I know it’s a little late but I keep getting emails from folks looking for the fireworks video from the 4th of July. It was perhaps the best display ever put on at Deep Creek Lake - many thanks to Hugh Umbel for the sponsorship! It’s been over 3 weeks and people are still talking about them! Ski Harbor is among the best places to see them in person, surrounded by hundreds of boats and people cheering - quite a scene!
The newest craze in transportation and touring, offered at Deep Creek Lake’s Wisp Resort are Segway Tours. The Segway is an upright, self balancing people mover. The movie “Paul Blart Mall Cop” featured the Segway and so did the movie “10 MPH”. In the movie 10 MPH, two guys quit their corporate jobs to take a road trip across America on a Segway traveling 10 mph.
My husband Ted has been exploring Deep Creek Lake since 2008, at 12 1/2 mph on a Segway - and folks on the
mountain call him the Segway Man. Ted has logged over 3,000 miles on his 2 personal Segways.
He has been a local consultant for the tours and is in his second year of giving tours each Saturday at Wisp Resort.
What a fun way to explore Deep Creek Lake and support going green!
Basic Tour $39.00 for 1 hour
Advanced Tour $79.00 for 2 hours
For more information call 301-387-4911
www.deepcreeklake360.com highlights places to explore when visiting Deep Creek Lake including lodging, restaurants, shopping, places to hang out and of course the latest in real estate news.
One of the great benefits of owning a vacation home and real estate at Deep Creek Lake are all the great activities you and family members can experience. Wakesurfing is fast becoming one of the most popular water sports activities to do on the lake.Wakesurfing is essentially surfing in the wake created by the boat. A wakesurf board is basically a smaller version of a regular ocean surfboard and does not have bindings for your feet. To get up, you start in the water behind the boat in a seated position with your heels on top of the board. While holding a specially designed wakesurf rope the boat then pulls you up. After you are up, you can then pull yourself towards the front of the boat’s wake. After you “catch the wake” and start surfing you can then throw the rope into the back of the boat. The wake created by the boat mimics the look and feel of an actual ocean wave.
Personally, I’ve found wakesurfing to be a great all around family activity for Deep Creek Lake for two reasons. Most importantly, wakesurfing falls are very gentle in nature - sort of like just jumping in the water - very different from the more violent “face plant” falls you can experience while water skiing and wakeboarding. The risk of getting hurt is very, very low. Also, this activity can be done on days and during times while boat traffic is heavy on the lake. You do not need early morning calm, glassy lake conditions to wakesurf. Unlike the other watersports, you can enjoy this activity all day long.
It’s very important to note that you should only use an inboard ski boat to safely wakesurf!! This is because the propellers on inboards are located underneath the boat thus keeping you out of harm’s way. A special thanks to Scott Lohr of Lohr Distributors and Bill’s Marine Service for providing this boat. This boat is a brand new 2010 Correct Craft Crossover Nautique 226 and is currently for sale at Bill’s Marine. This boat is a perfect family boat that can be used to water ski, wakeboard, wakesurf, and cruising Deep Creek Lake. It’s loaded with every feature imaginable - all the latest electronics, automatic ballast tanks, and sound system. It can seat 15 comfortably. For a demo of this incredible boat or any others contact Bill’s Marine Service.
The Wisp Ski Resort at Deep Creek Lake recently announced a new attraction. Construction of a Zip-line ride near the Bear Claw Tubing Park is expected to begin shortly and should be open to the public in the summer of 2010. The new attraction is going to be namedthe Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour. A Zip-line is basically a pulley on a cable that allows a rider to traverse down an incline using gravity while holding on to a pulley. The riders are attached to the pulley and cable with a safety harness. The new Zip-line, which is very popular in other resort areas, will add to the area’s many other diverse activities and continue to make Wisp a popular year round destination.
