Taylor Made Vacations & Sales – Page 13

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-CARC-April Real Estate Stats

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-CARC-April Real Estate Stats. I hope you had a great Mother’s Day Weekend with your family. Betsy and I had an event-filled weekend. First off, Betsy had the opportunity to enjoy her first Mother’s Day being a mommy! She is and has been very excited since the birth of Griffin Rhea Holcomb and I can’t tell you how proud I am of the amazing mother she is. Also, my sister and her husband came up from Virginia Beach this weekend to witness the baptism of our 5 ½ month old Griffin and to become lifelong sponsors/Godparents for him.

Although they had a quick visit, we did find time to go for a hike at Swallow Falls and take a few memorable photos. My sister and her husband had a blast witnessing the raging YoughioghenyRiver, which is pretty common in the spring here in GarrettCounty.

Little Griffin had his second swim lesson here at the new Garrett College Community Aquatic and Recreation Complex (CARC). Please check out their website and get familiar with just one more family amenity here at the lake.

The first ever Paddlin’ for PAWS went off without a snafu even though the weather was not perfect. Luckily, on race day Saturday morning the winds were down and the rain had cracked to a trickle. Stand Up Paddle Annapolis, who is a group from Annapolis, showed up with a huge group of people and some of the most cutting-edge equipment to lead the race with experience and class. Please take a moment and read about this wonderful event and see some photos I captured during the 6-mile race.

On the real estate front, you can see from our April MLS statistics that our closed/sold & pending/under contract sales are up and our inventory is down, all of which point to a recovering market. But don’t feel like you’ve missed the boat if you are still searching for a vacation home because prices haven’t begun to climb yet. We are hearing how quickly properties are moving in the DC/Balt/N.VA areas. This activity will ultimately work its way west but there are still some great bargains on all sorts of water-oriented, slope-oriented and other Deep Creek Lake vicinity homes & homesites.

The Spiker Team’s featured listing of the week is a beautiful French country home on 14 acres on the outskirts of DeepCreekLake within ~7 minutes to the DCLState Park. Three levels, large rear deck, wonderful mountain views, 2-car attached garage, 3 family rooms and the list goes on. Here is a link the visual tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1075650.html.

Enjoy your week and call on us anytime we can be of help in Deep Creek!

Paddlin for PAWS… Paddleboard Race… Wisp Resort

Rain and foul weather could not keep the diehard Paddleboarders from making the trip up to DeepCreekLake this weekend to brave the 3 mile or 6 mile race courses right off the DeepCreekLakeState Park. Friday afternoon I took a trip out there to participate in the group paddle. The winds and rain were in high gear so there was only a few of us that tried to navigate the three mile course. On the home stretch to the state park the tail wind/cross chop put me (falling) in the lake for the first time of the season. To be honest, it was not super cold, just a mild chill.

Paddlin for PAWS… Paddleboard Race… Wisp Resort. Wisp Resort event organizer, Mike Valach, who is an avid paddler and my paddle partner is hell bent on promoting a sport that he has a deep passion for. He and co-worker John McCracken rolled out the red carpet for the locals and out-of-towners bringing in some 1st class racers. The crew from Stand Up Paddle Annapolis came up and raced world class times in fair, drizzling conditions. They brought with them top of the line/state of the art racer gear. Carbon Fiber boards and paddles with different design elements. Remember, paddleboarding although having roots back to Tom Blake in the early 30’s, is evolving into many different hybrids ranging from surfing, racing ,cruising, fishing…you name it. And with this, evolution of the design is still being tweaked to maximize speed and performance. I noticed the displacement hulls are the norm with bottom contours ranging from flat, to having vee/concave with various tail and nose rocker, and carbon fiber paddles that only weigh 14 ounces.

I missed the beginning of the race as I had swim lessons for my 5-month old but was lucky enough to round State Park Road right as the leaders were dueling it out halfway through the race. It was interesting to see all the different stroking and turning techniques that separate the competitors although there is no right or wrong. Board and paddle technology, paddling and turning techniques, and physical conditioning all come into play, but like any sport, mental endurance separates the top racers from the rest. Let’s not forget that winning is definitely not everything! Just to spend time on a paddlboard is spiritual and healthy as I have preached in the past. You also have the opportunity to meet a lot of great new friends.

