Morchella Mushrooms (MORELS). Have you any idea what a Morel Mushroom is? It took me some time before I was lucky enough to get my hands on some of these honeycomb-looking species of cup fungi that send people all over the country into a hunting rage during the spring. Ramps are more common than morels although still semi-elusive to most. When cooked up, the flavors explode in your mouth sending you scurrying to find your boots to get out and hunt for another “mess” of these golden jewels.
So where do you find these caps you ask? Depending on who you ask it could range from under cherry trees, under elm trees, south exposed spots, north exposed spots, behind the barn, or in the next state. The secret is hidden deeply in the mind of the locals and the actual spots are guarded by families for generations and generations. There is no easy road to the promise land of mushrooms. The one way to get them is to get off your tail and get steppin’ into the woods looking for anything that is a couple inches tall and has a honeycomb cap to them. I had a friend of mine and Betsy’s give me some morels a couple years back, but this year it’s up to me! I am heading out after work to get a start on finding that needle in a haystack shroom that will certainly turn into a new springtime ritual for me if I am lucky to stumble on a few.
Greeting from DCL-Ramps,Mushrooms-Spring bloom-Real Estate. Spring is slowly springing! I know our East Coast folks have already experienced the wonderful spring bloom so this is old news to you, but here at the lake we are trickling into that special season where the world is reborn! Foggy Tuesday morning has a layer of cool mountain mist settling over the ramps and mint that are trying to squeak their way toward maturity. If you have never eaten or even heard of ramps I would read through these articles I wrote a few years back laying out ramp basics and more importantly how to cook them.
Next big ticket item that you may or may not have heard of is the elusive morel mushroom that looks hideous but tastes delicious! Hunters are walking the woods as we speak trying to get a “mess” of these desirable honeycomb fungi. I would suggest if you get your hands on these jewels that you try dredging them in flour and frying in butter. I’m from the south so I usually suggest frying, uh… well… everything, in peanut oil of course which is much healthier. Some interesting nicknames…dryland fish, sponge mushrooms, merkels, or my favorite, hickory chickens.
Here’s a look this morning at the cherry trees starting to flex out of their shells just off our porch overlooking the lake.
Enjoy your week and call/email me if you’d like for me to send you a new custom search of properties available that meet your criteria. 240.321.5335, Bob.Holcomb@LNF.com, www.DeepCreekLakeProperty.com
Dutch’s at Silver Tree- Deep Creek Lake, MD. When legendary Dutch’s Daughter in Frederick, Maryland decided to expand their horizons to Deep Creek Lake, the local’s were ecstatic. Their stellar reputation for remarkable seafood and American cuisine crept West through the state to the mountains of Garrett County. I heard talk of a delicious crab cake that would make even the most skeptical Marylander proud to endorse. It did not take long to win over the locals and the visitors by renovating the historic Silver Tree Inn and transforming it into the most elegant and tastiest place on the lake. In the summer time the experience moves outside to tables overlooking the lake with The Harbor Bar close by. Do yourself a favor and take a special loved one or family to a unique dinner experience here at the lake.
Greeting from Deep Creek Lake-Rollar Coaster-Spring Fishing. The country is reeling in confusion from the crazy spikes in heat and plunging temps over the last month of spring. It was close to 80 last week and we had snow flurries on Saturday. The daffodils have already peaked, getting us pumped for a warm-up here at the lake. It looks like we will be in the mid 50’s next week with a warm up to the lower 60’s next weekend!
I am such a big fan of certain restaurants here at the lake. Brenda’s Pizzeria is one that I have a warm place in my heart for. This pizzeria cooks up authentic New York pizza pies with deep roots from the neighborhood in and surrounding the Bronx. I just stumbled onto a new product (via their Facebook) they are offering that may be an option during a visit here when you get in a pinch. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into one of these delicious to-go pizzas!
Quote from their page…“Have you ever got all the way home after a great vacation at Deep Creek Lake and thought, “Man, I wish I had a Brenda’s Pizza right now!” Well, you can! Grab a Take & Bake before you leave! Having Brenda’s at home is easy as pie! You can choose from any of our 16″ specialty pizzas or build your own! Yummmmm!!!”
The temperatures may fluctuate a bit but the fishing bite is on at the moment. Fishing boats have been buzzing around throughout the day trying to source the best fishing hole for the spring time catch. For the most thorough, comprehensive, real time information, there is no better source than Fishing Deep Creek Lake.
Check out this nostalgic lakefront home in the Southern lake Hazelhurst area with a nice, level yard. Great skiing cove with much less boat traffic than areas North. This 4-bedroom home has 75′ of lakefront, single dock slip, sunroom and good potential for renovation-http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-653667.html.
Take a little time to browse through our photo gallery and get pumped on all the activities that are available to you here at the lake!
Quote of the week- “People tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will descend like fine weather if you’re fortunate. But happiness is the result of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly.” — Elizabeth Gilbert
Aurora Borealis Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. “Aurora Borealis the icy skies at night, Paddles cut the water, in a long and hurried flight”. Neil Young sang these lyrics many years ago speaking of a time long ago when the country was simple and undeveloped. What a special place this must have been before things were so defined. Natural wonders like the Northern Lights, space, and the stars must have fueled some interesting talk around the campfire. Funny thing is that in Garrett County you can still get that feeling as the sun starts descending and the cool night penetrates the collar of your jacket.
