Skipper brings his assembly of musicians to host bluegrass night. The fun starts at 7:00pm, but you had better get there at least an hour early to get a place to sit or you may be listening from the parking lot. That is if you can find a place to park… This is ole school bluegrass from one warm group of good people.

I worked with Scott McMillion, the superintendent of the new Lodestone Golf Club on top of Wisp Mountain for over a year before I heard that he played mandolin on bluegrass night. This transplant from the Pacific North West has a natural ear and talent for playing some amazing mandolin. Roger, his wife and Scott are the nucleus of a local group of musicians that take you on a journey to the heart of bluegrass roots. There group consists of ten or so musicians who gladly share their stage with any pickers who may walk through the door. They rotate around the microphone each getting a chance to sing some of their bluegrass favorites’. The tempo goes from beautiful old ballads, to some hand clapping toe tapping banjo fiddle jams.

Great music. Good people. Fun times.

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!!

Author: Bob Holcomb

The Honi Honi Bar Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake Beach Hut

Paddleboarding Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake’s Got Talent

Deep Creek Lake Farmers Market

Zip Lines Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Marina

Bluegrass Night at JG’s

Lodestone Golf Course Opening May 1, 2010

Karen Myers inducted in the Maryland Business Hall of Fame

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