mountains – Page 13 – Jay's Real Estate Blog

Garrett County Gran Fondo – Ride Through the Scenic Wonders of Mountain Maryland

Get ready for a wild ride through the scenic wonders of the Deep Creek Lake area and mountain Maryland. The 12th annual Garrett County Gran Fondo is now accepting registrations and is proudly presented by the Garrett Trails Organization

MCHENRY, MD, May 05, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ — Whether you’re a casual cyclist or an experienced athlete, this challenging ride is guaranteed to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the stunning views of the mountains to the vibrant culture at each stop, riders will get to experience all that mountain Maryland has to offer. Not only that, riders can rest assured knowing that their efforts will be put to good use in supporting local trail initiatives led by the Garrett Trails Organization.

Garrett County, Maryland is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and unique outdoor experiences. On Saturday, June 17th, 2023, cyclists from all over the country will have a chance to take in the beauty and majesty of this region with the Garrett County Gran Fondo cycling event.

This challenging ride will take riders on a 25 -125-mile route through some of the most picturesque spots in mountain Maryland. Along the way, riders will get to experience some of Garrett County’s best attractions such as Deep Creek Lake and the scenic Youghiogheny River.

photo via Garrett County Gran Fondo – Ride Through the Scenic Wonders of Mountain Maryland (digitaljournal.com)

What’s Up Deep Creek for May 2023

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales

What’s Up at Deep Creek? Glad you asked! Here’s the scoop on area happenings for May 2023.

One. Last. Chance. at Sipside Lounge

May 3, 5-9PM
Hosted by Barb and Pat Franc, this fundraiser benefits the Garrett Regional Medical Center Foundation. Open to the public, is supports the GMRC’s Behavioral Health Center. There will be a cash bar, drink specials, and live music.

Fletcher’s Spring Fling
May 5, 6:30PM
Join us for a Fun Filled Celebration of Fletcher’s Miracle Journey! Fletcher’s Spring Fling is a fundraising event to benefit Fletcher Layne Fazenbaker’s family. She was born with a rare congenital brain tumor and received treatment at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Her family is experiencing financial burdens due to the time away from home, work and their business. There will be live music by the Remedy, food by Goehringer’s Catering, bouquet bar by Jeffries Farm, The Travel Mug Coffee Trailer, games, prizes & more!

The Meadow Spring Kick Off Event 2023
May 6, 8AM-4PM
Halian Landscapes and Mosser Meadow Nurseries invite you to their 2nd annual spring kick off. There will be plants, artisans, food, and fun!
-ABPH Art
-Bearded Bee
-Fernwood Soap
-Mountain Magic Candle Company
-Pleasant Valley Woodcrafts
-Spruce Knob Maple
*FOOD: Coffee Bar, Wildom Farm and Sweitzer’s BBQ
*LIVE MUSIC: by Terah Crawford
*FREE Kettle Corn and Face Painting

Team Trivia
Every Thursday, 6:30-8:30PM
Mountain State Brewing Company hosts team trivia every Thursday throughout the year!

Team Bingo
Every Sunday, 1PM-3PM
Mountain State Brewing Company hosts team bingo every Sunday throughout the year!

Mountain Fresh Spring Farmers Market
Every Saturday in May, 10AM-1PM
Held at the pavilion off 2nd Street in Downtown Oakland by the town parking lot, local vendors offer farm fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more.

HART for Animals Guest Bartender Challenge
May 10, 6-9PM
Taylor-Made real estate is your host at Mountain State Brewing Co. for the annual Have a HART Guest Bartender Challenge! Stop by for a drink and help support a great cause!

Plant Your Own Herb Planter
May 11, 18, and 25, 6:30PM
Three Sisters Farm will provide several varieties of culinary herbs, a strawberry pot to plant them in and soil. Cost is $5 and includes food from Big Dogs Deli. Bring a beverage of choice. Space is limited and you must be pre registered.

Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival
May 13, 10AM-3PM
New Germany State Park is the location for this celebration of native plants. There will be native plants for sale, family friendly activities, nature walks, and educational displays.

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at Savage River Lodge
May 14, 10AM-2PM
Reservations are recommended for this Lodge tradition that features made to order omelettes and waffles, a carving station, and assorted side dishes and desserts.

Mothers Day Buffet at Wisp Resort
May 14, 11AM-2PM
Wisp Resort offers a delicious buffet and complimentary photos for you and your mom. Reservations are required. Call 855-990-0304.