You could feel something special in the air last night with all the talk of the Aurora Borealis which is more commonly known as the Northern Lights. This phenomenon is very uncommon for this area which increases the excitement for locals and visitors alike. I found a nice quiet spot on Wisp Mountain facing the North with my camera in hand and a nice cup of Joe. You could hear the birds faintly over a calming silence that we commonly experience here at the lake at dusk. The glow of sunset illuminated the mountain ranges miles in the distant as I waited patiently for the light show to begin. What a wonderful and clear night we all experienced as the night settled into darkness. I sat patiently relaxing and enjoy this crisp and cool night but unfortunately never saw a sign of the much anticipated light show spectacle that was forecasted. Some say that the forecast called for it to happen much earlier than it actually did. Although I was a bit disappointed that I missed and opportunity to photograph and experience this legendary event, I felt a deep love for a county rich in the old world feel of living. Leave your traffic jams, busy work schedules, and travel sports for a long weekend and throw up a tent and gather around the campfire to experience life, and true living.
1st Paddleboard of 2013-4/11/13. The last few days have been unusually warm and have been teasing and tempting me to brave the chilly waters of Deep Creek Lake for the first paddleboard session of the season. It was only a few days ago that the lake was covered in ice and the town was grumbling about the long winter.
As I stare out my Long & Foster office window my mind wanders. Contract sent…Check! Follow up emails and phone calls complete…Check! Check to make sure Betsy and lil’ Griffin are good…Check! So, I text my paddleboard partner to see if he can meet me late afternoon to christen the lake with our first trip out in 2013. He has a new Yolo paddleboard which is supposed to be THE state of the art racing board. We agree to meet at 5pm and I worry the air temps may plummet as the day starts to ease closer to dusk. I bring 3mm booties, under armor, sweat shirts and a beanie as I have no clue what to expect with real time conditions. The light wind gusts of early afternoon seem to calm as we both pull in to park at our go-to put-in area at the lake. A last minute breeze covers the lake with a maze of ripples that blankets McHenry Cove and then bleeds into the pure coveted glass that we have wished for all winter.
The warm afternoon has seduced me into foregoing all the warming gear I have brought with me and decide to go out in a pair of shorts. The docks are out so we wade in to ease our boards into deeper water navigating our fins over the damaging rock and gravel subsurface of the lake. I only get a temporary ping of cold on my feet before hopping to my knees and breaking free of the shoreline in a smooth and quiet glide toward the icy center of the lake. Lonely and empty McHenry Cove welcomes our presence as we slip into a season starting rhythm in deep water parallel to both shorelines. The snowy slopes of Wisp frame up the back drop around us and exhilaration sets in knowing we are the first ones to get on the lake in 2013. We wonder if anyone has paddled this early in the season while there is still snow left on the mountain. The light spring time chatter of bird plays through the cove and a warm glow covers me as we pass the L&F office. My feet are wet but feel very comfortable as I wonder why the water can feel so tolerable when a few days ago it was covered in ice. Adrenaline and fantastic weather numb any feeling of cold.
I look over at my friends new Yolo and the water peels off the bow, streams down the rail line and releases cleanly off the tail which equates to a smooth, fast glide. We make our turn toward home as the sun barely glazes through the clouds descending toward the mountain peaks over Wisp Resort. My mind skips from my family, dinner, and how lucky I am to live in an area so diverse in activities and so light in population. Our shoulder season in between winter and summer can be about as tranquil and peaceful as anytime or any place in this great country. As the trip comes to a finish I already begin to anticipate the many paddles in my future with my family and friends and hope I can put together a paddleboard group to explore beautiful Deep Creek Lake in the early dawn hours when the glass is plentiful and the sunrise is gorgeous.
Spring Ice Melt-Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. Well, it’s April 10th and it marks the first day that we have no ice on the lake since the beginning of winter. The last two days of 70° temps have the community fired up on springtime’s long-awaited arrival. We dip into the 40’s this weekend and then we warm up to steady spring’ish weather. Daffodils are 4”-6” and we are seeing iris and crocus starting to make their move toward bloom. Winter was great but I have high hopes that spring and summer will be much better. Paddleboarding, wakeboarding and slalom skiing are in the cards for me and the family. Our little 4-month old Griffin is destined to be on top of his game enjoying wonderful DeepCreekLake in a matter of a few seasons. Get your family here and enjoy the lake this year!
Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Spring Break, Golf Rates. I hope you had a fantastic spring break, if you were lucky enough to have one this year. Betsy and I spent some quality family time showing off little Griffin to my family and friends in Virginia Beach and in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The biggest reward a second home can offer are memories with your family and friends that you will retain for the rest of your life. This investment is much more than a financial venture. Many of our past clients share with us wonderful stories about DCL such as adventures with their children or grandchildren when they first learned to snow or water ski. We understand this feeling first hand as we watch our 4-month old son develop week-by-week and realize how lucky in life we are to be able to share the mountain and beach life with him.
