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.

　

55th Annual Springs Folk Festival

The Springs Folk Festival will be held October 5th and 6th at the Springs Historical Museum in Springs Pennsylvania.  Running from 9 to 5 each day watch over 140 craftsmen demonstrate their craft in the way of our forefathers.  The festival offers Pennsylvania Dutch foods, music, hayrides, and antique farm equipment demonstrations.  Music performances are held throughout the day inside and cost is only $5 per adult.  More info at www.springspa.org

SavageMan Triathalon Festival

The SavageMan Triathalon was held September 15th & 16th at Deep Creek Lake State Park.  This event is gaining a well deserved reputation as one of the toughest and most scenic triathalons in the world and this year hosted over 1,200 competitors.  The SavageMan is'nt as long as a full triathalon with Sunday's race being 70 miles, but the biking portion (55.7 miles) is considered killer by many avid road bikers.  The bike portion includes climbs up Big Savage Mountain and the infamous Westernport Wall.  Dave Scott, 6 time Ironman World Champ, described the bike course as "the most relentless bike course I have ever seen". 

Saturday features a 30 mile race for less experienced triathletes or those looking for a lighter workload.  Participants also have the option of being on relay teams.  The weekend features vendors and music at Deep Creek Lake State Park, as well as fanatic spectators cheering on racers along the way.  Check out video and photos at www.savagemantri.org  Proceeds from this event go to the Joanna M. Nicholay Melonoma Foundation.

Deep Creek Open and US Nationals in Canoe Slalom

This weekend (Sept. 8th & 9th) Adventure Sports Center International, known to locals as ASCI, will be hosting the Deep Creek Open and the US National Championship in Canoe Slalom.  The competition is open to paddelers from around the globe, including those who competed in this past summers Olympic Games.  This event will feature both white water canoeing and kayaking.

ASCI's man-made river channel (located at the top of Wisp Resort in Deep Creek Lake, MD) is the world's only mountaintop whitewater course, and can be enjoyed by beginners, families and paddling enthusiasts. Check out their Hompage at adventuresportscenter.com for other upcoming events or to plan a guided rafting trip.

Deep Creek Lake Art and Wine Festival

Summer is almost over, but as many frequent visitors and residents of Deep Creek Lake know, the Autumn months offer plenty of activities.  The Deep Creek Lake Art and Wine Festival will be held September 7-9.  Friday night you can begin by visiting area restaurants offering special prefix wine pairing dinners.  Saturday will be the Main Event located at the Garrett County Fairgrounds.  For $25 beginning at Noon and running until 6 PM visitors can sample wines from National Distributors and Maryland wineries.  Guests also have the option of tasting from the Premium Wine Tasting Area for an additional $10 for 10 tastings.

Other activities include local artists and craftsmen displaying and selling their work, items include jewelry, wood carvings, furniture, and paintings.  Local food artisans will be on hand from such local places as Firefly Farms, DeBerry Farms, and Gourmet To Go Fudge.  Live entertainment will be featured throughout the day and while strolling around visit food vendors, chat with local guest pourers, visit the wine shop, and participate in the silent auction.  Sunday Morning Brunch will be offered at Savage River Lodge and Cornish Manor.

Proceeds from The Deep Creek Lake Art and Wine Festival benefit the American Red Cross.  So come out, enjoy, and support a good cause.  More information at www.deepcreekwinefest.com

Biking The Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal For Scholarship Dollars

　
On Labor Day 2012, George and Linda Pettie, owners of the Lake Pointe Inn, will begin five days of bicycling from Pittsburgh, PA to Washington, DC on the Allegheny Passage Trail (145 miles) and C &O Canal Towpath (185 miles) to raise funds for the Caroline A. McNiece Scholarship at the Garrett College.

