October is always one of the busiest and most beautiful months of the year here on the mountaintop. Even though the colors of our leaves have been muted because of our dry summer, they can still take your breath away.
I love driving down some of our country roads, just taking it all in. One of my favorites is Bear Creek Road, going from Accident to Friendsville, and where Skip and I had a home for over 25 years.
When in Friendsville, a stop at the Friendsville Pub is always a must. Be sure to check out Herbal Earth Apothecary while there as well. Our friend and Nurse Practitioner Alea McClintock-Donahue has opened a wellness shop full of interesting and helpful wares.
October is also a favorite time of year for me because it begins with my birthday! A planned reunion of my WVU classmates was unfortunately cancelled, but I still got to spend time with good friends over a long weekend.
A quick trip to Pittsburgh spent with friends old and new, dinner on the lake with locals Angie and Gil Nolte and our very own Patrice Wray, and
a day trip to Thomas, WV, to meet with former college roommates for a delicious lunch.
The trees in Tucker County were much more colorful than ours in early October, so that was particularly enjoyable. My birthday itself was spent with wonderful friends, Brenda McDonnell and Martin Heise, at Harvest House, located along Rt. 42 between the lake and Friendsville. Owners Darryl Glotfelty and Haeli Gustafson have created a relaxing and fun dining spot with fresh menu items. Their six-month-old daughter Juniper Joan, stole the show, however, and I had a ball holding and playing with her. We were even joined by good friend Justin Friend and Juniper’s grandpa, Rodney. We also ran into Zach and Linda Taylor, former owners of Mountain Lake Vacations, and old friends from years ago.
Of course, the month’s highlight is always the Autumn Glory Festival with events held throughout the county. For me, the highlight of the festival is the many craft shows throughout the area, showcasing our many talented local artists. I’m often in awe that so much talent resides in our small community.
I volunteered for part of the day on Saturday at the Oakland Civic Club’s annual Antique Show and Sale. I’m proud to be part of this wonderful
organization. These women work so hard throughout the year raising money that is then distributed to various local charities throughout the community. Of course, it is just one of the amazing organizations in Garrett County.
I was able to chat with Mike and Jean Tumberello (our Unsung Hero article on page 36 ) briefly during the day. Although the couple will
be moving closer to their children later this year, they have both done so much for our community during their time here, and I was glad for a chance to catch up with them both.
My second favorite thing about Autumn Glory is the abundance of delicious turkey dinners offered at different restaurants. I made it a point to stop by Ace’s Run for mine this year, although I’ve heard pretty good things about the one at JG’s as well. Yum! It was fun sitting at the bar reminiscing with bartenders Doug Kisner and Tom Bulhack, friends from way back. Tom always has some great stories about Skip, especially since they were both such rabid sports fans.
Patty Wells and I drove to Cumberland one beautiful evening to see a local musician she had heard about, and we were not disappointed. Ruby of Mountain Soul Music put on a great show using a variety of instruments and her unforgettable singing voice. As always, Patty knows or makes friends wherever she goes, and we always have a fun time.
I helped deliver some magazines early in the month and enjoyed my old route from Oakland to Terra Alta. I ran into Tom Kuhn of Funland
at the Oakland B&O Train Museum. He and his wife, Sara Jane, are two of my absolute favorite people and fellow Heise Award winners. It was
great to see him and to catch up. I also got to visit with Gale Bosley at Zip’eez for a few minutes, too. I love hearing her wonderful travel stories…she’s been to some pretty cool places.
Although the Deep Creek Lake Farmers Market and Saturday Morning Markets at Shops at 42 are done for the season, don’t forget that the Oakland Farmers Market at the Mountain Fresh Pavilion continues on for select Saturdays all winter long. Visit their website at www.mountainfresh.org or see their ad here in The Lake-Front for exact dates.
We had a call from longtime subscriber and all-around nice man James Townsend last month. He said some wonderful things about our publication and had some nice remembrances of Skip. Those two used to chat a couple of times a year. It’s hard to believe Skip has been gone for four years now. I look at our grandsons and see him in them, and that is a great comfort. Skip sure would have loved those little boys.
Theo Everett (Skip’s namesake) looks so much like him, and Caitlin keeps his memory alive for both boys. I’m looking forward to a trip to New Jersey to see them at the end of the month, so I can see them march in their daycare’s Halloween parade and go trick-or-treating with them.
As we look forward to the holiday season, please be sure to shop local as much as you can this year. You’ll find unique gifts, keep your money
locally, and maybe even make a new friend or two.
In the meantime, as we all take a sigh of relief at the end of a very busy summer and get ready for the holidays, now begins quiet time at the lake. Chilly days, reading by the fire, a bonfire at night, or quiet walks in the woods, locals (and those who wish they were) know how to appreciate Garrett County any time of the year.
Whatever your pleasure, enjoy!
Written by Linda “Mrs. Skip” Carr.