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.