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15 Things To Do at Deep Creek Lake for Families

15 things to do at Deep Creek Lake for families is your guide to some of the area’s best activities and attractions. They offer something for all ages throughout each season.When you search for Deep Creek Lake real estate, the outdoor lifestyle comes along with it. That is just one of the aspects that makes the area so desirable. From teens to toddlers, I’ve got you covered with some personal favorites and inside tips too.

things to do at deep creek lake

1. Deep creek lake state park

Garrett County has seven state parks total. I encourage you to explore them all! However, a trip Deep Creek Lake State Park can be a leisurely or as active as you like. Spending a day lounging at the sandy beach is one of my favorite things to do at Deep Creek Lake. Picnic tables dot the shaded shoreline. The roped-off swimming area keeps the kids within sight. During the summer months, their are lifeguards on duty.

Wisp Resort rents kayaks, canoes and paddleboards from the beach hut. It is fun to explore the quiet cove that’s just around the corner from the beach.

Perfect for little ones, the Discovery Center has hands-on exhibits that highlight the area’s history and environment.  Every weekend they have special programs. Check their schedule for activities that include aviary tours, butterfly walks, making pinecone birdfeeders and more. Park naturalists also lead hikes if you are looking for something a little more adventurous.

2. Splash Island Inflatable water park

Located at Will O the Wisp, this is a summertime must-do! Splash Island at Deep Creek Lake is a water-based obstacle course. Play on their floating volleyball court, inflatable slides, jungle gym and a hamster wheel. They are open June 15-September 15. Continue reading 15 Things To Do at Deep Creek Lake for Families

Maryland Smoke Alarm Law Reminder

The Maryland Smoke Alarm Law was recently updated. New requirements went into effect January 1, 2018. The goal is to reduce the number of fire related deaths. I put together a rundown of the requirements and why they are important. Click here for full details on the Maryland Smoke Alarm Law.

Maryland smoke alarm law

Maryland Smoke Alarm Law Requirements

The new Maryland Smoke Alarm Law applies to any battery-only operated smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old. Home owner should replace them with an alarm with a 10-year sealed-in battery having a “hush” button. Continue reading Maryland Smoke Alarm Law Reminder

Ski In Ski Out Wisp Resort Communities at Deep Creek Lake

Ski In Ski Out Wisp Resort communities are ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. The are the perfect choice for a second home or primary residence at Deep Creek Lake. Because they are centrally located, they have great rental potential too.

ski in ski out wisp resort

 

 

 

Ski In Ski Out Wisp Resort Communities

Recent development has added to the list of options. There are several communities that offer direct ski in ski out Wisp Resort access.

boulder ridge

This is a gated slopeside community on top of Marsh Mountain. The impressive homes in this area offer amazing views. You can step outside your door and access Main Street or Eye Opener slopes. Plus, chairlift 4 & 5 are close-by. The convenient location is also within walking distance of the Adventure Sports Center International’s (ASCI) Mountaintop Whitewater Course.

Highline

The views from the Highline community feature Deep Creek Lake and the surrounding mountains. All of the homes are free-standing. Highline has slopeside access to Main Street while parts of the community overlook hole #6 of Lodestone Golf Course. Depending on the season, you can walk to the slopes or to ASCI. Continue reading Ski In Ski Out Wisp Resort Communities at Deep Creek Lake

Homeowner’s Tax Reform Quick Guide

homeowner’s tax reform quick guide

This homeowner’s tax reform quick guide will focus on the biggest real estate oriented tax polices that were recently enacted. The new tax law is known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It may change how buyers see homeownership incentives.

Here is a brief rundown of some of the most noteworthy real estate-related tax policies and how they may affect homeowners.

homeowners_tax_reform

New SALT Deduction Limit

SALT stands for “state and local taxes”. In the past, taxpayers could deduct what  they pay in state and local property, income, and sales taxes from their federal returns. It was unlimited. The new law caps any combination of these deductions at $10,000. Continue reading Homeowner’s Tax Reform Quick Guide

Monkey Business Adventure Park Deep Creek Lake

Monkey Business Adventure Park at Deep Creek Lake opened for business in September 2017. It offers ziplines and aerial obstacles for almost every member of the family. Also, it is operated by the same folks that own Splash Island, fun for all ages is guaranteed!

Monkey Business Adventure Park

Open year round (weather permitting), Monkey Business Adventure Park is a fantastic addition to the Deep Creek Lake area. You can ride on ziplines and tackle aerial challenges with lake views in the background. Continue reading Monkey Business Adventure Park Deep Creek Lake

Wisp Resort Opening Day Announced!

Wisp Resort opening day is December 15! There is literally a buzz in the air that is the sound of their snowmakers. Their crew is taking full advantage of the cold temperatures.