　
The Caroline A. McNiece Scholarship was established last year at the Garrett College, a tribute to Caroline’s love for learning & travel and to her service as a mentor to young people during her 14 years as Innkeeper at the Inn on Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County.
　
Whether your path crossed with Caroline, or you have an interest in supporting the college, we recommend a donation of $ .25 -.50 cents a mile traveled (330 x .25/.50= $82.50 /$165.00)or any small amount that will make a difference for a student at Garrett College.
　
Contributions can be made to: the Caroline A. McNiece Scholarship c/o Garrett College Foundation, 687 Mosser Road, McHenry, Md. 21541 or you can provide the Foundation with a credit card: 301-387-3131
(Last year, a group of 5 raised funds for People living with Cancer through Livestrong in memory of George’s brother, David. Here’s a link to some photos of the 3 trips we took in the past.
www.pettie.net/davidpettie )　

Lemon Ricotta Cheese Pancakes

Lemon Ricotta Cheese Pancakes with Strawberry Glaze—Serves 6
Taken from Donna Leahy’s cookbook – Morning Glories

Glaze:
Ingredients:
3 cups quartered and hulled strawberries
¾ cup of sugar
2 tsp of lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp cornstarch
Method:
Combine 2 cups of strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower. Remove from heat, cool slightly and puree in a food process or blender. Return to the sauce pan and stir in the remaining strawberries. Bring just to a boil and remove from the heat. Keep Warm.

Pancakes
Ingredients:
1 cup of all purpose flour
2 tbl sugar
4 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
4 tsp lemon juice
2 cups part skim milk ricotta cheese
¼ cup corn oil
6 eggs separated
Method:
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in the boa=wl of an electric mixer. Beat in the lemon juice and ricotta cheese until smooth. Beat in the corn oil and egg yolks until smooth. Whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold the egg whites into the batter.
Heat a lightly greased griddle or skillet over medium high heat and ladle on the batter to form 3 -4 inch cakes. Coo k until small bubbles form and the edges begin to brown, 2 -3 minutes longer until just cooked through. Spoon glace over pancakes to serve.

Glaze may be made up to 24 hours in advance.

Enjoy A Play Deep Creek Lake Style

When driving around Deep Creek Lake or looking for activities in the area one might come across the initials TOTL.  These are the initials for Deep Creek Lake's local theater company Theater On The Lake.  TOTL puts on several different productions throughout the summer and performs in one the most unique places to enjoy a play or musical.  All performances are done at The Barn at Ridgeview Valley, a previously existing barn in the Ridgeview Valley development.  It is the perfect activity to coincide with Deep Creek Lake's summer getaway atmosphere.

Shows for the summer include:
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (7:30 PM) July 19-21, 25-27
Inherit The Wind (7:30 PM) Aug. 1-4
Miss Nelson Is Missing (11:00 AM) July 11, 18, 25 Aug. 1

Check Out TOTL's Website at http://www.totltheatre.org/ to order tickets and learn about it's members.

July 4th at Deep Creek Lake

Every year on the fourth, we celebrate in style. some of our oldest friends come and stay every year for this weekend of celebration. There is a traditional cook out with festive and creative dishes, and of course what would Independence Day be without fireworks? Well never fear, we had those too! around 7 o'clock, after the nightly boat ride, the party begins. With food, music and friends, how much better can a night get? Well to answer that, about 9 o'clock, we take everyone back out in the boat to watch the fireworks from the best seat in the house: Deep Creek Lake. A simple night of celebration. Sometimes it just doesn't get better than that.

Spinach Crepes

Crepe - Makes 10
2 Large Eggs
1 Cup Milk
1 Cup Flour
1/3 Cup Water
-Mix In Blender-

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees
Prepare crepes and place in greased Ramekins
Suate Mushrooms and onions in butter and place them in center of crepes
Next stuff Spinach on top of mushrooms
Season with Salt and Nutmeg
Beat 10 eggs (1 egg per person)
Pour egg over stuffed crepe (1/3 cup of egg per crepe)
Top with grated Swiss Cheese

Place in oven for 25 minutes or until puffy
Once done, remove from ramekins and cut crepe in half - serve hot

Created by Christine Tasker

Summer Break Brings Challenges and Rewards!!

Read this article before you pick up your college student!
http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/856.aspx
Enjoy your last empty nester night on your way to pick up your child from Frostburg State, Allegany College, University of Pittsburgh, Ohio State, Garrett College or University of West Virginia etc. , with us at the Lake Pointe Inn!
Relax with us in any room, any weekday (Sunday – Thursday), at a special rate of$220 per night plus applicable taxes. Rate Includes: complimentary hors d’oeuvres, snacks ,beverages, use of kayaks, canoes and bicycles, a scrumptious breakfast, an evening pontoon boat ride (weather permitting) , and a great movie selection! This offer expires on June 14, 2012.

