Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite RealtorFall Foliage Deep Creek Lake
Fall Foliage
Fall Foliage Deep Creek Lake. I sit reflecting on the fall season looking across a still mirror lake that reflects off the water the last remaining leaves on the stubborn oak trees that seem determined not to give into old man winter. Looking back a few weeks ago we were fortunate to experience a stellar fall foliage spectacle here at Deep Creek Lake. This particular season seemed to hinge on perfection as every hue of nature’s color spectrum flexed magnificently around the lake and Garrett County. Fisherman out to capitalize on the fall bite witnessed a spectacle from their boats on God’s canvas here in the great mountains of Maryland. Leave the stress of life behind and join us next year for the brilliant fall foliage experience at Maryland’s favorite get away destination.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realto1884 Oakland Train Station-Deep Creek History
1884 Oakland Train Station
History Buffs, have I got something to share with you that is a mere 15 minutes up the road from Deep Creek Lake. Next time you are here at the lake get on 219 south and head to Oakland; you will be rewarded for your efforts once you get to the 1884 Oakland Train Station! This beautifully architected building is actually the 3rd building to occupy this location through the years. The first was a small two-story wooden building that was constructed after the railroad arrival in 1851. Unfortunately, a fire from the nearby Glades Hotel consumed the railway structure in 1874. During the interim, a one-story building was erected to serve as the train station until the current masterpiece was built in 1884. Original architect E. Francis Baldwin described his creation by using the term “Queen Anne Style”, which is highlighted by the rounded telegraph tower and roof that really gives the building its signature personality
1884 Oakland Train Station-Deep Creek History
The town of Oakland purchased the entire train station property in 1998. It has since become the center piece of Oakland’s “revitalization work” that was finished in 2000. There was a time in history when steam locomotives were the norm, and a 250,000 gallon water tank that stood 50’ tall occupied the East side of the station. It remained in tact until the 1920’s when it was de-constructed.
Oakland was once a very busy hub for transportation greeting 8 long distance express passenger trains a day in the 1940’s and 1950’s. During this time you could hail a train in St. Louisand be in Washingtonin in almost 24 hours. What a remarkable trip that must have been winding and carving through this amazing land at a wonderful time in history. Take your own trip back in time and try to put yourself back where the roar of the train whistle echoed through the foothills of beautiful Garrett Countyand the roots of train travel were paving the way to the industrial revolution.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite RealtorTen Steps To A Successful Settlement- Deep Creek Lake Real Estate
I have spent my career making sure my clients are educated on all the complexities that arise during the purchase of a home. After my team of buyer agents find the perfect home for their clients, our work toward a successful settlement really begins. As a selling agent for over the last 12 years, I have prepared and taught my team the necessary steps to ensure a smooth home buying experience. Here are some basic guidelines to ensure a successful settlement.
Ten Steps To A Successful Settlement
1.) Get pre-approved by a reputable lender.
2.)Compare your housing desires with what you can afford to begin the process of locating a home that meets your needs and means.
3.)Consider the state of the market your shopping in and decide when the right time to buy is.
4.) Once you have identified the best property to buy and you are ready to move forward with the bid/contract process, ask your experienced buyer specialist to walk you through your responsibilities and your potential need for expert tax & legal advice.
5.)Contact your lender immediately after the contract is fully executed. A reasonable commitment date is 30 days from contract acceptance.
6.) Be sure to follow-up with your lender to make sure they are providing all necessary paperwork required to render a final loan. Ascertain that an appraisal has been ordered and the date scheduled.
7.)Check with your real estate agent to make sure they are providing the appraiser current comps to validate the price of the property.
8.) A good real estate agent will communicate with your lender every couple of days to ensure all elements of the loan process are in order and proceeding in accordance with the contract commitment date.
9.) After receiving formal loan commitment, coordinate with the lender or real estate agent to make certain any and all underwriting conditions have been satisfied and nothing further is needed from you.
10.) When you receive final loan commitment from your lender, select your title company and schedule the settlement date. Remember that you must have a home owner’s insurance policy prior to settlement.
Ten Steps To A Successful Settlement- Deep Creek Lake Real Estate
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite RealtorThe Ohiopyle BikeTrail
The Ohiopyle BikeTrail
Normally I do not encourage folks to stray too far away from our utopian vacation heaven here at Deep Creek Lake because of the wealth of activities we have here. But, I have discovered a superb place just twenty-five minutes North of Garrett County in Pennsylvania that is a bike peddlers dream in the fall (or anytime for that matter). The ride is a great way to experience the legendary fall foliage that is not too far away from firing.Choose your starting point either at Confluence, PA or at Ohiopyle National Park, which are separated by eleven miles. The kicker is that the bike path between the towns runs parallel with the beautiful Youghiogheny River with gentle, consistent elevation changes, making for pleasant peddling. There is only a 2% grade running downstream from Confluence towards Ohiopyle that makes this 22 mile round trip perfect for those of us who don’t have the legs and lungs of Lance Armstrong. The trip allows many opportunities to stop and take in the relaxing peaceful calm that the Yough River is famous for. You will see many kayak and raft tours cruising down this easy flowing section of the river. Bring the family and a backpack with a nice lunch and a few ice cold Powerade’s and spend a special afternoon enjoying another chapter of God’s country.
