September came and went in a blur of sunshine, food, friends, and more than a few surprises. The month started strong with our Morning Market at Market on 42. The weather was perfect, the vendors brought their best, and the crowd came ready to shop. Farmers, artisans, bakers, and makers filled the place, and it felt like half the county was there.
Mark your calendar for the next one, Saturday, October 11th, from 10 to 2. If you missed September, October will give you another chance to wander through, pick up something good, and see familiar faces.
I didn’t spend the rest of the month hungry, that’s for sure. I had lunch with my friend Jessie Railey at Firewater and, as usual, ordered the scallops over cheesy grits with that rich tomato and sausage sauce. It’s on both the lunch and dinner menu, and I swear it gets better every time.
Pawn Run saw me more than once. On my first visit, I ordered the sausage and ricotta flatbread with the hot honey drizzle. The second time, I decided to try something different and went for the pork nachos, except I asked them to swap fries for the chips. That little trick is worth remembering.
Both nights came with friendly run-ins with Stefany and AJ Thomas on date night, my longtime great friends Ellen and Sam Housely, Charity Miller of Mosser Meadow, and Brian Branthoover of Hailian Landscaping.
If you’re looking for me on a Saturday, there’s a fair chance you’ll also find me at Mosser Meadow checking out their plants and garden treasures. My dear friend Falon Stutzman came in from Omaha for a quick visit. Collen and I met her there, and though the visit was short, it was one of those nights that filled the heart!
Back at Market on 42, Harvest House has quickly become the talk of the neighborhood and beyond. Darryl Glotfelty and Haeli Gustafson are not just serving food; they’re creating a whole experience, especially with their weekend brunch. Right now, my favorite dish in all of Garrett County is their tomato sandwich, simply called the Tomato Sammy. Juicy, flavorful, unpretentious, and perfect.
Collen, Caity Sussman, and I met there recently to remember Caity’s mom, the late Joan Sussman (and Darry Glotfelty’s beloved aunt), and it was
exactly the kind of warm, thoughtful setting the occasion deserved.
September also came with milestones for friends. Peggy and Andy Tvardzik celebrated the grand opening of Sweet Springs Glamping on Crellin Underwood Road. Their ribbon cutting was a proud moment, and if you’re looking for a new local getaway, this spot is it. Visit www.SweetSpringsGlamping.com. There was another party too, though this one was at my house.
My goldendoodle, Penny Lillibet Fratz, turned five on September 21. She’s still convinced she runs the family, and frankly, she might be right. My nephew Tucker and I took Penny for a ride around that day for fun!
One of the month’s highlights came from Karen Myers’ invitation to a fundraiser at the brand new Deep Creek Yacht Club building in Turkey Neck, on the southern side of Deep Creek Lake. The setting was breathtaking, with views that stretched across the lake. The event raised money for the Community Trust Foundation, an organization that has done incredible work in Garrett County. It was an afternoon of conversation, hors d’oeuvres, and the reminder that this community is at its best when it comes together to support its own. Thanks for the invite, Karen! The CTF is an excellent, transparent, and ambitious charity to be involved with and consider contributing to. If you’re interested in learning more about it, visit www.ctfinc.org. It’s a philanthropic organization that directly benefits Garrett, Allegheny, and Mineral Counties, and the donor can direct the funds where they wish.
Now October waits just around the corner, and it promises to be as lively as September. There will be more meals, more gatherings, and undoubtedly a few unexpected joys. I do hope we continue the pleasant weather we’ve been having – you know, here in Garrett County – the much colder air will come soon enough. See you out and about!
Written by Mike Fratz