Mountain Lake Park and Loch Lynn Heights

       When it comes to Garrett County, many people first think of the Wisp or Deep Creek Lake. But that’s not all this area has to offer. Along with a lush forest and state park filled county for a multitude of outdoor activities, this area is steeped in history. Often a favorite for vacationers in surrounding regions like the D.C. Metropolitan area, Garrett County has had many famous visitors for a couple hundred years. Some more notable were President William Howard Taft, Mark Twain, and William Jennings Bryan.  Mountain Lake Park was a major draw for many people with the Chautauqua movement in the late 1800’s. Along with this movement, they boast the oldest sanctioned clay court tennis tournament in the tri state area on some of the oldest clay courts still in use today.
Next door to Mountain Lake Park is Loch Lynn Heights. This quaint little town boasted a few luxury hotels that were easily accessible by the railroad for those coming from Baltimore and Washington D.C. Though the resort burned down in 1918, this area is still a thriving community.
Both of these towns have their history, and are only a few minutes away from the lake. So if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the resort for a few hours, try taking a trip to Mountain Lake Park to play tennis or tour the small towns that have been around through the development of Garrett County.

Winter: Part 2

     Winter lasts a while here in Garrett County. While spring is just around the corner, there is still ample time for winter activities until the very last snowflake has melted. Along with all of this winter fun that has been taking place in the past few weeks, there is the deep creek dunk coming up at the end of the week. Every year behind Uno’s, a few brave souls take pledges to raise money for the Special Olympics in Maryland. So maybe you can come by and help support and watch the brave and charitable people run into freezing water. After these participants raise money, they take a plunge in the freezing cold Deep Creek Lake. Often anywhere from 6 to 24 inches will be cut out of the lake for this to take place. Also there will be the Maryland Open at the Wisp Resort. This event will crown the top freestyle skier and rider in the Mid-Atlantic region with 3 formats: Slope Style, Big Air and Terrain Park. There is nothing like seeing a skier rip down the mountain during the events they have.  Also, the wisp still has their midweek specials going on, so pull up a chair in the lodge, or watch from the slopes. And coming soon to Garret County, maple syrup season.

Our Recipes:Part 1

     Every business has something signature about them. For the Lake Pointe Inn, it's no different. Here we have a select few of recipes that are a staple for every day operations. Our granola is made fresh here in our kitchen and is always available for breakfast, or if you just want a quick snack.

Lake Pointe Gold Granola

½ cup apple juice
½ cup honey
¼ canola oil
1 ½ teaspoon pure almond extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg

4 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)
½ cup sliced almonds
½ cup shredded coconut

½ cup sliced almonds
½ shredded coconut

1 cup golden raisins

Put 4 cups oats in a large bowl.  Add almonds and coconut.

In a small saucepan combine apple juice, honey and canola.  Bring just to a boil.  Remove from heat and add almond extract, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Add to oat mixture and combine thoroughly.

Spread mixture evenly on a jelly roll pan.  Bake in 225 degree oven until dry and crispy.  This can take 1 to 2 hours.  Check every 30 minutes and stir.  When granola becomes crisp and golden brown, remove from oven, let cool and add raisins.

What to do?

     When one gets bored in Garrett County, you often become stumped with what to do.  The same concept applied this week as I was writing this. What is going on this week? Well I searched long and hard and found an answer! There are so many things, specials, and events happening in this area, sometimes you just have to look a little harder.
     So, this week, there is a Bud Light Concert Series at the wisp featuring rising bands. This week is the Steve Hussey Band. Also, every week at the wisp they have specials on lift tickets and rentals. On Mondays, there is the $29 Deal Day. ALL DAY from 9am - 5pm -- $29 Lift Ticket, Sport Ski or Snowboard Rental & 60-minute clinic!  No coupon, ID or additional purchase required!. On Wednesdays, there is Locals Day, where everybody is a local! All tickets and rentals are discounted. Finally, there is the Thursday special. Present a valid 2010-2011 Season Pass from any ski resort to receive a $21 Extended Day Lift Ticket (9am - 9pm) or a $15 Night Lift Ticket (5pm - 9pm). At the end of the month, Husky Power Dogsledding is having a special presentation day. On February 17th, enjoy an educational and entertaining dog sledding presentation. Grill mushers; see equipment; hug Huskies; watch films. No reservations needed.  Finding activities can be a little daunting, even for a local. But there is always something to do in this wonderful area.