I suggest if you do not bike a lot to begin by starting at Ohiopyle, which makes the first eleven miles 2% uphill all the way to Confluence, that way if you get too tired you can cruise with less effort on the slightly downhill run back to Ohiopyle. Expect rubbery legs the next day, and the urge to make biking a new part of your life. I know the summer season has ended, but take some time as fall approaches to step away from work, load up your bikes and bring the family to enjoy a memorable day just a stone’s throw from Deep Creek Lake.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite RealtorThe State of Wisp Resort, Deep Creek Lake, MD
The State of Wisp Resort, Deep Creek Lake, MD
The State of Wisp Resort, Deep Creek Lake, MD. I’d like to try to clarify the state of Wisp Resort and the surrounding real estate on the mountain. There have been rumors and sensationalism in some of the headlines and I would like to try to state the facts as I know them.
First of all, Wisp Resort, which is owned by Recreational Industries, owns the ski resort and Wisp’s public golf course. Wisp Resort itself is a healthy, vibrant, profitable business and is poised to begin snowmaking for the 2011/12 season in less than 90 days. The first scheduled date for ski area operations is Friday, November 25 and Wisp is about to complete a positive record-breaking summer operation. To get an idea of the degree of success, gross revenues at Wisp have risen from $9 million to $16 million over a 5-year period with profitability increased more than three-fold.
The Lodestone Golf Course and surrounding home sites were developed by Wisp Resort Development (WRD). The decline in the economy couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Lodestone golf course and the surrounding homesites, putting a strain on WRD’s ability to meet their new obligations. Just 20 of the 60 developed sites in Lodestone have been sold and the remaining 137 sites are still in the development stage. Having spent the last 24 years of my life building golf courses that support the surrounding real estate development, I can testify that typically these developments sold out in a very short time. The good news is that the Lodestone course has been ranked as #3 best play in Maryland and #7 best new course in the country; however, even with an extremely high quality golf course, the homesite market is still quite slow. WRD reports that it is attempting to work with BB&T in an attempt to restructure its loan; meanwhile, there will be no interruption in activities at Wisp Resort.
Since its founding in 1955, Wisp has made Maryland’s westernmost county a year-round tourist destination. Vacation homes, some worth millions, ring the 3,600-acre lake. The ski resort is the county’s sixth largest employer with a workforce that swells from 225 in the summer to 650 in the winter. I spoke to Karen Myers, who has ownership interest in both Wisp and Lodestone, who said with her familiar, optimistic smile, “We operate a successful, thriving recreation business at Wisp Resort and we will do everything in our power to turn around the real estate development side of the business as well. Of course, we cannot control the national economy but we can make sure that our Wisp and Lodestone communities have the very best amenities and are offered to consumers at reasonable and affordable prices. Being a 10th generation Garrett Countian, I feel certain that the tenacity that has been passed down through the generations will see us through this economic crisis as well.”
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite RealtorGarrett County Agricultural Fair Deep Creek Lake
Garrett County Agricultural Fair Deep Creek Lake. Try to remember through child eyes the fantastic moments you experienced at the local summertime fair. I used to love the feeling of riding the “Round Up” spinning so fast that you could pick your feet off the ground as if you were flying. Then after getting off the ride simply trying to navigate walking for the next ten minutes while your head is spinning like a tornado. It can be as challenging as a tight rope walker.
There are all the rides that normally entice you to play like the scrambler, apple turn over, the star ship, and of course the ferris wheel. Cotton candy, funnel cakes, candy apples, fresh lemonade, beef brisket, hot dogs, local corn, and the famous rotary vinegar fries are just the start to Garret County fair cuisine. The familiar sights, sounds, and smells are nothing short of perfection to the senses at this All American small town fair.
There are truck pulls, tractor pulls, dirt bike exhibitions, and my favorite ‘”the crash up derby”. People from all over the county put together make-shift ram rods to see who can take the least amount of punishment and survive the longest. The leaking radiators leading to blow motors and back wheels being plowed into the car frame seem to be the master of demise in this grand event.
Remember that this is an Agricultural Fair. A popular event is when animals come through the auction gates. People pack the fair bleachers to bid on a large selection of farm animals ranging from Cows, Lambs, and Pigs. There is something special about the auctioneer taking control of the bidding and the electricity of the crowd competing for these beautiful fair animals. There is also the standard competition of trying to get the coveted blue ribbon for the best vegetable, photograph, painting, quilt or wood working piece.
