Betsy Spiker Holcombbetsy@deepcreeksales.com301-616-5022
Menu

Support Small Businesses in Garrett County

Small businesses in Garrett County and around the Deep Creek Lake area need your support! The COVID-19 crisis has hit our area especially hard with the lack of revenue from tourism.

Support Small Businesses

It is important to stay home and be safe right now. However, there are still ways that you can support your favorite small businesses.

Order Takeout

Give yourself a break from cooking! Below is a list of local restaurants offering takeout. Be sure to call ahead or check their social media/website to see if online ordering is an option.

3rd Street Diner
(301) 334-3300

Arrowhead Market
(301) 387-4020

Black Bear Tavern and Restaurant
(301) 387-0500

Brenda’s Pizzeria
(301) 387-1007

Burger King (McHenry)
(301) 387-2561

Cornucopia Cafe
(301) 895-8142

Deep Creek Seafood
(240) 488-1042

Deep Creek Shop n’ Save Deli
(301) 387-4075

Dutch’s at Silver Tree
(301) 387-0525

Firefly Farms
(301) 746-8188

Heidi’s Bakery & Cafe
(240) 321-5804

High Country Creamery
(240) 979-0620 ext 1005

JG’s Pub
(301) 387-6369

Ledo Pizza
(301) 387-6300

Little Sandy’s 
(301) 387-9850

MoonShadow
(240) 442-5542

Mountain State Brewing Co.
(301) 387-3360

Oakland DQ Grill & Chill
(301) 334-6161

Penn Alps Restaurant & Craft Shop
(301) 895-5985

The Casselman Bakery & Cafe
(240) 442-5202

The Rolling Pin Bakery
(301) 746-8500

Continue reading Support Small Businesses in Garrett County

The Greene Turtle-Deep Creek Lake

The Greene Turtle-Deep Creek Lake
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor

The Greene Turtle-Deep Creek Lake

The Greene Turtle-Deep Creek Lake
Taylor-Made Real Estate Betsy Spiker Holcomb-301-616-5022

The Greene Turtle-Deep Creek Lake. I’m very excited to announce a new restaurant here at Deep Creek Lake. I think I’m the only person that I talked to who hasn’t heard of the Greene Turtle. This franchise has steadily grow over the years boasting restaurants in Morgantown, Winchester, Hagerstown, Leesburg, Sterling and now Deep Creek Lake.

Talk of the town starts with their drink menu. They have won awards with many of their signature drinks. Their 2016 BYOB award winning drink include; the Dubliner Bloody Mary, the Celebration cocktail, the Celebration Shooter and the El Verde Tortuga Rita. Check out the drink menu so you can be prepared to get your vacation thirst on.

Looking over the appetizers I notice a few interesting options that I will have to try. The Hog Hammers, Bavarian Pretzel Sticks, Mozzarella Caprese and the 100% natural wings sound very interesting. The reviews I had read sound favorable for a successful dining experience.

Their menu is vast with different options that have my belly rumbling. A co-owner here at Taylor-Made Vacations and Sales swears on the Shrimp Tacos. The menu has 100% certified angus beef burgers, any style of wraps you can dream up, unique house specialties, refreshing soups and salads and delicious desserts.

Deep Creek Lake locals always welcome a new place to dine and enjoy new foods. We are hopeful that the owners can make the DCL Greene Turtle live up to the reputation of this respected franchise. I will follow up with a review after I have had time to sample some of the menu.

The Greene Turtle-Deep Creek Lake
The Greene Turtle-Deep Creek Lake

 

The Greene Turtle-Deep Creek Lake
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor

 

