By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 February 19th, 2010 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Garrett County News, News, Wisp Ski Resort

Garrett County Maryland and the Deep Creek Lake area has received about 225 inches of snowfall this winter season according to the State Highway Association. The all time record is right around 230 inches. The heavy amounts of snow started falling on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 - about 40 inches that day - and it hasn’t really stopped since then. Another large blizzard hit Wednesday, February 10th - about 30 inches of snow accompanied by strong winds. After these two storms impacted the area, the northwest winds kicked up again on President’s Day resulting in lake effect snow all week. It finally stopped snowing today. Here is a graphic WBAL ran on their nightly news. Keysers Ridge is about 12 miles north of Deep Creek Lake.

While the locals have been complaining about the snow it’s been an absolute boon to vacationers, tourists, and skiers. Ski conditions at the Wisp Ski Resort have been excellent the past few weeks - along with cross country skiing! The Wisp has been extremely busy the past few weeks and expects to have another busy weekend. The strangest thing is that it’s been too much snow for snowmobiles - many of the snowmobiles are getting stuck in the fields and on Deep Creek Lake needing to be dug out.

If you do travel to the area, the main roads, such as Interstate 68, Route 219, and most of the county roads are fine. However, most roads still have snow cover and aren’t fully widened yet. In fact some of the more remote country roads are still closed as of today. Most driveways have been plowed but you should be advised to bring a 4WD or AWD vehicle if you do travel to the area.

The snow record will probably be broken soon as another major storm is expected to hit early next week! Once again, the weather is proving why Deep Creek Lake is such a wonderful, true four season resort area. If you would like to explore purchasing real estate in the Deep Creek area - please contact us - we’ll be more than happy to show you all their is to do in this winter wonderland!

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 December 30th, 2009 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Wisp Ski Resort

If you are looking for some activities on New Year’s Eve in the Deep Creek area - the Wisp Ski Resort will once again display fireworks at midnight over the ski area that the whole family can enjoy. Much like the annual Fourth of July show, the fireworks will be viewable from most of McHenry Cove but from my experience the best viewing area is usually near the Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park. The Wisp is also having a New Year’s Eve Party inside the lodge that includes drinks and a live band. Advanced reservations are recommended!

For something  a little more relaxed, Pleasant Valley Dream Rides is once again offering horse drawn sleigh rides. Blankets are provided and the cold, crisp mountain air is sure to leave you rejuvenated. Reservations are required. Call (301) 334-1688 for more info and current conditions. Pleasant Valley is about 20 minutes south of Deep Creek.

With more snow predicted this weekend, if you are seeking a place to snow sled or toboggan in the Deep Creek and Garrett County areas I’ve found that Herrington Manor State Park usually is the best public spot and has some really good sledding hills and trails for kids and families to enjoy. The park’s concession stand does rent sleds along with cross country skis and snowshoes. The park’s concession will NOT be open on New Year’s Day but you can still bring your own sled and use the trails.

(Photo courtesy of Marcia Warnick of Four Wheels Photography - Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County Photography.)

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 December 8th, 2009 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Garrett County News, News, Wisp Ski Resort

Two bits of winter news in the Deep Creek Lake area this morning.

First, after 5 inches of snow last weekend and massive amounts of cold temps and artificial snowmaking, the Wisp is opening for the 2009-2010 snow ski season this Thursday, December 10^th, 2009. Only the Belly Flop trail will be open the first day. Limited terrain will be opening during the weekend. From the looks of it from my office and driving around, the slopes accessed from Chairs 2 and 3 - Squirrel Cage, Road Runner, and Wisp Trail will be open at some point this weekend.

More interestingly, the Wisp Ski Resort plans on opening a 50 x 85 oval ice skating rink this winter. The rink will operate the same hours as the Bear Claw Tubing Park and will feature benches, lighting, and a bon fire area to warm up. They’ll even have a mini Zamboni to clear the ice. Ice skates are available for rent as well as paid lessons. The projected opening of Garrett County’s only ice skating rink is December 21, 2009.