Dutch’s Wine Pairing Dinner
May 18, 4-9:30PM
Dutch’s at Silver Tree offers a special wine pairing dinner menu with Garrett Mentors, a local children’s mentoring organization, receiving funds from the sales. Please call Dutch’s to make your reservation: 301-387-0525!

National Road Festival Yard Sale
May 20, 8AM-1PM
Held throughout the town of Grantsville, the National Road Festival Yard Sale has become one of the biggest events of the National Road Festival. Other events going on during the yard sale include:

Free appraisals provided by Blue Moon Antiques
Car Show, Grantsville Town Park
Food Trucks, Grantsville Park
Live Music in the afternoon sponsored by the Grantsville A&E District
Kids’ games provided by JTF

Growing and Caring for Lavender
May 20, 10-11:30AM
Deep Creek Lavender Farm’s owner, Anne Davidson, teaches you about growing, propagating, and caring for Lavender. Learn about the history and uses of lavender. Plants and lavender items can be purchased after the class.

Make a Wood Wick Dough Bowl Candle
May 20, 10:30AM
Head to The Studio at Marsh Hill to learn to make a triple wood wick candle. Mix scent into the wax and pour into a rustic wooden dough bowl. The class cost is $52.

2nd Annual Deep Creek Lake Memorial Weekend Craft Show!
May 26 3-7PM and May 27 10AM-6PM
Held at the Garrett County Fairgrounds, this event includes numerous craft vendors along with great food.

Mountains and Museums
Memorial Day Weekend
All seven of the county’s museums will be open during Memorial Day weekend for the Mountains and Museum event, on Saturday, May 27, 2023. The Oakland Museums will be open on Friday and Saturday, May 26-27,2023, 11-4 and Sunday, May 28, 2023, 12-3

Two Minute Deep Creek Market Update

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales

Here’s a quick overview of the Deep Creek Lake real estate market as of April 14, 2023.

Average sold price lake area residential – Average: $1,002,723, Median: $639,500
Number of sales pending for Garrett County – 55 (28 went under contract in March)
Number of homes for sale Garrett County – 133 (51 were listed in March, down from 5 year average which is 66)
Number of sales closed Garrett County – 37, down from 5 year average of 46

Written by Admin on April 17, 2023. Posted in Deep Creek Lake Real Estate, Market

Maryland Park Service Graduates 20 New State Park Rangers

Southern Maryland Chronicles

The Maryland Park Service recently graduated 20 new State Park Rangers after they completed four weeks of training. The graduation ceremony took place on February 24, 2023, at Elk Neck State Park and NorthBay Adventure Camp. This is the 13th class of new State Park Rangers since the modern ranger school program was established in 2009.

Ranger school focuses on the primary jobs of the Maryland Park Ranger, which include operations, maintenance, interpretation, and customer service. During the four-week training, students participated in intensive practical exercises and written exams. The training was designed to simulate real-world scenarios, allowing rangers-in-training to execute emergency response, park operations, search and rescue missions, resource management, and more.

To become fully certified, rangers must also complete one year of operational experience. The new rangers will work in different regions, and they are as follows:

Central:

Nicole Staab, Rocks/Susquehanna State Park
Margaret White, Rocks/Susquehanna State Park

Eastern:

Brian Bokulic, Janes Island State Park
Ashley Brown, Pocomoke River State Park
Kirby Brown, Assateague State Park
Michael Fray, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park
Erin Swale, Assateague State Park

Southern:

Samuel Behrens, Point Lookout State Park
Matthew Gregory, Southern Maryland Recreational Complex
Aubree Moore, Southern Maryland Recreational Complex
Calvin Ogburn, Southern Maryland Recreational Complex
Riley Schwertz, Point Lookout State Park

Western:

Travis Anthony, Cunningham Falls State Park
Emily Hendershot, Rocky Gap State Park
Ryan Keller, Herrington Manor State Park
Noah Manges, New Germany State Park
Cecilia Melton, South Mountain Recreation Area
Scott Offutt, Cunningham Falls State Park
Andrew Ogle, Deep Creek Lake State Park
Christine Smith, Deep Creek Lake State Park

“Maryland Park Rangers represent the vanguard of the Park Service mission – ‘to manage the state’s natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources, to provide for wise stewardship and enjoyment by people,’” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “I thank each of them for their commitment to their duties, sharing and preserving our most treasured lands and waters now and for future generations.”