After the fair, I went up to an special place overlooking the fair with the sun setting, the fair lights shining brilliantly, and the rumble of the crash-up derby all framed in by Wisp Resort in the background. What a great way to finish up the summer and the catalyst for the start of fall.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite RealtorThe Casselman Bridge
Garrett County History, Casselman Bridge
The Casselman Bridge. Did you know that GarrettCounty has one of the oldest surviving span bridges in the country? Just a short 15 minute drive from Deep Creek Lake and you can visit The Casselman River State Park. The Casselman River Bridge was originally built in 1813 as a part of the old National Road. At the time of its construction, this 80 foot stone arch bridge was the longest single-span bridge in theUnited States. The bridge remained in service until 1933, when a new steel bridge was built nearby. Today, the bridge is listed as a National Historic Landmark and serves as a scenic remnant of Maryland’s history. Be sure to check it out on your next visit.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite RealtorBroadford Recreational Park-Garrett County
Garrett County Broadford Recreational Park
Broadford Recreational Park-Garrett County. Everyone has that childhood memory of going to the local park for a little family time, grilling hotdogs and hamburgers, fishing, and watching the youngsters play at the playground. On your next visit to Deep Creek Lake I would encourage you to take a spin with your family and friends to the Broadford Recreational Area/Lake. There is nothing more incredible than to see the look on a child’s face when he walks into the mega playground that Broadford is home to. Daddy’s and Mommy’s encouraging their children to conquer the high-rise slide and with a whoosh they come whisking down with a face glaring with fear and pure excitement. These are moments that you don’t get very long throughout your child’s life and are experiences that should be cherished.
Maybe you want to walk the shoreline and try your luck casting a beetle-spin in hopes of hammering a nice crappie. Fishermen and women should explore the vast possibilities by foot or boat at Broadford’s cozy little lake. There are picnic tables, grills, and pavilions all around this quiet chill lake that are in need of family and friends to occupy them and create life-long memories.
There’s volleyball, basketball, and baseball fields for the sports lovers. Bring the bikes and go for a relaxing spin around this laid back park. I had a very fun experience here lately with friends and family enjoying all thatBroadfordParkhas to offer and really hope you take the time to do the same!
Directions – From I 68 take Exit # 14 (US 219 South), take 219 S about 22 miles and turn left onto Kings Run Road; proceed on Kings Run Road about 2 miles to stop sign and turn right onto Broadford Road; proceed on Broadford Road about 2.5 miles to the intersection of Broadford and Dennet Roads, continue through the intersection and make an immediate left onto Pittsburgh Ave.; take Pittsburgh Ave. about 0.25 miles and the lake entrance is on the left.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite RealtoSpringtime-Real Estate Deep Creek Lake
Make no mistake about it, I love all the seasons here at Deep Creek Lake, but spring has a way of grounding me to a calm center of balance and rejuvenating my spirit. For the first time in 2011, last night I left the screen door open in my bedroom and let the comfortable spring air ease me to a deep and wonderful sleep. This morning I awoke to the peaceful sounds of mountaintop birds who were also singing the praises of spring with a spectacular sunrise over a sheet of glass, calm lake. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy breakfast then sipping on a warm cup of Folgers medium dark coffee and eating a bowl of oatmeal overlooking the lake with an orchestra of soothing sounds around you. A nice quiet seven minute ride to work and I am in my office at Long & Foster ready to help buyers from all over to find their dream home in this ideal town. Feel free to give me a call if you have a question about activities, weather, or if you are in need of a passionate real estate professional who is excited and motivated to help you find your special home in this fantastic town. I’m excited about spring, I’m enthusiastic about the real estate market, and I am hopeful that you give me a call if you have any questions regarding Deep Creek Lake real estate.
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite RealtorSunrise Service Deep Creek Lake
Sunrise Service Deep Creek Lake. If you’re visiting Deep Creek this weekend and looking for a remarkable experience, take Chairlift #1 at 6:00 AM on Sunday to the top of Oden’s Chute on Easter Sunday morning 4/24/11. Here you will find a Sunrise Service officiated by Pastor Scott Robinson who does a wonderful job making this an enjoyable event for all. Last year, it could not have been any more dramatic…literally, as the Pastor Scott finished his sermon the sunrise exploded behind him across the vast mountain ranges of Garrett County. A sight to behold!
After the event you will be treated to a continental breakfast courtesy of Wisp Resort were you can meet new friends from in and out of town. No matter what religion you follow this is a great way to enjoy a special spring morning on the melting ski slopes of Wisp Resort. I hope to see you there.