Speaking of children…The Community Aquatic and Recreation Center (CARC) here at the lake has put together some really interesting summer camps for the children. If you are not familiar with the fairly new CARCCenter at GarrettCollege, check out their website and all the wonderful things they have to offer (see hyperlink above).
Golfers, please be advised of the new Lodestone rates. My understanding is that the new owners of Wisp Resort and Lodestone Golf Club plan on keeping the course in stellar condition with a tentative opening date of May 1st. Wisp Golf Course rates are also available with an opening date tentatively planned for April 19th. Get your game on and enjoy the perfect spring weather we will be having at the end of April-beginning of May!
The Spiker Team Listing of the week is this newly listed 4-bedroom waterfront chalet on roughly one wooded acre with a type A dock in the beautiful Thousand Acres community. http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1275297.html
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Greetings from Deep Creek Lake on Easter Week!!!!
Weekly updates by Betsy Spiker Holcomb of Taylor-Made Vacations and Sales, Deep Creek Lake. Put March 26, 2014 into your phone reminders for next season and I’ll tell you why. I have noticed that this Easter week we are having epic winter wonderland snow/ski conditions and virtually no one here to enjoy them. We have been getting dumped on with snow from a late winter storm that has left many upset about the never ending winter that we are having across the East Coast. I say, take it as it comes! The majorities of people have their minds on golf and the beach this time of the year and often miss the last week here at Wisp Resort. If you were here this weekend you could have pounced on some “West Coast” style powder that lasted most of the day because of the light pressure on the slopes. Check into rental & ticket rates next year around this time and pray for snow! Chances are you’ll score big on some sweet conditions! Check out this photo I got off Wisp’s Facebook page. “Got powder?”
Looking ahead a little when spring and summer start to show their face, consider getting your boat tuned up early before the marinas are swamped with service work. If you are looking for a boat, this is a great time to place your order to ensure getting the boat you want in time for the start of the season. Give Betsy’s brother, Adrian, a call at Deep Creek Marina 301-387-6977 with questions regarding a new or used boat. If you are looking for service, ask for Kim who will be happy to help you.
Here’s a little teaser that I took before a morning session with Bets and the boys a few years back. Bring on summer!
Don’t get caught in a stagnant rut & work routine and forget to enjoy life! LetDeepCreekLake and GarrettCounty serve as catalyst for this year being the BEST EVER for you and your family! Feel free to call me anytime with questions about anything here of interest to you.
Check out this slope access homesite which is just a short pump with your ski poles from the slopes: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1265232.html. Happy Spring Break to you and your family!
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Beachin weekend is on tap for this weekend, March 15th & 16th and there is a bunch of fun things to get into if you are here. The Comedy Blast kicked off the weekend on Friday night, March 15th with comics Bill Campbell & Mark Matusof. The doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm, so be sure and call to make reservations @ 301-387-4000 while tickets are still available.
The Rail Jam is on!!! The event starts Friday, March 15th at 7pm. You can register at 6pm at the Pro Park at Wisp Resort. Show your skills under the lights on this open style rail jam extravaganza!! Check out the photo below of real estate closing attorney Gary Sabo a few years ago busting a huge 360 degree monster air. Besides being a super shredder, he is also the best closing attorney we have here at the lake with Sage Title. This event welcomes skiers and snowboarders! Come visit us and either participate or cheer on the riders. I hope to see you there!!
Put on your best “Beachin” gear and head on down to the Beauty of the Beach Costume Contest on Saturday at 1pm. Take time to turn some heads with your best interpretation of beach style. DJ Johnny Rock will be serving up some live music throughout the day to keep your booty’s shaking.
Wisp Resort will celebrate their 57th Birthday Celebration on Sunday with games for the children and free cake for everyone, while supplies last.
Check out the entire line up below paying particular attention to the bottom where you will find huge lift ticket savings!
Friday, March 15 Comedy Blast* Times – Doors Open at 7pm Performance 8pm Location – Wispers Bar *Additional fees apply
Rail Jam #3 Times – Registration 6 pm; Competition 7 pm Location – Pro Park *Competition fee applies
Saturday, March 16 Live Entertainment – Sounds Fun Entertainment – DJ Jonny Rock Times – TBA Location – Lodge Deck
Beauty of the Beach Costume Contest Guests are encouraged to wear their best Beachin’ gear Times – 1pm Location – Lodge Deck
Date: Sunday & Monday, March 17 & 18, 2013 Wisp’s 57th Birthday Celebration Location: Wisp Resort Celebrate 57 years of skiing in Maryland with discounted 1-day lift tickets, discounted rentals & lessons. Plus, entertainment, games & more birthday fun!
Sunday, March 17, 2013 11am – 2pm – Children’s Games – Main Lodge 1pm – Birthday Cake Celebration – Main Lodge (While Supplies Last) 1pm – Ice Creations Ice caving demonstration! (Lodge Deck)
Monday, March 18, 2013 11am – 1pm – Children’s Games – Main Lodge 1pm – Birthday Cake Celebration – Main Lodge (While Supplies Last)
