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.

The Lake: Winter

     This county is full of things that one visiting would enjoy. From the ages of 1 to 100, those who visit once are often coming back for more. The winter is no different from any season in this matter. With a ski resort at our back door and a winter wonderland to supply it with ample amounts of snow, the possibilities are almost endless. Some even say that this area looks like it came straight out of a Christmas card.
     Outdoor winter activities are a big part of the culture in this county. Take a ski lesson at The Wisp for a fun filled day of something new. Or, go snowshoeing at one of the many state parks. There are many places to try cross-country skiing, like Herrington Manor, and learn to snowmobile, like the wisp. If you love fishing, don’t let the weather fool you. You can go ice fishing on the lake! There isn’t a day that passes without an ice-fishing hut on the lake when the ice is safe. There are also horse drawn sleigh rides at Pleasant Valley if you just want to relax outdoors. No matter the season, you will never be bored.
     If you are an indoor type, never fear! Curl up in front of one of the fireplaces at the inn. Watch a movie from the extensive collection, or play a board game in the library. There is also a movie theatre just a few minutes away if you feel like catching a new flick. No matter your taste in activity, you will find something to do during a winter in Garrett County.

First Impressions

     Hello to everyone out there! This is an exciting new step for everyone here at the Lake Pointe Inn. About a week ago I was approached to possibly start doing this blog for a local bed and breakfast where I live. I did some research and found that this was no ordinary inn, but what appeared to be a relaxing getaway for all occasions. Upon meeting the owner and receiving a tour, everything I had found on the website proved to be true. The accommodations are phenomenal and you really feel welcome from the moment you walk in the door.That being said, this is where the, for lack of a better term, bragging, will end.

    We will be telling everyone out there about things to do in the area, special events, what activities we offer here at the inn, and every so often, a special recipe from our own kitchens. So for those looking for a place to stay, look no further! Being located in the only four season resort area in Maryland has its perks! And, to those of you looking for things to do in this wonderful area that I am lucky enough to call home, hopefully anything and everything you find here will be most helpful! We look forward to meeting you!