Lunch and dinner recommendation

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • Dutch’s Daughter– Nice main level fine dining with excellent crab cakes, seafood and meat dishes. Downstairs hosts a massive bar that is a great place to catch friends for dinner. Don’t miss the cinnamon butter on fresh oatmeal crusted bread.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • Brenda’s Pizzeria– Straight up delicious New York Style pizza with extra delicious toppings. Sausage topping is out of this world! Great pasta and salads too.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • DC’s at Wisp Resort-Excellent menu with a little taste of everything. Their calamari appetizer is one of my favorites at the lake.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • Black Bear Tavern– Good bar food with a great local vibe. Wings are delicious and the Steak on the Lake is nice (It is served spicy so ask without jalapeños if you don’t like heat). E-z peel shrimp are a solid appetizer.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • Aces Run- Unique and popular pasta night on Wednesday and stir fry night on Friday. Solid menu A-Z with a great staff. Our real estate assistant Lisa Yommer said you cannot miss the fried pickles appetizer along with a salad.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • Moonshadow Café- Local food from local farmers is the base to this wonderful café. Get you some spicy cauliflower wings for a change of pace. For dinner, try their tenderloin which is absolutely delicious. Consistent good live music.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • Mountain State Brew Company– A great selection of hand crafted brews and fire oven pizza’s. Nuff said. Plenty of room for large parties.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • J G’s- Great bar food with plenty of local atmosphere. Known for good crabcakes.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • El Canelo’s – A short trip up the road to Oakland will reward you with great Mexican food. At lunch I get the jumbo burrito which has never failed me.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • Archie Barbecue- Food smoked perfect. Pulled beef, chicken and pork barbecue, brisket, ribs and turkey are no joke. Mac cheese is special as well.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • Uno’s Chicago Grill– Large and delicious menu from appetizers to entrees. Overlooking the lake with plenty of room for the kids to play outside. Come by boat on Saturdays for live music and the funnest place to be on the weekend.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • Pine Lodge- Great prime rib and Coconut Shrimp and Ahi tuna appetizers. Great food with a nice bar to socialize with local and out of town visitors.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • Deep Creek Seafood– Top choice seafood that you may miss if you’re not paying attention. Great liquor menu for those who want an upscale cocktail. The menu is fresh and changes with the seasons.

 

Breakfast Lunch Recommendations

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • Englanders– Great home cookin folks! My favorite… Buckwheat cakes with two over easy eggs on top with a side of biscuits and gravy. Come check out their whole menu. Great antique shopping to boot!

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • Perkins– Familiar franchise breakfast and lunch menus. Blueberry muffins are the real deal! Great food with large quantities and always super service.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • Canoe On the Run- Healthy slick spins on soups and sandwiches. Nice coffee, unique breakfasts and fresh daily menus.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • Arrowhead Market– Super cheeseburgers and other fresh sandwiches. Chunky homemade fries that they make fresh.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • Annie’s Kitchen– Love the honey dipped chicken and the salad bar. This place has excellent small town fresh food.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants

  • Teli’s Deli– Suped-up Italian sandwiches and soups. Great cheeses as well.

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Golf-Mother’s Day-Real Estate

Betsy Holcomb

 

 

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Golf-Mother’s Day-Real Estate. As the saying goes “April Showers Bring May Flowers”!  We have experienced our share of showers this April and are looking forward to the blooming landscape that will soon brighten the area with wonderful color.  Taken from our back deck, this Oriole made a rare visit for a sweet treat!  This is the first time I’ve seen an “O” this close up.

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Golf-Mother's Day-Real Estate

Having lived here my entire life, even I forget some of the wonderful activities and options we have here.  Did you realize we have 6 State Parks in Garrett County?  This is more than any other county in Maryland.  Taken straight from the Maryland.gov website, there are details and links to each of our parks below.

GARRETT COUNTY

Six State parks are located in Garrett County. All offer picnic, and fishing areas, while all but Casselman River State Park have hiking paths. Mountain bike paths, swimming areas, and boat launches and rentals are available at Deep Creek, Herrington Manor and New Germany State Parks. Rental cabins are available at Herrington Manor and New Germany State Parks. Big Run, Deep Creek, Herrington Manor and New Germany State Parks all offer canoeing, while campsites may be found at Big Run, Deep Creek, New Germany, and Swallow Falls State Parks.

And at the DCL State Park there is a Discovery Center with events for adults and children running all year long.  Here is a link to their May calendar: http://www.discoverycenterdcl.com/calendar_of_events.

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Golf-Mother's Day-Real Estate

Golf is in full swing in Garrett County!  Although the mornings may be brisk, the courses are not crowded and the afternoons are heating up to a nice, balanced temperature.

Press Release from Wisp:

Lodestone Golf Course and Fantasy Valley Golf Course (formerly Wisp Resort Golf Course) Opening May 1

What’s New for the 2014 Golf Season?
Lodestone Golf Course will feature a new driving range and golf cart fleet.  While the driving range does need more springtime grown-in, the carts are fueled up and ready to go.

Fantasy Valley Golf Course, formerly Wisp Resort Golf Course, has received a new name, a new course routing, a new golf cart fleet and a new Golf Shop Yurt.  Finishing touches are being done to the Golf Shop Yurt and in the meantime, golfers will check-in at Outdoor Elements, located on the lower level of the Main Lodge.

Super Days are Back!
Super Wednesdays are back at Lodestone Golf Course & Super Tuesdays are back at Fantasy Valley Golf Course!  Take advantage of these discounts days – no coupons or hoops to jump through – just a straight up discount!
Lodestone Golf Course – Super Wednesdays – $79
Fantasy Valley Golf Course – Super Tuesdays – Spring/Fall:  $39  Summer:  $49

Call for Tee Times – 855.596.6563

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Golf-Mother's Day-Real Estate

And if you happen to be here this weekend and are looking for a place to treat the special woman/women in your life, consider DC’s at Wisp.  They have a wonderful Mother’s Day Buffet and Mother’s eat for ½ price!  Dutch’s at Silver Tree is also serving a buffet for $29.95/adult.

