AIHP (Association of Independent Hospitality Professionals)

"Christine, Linda and George attended the AIHP (Association of Independent Hospitality Professionals) in Nashville, Tenn April 4-7th, 2016- honing their hospitality skills. Christine enjoyed our flight there!"

GARRETT COUNTYANS – Tough Ole Birds!

65 above zero: Floridians turn on the heat. People in Garrett County plant gardens.

60 above zero: Californians shiver uncontrollably. People in Garrett County sunbathe.

50 above zero: Italian & English cars won’t start. People in Garrett County drive with the windows down.

40 above zero: Georgians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, and wool hats. People in Garrett County throw on a flannel shirt.

35 above zero: Nebraska landlords finally turn up the heat. People in Garrett County have the last cookout before it gets cold.

20 above zero: People in Miami all die, Garrett Countyans close the windows.

Zero: Californians fly away to Mexico. People in Garrett County get out their winter coats.

10 below zero: Las Vegas disintegrates. The Girl Scouts in Garrett County sell cookies door to door.

20 below zero: Washington DC runs out of hot air. People in Garrett County let the dogs sleep indoors.

30 below zero: Santa Claus abandons the North Pole. People in Garrett County get upset because they can’t start their Snowmobile.

40 below zero: ALL atomic motion stops. People in Garrett County start saying … “Cold—enough fer ya!”

50 below zero: Hell freezes over. Garrett County public schools will open 2 hours late.

Not sure where this came from… but we LOVE our weather and folks in Garrett County!!

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Maryland Maple Syrup Harvest







Signs of Spring in the Deep Creek Lake area are beginning to show.  Snow will remain on Wisp's Marsh Mountain until April and citizens may see what they call a Robin Snow here and there as higher and steadier temperatures near.  But one sure sign of the transition from winter to spring in Garrett County is the sighting of buckets and tubing mounted on the side of Maple trees in many of the county's Maple groves.

Locally bought Maple Syrup is 100% pure, compared to national brands that may only contain a fraction of pure Maple Syrup. It takes 40 gallons of sap from a tree to make 1 gallon of pure maple syrup.  The sap is reduced in an evaporation process that creates syrup, can be witnessed at many local farms and DNR demonstrations.

Swallow Falls and Herrington Manor State Parks will be hosting demonstrations on separate days the weekend of March 16th & 17th.  On Saturday March 16th a demonstration of processing Maple syrup will be held at Swallow Falls State Park from 8:30 to 3:30.  A  Q&A will be conducted by a local producer.  Maple products will be offered for sale at the demonstration.

Herington Manor State Park is hosting their Pancake Breakfast & Maple Syrup Demonstration on Sunday March 17th from 8:30 to 2:00.  Products will also be available for sale at this event. Cost is $8 per adult and $5 for children under 12.

Remember, no matter what time of year you are visiting Garrett County, high quality, locally made and grown Maple products are always available.

See a Maple Syrup For Sale sign-- stop the car!...make the purchase. You'll be happy you did!

William Morris at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC



I stopped in at the National Gallery yesterday to view the exhibit "Pre-Raphaelites - Victorian Arts and Design 1848-1900" (Feb 17th- May 19th, 2013). What a treat and if you have an interest in William Morris and his times!

Who are they? The Pre Raphaelite Brotherhood was a society formed by 7 young men, named for their admiration of art prior to Raphael (1483-1520). Disillusioned by the rigid rules on composition and painting at the Royal Academy of Art, where three of them were studying, these artists rebelled and sought the ‘simplicity and sincerity’ of the Gothic and Early Renaissance Art.

“As an official group, the Pre-Raphaelites stayed together for only five
years. But a second generation of artists, centered on Rossetti and led by
Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris, arose in the 1860s with the
aim of cultivating beauty in everyday life. “

The artists were reacting to industrial revolution, as was, William Morris, who thought that mass production ‘separated laborers from their creations’. Instead, he felt that collaboration amongst artists and artisans would create ‘”high caliber- goods”.

In this exhibit, William Morris’ designs are on display in wood-block printed books and fabrics, embroidery, wallpapers and textiles- as you will see, most inspired by British flora and antique fabrics.

Get to the National Gallery!

Deep Creek Dunk 2013

The annual Deep Creek Dunk will be next weekend February 23rd.  Unlike last year when unusually warm weather meant the lake didn't freeze over.  This year the ice is being broken away on Deep Creek Lake.  This annual event raises funds for Maryland Spacial Olympics.

The Dunk starts at 2:00 behind Uno's and The Honi Honi. Many of the participants dress in some very interestingly themed costumes, so stop by and check out why this is one of the most popular events of the winter at Deep Creek Lake.

45th Annual Autumn Glory Festival

The 45th Annual Autumn Glory Festival will be held October 10th -14th. Fall foliage is at its finest during Garrett County's Autumn Glory Festival, always an enjoyable small town celebration of our favorite season. Often named one of the best places to view fall foliage in North America, nature never seems to disappoint us in Garrett County. The trees seemingly change over night from green to bursts of flaming red orange and yellow.  There is no better time to be outside than fall in Garrett County. Swallow Falls is picture perfect in all its colors and the air is crisp and cool, perfect for hiking in any of our many state parks. For the autumn celebrations itself, there are activities all weekend, starting with the fireman's parade Thursday night. The grand feature parade is on Saturday with hundreds of units participating. All day Saturday there will be food, friends and entertainment, and fun guaranteed. Not to mention the old historical train station being open for visitors. so if you are looking for a good time Autumn Glory has you covered.

Fall Foliage Drives from Deep Creek Lake

Fall Foliage Drives from Lake Pointe Inn:

Take the High Road to Laurel Highlands!

Take a ride from the shores of Deep Creek Lake through the non -commercialized Amish Country near Springs, Pa. Stop at the Observation tower at Mt Davis (the highest point in Pa (3,213 ft) and pass by Deer Lake, High Pointe Lake and Forbes State Park. The changing colors will dazzle you!

Directions: From Deep Creek Lake – take route 219 North to Route 40 east towards Grantsville. Take a left onto Route 669 toward Springs, Pa. You are certain to see a horse and buggy along this route! Pass through Springs, Pa and continue toward St. Paul. This road will take you to Mt. Davis, the highest point in Pa. On your left of the historic marker is a parking area where you can walk up the 50 foot observation tower and view the surrounding countryside. Several hiking trails are marked if you wish to linger here.

Upon leaving the parking area, continue west toward Listonburg, Pa through the Forbes State Park – passing Deer Lake and High Point Lake. This scenic road will take you to Route 40 in Addison, Pa. Take 40 East to Route 219 South to return to Deep Creek Lake.

Alternate Route to Home (Baltimore, Washington Area)

If you are heading back to the DC – Baltimore area – you may wish to take this route back to Route 68 to view the beautiful ridges and their fall colors.

From the Inn – Take Route 219 South. Take a left onto Glendale Road (shortly after passing Uno’s). When it comes to a "T", take a left onto route #495 (Bittinger Road). Enjoy the scenery overlooking Big Run State Park – and don’t forget to stop at the Monroe Run overlook! Route 495 will take you to Route 68 in Grantsville. Drive safely and enjoy the scenery!!

If you are returning to the Inn, you may wish to continue on #495 until it reaches Route 40. Take Route 40 west, through Grantsville. Take a step back in time and stop in at the Spruce Forest Artisan Village – to view the artisans at work. Continue on 40 until you reach Route 219 South – which will lead you back to Lake Pointe Inn.