The Maryland Park Service takes pride in their ranger school program, which ensures that their rangers are highly skilled and competent in their duties. With the graduation of the 13th class of new State Park Rangers, the Maryland Park Service continues to maintain the quality of service they provide to the public.

The 5 Best Maryland Lakes For Swimming

a-z Animals

What’s better than swimming to get great exercise while having fun and staying cool with your family and friends during the summer? Swimming is not only a fun activity, but it is a great way to exercise the entire body and improve your fitness. Swimming is also an activity all ages can find ways to enjoy, especially if you visit the best Maryland lakes for swimming!

There are over 100 lakes within the state of Maryland today. Each one of those lakes is, however, a man-made reservoir (either for recreation, utility, or both). Deep Creek Lake, for example — with its nearly 4,000 acres of lake water — powers a hydroelectric dam that has operated since 1925, but also offers recreational activities for residents and vacationers.

So, let’s take a look at five of Maryland’s lakes that are the best lakes for swimming!

Greenbrier Lake
Deep Creek Lake
Lake Habeeb
Cunningham Falls
Kilgore Falls

Deep Creek Lake (Deep Creek Lake State Park)

Most Maryland lakes are much smaller than Deep Creek Lake, with many covering less than 50 acres. Deep Creek Lake, on the other hand, is known for being the largest lake in Maryland. It covers nearly 4,000 acres! The park gets its name from the lake. The Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company created a 1,300-foot-long dam in the 1920s for a hydroelectric project.

So why go swimming at Deep Creek Lake? Is it more than just a hydroelectric dam project? Yes!

With its mile-long shoreline and two swimming beaches, along with 20 miles of trails for hiking and biking, campgrounds, and an enormous Discovery Center, Deep Creek Lake State Park offers year-round activities for everyone.

The natural beauty of Deep Creek Lake is only matched by its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. With deer, bald eagles, ospreys, black bears, and more, visitors can expect to see a wide range of nature’s creatures while they swim and explore.

It’s a Maryland State Park, so the lake’s water is well-kept, and convenience factors are much more amenable. There are public restrooms, places to stay overnight that are close by, and convenience stores.

7 Most Beautiful Lakes In Maryland

World Atlas

As is the case all over the world, the lakes of Maryland are a popular destination for locals and tourists looking to relax. They are a focal point for outdoor recreation, fishing, and enjoyment of the natural world. Unlike many places, though, not a single one of the lakes in Maryland was formed naturally. Most natural lakes are formed by glaciers, but during the last Ice Age, glaciers didn’t reach the area that is now Maryland. Other lakes are caused by faulting, volcanic activity, or landslides, which again didn’t happen in that area.

There are now over 100 artificial lakes in Maryland, and though they were the result of human development, especially due to the need for hydroelectric energy, nature has made good use of them. Some of the most beautiful of these lakes have become an important part of the area’s ecosystem and are now part of larger parks. The land, plants, and animals have adapted to the lake’s presence, so these parks have become important habitats for fish, birds, and animals large and small.

Deep Creek Lake

As the largest lake in the state, Deep Creek Lake is also perhaps the most well-known of Maryland’s lakes. It can be found near Oakland, in Deep Creek Lake State Park, which sits high on a plateau in the Allegheny Highlands. Created as the result of a hydroelectric dam, it has been an important source of energy for the area since 1925.

The lake itself covers approximately 3,900 acres and is surrounded by 69 miles of shoreline, some of which is sandy beach. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating of all types. Nearby, the state park offers cabins, camping spots, and over 100 miles of trails from which to try to spot elk or mule deer. But the park is also home to bobcats and black bears, so caution to all hikers is recommended. Also in the park is a 6,000 s6,000-square-foot Discovery Center with an aviary that features rescued eagles and ospreys.

New DNR secretary to visit region

Cumberland Times-News

MCHENRY — Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz plans to visit Allegany and Garrett counties on Monday.

Kurtz has been acting secretary of the organization since Jan. 18, and became secretary on Feb. 17.

DNR Media Relations Manager Gregg Bortz on Sunday said the visit to the region does not include public events, and Kurtz will conduct internal meetings with area employees.

“He’s making an effort to do that around the state since taking office,” Bortz said via email and added that Kurtz will make time for a media interview.

‘Fight like h***’
A big question for the secretary surrounds the future of $4 million allocated last year by the Maryland General Assembly in DNR’s critical maintenance program for trail development along the state protected Wild Youghiogheny River.

The proposal has been opposed by numerous area property owners and elected officials who want the money to be used for other projects in Garrett County.

