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ASCI Whitewater Course

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

Re-Circulating Whitewater Course at Deep Creek Lake

Did you ever want to venture out on a big river in the mountains with a bunch of friends, saddle up on a whitewater raft and plunge through millions of gallons of water on half way out of control rapids? If you start to factor in the class of rapids that would suit you, how much food to bring with you, what lodging you have to secure, and most importantly are you going to survive a trip down some out of control wild river, then you may want to look at a better way to get your rafting career started.

ASCI Whitewater Course
ASCI Whitewater Course

I suggest you pay a visit to ASCI’s (Adventure Sports Center International) re-circulating white water course right here in Deep Creek Lake and charter a tour with your friends on a two hour rafting marathon that will transport you briefly to some desolate rocky gorge in the Rockies and have you upside down at times in a safe but exciting river adventure. ASCI has the ability to change the class of the rapids in a short amount of time and can adjust the way the water cascades over rocks to dial in optimum enjoyment for each customer. They have assembled a veteran crew of real river guides who take you on a trip from mild to wild depending on your boats comfort level.  Note; you will get wet, you will have to paddle, you will not be in the boat at all times, you will have the thrill of your life, you will be in safe hands the entire time! Bring the kids, and adults on your next visit to DCL and peel yourself from the lake (I know it’s a hard thing to do) for a super fun afternoon.

 

ASCI Whitewater Course
ASCI Whitewater Course
ASCI Whitewater Course
ASCI Whitewater Course

Fish Kill Results Deep Creek Lake

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

Fish Kill Results Deep Creek Lake. Well, there have been a lot of people locally concerned about the recent fish kill here on Deep Creek Lake, and rightfully so. There have been many different stories about the cause of the kill and the health of the lake. I spend a lot of time in the lake and have never been given any signs that the lake is polluted or contaminated in any way, shape or form. I have been waiting to hear facts about the fish kill before raising any concerns or judgments.

Thankfully, it looks like the scientists have found the culprit to be the recent hot weather that we’ve been experiencing this summer. The Maryland State Department of the Environment said Thursday that high air temperatures this month warmed the lake’s surface and created ideal conditions for an infestation of parasitic microorganisms that affect the gills of certain cold-water fish.

The agency said the fish kill is affecting mainly cold-water species such as yellow perch, walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike.

Environmental regulators and the state Department of Natural Resources are still collecting and analyzing water and fish samples.

Fish Kill Results Deep Creek Lake
Small Mouth fishing Deep Creek Lake Maryland

Traders Coffee House Deep Creek Lake

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

Traders Coffee House Deep Creek Lake

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.

Traders Coffee House Deep Creek Lake
deep creek lake, maryland sunrise

PONTOON TOUR ON DEEP CREEK LAKE!

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

PONTOON TOUR ON DEEP CREEK LAKE!

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.

PONTOON TOUR ON DEEP CREEK LAKE!
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.

PONTOON TOUR ON DEEP CREEK LAKE!
deep creek lake summer glass

Joyce’s Fine Jewelry

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

Joyce’s Fine Jewelry

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.

Joyce's Fine Jewelry
Joyce’s Fine Jewelry

Celebrating Independence Day Deep Creek Lake-style!

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

Celebrating Independence Day Deep Creek Lake-style! Fourth of July weekend brings images of a Boston Butt slow smoking on the grill, corn on the cob, pork and beans, potato salad, sweet ice tea, and of course as the day ends and it gets dark, fireworks! Deep Creek Lake’s McHenry Cove become’s a parking lot full of boats jockeying for the best view of Wisp Resort and the famous fireworks show that they annually put on. The elevated highway, Route 219/Garrett Highway, which sits across from DCL and the Wisp is littered with hundreds of cars filled with excited families who have made this fireworks show a proud tradition for Garrett County residence and folks visiting from out of town. The fireworks start at 9:15 and continue on until 9:45. Save some energy from your busy day barbecuing and pull up a chair or a boat to enjoy an American Independence Day celebration here in Patriotic Deep Creek Lake.