Any additional recreational amenity such as this ice skating rink just continues adding to the long list of things to do and activities in the Deep Creek area. And also in a small way, this ice skating rink also helps out real estate and property values in the Deep Creek Lake area as well - it adds intrinsic value you can’t actually measure with a statistic but when combined with all the other activities - boating, hiking, snow skiing, snowboarding just to name a few - makes this such a popular and one of a kind resort area to buy a vacation home.

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 September 17th, 2009 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Deep Creek Lake Events, Garrett County News, News

Come join us this Sunday, September 20, 2009 between 10 am and 2:30 pm at the “Killer Miller” Hill Aid Station on the bike route of the upcoming SavageMan Triathlon.

Railey Realty - Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County’s leading real estate brokerage,  is the official sponsor of the SavageMan bike course and our sales agents will be running the aid station for the cyclists at the top of Miller Hill in northern Garrett County.

If you have friends or family who are racing in the SavageMan this is a great location to take pictures and cheer on the racers! There will also be music with a DJ and free bottled water - basically a good time for all!

Here is a Google Map with directions and location of the Railey Realty Killer Miller Aid Station. Please park above the Aid Station!

If you are traveling from the Deep Creek Lake State Park here are directions;

We hope to see you there!

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 August 12th, 2009 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Deep Creek Lake Events, Garrett County News, News

Now that the 53rd annual Garrett County Maryland Fair is well underway - here is a list of the top 5 things you must do at this year’s fair located in McHenry on the northern end of Deep Creek Lake.

5. Ride The Casino - tunes are blaring during this rock-n-roll type ride. It’s so popular long lines are common.

Jimmy Railey Enjoying Rotary Fries!

4. Eat a Funnel Cake - just hit the food row to buy one and you’ll soon be understanding why they are so popular.

3. Watch the Livestock Auction - held on Saturday night. Many prize winning cattle and pigs are auctioned off raising money for many local youths and charities.

2. Get some Rotary French Fries - freshly cut french fries prepared on site by the Oakland Rotary Club - best served with ketchup or vinegar.

1. The Demolition Derby - will be held this Saturday evening. Nothing quite like watching a bunch of locals smash up cars until only 1 is left running!

Fair Week is very popular for both locals and vacationers - many second homeowners and families renting a vacation home plan their summer vacation around this week. You can certainly tell that more people are in the Deep Creek Lake area this week than most other times - more cars are on the roads, the lake is a little busier, and the restaurants are more full.

Railey Realty - Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County’s leading real estate brokerage - has a booth at the fair. Stop by and see us whether you are considering buying in western Maryland’s premier four season resort - or if you are thinking about selling. We can handle all your real estate needs!

By: BrianHomberg bhomberg@railey.com 301-501-0131 July 22nd, 2009 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Deep Creek Lake Events

Spotlight:  The Youghiogheny River, The ASCI Whitewater Course, & Upcoming Summer 2009 Whitewater Events

Looking for an unforgettable Deep Creek Lake area and western Maryland experience?  Try the exhilarating sport of whitewater paddling and experience the world class whitewater found right here in Garrett County - just a few hours from Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.  Rushing water and adrenaline race together in the mountains… Been there, done that?  Consider revisiting the thrill, energy and physical and mental challenge of working as a team or individually to navigate a boat on turbulent whitewater.  When you do this, you learn something about life…and yourself.  Water is a life force - and a teacher.  It fully absorbs you for awhile. Try it and learn what you can do!

It’s no secret among whitewater enthusiasts that Garrett County and it’s spectacular rivers make it one of the premier whitewater sport destination areas in the country.  Local residents warmly and skillfully hosted the 1989 World Canoe/Kayak Championships on the Savage River (first time held in U.S.) for an incredible event that many remember.