It was exciting seeing the camaraderie at the finish line as all the racers cheered and congratulated each and every contestant as they made their way on shore. Chances are that whatever town you live in you will have the enthusiastic paddlers stoked on promoting and enjoying a sport that has taken over the world. If you can’t join us here at Deep Creek Lake then look around your own community and get revved up on a fantastic life-changing sport. If you want to keep up with local group paddle sessions, check out our newly formed Stand Up Paddle Group Facebook page. I will try to organize some sunrise/sunset paddles when the lake is glass as we transition into the season. Also, if you want real time information about the lake visit our page Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. See you on the Lake!

Greeting from Deep Creek Lake-Paddleboard for PAW-Wisp Real Estate

Greeting from Deep Creek Lake-Paddleboarding PAW-Wisp Real Estate. I’ve been blown away by the wind this week, literally. The lake has rivaled the ocean this week as whitecaps slammed the shoreline for the last 10 or so days. I am itching to get out on some patented DCL glass on my paddleboard sessions early in the morning before too long. But on a positive note, the ramps have ripened perfectly over the last few days and I had the opportunity to fry some up in beer batter and tried fusing them into a scalloped potatoes recipe. They turned out excellent.

Here’s a cell phone photo I snapped while hunting for ramps…

I am very excited to bring you news about the Paddling for Paws Paddleboard Race at Deep Creek Lake State Park this weekend. Get up to Deep Creek Lake this weekend and come participate in the Paddling for Paws Paddleboard Race at the Deep Creek State Park. Bring the wife, kiddos and friends and get stoked on paddleboarding while helping a great cause.

Racing this weekend!

Paddleboarding is the hottest sport worldwide at the moment and the great thing about it is that you don’t have to be a world class athlete to enjoy and compete. It all gets started on Friday afternoon (May 10^th) with a local paddle from 3pm – 5pm. This is your chance if you have never been on a stand up paddle board (SUP) to experience a chill paddle around the lake with locals and out-of-towners. You don’t have a paddle board you say? No problem! Wisp will be renting boards for the local paddle and for the race for a mere $10! Here is much more information.

SUP Yoga Friday 5/20/13 @ 6pm

Real Estate/Wisp/Lot information talk on the streets is that National Land Partners is possibly planning to staff their new office during the Olympic Time Trials in May or the middle to end of June. Word is they are going to slash prices on interior lots and there may be some fabulous deals to be had. We will do our best to keep you informed as we hear more and feel free to call us; we can help!

Our featured listing of the week is a lovely home in the gated community of Deep Creek Highlands where the amenities include an outdoor pool, clubhouse, tennis court, lakeside pavilion and lake access area, trails, playground and more. This contemporary is an established rental property and is beautifully decorated. http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-778743.html

Enjoy your week! www.DeepCreekLakeProperty.com

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.

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.

275 Maple Street-Riverfront-KayakersDream-Friendsville MD

275 Maple Street-Riverfront-KayakersDream-Friendsville MD. Whitewater Heaven! Affordable riverfront home in Friendsville on the Youghiogheny River. Fish for trout off your rear deck or take your kayak out for some paddling fun. Home has good rehab potential. Location is convenient, by I-68 and walking distance to grocery store, park and library. Motivated seller. Bring offers!!!

Greeting from DCL-Ramps,Mushrooms-Spring bloom-Real Estate

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.

What is a ramp?

Best ramp recipe?

Check out real time information on our Facebook Page and LIKE us if you enjoy the information and photos we share there.

Delicious mint sprouting…

Ramps starting to show themselves…

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.

Here are the properties that have sold over the last 30 days. Quite a bit of turnover which is a good sign for the months to come. http://mrislistings.mris.com/DE.asp?ID=52126367876.

Check out this home on the river in Friendsville with massive potential for kayakers, fishermen, or anyone that loves river life! http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1270382.html

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

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.

348 HIGHLINE DR-Slope Access-Wisp Community

348 HIGHLINE DR-Slope Access-Wisp Community. Slope Access home in the Wisp community of Highline! “Big Sky” is a beautiful mountain home with details like stacked stone fireplaces, T&G cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors, fixed glass gables and spacious rooms. Established vacation rental furnished with an outdoor hot tub, pool table, wet bar, two family rooms, three masters and a large deck. Easy walk to the slopes or whitewater course!

Check out the visual tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1238073.html

Call Betsy Spiker Holcomb for more details at 301-616-5022.

Check out our website:http://deepcreeklakeproperty.com/

Do a seach for yourself: http://deepcreeklakeproperty.com/search-mls/

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!!!”

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.

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

Aurora Borealis Deep Creek Lake

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.

Tag: Taylor Made Vacations & Sales