“I’m gonna fight like h***,” Sen. Mike McKay said on Sunday of working to keep the funds in Garrett County and added that he believes he has support from the governor’s office. “Right is right.”

In a letter to Kurtz last month, the Board of Garrett County Commissioners asked the state to abandon the trail proposal, and give them control of the money for other trail projects.

Friendsville’s mayor and town council also formally opposed the trail development.

“My goal (for) the Yough is to support what the community wants,” McKay said.

The money trail
The way the money made it into the budget, signed by Gov. Larry Hogan last year, was convoluted at best.

In September 2021, Hogan announced the creation of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, within DNR, and the hiring of J. Daryl Anthony to serve as its first executive director.

Records show that before the $4 million was allocated, meetings that included Anthony, then Del. Wendell Beitzel, and Garrett Trails were held to discuss funding for the development in the Wild Yough corridor.

Beitzel would later say he pushed for the financial allocation “to provide some economic opportunity and to provide more opportunities for outdoor recreation” for the area.

In January 2022, Anthony, in an email to Beitzel’s chief of staff, said, “While I have not asked for specific funding dedicated to the Yough Canyon Trail, I am very hopeful that funding will be available to support outdoor recreation opportunities … the Yough Canyon trail is a high priority for investment.”

In June, Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, who was DNR secretary at the time, said the appropriation was neither part of the department’s capital budget request nor the governor’s fiscal 2023 budget submission.

Now, legislators will again determine the fate of the funds.

“The General Assembly can move the money from one pot to another,” McKay said and added that he’s “been clear from day one” that he wants the cash to be used in Garrett County.

“I’m 100% sure there will be transparency going forward,” he said. “I can guarantee you that there won’t be any firm decisions that are made without (public) input.”

‘Preserve and protect’
John Bambacus, a former state senator and mayor of Frostburg, has been a leader of the community that opposes development of the Wild Yough.

On Sunday, he said Kurtz’s visit to the area is “extremely important” and talked of valuable resources, including state parks and forests in Garrett County.

Bambacus hopes Kurtz will follow a decision outlined in a 2014 letter written by then DNR Secretary Joseph Gill.

At that time, Gill responded to a letter from Beitzel and former Sen. George Edwards requesting to develop a segment of the Eastern Continental Divide Loop Trail through the Youghiogheny Scenic Corridor.

Gill rejected the idea because it would involve reconstruction of an old rail line and replacement of several bridges.

Environmental regulations would preclude such construction and flooding along the river, he wrote.

“The policy of the state is to preserve and protect the natural values of these rivers, enhance their water quality, and fulfill vital conservation purposes by wise use of resources within their surrounding environment,” Gill wrote. “We are unable to approve development of this area for numerous reasons.”

Teresa McMinn is a reporter for the Cumberland Times-News. She can be reached at 304-639-2371 or tmcminn@times-news.com.

To view the article click here.

County Commissioners Announce Special Public Hearing – June 28, 2022

Garrett County Government

County Commissioners Announce Special Public Hearing – June 28, 2022
Last Updated on Jun 14, 2022 at 12:40pm | Board of Commissioners
PUBLIC NOTICE

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners will conduct a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Meeting Room, Room 209, 203 South Fourth Street, Courthouse, Oakland, Maryland. The purpose of the meeting is to review and take public comment on the following ordinance(s):

GARRETT COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL
Draft Ordinance – Garrett County Fire Marshal
AN ACT CONCERNING the Garrett County Fire Marshal FOR THE PURPOSE of authorizing the appointment of a Fire Marshal for Garrett County, Maryland; establishing the scope of the duties as well as the administration and implementation of the Office of the Fire Marshall for Garrett County, Maryland, and authorizing the Office of Fire Marshal to investigate the origin, cause and circumstances of fires, explosions, and hazardous materials emergencies in Garrett County.

GARRETT COUNTY POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD
Draft Ordinance – Garrett Count y Police Accountability Board
AN ACT CONCERNING the Garrett County Police Accountability Board FOR THE PURPOSE of establishing a Police Accountability Board for Garrett County, Maryland; establishing the scope of the duties as well as the administration and implementation of the Garrett County Police Accountability Board and authorizing the Garrett County Police Accountability Board to work with law enforcement agencies and the county government to improve matters of policing in Garrett County.

