Betsy Spiker Holcombbetsy@deepcreeksales.com301-616-5022
Menu

Ahhh… Mid-September Deep Creek Lake

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor

 

Taylor-Made Vacations and Sales
Taylor-Made Vacations and Sales

 

dsc_3024_easyhdr-natural

 

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.

dsc_2997_easyhdr-natural

 

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.

dsc_3002_easyhdr-natural

 

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.

dsc_2999_easyhdr-natural

 

dsc_3016_easyhdr-natural dsc_3010_easyhdr-natural dsc_3003_easyhdr-dramatic-dark

 

Sweet Banana Pepper Mustard Recipe

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor

 

Sweet Banana Pepper Mustard Recipe
Sweet & tangy with a hint of spice
Sweet Banana Pepper Mustard Recipe
“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…

  1. Seed and chop peppers
  2. Mix everything together
  3. Warm to a boil stirring constantly so you don’t burn the mustard.
  4. 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.

 

Sweet Banana Pepper Mustard Recipe
Processed peppers
Sweet Banana Pepper Mustard Recipe
Stir!! Mustard can burn easily on med high heat!
Sweet Banana Pepper Mustard Recipe
Let jars cool slowly after water bath.
Sweet Banana Pepper Mustard Recipe
Dry seeds on a paper plate/paper towel for next year!

Late Summer Activity – Deep Creek Lake

Late Summer Activity - Deep Creek Lake
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor

 

Late Summer Activity - Deep Creek Lake
Tubing Deep Creek Lake

Late Summer Activity - 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.

Late Summer Activity - Deep Creek Lake

Late Summer Activity - 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.

Late Summer Activity - Deep Creek Lake

Late Summer Activity - Deep Creek Lake

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.

Late Summer Activity - Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake State Park

 

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor

 

 

 

Deep Creek Lake State Park
Deep Creek Lake State Park

 

 

Deep Creek Lake State Park
Real-time chillin

 

Deep Creek Lake State Park. Deep Creek Lake and our surrounding county have an immense amount of activities to do in and out of the lake. Continue reading Deep Creek Lake State Park

Fishing Deep Creek Lake Maryland

Fishing Deep Creek Lake Maryland
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor

 

 

 

Fishing Deep Creek Lake Maryland

Fishing Deep Creek Lake Maryland

Fishing Deep Creek Lake Maryland. The alarm clock is not met with as much resistance when you are scheduled for a morning of fishing at Deep Creek Lake. Continue reading Fishing Deep Creek Lake Maryland

Top Ten things to do at the Garrett County Fair

Top Ten things to do at the Garrett County Fair
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor

 

Top Ten things to do at the Garrett County Fair

Top Ten things to do at the Garrett County Fair

 1.  Stock and Hot Stock Tractor Pull– Enjoy locals challenging each other with torque and horsepower in this classic American event. Video here

Top Ten things to do at the Garrett County Fair

2.  Demolition Derby- This is a favorite event for me and the family. Does it get any better than watching cars smash into each other until they cannot run anymore? Last car standing! Video here.

Top Ten things to do at the Garrett County Fair

3.  Cow Patty Bingo- Imagine if you would, a large bingo board drawn out in an arena with labeled squares. Then you let people bet on & choose specific squares. Now for fun, let’s let a bunch of cows mosey on this real time bingo board and let their droppings decide a winner by the location its dropped. How can you dislike this old time tradition?

Top Ten things to do at the Garrett County Fair

4.  Food- Enjoy special fair food here at Deep Creek Lake. Pit beef, Rotary french fries and vinegar, Lions Club chicken dinner, taco salad, funnel cakes, turkey legs, Amish milkshake, Hotdogs, cheese burgers, homemade lemonade, pizza, corndogs and more.

Top Ten things to do at the Garrett County Fair

5.  Mud Bog- There are many different classes of mud stomping hotrods! This event screams excitement! Lineup of mega horsepower at a starting line with hundreds of feet of extra sloppy mud to drive through. The sounds of thunder coming out of these machines is exhilarating.

pictures-260--300x200

6.  Mechanical Bull Riding- What is there to say… You had a weird moment in life when you thought you wanted to be John Travolta in Urban Cowboy. Here’s your chance. Put your boots, hat and chaps on and give it a whirl.

Top Ten things to do at the Garrett County Fair

7.   4-H & FFA Livestock Sale- This cattle and pig auction is special for a lot of reasons. Basically the whole process is that young future farmers raise and take care of a grain fed cow without the use of steroids, hormones and chemicals. The auction helps these young boys and girls raise money to continue learning in the farm industry. The product from these animals is absolutely delicious and most local’s split a steer to put in the freezer to enjoy for the following year.

Top Ten things to do at the Garrett County Fair

  1. Music-Each year they bring in very entertaining music with a country to bluegrass flair. They always provide a toe-tapping backdrop to the busy and vibrant fair.