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Golf-Mother's Day-Real Estate

On the real estate front, if you are signed up for our auto email service with your specific search criteria, you have seen that inventory has picked up.  This is pretty typical this time of year.  Here is a link to a renovated home in Oakland and two beautiful lakefront properties we just listed.

http://mrislistings.mris.com/DE.asp?ID=57434334900  You can also view the visual tours and multiple photos for each property with this link (click on movie reel icon).

More and more docks and boats are going in the water every day.  Bring on summer and have a great week!

 

 

 

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Deep Creek Dunk-January MLS Stats

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Deep Creek Dunk-January MLS Stats

 

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Deep Creek Dunk-January MLS Stats. Fluffy powder lined the deck of our home this morning with steady snow dumping throughout the night and into the morning tapering off around noon. Wisp Resort had perfect conditions today as the snow making guns were turned off and shin-high powder was on with light crowds. 14 trails are open along with the tubing park and snow making operations are marching ahead to ensure that the mountain will be completely open by the Christmas Holidays. I hope you have your lodging booked in anticipation of enjoying some fresh powder or perfectly groomed corduroy for the 2013/2014 winter sports season.  It’s time to get here and release all that pent-up adrenaline!

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Deep Creek Dunk-January MLS Stats

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Deep Creek Dunk-January MLS Stats

 

 

 

 

 

Gorgeous corduroy!                        Griffin’s encounter with Santa, not impressed but tolerable!

 

Attached you will find a Market Minute Report for November 2013 showing you how our market compares to last year at this time.  Our median sales price is up, our current pending contracts is up and our days on the market is down.  The following homes have had price drops in the last 30 days: http://mrislistings.mris.com/DE.asp?ID=55357498164.  There are quite a few good buys out there.

 

If you haven’t made plans for how you will be spending your New Year’s Eve, you may want to check out these two options (courtesy of deepcreektimes.com).  Honi-Honi is also having live entertainment with a complimentary champagne toast.

New Year’s Eve Event
Ag Heritage Hall Garrett County Fairgrounds
Come celebrate New Years Eve with the Fabulous Hubcaps at the Ag Heritage Hall located at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. $80/Single $150/Couple $560/Table of 8. Meal, entertainment, and champagne toast included. Cash bar available. Visit our web site or find us on Facebook for more information.

New Year’s Eve Celebration & Fur Ball Casino
Dutch’s at Silver Tree, 7pm to 1 am
$150 (includes tip and tax)
Cocktail Hour/Open Bar, Filet & Crab Cake Dinner.  Dance to the fabulous sounds of the Bobby Nicholas Band! Champagne Toast at Midnight.  Complimentary Casino Chips for HART’s Casino. Silent Auction. A portion of the proceeds benefit the HART for Animals Center fund!

 

Be safe in your holiday travels and call on us if we can be of any help in the mountains of Deep Creek Lake!

 

 

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Swallow Falls-Moonshadow Cafe-Halloween

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Swallow Falls-Moonshadow Cafe-Halloween

 

Weekly updates by Betsy Spiker Holcomb of Taylor-Made Vacations and Sales, Deep Creek Lake. As you already know, I never get tired of singing the praises of Swallow Falls State Park. This weekend we did the loop hike and met some really fun visitors from Baltimore and Northern Virginia. Even after the damaging “Sandy” storm we still see a solid stand of ancient hemlock trees towering over the forest. For some visitors, it was their first glimpse of the awesome aura put off by these majestic trees that stand guard over the powerful Youghiogheny River. We finished our hike, as always, at the calming Tolliver Falls. The water is flowing at a slow and tranquil pace which makes the falls even more calming and was apparent by the group of people entranced by the sights and sounds of this special nook of the park.
Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Swallow Falls-Moonshadow Cafe-Halloween

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Swallow Falls-Moonshadow Cafe-Halloween

 

 

Fall golfers…Be advised that the Oakland Country Club is having a late season special until the end of the month. Bring a foursome of golfers and play for $100.00 with a cart Monday-Thursday, $25 a head! Wow, you’d think we are still in the 80’s!

 

New restaurant alert! As you pass through the town of Accident on the way to Deep Creek Lake you will notice a re-opened cafe on the right across from the car dealership called The Moonshadow Café & Bar. The food is all local – from the meats, cheeses and vegetables. With less than a week under its belt, it has become the talk of the town so don’t miss giving it a try next visit. FYI, this Friday is a Halloween Party if you like to play dress up.

