Those of us native or local to Garrett County are well aware that we are certainly not, nor likely to become, thought of as a shopping mecca. Everyone knows if it is a shopping mall that you seek then you will head to Morgantown, Uniontown, and Cumberland. So, we are grateful for our small little unique specialty shops that are scattered throughout the area. It is usually at these cool little shops that one is most likely to find over the top customer service and truly unique collectibles! Today I journeyed to downtown Oakland to see what was going on for the day. One of the first stores that caught my attention was a shop called The Painted Cupboard! How I ever missed the store in the past is beyond me! Focusing on primitive country wares, this store is a jackpot for those that love any kind of country deco, candles, signs, beads, flowers, the list is endless! The three little showrooms give you ample room to roam about and check out all of the many different signs, from “Family Gathers Here” to “Man Cave; Enter at your own risk”! You also have a large selection of candles, scented oils, and potpourri to choose from. Sabrina, the proprietor, was very kind and also directed me to another shop they manage, across the road, called The Chic Shack. Truly a woman’s shopping paradise with a large selection of scarves, handbags, and jewelry. They have something for everyone and a great selection if you are looking for a birthday gift for a special friend or even for Mother’s Day! As always, I encourage everyone to check out the downtown area of our county seat. Make a day out of it and hit the historic museum, the antique shops and especially The Painted Cupboard and Chic Shack! I must say, I am a fan! Weather is still looking great and now is the perfect time to call Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and take advantage of our Stay 3 nights for the Price of 2 Special! In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you at the lake!

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations happily welcomed back a large number of our staff and owners from their recent networking/ training seminar that they attended at the the Outer Banks in South Carolina. Thank you to Doug Brindley and staff from Brindley Beach for graciously hosting our group for their stay. Although I had to stay behind and maintain the fort, I was informed that team building skills were a big focu and successfully implemented, breathtaking sunsets ere photographed and witnessed, good food and drink were enjoyed by many, and a great deal of fun was had by all! All in all, a very successful trip!

Garrett County weather continues to amaze and thrill both locals and visitors! Perfect mountain weather! We are offering some great last minute deals for the Easter weekend. Besides that, there is a bevy of fun activities going on in the area this weekend. CARC (Garrett Community College Aquatic & Recreation Complex) is hosting its first Easter egg hunt and community swim on April 7th. The egg hunt is open to children ages 2-12 and will be @ 12 Noon, rain or shine! The pool will then stay open to the public from 12-2:30 for a mere $5 for non-members. Also held on Saturday April 7th, is the natural egg dying that is held annually at the Deep Creek Discovery Center. Kids bring their own eggs and learn how to use dye made of beets, onions, anc chlorophyll. I also have the inside skinny on the possibility of the Easter Bunny stopping by so you definitely don’t want to miss out! Wisp Resort will once again be hosting a sunrise service held on top of the mountain on Sunday April8th. Chairlift #1 will begin to transport to the mountaintop @ 6 am. A continental breakfast will be held in Wisp Resort’s main lodge following
the service. Stick around with the kids for an Easter egg hunt @ 11 am followed by a scavenger hunt @ 12 noon. Location will be announced closer to the event. Lots of fun and games going on up here in the mountains! We are starting to see a trickle of activity on the lake these days as well. Fisherman are out bright and early taking advantage of the calm waters, boat docks are beginning to be put in, and kayak and canoes are brightly adorning the water in bright hues of red and yellow. Aww! Spring! Call Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations today @ 1-866-351-119 or look us up on the web http://www.deepcreekvacations.com/ to begin planning your next relaxing Deep Creek Lake getaway. Our Reservation Team is available 9-9 daily to not only help you find your dream vacation rental but to help you create a memorable, fun experience as well. Until later this week when we explore the world of the stinky onion, Aka The Ramp, we can’t wait to see you at the lake!

When a relative texted me earlier this week and asked me if I wanted to have lunch at Cornish Manor, I quickly said yes! Not only because I immensely enjoy her company but, like most locals, I also love Cornish Manor! Built in 1868 and housed in what is a Victorian Style home, this restaurant has long rich history and is well known for his beautiful décor and phenomenal American and French cuisine. We arrived early for the lunch shift and were quickly seated at a window table. We were warmly greeted by our waitress who gave a listing of all of the specials that were being offered that day. While the chicken wrap that I ordered was extremely tasty, I
couldn’t help being slightly jealous of Bridgette’s choice which was Chef Fabrice’s warm chicken salad served in a bread bowl! It looked scrumptious. The dining room has a wonderfully comforting ambience and I imagine that dining on the screened porch in the summer seasons would be quite lovely. All in all, I had a wonderful meal, awesome service, and fabulous company. The restaurant is also a terrific place to dine for dinner if you are celebrating a special occasion. I highly recommend that you check them out.