 

Top Ten things to do at the Garrett County Fair

9.  Craft Barns– The craft barns have an amazing assortment of arts and crafts done by local artisans. You may see creative wood working items, quilting’s and photography.  They also have fresh baked goods, jellies, cheeses and cookies. There is also a blue ribbon styled award for the best and largest produce. I highly recommend taking a few laps through these interesting buildings.

Top Ten things to do at the Garrett County Fair

10.  Carnival Rides-Bring the kids and have a blast on the traditional rides that we all grew up loving. The ferris wheel, the round-up, the scrambler, the carousel and funhouse come to mind. We all love to push the limits of excitement on squeaky classics.

Top Ten things to do at the Garrett County Fair

 

 

Top Ten things to do at the Garrett County Fair
Taylor-Made Real Estate Betsy Spiker Holcomb-301-616-5022

60th Annual Garrett County Agricultural Fair

60th Annual Garrett County Agricultural Fair
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor
60th Annual Garrett County Agricultural Fair
60th Annual Garrett County Agricultural Fair

 

60th Annual Garrett County Agricultural Fair. As we creep to the midpoint of summer here at Deep Creek Lake, focus turns to the County Fair. My mind drifts to comfortable nights, fresh squeezed lemonade, Rotary fries with apple cider vinegar, demolition derby’s, tractor pulls and carnival rides that bring you back to childhood. Continue reading 60th Annual Garrett County Agricultural Fair

21st Annual Deep Creek Lake Bullride Mania July 1-2, 2016

 

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor

21st Annual Deep Creek Lake Bullride Mania July 1-2, 2016

 

21st Annual Deep Creek Lake Bullride Mania July 1-2, 2016. You can enjoy the Accident Parade and Fire on the Mountain on Fourth of July weekend and go home a happy camper. Continue reading 21st Annual Deep Creek Lake Bullride Mania July 1-2, 2016

Living in the Moment, Creating Memories, Deep Creek Lake

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor
Living in the Moment, Creating Memories, Deep Creek Lake
Betsy Spiker Holcomb and son Griffins first tube ride.
Living in the Moment, Creating Memories, Deep Creek Lake
A first flower. Precious times in life.

Living in the Moment, Creating Memories, Deep Creek Lake. Along this journey of our existence, we find a comfortable place to experience the joys of life with family. We strive to live in the moment and create memories that we will never forget. Continue reading Living in the Moment, Creating Memories, Deep Creek Lake

Independence Day-Accident Parade-Fire on the Mountain.

Independence Day-*Accident Parade*- *Fire on the Mountain*
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor
Independence Day-Accident Parade-Fire on the Mountain.
Sneaky peak-McHenry Cove- Fire on the Mountain
Independence Day-Accident Parade-Fire on the Mountain.
Fire on the Mountain-Moonrise

 

Independence Day-*Accident Parade*- *Fire on the Mountain*

Independence Day-Accident Parade-Fire on the Mountain. We are closing in on 240 years ago that we gained our independence from Great Britain with Thomas Jefferson penning the Declaration of Independence.  John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

Independence Day-Accident Parade-Fire on the Mountain.
United States of America

 

Here at Deep Creek Lake (LIKE our page!) we follow suit celebrating in very traditional ways that John Adams may have been referring to. Most folks who show up here bring friends and family to take a little time away from work to celebrate our great country. The burgers and dogs will be charring on the grill with potato salad, pork and beans, and all the other fixins’ that will be ready to consume! Families generally break down into different groups to enjoy some lake time. The water-skiers and wakeboarders generally get there fill in the early morning hours or near dusk when lake traffic has subsided. The tubing crowd welcomes the busier boat crowd so they can try to launch their friends off the rough and tumble tubes. The paddleboard/kayak and canoe crowd normally fit in wherever they can find a calm cove.

Locals traditionally enjoy the Fireman’s Parade in the sleepy small town of Accident. It is there you find small town living at its best. This fireman’s parade is scheduled for an 11am start through the main street on Accident. Chicken dinners, hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, ice cream cones, drinks and homemade pies will be served at the Accident Fire hall starting at noon. The historical Drane House will be open from noon until 5pm. Come take a few minutes away from your vacation and bring the kids down to join in on our local tradition. How can you go wrong with an event that has a parade, arts and crafts, food, mechanical bull, hay rides, bounce house, games and historical tours? Hope to see you there!

Independence Day-Accident Parade-Fire on the Mountain.
Accident Parade

The star of the holiday weekend hands down is the Fire on the Mountain fireworks display at Wisp Resort. The show is “fired” from the tubing park at Wisp and can be seem from many vantage points throughout the county. The most popular is to go by boat to McHenry Cove and watch from the water. You will see hundreds of boats jockeying to find the best place to watch the show. Garrett Highway Rte. 219 also has hundreds of folks lined up to watch the show from lawn chairs perched perfectly across the lake. No matter where you find a place to enjoy the fireworks show, please be safe and respectful of everyone and have a super vacation with us here at the lake!