Wisp Resort and Lodestone Golf Courses Ready for Play

Spring is here and many of our guests like to take in some golf during their stay.  Wisp Resort Golf Course is directly across the street from us and has always been a wonderful place to play.  Wisp's Lodestone Golf Course is also located nearby at the top of Wisp Resort's Mountain.  Golfstyles Magazine named the Wisp Resort Golf Course one of the "100 Must Play Courses of the Mid-Atlantic".  Lodestone has been named in the top three of the Best Courses in Maryland by Golf Magazine and Golfweek.  Both provide wonderful scenery, but Lodestone offers 40 mile views of the area from it's mountain top location.

Spring and Fall rates at Wisp Golf Course for 18 holes is $40 midweek and $50 on weekends.
Peak Season (June 16 - September 23) for 18 holes is $60.  You can play after 3PM the whole season for $30.

Lodestone is pricier than your average golf course, but if your willing to splurge on your vacation it is totally worth it.  We have not spoken to one person who has played it and regretted it. 
Spring and Fall rates for 18 holes is $95 and $60 for 9 holes (After 1 PM). 
Peak Season (June 16 - September 23) rates are $125 for 18 holes and $70 for 9 holes (after 2PM).  Throughout the season you can play 18 holes at Lodestone on Wednesdays for $75 (except July 4th).

The scenery alone will want you to take up the sport.

Hiking Excursions: Explore Swallow and Muddy Creek Falls on the Youghiogheny

Muddy Creek Falls

After an unusually mild winter Garrett County is getting some very nice and early spring weather.  Many first time visitors to the area ask what there is to see and do.  One of the many things and at the top of the list is Swallow Falls State Park.  Spring is a Great time to visit Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland's highest waterfall at 53 feet.  A 1 1/4 mile trail meanders through the sensitive management area along the Youghiogheny River where there are Virgin Hemlock and White Pine estimated to be 300 years old.  Along with Muddy Creek Falls you can take in the sights of the Upper and Lower Swallow Falls, Toliver Falls, as well as check out local kayakers braving the rapids and boulders of the river they call "The Yough".  Swallow Falls is one of the most scenic areas in the county and the 1 1/4 mile trail is well maintained allowing for wonderful views and access.

Where Do You Get This Cheese?

Many times in the past, usually during evening wine and appetizers, we here at Lake Pointe Inn are asked something along these lines:  Where do you get this cheese and how can I get it?

The answer: FireFly Farms, located in the nearby town of Accident. FireFly Farms produces artisinal cheeses from local goat's milk.  They have been in business for a decade and this past year opened the FireFly Farms Creamery & Market where you can get a view of the cheese making process as well as purchase cheese and other unique items.

Throughout the year FireFly Farms hosts Seasonally Curated Cheese Tasting & Pairing Experiences.  We encourage not only our guests here at the Inn to check this out but anyone interested in becoming educated in the sensory aspects of cheese. The dates for this month are March 1-3, March 8-10 and March 15-17. Reservations must be made a minimum 24 hrs in advance and are subject to availability. 

Check out there website at http://www.fireflyfarms.com/ to see what seasonal pairings are being offered every month, hours of operation, to place orders, and obtain creative recipes.

Deep Creek Dunk 2012

The annual Deep Creek Dunk will be getting some winter weather this weekend.  With winter being unusually warm this year many participants perhaps thought they could getaway with some slightly easier conditions. This is not the case today, but it is expected to be sunny tomorrow when participants will brave some still pretty chilly water to raise money for Maryland Special 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.

Home Made Valentine's Day Marshmallows: Now Serving at Lake Pointe Inn

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Total Time 30 Minutes

Ingredients:

3 Envelopes of Unflavored Knox Gelatin
1/2 Cup Cold Water
2 Cups Granulated Sugar
2/3 Cup Corn Syrup
1/4 Cup Water
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
Confectioners' Sugar for Dredging

Preparation:
In the bowl of an electric mixer, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water. Soak for 10 minutes.

Combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan.  Bring to a boil and boil hard for 1 minute.  Pour boiling syrup into gelatin and mix at high speed.  Add the salt and beat for 12 minutes.  Add vanilla and incorporate into mixture.  Scrape into a 9x9 inch pan lined with oiled plastic wrap and spread evenly.  (note:  Lightly oil hands and spatula or bowl scraper).  After pouring marshmallows mixture into the pan, take another piece of plastic and wrap and press mixture into the pan.