Wisp Resort Opening Day

WISP RESORT opening day excitement

Wisp Resort opening day signals the unofficial beginning of winter season at Deep Creek. As a lifelong resident of the area, I grew up skiing and snowboarding at Wisp. It is just one of the recreational opportunities that enriches life at Deep Creek Lake. Spending time on the mountain with family and friends is a favorite way to make memories.

About wisp resort

The mountain has an elevation of 3,115 ft at the summit. There are 32 slopes covering 172 acres with a vertical drop of 700 ft. There is something for every skier’s ability level: 35% beginner; 38% intermediate, 27% expert. Continue reading Wisp Resort Opening Day Announced!

Home Winterization Tips for Deep Creek Home Sales

home winterization tips

Home winterization is on the minds of many of my sellers in the Deep Creek Lake are this time of year. I put together my top tips for home winterization to be sure you are ready when Old Man Winter knocks at the door.

prevent frozen pipes

Home winterization starts with protecting your pipes and water system. Avoid costly water damage that can occur from freezing pipes. A plumber will check everything and get it ready it for cold temperatures. Water should be drained from places where it is stored, like water heaters and hot tubs.

Once the water is drained, you won’t need to keep the heat turned up. Your pipes are safe and you will have lower utility costs.

check the gutters for leaks & debris

If water collects and freezes, your gutters could be damaged. The weight can pull them off of the house. Also, this could cause water to collect around your foundation. Most home owners know, that is never a good thing. Clean them out and seal up any leaks that you find. Continue reading Home Winterization Tips for Deep Creek Home Sales

Don’t Miss the Holiday and Classical Music Performance by Angelica

Angelica - Holiday and Classical Music Performance

Join us for a reception with wine and light fare and enjoy the holiday and classical music of Angelica, a seasoned acapella female quartet. This holiday and classical music performance will take place on Sunday, December 10 from 4-6 p.m. at Smoke N Mirrors Gallery, 114 South 3rd Street, Downtown Oakland Maryland.

There will be a 10% holiday discount on all purchases/combinations over $25 at the gallery and you can qualify for the Oakland Lucky Elf drawing for free prizes and services! The Lucky Elf promotion in downtown Oakland runs from November 26 through December 17. For every $25 spent in a participating Oakland store, you receive a chance to win a variety of local gift certificates. Winners will be chosen on Monday, December 18, 2017.

Certificates include: $100 to Painted Cupboard, 2- $50 to Nola’s Salon, $50 to Chic Shack, $50 to Naylors, $25 to the Book Mark’et, $25 to Pug Ridge Place, $50 to Rudy’s Clothing, $25 to Favorite Things Corner Gift Shoppe, 2 $50 to Top Chefs on Alder, $50 Loar Auxiliary at Garrett Regional Medical Center.

Tickets to the holiday performance are $15 each and include 2 drink tickets and light food fare. Call (304) 277-7700 for reservations. We hope you’ll join us!

Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Market Update for November 2017

Deep Creek Lake Real Estate market update for November 2017:

Your Deep Creek Lake real estate update gives you a snapshot of both Garrett County stats as well as the state of Maryland for comparison.

Residential home sales in Maryland rose by 2.5 percent over 2016. That indicates a steady fall market, according to the Maryland REALTORS. For the fifth month in a row, there were steady increases. The average and median home prices rose by 1.7% and 2.6% percent respectively, as compared to the same time in 2016. 

Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Market Update

“We are encouraged by the reversal from last month, as seen in the modest climb in home sales.”  said Maryland REALTORS President, Boyd Campbell.  “More importantly, there has been a 4.9 percent increase in homes under contract or pending units,” Campbell added. “This heralds more active home sales through the end of the year.” Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Market Update for November 2017

Deep Creek Holiday Events for 2017

deep creek holiday events

Deep Creek holiday events provide fun and festive activities for all ages throughout November and December. It is a great time to make memories as you experience life in the mountains of Western Maryland.

FESTIVAL OF TREES GARRETT COUNTY

November 24-25, 10AM-6PM
Benefitting the Dove Center, this annual event is held at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. It is a great event for all ages that includes visits with Santa, items from local artisans and lots of holiday trees. 

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

November 25, 7PM
This family-friendly event takes place at the Honi-Honi Bar. Enjoy Christmas carols, hot chocolate and photos with Santa Claus. Starting at 8PM, there is live entertainment until 11.

LITTLE CROSSINGS HOLIDAY MARKET

December 1-3, 10AM-4PM
In nearby Grantsville, you can browse items from local artists and vendors at the Little Crossings Suites right next door to Grant’s Mercantile and the Cornucopia Cafe. Continue reading Deep Creek Holiday Events for 2017