Garrett County has been experiencing some amazing weather lately with perfect temperatures in the low 70’s. Spring Fever is definitely in the air so when Jodi gave me a “Get out of the office” Free Card, I didn’t think twice. I decided to head to Accident to check out the new bakery that opened a few months ago, called Mountain Flour Baking Co. Upon entering the little shop, located on Main Street, I was immediately overcome by the sweet smell of…well, sweets! I knew right then that my diet plan was definitely in jeopardy. I met with owner Christine Cornish Lewis, who was kind enough to show me around the shop. Not only does she specialize in every good imaginable (cookies, muffins, donuts, gobs, cheesecakes, etc) she also specializes in cupcakes, cakes in general, and wedding cakes. Not just your average cupcake/ cakes either, mind you. These cakes were Amazing! They almost looked too pretty to eat! Christine showed me the back room where future brides and grooms-to-be can go to sample some of the cakes. She had some on display and again, if you are looking for a specialty cake of some kind, you should definitely check out her handiwork. Of course, I knew it would be very rude of me to simply just leave afterwards, so I did the civil thing and bought an assortment of cookies to bring back to the office. (Nothing says “Favorite Employee” like she who delivers sugary goodness!) Needless to say, they were absolutely delicious.
Since, I was already out and about, I figured it would be rude of me not to stop in and say Hello to our friends at Firefly Farms ( see previous blog for more information). Of course, while I was there, I had to, once again do the civil thing, and buy some cheese and crackers to bring home. Their artisanal goat cheeses are out of this world!
Next time, you are coming to visit us here in Deep Creek, be sure to drive through Accident and stop by these shops on your way through. You will not be disappointed.
On another note, Rita, our accounting and fishing guru, has informed us that now is the perfect time for fishing on the lake for Perch, Walleye, and Bass. Grab your poles and come see us. Call Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations today at 1-866-351-119 or visit us online http://www.deepcreekvacations.com/ to take advantage of some spectacular Spring specials. Our “Stay 3 nights for the price of 2” is still going on. Time to shake off winter and embrace spring with a refreshing visit to the mountains! We can’t wait to see you on the lake!

As the weather begins to take a turn for the warmer, life in the mountains is beginning to look a lot like spring. There are still a lot of activities going on in the area so now is an awesome time to come up and stay at the Lake. Wisp Resort is hosting their annual Beachin’ Weekend party extravaganza this weekend with the main event featuring the Cardboard Box Derby that will be held on Saturday @ 3 pm. This exciting event raises funds to help sponsor the Maryland Special Olympics. Requirements insist that all “vessels” be made out of cardboard. It’s a lot of fun to see how creative each team can be in their design and creation. Of course, the next inevitable question is whether said vessel is able to successfully make it to the bottom of the mountain with or without their cargo. After being cooped up inside for the last several winter months, now is also a fantastic time to get some fresh air and enjoy a leisurely hike around Swallow Falls State Park. Housing the largest waterfall in the state of Maryland, this is true must see for anyone visiting our area! Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations would also like to welcome Dick Davis and his crew from Oak Island Accommodations this week. They are here to do cross training with our staff. It’s always a pleasure to meet with colleagues to brain storm and share ideas. It’s an added bonus when you get a spirited, fun group like OIA. So, welcome friends! The air is fresh and crisp, temperatures are warming up a much needed getaway is in your near future! Call Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations today (1-866-351-1119) to check on some of the fabulous last minute deals we are offering, including our “Stay 3 Nights for the Price of 2” special that is running now until the end of April. Until next week, when we don our green wear, get jiggy with the green beer and celebrate the luck of the Irish, we look forward to seeing you at the lake!

However, just a little word of warning, this practice of showing your love is not accepted in all cultures around the world. Some countries and cultures strictly forbid the practice of celebrating and have banned anything to to with Valentine’s Day!

To read further into the history and modern day practices of Valentine’s Day, follow this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine. I think you’ll find it as interesting as I did – enjoy!

PS – Don’t forget to get your sweetie a Valentine!