Let mixture sit for a few hours.  Remove from pan, dredge the marshmallow slab with confectioners' sugar and cut into 12 equal pieces with scissors (the best tool for the job) or a chef's knife.  Dredge each piece of marshmallow in confectioners' sugar.

Yield: 12 large marshmallows

Recipe Source: French Laundry Cookbook By Thomas Keller (Artisan)

Romantic Getaway To Deep Creek Lake

Valentine's Day is on it's way and we hope you have something planned for your significant other.  When staying here you'll always enjoy breakfast in the morning and wine in the evenings.  Many of us enjoy celebrating this day so remember some of these options whether your visiting us this upcoming holiday or later this year. 

Before you arrive plan to surprise your other half  by adding a romantic tone to your room with rose petals or flowers along with any of our wine or champagne packages. 

Arrange for the both of you to enjoy a massage and relax in the sauna before hand and your room next to the fireplace afterwards.  We offer three massage variations all with the intention of allowing you to relax during your stay (Please book massage with your reservation).

Hot Stone Massage: Combines various massage techniques and warm lava stones to relax the body at its deepest level.
Swedish Massage: Is the most familiar of all massage techniques. This gentle, full-body massage will induce relaxation, rejuvenation and increase your body’s circulation.
Reflexology: Uses pressure points of the feet that correspond to specific parts of your body to release tension. This technique improves circulation and releases energy throughout your entire body.

Valentine's Day is a good reason to share mutual love for each other, but remember any time is good time to show it.

Deep Creek Lake Recipes from The Lake Pointe Inn Kitchen

One of the many pleasures of escaping to Lake Pointe Inn is enjoying some of our wonderful breakfast creations in the morning while staring out at Deep Creek Lake.  Our Inn Keepers do their best to be innovative and recently Chris has been on fire with her new ideas.  I just tried this one this morning for the first time and it's just another reason why I have a hard time eating eggs over easy ever since I found this place. 

Crepes and Eggs with Red Roasted Pepper Sauce

Serves 8 People

Make Crepes

2 Large Eggs
1 Cup Milk
1 Cup Flour
1/3 Cup Water
Mix in Blender
2 Tablespoons of Butter for Coating Custard Cups.

Mix together 12 Eggs, Salt, Pepper, and 1/4 Cup of Ricotta Cheese
Cut Up Leeks and Set Aside
Brush Muffin Pans or Custard Cups with Oil.  Place Crepes in Cups, Press lightly against the bottom
Pour 1/3 Cup of Eggs into the Crepes.
Next layer with Leeks, Pour the remaining egg mixture into the Crepes
Top with Mexican Cheese
Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes

Serve with Red Roasted Pepper Sauce on The Side

1 Can of Red Roasted Peppers
1/2 Cup of Cream Cheese
1/2 Cup of Smoked Gouda Cheese
1/2 Cup of Goat Cheese
Put in Blender.

Weekday Specials To Plan Your Winter Ski Trip

Garrett County is finally getting the winter weather we are known for. So why not take some time off during your normal work week and get away?  Here's some incentive.  Combine Lake Pointe Inn weekday room rates with Wisp Resort weekday lift ticket rates.  We are located across from each other.  Making it convenient for you to take a break in your "snow day" from work, warm up, and go back out for some more.

Sunday through Thursday all rooms at the Inn are $220 per night (plus applicable taxes)  Valid Nov. 7, 2011 through May 24th, 2012.  Just a reminder that all the rooms at Lake Pointe Inn are unique and offer different amenities so be sure to check out our website or Facebook page to see photos and a list of what each room can offer. 

Wisp Resort  offers all day lift tickets Monday through Thursday for $29.  On Mondays that lift ticket includes a ski or snowboard rental as well as a Group Lesson (not including holidays).  Wisp Resort may offer some of the best weekday rates of any ski area.  The cost of a weekday lift ticket is less than half what a weekend ticket can cost. 

Lake Pointe Inn Blog 2012

The Lake Pointe Inn Blog is back up and posting again after some transitioning this past fall.  Be sure to check out some of our blogs from last year in order to give you some insight as to what expect from our blog in the year ahead.  Every week we will be posting on activities and events in the area, local business specials, brief histories on Garrett County, and of special interest to already visiting guests, recipes from our kitchen that include past and current favorites to new innovations.  Also follow us on Facebook and we look forward to your visit to Deep Creek Lake.