BUILDING REGULATIONS
Draft Ordinance – Building Regulations
AN ACT CONCERNING the Garrett County Fire Prevention Code; FOR THE PURPOSE of adopting and implementing a Fire Prevention Code for Garrett County, Maryland; providing for the scope, administration, and implementation thereof; providing for inspection and other fees; providing for protection against fires and the removal of fire hazards; providing for appointment of inspectors to enforce the Fire Prevention Code and establishing penalties for violations thereof.

Garrett County Gran Fondo

Gran fondo guide

The Garrett County Gran Fondo has a ride for everyone from the recreational cyclist to seasoned professionals with five supported ride options. The 125 mile “Diabolical Double Metric”, the 105 mile “Savage Century”, the 63 mile “Masochistic Metric”, and the 44 mile “Fabulous 44” all contain very steep and challenging hills. The “Garrett’s Greatest 25” includes hills but is appropriate for the recreational cyclist not desiring to undertake the more extreme Gran Fondo ride offerings.

7 separate timed KOM climbs encompass a total of 11.8 miles and 4400′ elevation gain. A true climbing test!

The Garrett County Gran Fondo “Diabolical Double” was selected in 2009 by Rapha Continental as one of the top 25 Epic Rides in North America and riders unanimously agreed the ride ranked was “one of the most stunning and demanding rides of the summer”. At 125 miles and 16,500 feet of climbing, this ride is an extreme challenge on par with any single day ride in the world, including the European climbing classics such as Etape du Tour, la Marmotte, and the classic Italian Gran Fondos. Compact cranks or triples are very strongly encouraged.

The “Diabolical Double” – the feature event of the Garrett County Gran Fondo, the Diabolical Double is a true, extreme epic on par with European climbing classics such as Etape du Tour, la Marmotte, and the classic Italian Gran Fondos. At 125 miles and 16,500 feet of climbing, the Diabolical Double is an all-day affair that is an extreme challenge for even the most fit rider. Included in Rapha Continental’s 2009 tour of the Top 25 Epic Rides in North America, and called by the Rapha riders “one of the most demanding and stunning rides of the summer”, the Diabolical Double is destined to become a true North American cycling classic.

The “Savage Century” – at 105 miles and 12,700 feet of climbing, the Savage Century is a very challenging century ride in its own right despite playing second fiddle to the Diabolical Double. The Savage Century shares the first 59 miles and final 15 miles of the Diabolical Double route.

The “Masochistic Metric” – at 63 miles and 8000 feet of climbing, the Masochistic Metric can stake its claim as the toughest metric century route in North America. The Masochistic Metric shares the first 47 miles of the Diabolical Double and Savage Century routes and includes some of the most stunning rural scenery and vistas you are ever to encounter on a bike as well as the vast majority of the steepest climbs encountered in the Savage Century and Diabolical Double routes

The “Fabulous 44” – at 44 miles and 4800 feet of climbing, the “Fabulous 44” is an excellent option for anyone looking for a longer, more challenging ride than the “Garrett’s Greatest 25”, but is not ready to undertake the extreme challenge of the Masochistic Metric Century.

The “Garrett’s Greatest 25” – A beautiful 25 mile ride through the rolling Garrett County farmland with a challenging 3 mile climb to the finish atop Wisp Mountain.

espite the extreme nature of the some of the Garrett County Gran Fondo rides, there are no qualifying standard or time cutoff restrictions beyond event closure at dusk. The Gran Fondo rides include supply stations, tech/sag support and riders will be provided detailed cue sheets and elevation profiles. Even so, participants should prepare to be self-sufficient for up to 25 slow, hilly miles between checkpoints and supply stations.

To read the full article click here.

Tourism sees record increases in westernmost county

Cumberland Times-News

MCHENRY — Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County saw record increases in tourism during 2021 with a 34.3% increase in county accommodations sales, an 8.1% increase in visitors to the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce website, a 56.8% increase in guests to the Visitors Center and a 45.7% increase in Garrett County Visitor Guide requests.

Due to lodging growth between 2017 and 2019, the chamber secured a 10.4% increase in state tourism marketing match grant funds for fiscal 2022.

“By utilizing innovative and strategic marketing strategies, Garrett County was able to avoid the fate of many tourism areas who saw drastic drops in tourism during the pandemic,” said Sarah Duck, vice president of tourism and marketing of the chamber. “We have confidence in our marketing strategies and these stats validate that our efforts are effective and yielding strong results for our community. However, as tourism begins to rebound across the country and the world, tourism advertising has become more competitive than ever, so we must continue to be inventive and deliberate in reaching our audience with the right message.”