Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Traders Coffee House Deep Creek Lake
Traders Coffee House Deep Creek Lake
You want a perfectly scripted morning here in Deep Creek Lake? Do what most of the population doesn’t do. Get up early and watch a spectacular sunrise over the mountain or lake. To really enhance this experience, get on the boat while it’s still early dawn and maybe get in a round of wakeboarding, or fishing, or maybe just go for a mellow ride across the calm waters of Maryland’s favorite lake. Take a minute to exhale and leave your stress behind from your job or your life. This is what DCL is all about in the early morning. Now take a deep breath through your nose and smell the fresh mountain air, listen to the wildlife already in full swing waking up. Look around you and take notice of others like you sitting on a dock along the shoreline, or on another boat taking in this natural therapy. Save your appetite until about 9-10am when the activity on the lake starts to fill in a bit. You have just enjoyed 4 tranquil hours on virtually your own lake and now it’s time to fuel up with a delicious breakfast and an amazing cup of java.
Drive your boat down to about the middle of the lake and visit Trader’s Coffee House for a wonderful breakfast, and a relaxing atmosphere. Choose from a cappuccino, latte, tea, muffins, pastries, scones, waffles, croissants, and breakfast sandwiches. I suggest trying an ‘everything’ bagel with sausage and cheese with a large cappuccino, or maybe try their homemade waffles with whipped cream and strawberries on top. Bring your laptop if you have to catch up on emails. Key words “have to”! Trader’s will smooth out your attitude and put the real world temporarily into another distant, unfamiliar world. After your visit to Trader’s, it’s time to catch up with your crowd and indulge in your normal lake activities. Just be sure to put aside a few mornings each visit to Deep Creek Lake and enjoy my favorite time on this peaceful lake.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Locals Cup Sunset Paddleboard Race Deep Creek Lake. Tonight on July 24, 2010 is the Locals Cup Sunset Paddleboard Race #2 at Deep Creek Lake State Park sponsored by Wisp Resort. There will be time trials around four different buoys and you can select from different classes to participate in. There is a $10 per person entry fee. The fun starts at 7:00 pm and will continue on until close to midnight. Come out and join the fun and watch the sunset with friends and locals and show your skills stroking to paddle board victory. Call Mike Valach from Wisp Resort at 301-387-4911 ext-0 for entry details.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
PONTOON TOUR ON DEEP CREEK LAKE!
Summertime Paddleboard session
Are you seriously considering buying property on Deep Creek Lake? If you are, The Spiker Team at Long and Foster in conjunction with Deep Creek Marina have something that may be of interest to you. On August 4, 2010 at 12pm we will be hosting a Pontoon Boat Tour with lunch provided around Deep Creek Lake to give you a view on the lake through our eyes and show you the many different personalities the lake has to offer. We will start out in the North end of the lake close to Wisp Resort & shopping and continue toward the South end of the lake to what is perceived as the “quiet” end of the lake.
Join us for lunch and learn about the unique areas around Deep Creek Lake and view some of the truly spectacular lakefront and lakeview properties from the water. Just shoot an email to betsy.spiker@lnf.com with your contact information below and we will contact you with the details.
Fall Deep Creek Lake glass
We look forward to having you join us for a fun and informational cruise on the lake. Please include the words “pontoon tour” in the subject line and let us know how many people will be in your group. Seating is limited so reserve your spot today.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Deep Creek Lake’s Summer Weather
Growing up in the South around the beach I know all too well about the stifling, crippling heat that blankets the Mid-Atlantic during the HOT summer months. Consider this explanation/ definition relating to heat index. “Heat index (HI) is an index that combines air temperature and relative humidity in an attempt to determine the human-perceived equivalent temperature — how hot it feels, termed the felt air temperature. The human body normally cools itself by perspiration, or sweating, which evaporates and carries heat away from the body. However, when the relative humidity is high, the evaporation rate is reduced, so heat is removed from the body at a lower rate causing it to retain more heat than it would in dry air.” (Source: Wikipedia)
How does all this boring scientific gibberish about summertime heat index relate to Deep Creek Lake? Well…IT DOESN’T!!