The real “gem” in the Garrett County whitewater collection is the Youghiogheny River. (pronounced: Yock like rock)

Upper Yough Rafting

It was designated as Maryland’s first Wild and Scenic River in 1976 which protects a 21 mile long segment from just north of Oakland Maryland to the town of Friendsville. This corridor is managed by the State Forest and Park Service to preserve the river’s wild and natural scenic, geologic, historic, ecologic, recreational, fish, wildlife, and cultural resources.  To learn more about the river and access points visit: Maryland DNR - Youghiogheny River

Whitewater rafting or kayaking on the 10 mile section from Sang Run to Friendsville  is an amazing experience also known as the “The Upper Yough“.  This section is world renowned for continuous whitewater, impressive gradient averaging over 100 ft per mile, and huge boulder strewn, tight and technical passages.  This is a physical run with non-stop intensity and adrenaline pumping action through a rugged, beautiful gorge right here in our backyard. Precision Rafting is the most experienced outfitter, located at the take-out point in the quaint town of Friendsville, MD.  Owner, Roger Zbel is an expert kayaking legend and winner of many, many  Upper Yough races and entrepreneur who pioneered commercial rafting here in 1981 with whitewater legend Phil Coleman.

Upper Yough video clip

Whitewater releases are guaranteed from Deep Creek Lake.  Go to www.deepcreekhydro.com for the recreational release schedule and current Deep Creek Lake water levels.  Mellow float (kids) trips are also available on the easy sections of the river.   You can monitor local Garrett County river levels at:  http://waterdata.usgs.gov/md/nwis/rt

The Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) WHITEWATER COURSE

Brian Homberg Racing At ASCI

Garrett County’s newest, most interesting and beautiful spectator park - and  engineering marvel!  Have a picnic and scout the 1,700 foot twisting, foaming  course and watch participants up close.  Like what you see? Get in and test your timing, reflexes and teamwork on the world’s only adjustable mountaintop whitewater park that offers class I - IV whitewater in a “controlled” environment without typical river hazards such as downed trees, undercut rocks and places for foot entrapment.  Perfect for first-time family, friends, groups and younger ones.  Experience the swirling rapids with ASCI’s expert guide staff.  An effortless conveyor takes you from bottom to top while taking in spectacular panoramic views.  Take it to the next level by paddling an inflatable kayak (ducky) or learning how whitewater kayak.  Whether you are a participant or spectator, the ASCI Whitewater Park is a really cool place to visit in Garrett County on hot summer day.  Location:  On Top of Wisp Ski Resort. Great practice for the Upper Yough River.

Rafters Enjoying ASCI

Learn more about ASCI Guided Family Raft Trips at: www.adventuresportscenter.com

ASCI VIDEO CLIP

The real showcase is the public awareness side of preserving and conserving our free flowing rivers and streams as recreation areas.  Get involved at:  http://www.americanwhitewater.org/

Upcoming Summer Whitewater Events in Garrett County

July 25^th , 2009 - 4:00 p.m. start, 1 minute intervals, approx. 30 min. race

Upper Yough Extreme Race (great event to watch - for experts only) - some of the best paddlers in the country will be racing, and the hike into the gorge is fantastic. Details at:  http://www.immersionresearch.com/upperyoughrace/

August 15^th-16^th

U.S. Whitewater Rafting National Championships - this will be held at ASCI on Saturday and on the Lower Yough on Sunday (details at www.adventuresportscenter.com). There will be a Junior class, and no equipment is necessary. I had a great chance to become a National Champion at an early age, and these raft races will grow over time.

Brian Homberg - Expert real estate consultant - whitewater pro/guide/instruction.

Get on the cutting edge of the Deep Creek Lake area real estate market - Cabin in the woods by a stream, a lake house, your gateway to adventure.

Request a consultation and receive auto email updates with property photos and the latest market conditions direct from MRIS, Deep Creek Lake’s multiple listing service, and see all available property listings.

If your considering acquiring your piece of Garrett County and/or learning more about whitewater sport, call me 301-501-0131 or email bhomberg@railey.com.

Brian Homberg, an expert whitewater kayaker for over 30 years and a former National Team Member, narrowly missed both the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Teams.  He enjoyed competing in international races in Europe while on the team.  He loves Garrett County and has been his home for the last 12 years.

For Brian’s bio click here.

