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 )