Deep Creek Lake’s Summer Weather
Here at Deep Creek Lake we don’t live our summers inhaling oven-like temperatures when working in our yards or doing outdoor activities. Instead, we enjoy comfortable temperatures from May-September that run from the lower 70’s to the low 80’s with much lower humidity. Sure there will be a week or two where we get a spike in heat for a short period of time, but rest assured that it will be short lived. There is nothing more refreshing than it being 80 degrees outside (with low humidity of course) and jumping into a 75 degree lake. Rainfall during the summer roughly averages out to about 4” per month, just enough to keep the yards green and the flower’s flexing. I know and love a lot of great cities along the Mid-Atlantic that have wonderful architecture, culture, and people that I love to visit and explore throughout the year but I have a sacred place in my heart for refreshing Deep Creek Lake in the summertime.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Deep Creek Lake Lodestone Golf Caddy
Last year around this time I had a great opportunity to caddie for Hale Irwin when he christened the front nine at Lodestone Golf Club. I felt that I nailed it, but after the round Hale half jokingly told me I was the worst caddie he ever had in his career….Ouch!
Hale and Steve Irwin
Although I have spent 24 years building golf courses, I never really had time to grasp exactly what a caddie does other than carry the bag. It was news to me that each club actually had a specific place in the bag. Go figure. My take on it was the same as when I play and I just stuff the club wherever it fits. It was news to me that I was supposed to bring a wet and dry towel to keep the clubs and golf ball clean. I had to grasp the critical caddy duties that keep the golfer focused on his game. Thankfully for me, this was a practice round and I wasn’t responsible for taking any food off the Irwin family’s table!
This year I made sure I was on my “A” game so that if I was called to duty in the caddying department I wouldn’t be smacked around for my lack of skills! I got back in the gym, got into strong physical shape and studied PGA game films of caddies who worked for the best golfers in the world. Now I felt I was ready to assume the role as super caddy!
This year it was my responsibility to caddy for Steve Irwin, who is Hale’s son. I had a wet towel ready to wipe down clubs and golf balls, and returned clubs to their proper place with scientific precision. Steve actually used a few suggestions about putting lines and shot trajectories into greens. I think Hale even had a chuckle or two about my born-again effort to be a decent golf caddy.
I have hung up my golf course construction boots for good and have happily put on the real estate cap here in Deep Creek Lake, but there will always be this feeling deep down in my heart wondering if my calling all along was to be the best caddie ever on the PGA tour!
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Joyce’s Fine Jewelry
Joyce’s Fine Jewelry
If you are a guy that has a beautiful woman that you are madly in love with and want to spend the rest of your life with & marry, you need to buy her that special ring to solidify your love. The wedding ring symbolizes the unbroken circle of eternity. The traditional diamond that sits perched on this meaningful ring dazzles women all over the world, and rightfully so. This elite sparkling gem takes around a billion years to create, give or take a few million years. So, you can understand why we hold these unique gems in such high graces; they are the ultimate romantic token of eternal love.
Now that you know you are going to pop the big question, it’s time go out and find that precious stone that symbolizes your everlasting love for your special lady. I left Deep Creek Lake for Uniontown, PA a bit clueless in the process of finding that perfect stone, and to be honest, expecting to SETTLE for something I didn’t love but hopefully she did. I visited the malls first because even though I had been advised to shop for a ring at a reputable and reliable company (Joyce’s Fine Jewelry to be more specific) I felt I still needed to see what the malls had to offer. After looking through minuscule selections of settings with the companies “premium” diamonds per se, I realized that I had made a mistake. I never really received any helpful advice or got anyone’s input other than “this would look great on her finger”, or “this is our best diamond.” It sounded like a well-rehearsed gig. Looking through the meager inventory, I didn’t see a diamond that dazzled me, and to tell you the truth even their “best” had sort of a yellow hue. But what do I know? I’m not an expert in this department. Is anyone??? The simple answer is ‘yes’.