By: coeliangreen cgreen@railey.com 301-501-4122 June 3rd, 2009 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, News, Wisp Ski Resort

Yes - you heard correctly, the Wisp Ski Resort in western Maryland hosted its 3rd annual ski and snowboard Tom Wallisch Rail Jam on Saturday, May 23rd 2009.

Wisp Ski Area - May 23, 2009

Despite 80 degree weather, the Wisp was able to maintain a strip of snow for this awesome event.  With over 50 competitors, a live band, and plenty of food and drink a great time was had by spectators and competitors alike.  Competitors were each given three runs to show off their skills on a course set with plenty of jumps, rails and boxes.  Judges scored the competitors, and age group awards were given to the top competitors.

Local competitor, Colin Lynch, winner of the male under 18 snowboard category

Local competitor, Elizabeth Green, winner of the female under 18 ski category

The event is named for local freestyle competitor Tom Wallisch who grew up skiing at Wisp and was a member of the local Deep Creek Winter Sports Team.  Tom has gone on to successfully compete on the national and international level.  This past winter Tom won the  Tahoe Winter Mountain Dew Tour Slopestyle event - an incredible feat for a seasoned pro much less an up and comer!   Tom has also been featured in numerous videos and magazines.  The event’s name sake was on hand to help set up, judge the event and support our local freestyle skiers and boarders.

For more information on Tom Wallisch check out one of his many video clips on Youtube.   See why Tom is considered one of the best slopestyle skiers in the world!   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oceLxuO8fLc

Tom Wallisch doing what he does best!

In conjunction with Wisp Ski Area and the Deep Creek Winter Sports Team, Tom Wallisch announced this week that he will be sponsoring a scholarship program.  The scholarship will provide an upcoming junior freestyle skier or snowboarder an opportunity to train and compete as a member of the local Deep Creek Winter Sports Team.    The scholarship will include a ski pass at Wisp and membership in the local Deep Creek Winter Sports Team Freestyle training program.  For information on the Deep Creek Winter Sports team, or to apply for the scholarship, contact Kellyann Green cgreen@railey.com or 301-501-4122.

By: Al Rohrbaugh arohrbaugh@railey.com 301-616-9748 April 15th, 2009 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do

Exploring Deep Creek Lake in the Spring!

Many buyers who choose to purchase real estate in Garrett County and at Deep Creek Lake often base their decision on the amount of activities and recreational opportunities in the area - but sometimes there are too many to choose from! Those of us that live here full time certainly take advantage of the amount of things to do here at Deep Creek.

Every Spring I am always confronted with the same problem here at Deep Creek Lake - What to Do?

It’s time to go fishing The ice has melted, perch and walleye are spawning early spring, (bass should start early to mid-may). The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is stocking the coveted rainbow trout in Deep Creek Lake and nearby streams. It’s time to get out and fish. Get your supplies and a fishing report at Bill’s Outdoor Center or Deep Creek Hardware - in the Southern end of the county try Backbone Mountain Sports Shop.  Area favorites for lake fishing are Deep Creek Lake (of course),

(fishing deep creek lake near ski harbor)

Broadford Lake near Oakland, Herrington Manor, the Yough Dam, and Jennings Randolph Lake.  For stream fishing try Bear Creek, the Cassel man, the Yough, the little Yough, or the Potomac, to name a few, all are within 30 minutes of Deep Creek Lake.  If you want an experience with fly fishing, you may want to book a trip with Spring Creek Outfitters or Streams and Dreams.   If you have younger ones, take them on a nice day and don’t worry about catching fish - you will have your hands full keeping lines untangled and baiting hooks.  Once they get tired of fishing you will enjoy watching them  have just as much fun playing in the water, skipping stones, etc,  And remember when they say it’s time to go it’s time to go.