Hale Irwin Lodestone Golf Course & Wisp Real Estate Update
All 18 holes are now complete. The front 9 opened last fall to play and will re-open again May 1st of this year. The back 9 holes are scheduled to open in June 2010. Reviews from golfers who have played the course say its “spectacular”. The scenery is incredible as some holes feature breathtaking views of Deep Creek Lake. A temporary clubhouse will be set up this summer and Hale Irwin himself will be here on July 10th for a reception and to play the course. Lodestone is also offering a Trial Use Membership for 2010 (pdf).
All roads are now complete in the Greenbrier subdivisions at Lodestone. Construction of two new residential houses fronting the golf course is expected to begin shortly.
Including the new golf course home sites, DC Development has developed 540 building lots atop Wisp Mountain since 1994. There is a potential for a total of 2,301 home sites atop Wisp.
Other recent Wisp news and updates;
The 2009/2010 ski season was very good. The Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County area received record amounts of natural snow. The Wisp reported that skier visits were up about 2% over of the previous winter season. The ski area closed for the season on April 4th of this year.
The Mountain Coaster continues to be very popular with tourists and visitors.
The Wisp plans to continue its annual Easter Sunrise Service. Visitors can ride the chair lifts to the top of the mountain for free and watch the sunrise as Easter services are conducted.
Please contact us if you would like to explore any real estate opportunities at Wisp and the new Lodestone Golf Course - including home sites, building lots, townhomes, or existing houses for sale.
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.
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.
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 10th, 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.
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.
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!
If you are traveling from the Deep Creek Lake State Park here are directions;
Driving Directions from Deep Creek Lake State Park:
1. Start out going SOUTH on STATE PARK RD toward BRANT RD. (approx 0.2 miles)
2. Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto TOOTH PICK RD. (approx 0.1 miles)
3. Turn LEFT to Stay on TOOTH PICK RD. (approx 0.2 miles)
4. Turn LEFT onto GLENDALE RD. (travel approx 3.4 miles)
5. Turn LEFT onto BITTINGER RD/MD-495. (travel approx 1.7 miles)
6. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto NEW GERMANY RD. (travel approx 6.9 miles)
7. Turn LEFT onto OTTO LN. (travel approx 1.3 miles).
8. Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto MAYNARDIER RIDGE RD. (approx 0.6 miles)
9. Turn RIGHT onto MILLER RD. (travel approx 0.3 miles)
10. 263 MILLER RD is on the LEFT. Look for the aid station at the Railey Realty banner sign.
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!
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.
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.
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 25th, 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 15th-16th
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.
The newest craze in transportation and touring, offered at Deep Creek Lake’s Wisp Resort are Segway Tours. The Segway is an upright, self balancing people mover. The movie “Paul Blart Mall Cop” featured the Segway and so did the movie “10 MPH”. In the movie 10 MPH, two guys quit their corporate jobs to take a road trip across America on a Segway traveling 10 mph.
To get up, you start in the water behind the boat in a seated position with your heels on top of the board. While holding a specially designed wakesurf rope the boat then pulls you up. After you are up, you can then pull yourself towards the front of the boat’s wake. After you “catch the wake” and start surfing you can then throw the rope into the back of the boat. The wake created by the boat mimics the look and feel of an actual ocean wave.
The risk of getting hurt is very, very low. Also, this activity can be done on days and during times while boat traffic is heavy on the lake. You do not need early morning calm, glassy lake conditions to wakesurf. Unlike the other watersports, you can enjoy this activity all day long.
A special thanks to Scott Lohr of Lohr Distributors and 
All 18 holes are now complete. The front 9 opened last fall to play and will re-open again May 1st of this year. The back 9 holes are scheduled to open in June 2010. Reviews from golfers who have played the course say its “spectacular”. The scenery is incredible as some holes feature breathtaking views of Deep Creek Lake. A temporary clubhouse will be set up this summer and Hale Irwin himself will be here on July 10th for a reception and to play the course. 
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. 
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Jon Bell
Nancy Jo Fratz
Debra Savage