People, THERE IS A BETTER WAY. I set sail for Joyce’s Fine Jewelry wondering how they could ease the pain of this daunting task. This is supposed to be a special experience, right…? You walk in the door and are greeted by a smiling family business that welcomes you in open arms as part of their family. Joyce and David Katzeff have put 30 years of hard work into building their impeccable reputation in providing honesty, patience, and top-of-the-line jewelry to their customers. April Sabatini sat for hours showing hundreds of amazing settings and even missed her lunch to make sure I was educated on the different styles of rings and how they are made. She had a genuine love for what she was doing and respected the fact that this was a special moment. Never did she rush me or try to “sell” me on something. April provided me her experience and patience in educating me so I was crystal clear in making MY decision.
Ok, the setting is picked and now it’s time to pick THE diamond. My mind instantly flashes back to the malls “premium” diamonds with obvious yellowish color. My mind is set to ease by Brandon Katzeff, who is the son of Joyce and David Katzeff. He sits down with a professional, knowledgeable, family smile and rings the school bell for Diamonds 101. Brandon methodically explains the 4 C’s; Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat and the ratings associated with them so when the time comes to pick THE special diamond, YOU can pick from a first class selection of diamonds with a better understanding of these sacred gems. Joyce’s Fine Jewelry does not even sell the inferior diamonds that you see at the mall because if they did, they wouldn’t be in business for over a quarter of a century. They pride themselves in quality jewelry and excellent customer service, which leads to repeat business and referrals.
Next, the diamond’s come out and Brandon breaks out the 10x magnification eye piece to SHOW you differences in clarity, color and cut and why and how they are graded and priced the way they are. This was an amazingly fun process. I was educated so much that I mixed up all the diamonds we looked at and actually PICKED the premium diamond of the bunch. The funny thing is that all the diamonds we were given to consider were of the finest quality. The entire process is special because all of the misconceptions and distractions are eliminated, and you have the opportunity to pick with your heart. Being educated beforehand makes this process very special and the staff plays a big role in making this whole process one you will look back on with joy.
It doesn’t matter where you live in this great country, do yourself a favor during that special time in your life and visit Joyce’s Fine Jewelry. They will guide you from start to finish with warmth, experience, and a vast understanding of jewelry and customer service.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
The Yummy Yacht Deep Creek Lake
The Yummy Yacht Deep Creek Lake
As a child, we have fond memories of hearing the out-of-key chime of the ice cream truck in the vicinity of our neighborhood. I can hear Eddie Murphy now…”ICE CREAM MAN IS COMING!” in his hilarious child-like voice. Then we are off running to find mom to beg for some spare change for a bomb pop and then on our bike’s chasing the wobbly sound blaring out of some tired speaker. I’ll never forget how we would congregate all of our bikes together on those hot summer days and inhale melting ice cream until our faces and hands were covered with as much sticky sugar as our skin could absorb.
Deep Creek Lake now has a new addition to the water that will hopefully bring you and your children fond ice cream-based memories; this floating ice cream stand is known as Deep Creek Marina’s YUMMY YACHT. That’s right folks, we have an ice cream boat to bring you all your favorite flavors whenever you get the urge for something cool and refreshing out on the lake. Julie Spiker is the captain of this freezer-packing vessel and will be happy to bring your favorite treat right to your boat. Keep your keen ears open to that familiar carnival sound of the Yummy Yacht this summer and bring smiles to your children’s faces and the rest of your family while enjoying a sweet treat on a special lake.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Hale Irwin at Deep Creek Lake. Wisp Resort Development, Inc. has spent a decade nurturing a dream of bringing a championship-caliber golf club to Deep Creek Lake. They upgraded the original design team and brought in Hale Irwin years ago to bring the creative eyes and experience of a 3-time U.S. Open champion. Hale Irwin will be here to play a preview round on the back nine of the new Lodestone Golf Course on July 10, 2010 with Lodestone Club members. This event will not be open to the public so make sure you check out the membership options online and join now so you can experience this fun event with Hale. Lodestone Golf Club is destined to be one of Maryland’s finest courses, not to mention the only mountaintop course in the state.
Hale Irwin Lodestone openingBob Holcomb trying to read a Hale Irwin putt.
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.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
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.
Deep Creek Lake paddleboarding
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.