Spring Gobbler season in Garrett County– I never really got out in the woods much this time of year until I started hunting for the Spring Gobbler.  Around mid April hunters that partake in this activity, will be dragging out of bed at an ungodly hour in the morning to try there luck at scoring a mature gobbler.  Many times coming home empty handed, but feeling alive and blessed just to have witnessed such a beautiful sunrise, view, or maybe just hearing a gobbler on a distant ridge.  It’s amazing how the sound of a faint gobble can stop a hunter in his tracks and bring joy to his soul. Whether you’re a hunter or not I highly recommend getting up early on a spring morning, take a walk in the woods and enjoy nature in Garrett County.

Golfing- Then of course there is golf in Garrett County and Deep Creek Lake, the game that keeps me away from doing all of the things I should be doing.  As soon as the weather breaks, I’m trying to get out to either Oakland Country Club or the Wisp Resort course to hit some balls and enjoy the game. With the new golf courses planned at Thousand Acres and the Hale Irwin designed Lodestone course on top of Wisp Mountain - coming in the near future Deep Creek Lake is fast becoming a destination spot for avid golfers.

Other Popular Spring activities here at Deep Creek and in Garrett County Maryland include, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, ATV, Motorcycle Riding, and just plain  Get Out and  Enjoy a Spring Day! In the Deep Creek Lake area you can rent or buy mountain bikes and kayaks at High Mountain Sports.

So you can plainly see my dilemma. With the limited number of hours in a spring day what do I do?  Fitting all of our Spring activities, along with some necessary work is somewhat of a challenge here at Deep Creek Lake.  I guess I’ll stick with what has worked for me in the past, Sleep Less! and Enjoy Springtime at Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County more!

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 June 4th, 2008 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do

There is no doubt many people buy real estate here at Deep Creek Lake and in Garrett County, Maryland for the activities and lifestyle this four season resort area offers. Recently, Becky Sciullo, who is the author of The Deep Creek Lake Blog, wrote a great post a few weeks ago that compiled a “Deep Creek Lake Bucket List” after soliciting ideas from readers and from her own experiences. For those of you that don’t know - the movie titled “The Bucket List” was about two terminally ill men who leave their hospital and head off to do a list of activities they’ve always wanted to do before they die.

After discussing her post with some other real estate agents and realtors in our office we came up with a few other activities and things to add to this list. 

• Mountain biking the Margroff Plantation near Accident, Maryland. Mostly single-track trails. It’s not too hard - but not too easy either. Margroff Plantation is part of the Savage River State Forest.
• Riding ATV’s and four wheeling in Yough Mountain Resort. Of course you must do so with an owner in this neighborhood.
• Snowmobiling between the Oakland County Club and either Pawn Run Saloon for a Friday night steak or JG’s Pub for some really good bar food.
• Wake surfing on Deep Creek Lake. The newest water-sport fad. You gotta have a big boat with a big wake to do this activity - but wake surfing isn’t that strenuous on the body, is a lot of fun, and can be done on the most busiest of weekends - unlike waterskiing or wakeboarding where flat water is usually required. ** Please note you must use a straight Inboard boat to do this activity. The propellor on an Inboard boat is beneath the boat and not sticking out the back like an I/O or Outboard drive boat. Also, be aware that their is a slight carbon monoxide danger as well - as you are sometimes surfing the boat’s wake right behind where the exhaust of the boat is coming out.
• Attending the Fireman’s Parade and Oktoberfest celebration in downtown Oakland, Maryland the Thursday of Autumn Glory Weekend. Great food, an Oompah Band, and great party.
• Going to the Little Yough Music Festival, also in Oakland, which is held every Friday night in the summer. They have really good bands and it’s free admission.
• Drinking a specialty coffee and eating lunch on the deck at Canoe on The Run in the summer.
• Shopping the Labor Day Weekend ski specials at Rudy’s at Wisp and High Mountain Sports.

While we are not suggesting you have to be terminally ill to do these activities - above are just a few more things and activities that make this area such a great place to buy a vacation home.

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 February 28th, 2008 Category: Deep Creek Lake Activities, Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Wisp Ski Resort

Deep Creek Lake and Wisp Ski Resort were featured this morning in this short video segment that aired on WBAL Channel 11’s newscast. WBAL is Baltimore’s NBC affiliate.