 

Speaking of Halloween parties, Deep Creek Lake has THE costume party at the lake!!  Black Bear Tavern and Restaurant has long been the go-to place for the ghouls and goblin lovers as they pull in all the folks from in and out of town who like to get dressed up and dance the night away. If you have a will to be weird and fun, then make a special trip and take on your favorite Halloween character. Tell the owners Laura and Barry Clapsaddle hello.

 

Bob and I a few years back…Beauty and the Beast!

 Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Swallow Falls-Moonshadow Cafe-Halloween

 

From the real estate front, the September market numbers are all up versus a year ago, as you will see on the attached report.  We have two featured listings this week.  First, is a quaint home in a lush, garden setting with a large, open main level and a 3-car garage and a Price Reduction http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1032448.html.  Also, we just listed a great lakefront home site on Stockslager Road with 135’ of waterfront and a Type A dock permit http://mrislistings.mris.com/DE.asp?ID=54711201519.

 

Now is a great time to look at real estate.  With the fall season winding down and snow on the way (yes, this week!!) fewer of our homes are booked making it easy to show them with a moment’s notice.  Enjoy your week!

 

 

 

 

Aces Run Restaurant-Grand Opening

Aces Run Restaurant and Pub at Will O’ the Wisp

Last night marked both the end and beginning of an era. The well-known and respected Will O’ the Wisp restaurant closed last fall and there was a lot of questions and concerns about just exactly what was going to happen to this local favorite restaurant that hosted for many years the famous pasta night. I kid you not when I say famous, the place was elbow to elbow on Wednesday. I think the dated décor and aura of the place just screamed renovation and change to make it the success it was in the hay day of its creation.

Aces Run Restaurant and Pub at Will O’ the Wisp

 

Never fear….new owner Brenda McDonnell (you may have visited her other successful businesses Brenda’s Pizza & Trader’s Coffee House) has taken the helm of the ship and rumors over the last few months are that great things were happening behind the walls on the renovation. Last night she welcomed friends from the community to come out and see with our own eyes, and of course our taste pallets, the new direction for this familiar Deep Creek Lake space.

Aces Run Restaurant and Pub at Will O’ the Wisp

 

The first thing I noticed was the organization and courtesy of the staff who made sure your experience started off right. It was standing room only in the bar/lounge and in the dining area.  New bench seats and upscale lighting set the backdrop for the dining room and being a wood worker/hobbyist I was blown away by the solid black walnut tables.  Overall, the place has a very open and modern floor plan with that new restaurant  feel. My understanding is they completely gutted the kitchen to bring in new gear to help bring on this fresh new menu. I can tell you that I loved everything offered on this new delicious menu. I sampled an angus beef slider cooked to medium rare perfection with hints of pickle, chopped onions and cheese that was really fantastic. The spicy pork bites were popper-sized pork that had a semi-spicy tangy glaze over them that was perfect for someone like me that doesn’t like too much heat.  The pork loin chops were cooked medium’ish with plenty on succulent moisture  left to mesh with the apple sauce.  My favorite was the shepherds pie, which is a bone-sticking comfort food that has ground beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, and some other secret ingredients. My favorite dessert was the banana nutella bread pudding, but I also enjoyed the chocolate flourless cake and the German apple cake.

Betsy S. Holcomb & Brenda McDonnell

 

Remember on your next visit to the lake to pop-in to the new Aces Run Restaurant and Pub at Will O’ the Wisp which is destined to become yet another gem here at the lake!

20160 Garrett Highway,Oakland, Maryland 21550

 

Phone (301) 387-6688
Email Regis@acesrun.com
Website http://www.acesrun.com

Morchella Mushrooms (MORELS)

Morchella Mushrooms (MORELS)

Morchella Mushrooms (MORELS)

 

Morchella Mushrooms (MORELS)

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.

Morchella Mushrooms (MORELS)

 Morchella Mushrooms (MORELS)

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.

 

Morchella Mushrooms (MORELS)

Dutch’s at Silver Tree- Deep Creek Lake, MD

Dutch's at Silver Tree- Deep Creek Lake, MD

Dutch’s at Silver Tree

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.

Dutch's at Silver Tree- Deep Creek Lake, MD

Dutch's at Silver Tree- Deep Creek Lake, MD

Dutch's at Silver Tree- Deep Creek Lake, MD

Greeting from Deep Creek Lake-Rollar Coaster-Spring Fishing

Greetings from Deep Creek 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!!!

Greeting from Deep Creek Lake-Rollar Coaster-Spring Fishing

 

 

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.

Greeting from Deep Creek Lake-Rollar Coaster-Spring Fishing

Here are the properties that have closed in the last 30 days: http://mrislistings.mris.com/DE.asp?ID=51974205173.

 

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