Celebrating Independence Day Deep Creek Lake-style!
Fire on the Mountain!

 

Deep Creek Lake Beach Hut

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
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 Beach Hut
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.

Deep Creek Lake Beach Hut
Paddleboarding DCL
Deep Creek Lake Beach Hut
beach_hut_rates

Wisp Resort’s Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour-Deep Creek Lake

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

Wisp Resort’s Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour-Deep Creek Lake. The newest adventure activity to hit Deep Creek Lake, Maryland…a Canopy Tour attraction!  I had the great opportunity to experience Wisp Resort’s Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour for myself a few weeks ago.  It was a blast!  There are 5 zips plus a training zip at the beginning of the course.  It’s important to pay attention in the practice area and listen to all of the guides instructions, it will make your tour go smoother and safer.

Remember to bring your handheld recording device or camera to bring the experience home with you.  It takes approximately 1 1/2 hours to get through the course and they can take up to 8 people and a Guide at a time.  The cost is $39/pp.  Happy zipping

Wisp Resort's Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour-Deep Creek Lake
Wisp Resort’s Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour-Deep Creek Lake
Wisp Resort's Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour-Deep Creek Lake
Wisp Resort’s Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour-Deep Creek Lake

 

 

 

 

The Spiker Team supports PAWS

 

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

The Spiker Team supports PAWS

 The Spiker Team supports PAWS. I am very proud to work for a team here on Deep Creek Lake that continually helps raise money for heartfelt causes and charities in our community. Long and Foster employees and The Spiker Team consistently lead the way in volunteering in events like The Special Olympics, The Deep Creek Dunk, The Lions Club, The Cardboard Box Derby and many other rewarding causes.

Last night at Wispers Bar at Wisp Resort, Long and Foster showed up again to support PAWS aka Partners of Animal Welfare and Safety. This nonprofit volunteer organization has been around since 2001 and has led a crusade to protect the interests of animals here in Garrett County. They help end the suffering of unwanted animals by reducing pet over-population through spay/neuter and feral cat programs. They assist low income residents by paying for portions of vet bills for neutering and spaying their animals. Check out their website and learn a lot more about this wonderful organization and also upcoming fundraiser events.

Legendary and loved Long and Foster agent Ed King was behind the bar with Betsy Spiker volunteering their time as guest bartenders. The PAWS donation bucket was filled up by the end of the night and the raffle tickets that cluttered the bar and restaurant area also raised a lot of money. Thanks to all who made it out and contributed to a fun time for another great cause.

Wild Ramps Deep Creek Lake
Wild Ramps Deep Creek Lake

Lodestone Golf Club Trial Use Privilege

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

 

Lodestone Golf Club Trial Use Privilege. The elevated excitement about the grand opening of Lodestone Golf Course is going to a higher level with the introduction of the new Trial Use Privilege Program.  This already legendary golf course, on top of Wisp Mountain, has people blown away by the natural aesthetic beauty of this thoroughbred golf paradise. The grassing scheme alone takes this rolling mountain course to the pinnacle…. Lodestone used the most modern bent grass hybrids on the tees, fairways, and greens, while framing it all in with fescue/bluegrass outer roughs. The combination of the upscale grass and the amazing design work that Hale Irwin and Design Workshop executed puts this track in a league of its own by a long shot.

Lodestone Golf Club Trial Use Privilege
Lodestone Golf Club Trial Use Privilege

 

This new trial membership is stunningly affordable considering what this masterpiece has to offer. Sign up now so you can have a chance to walk with Hale Irwin in the spring as he christens 18 fabulous holes. Deep Creek Lake is fortunate to have owners with such a well thought out vision of improving the quality of life and activities while continuing to stride towards excellence in everything they do for the people who live here. Click the picture above for details or call 310 616 4035 for more information.

#3 Lodestone
#3 Lodestone