What a wonderful end to summer!
The weather the past several weeks has been nothing short of spectacular…warm, sunny days and lovely cool evenings. As beautiful as Deep Creek is any time of year, I spent the first week of September at the beach with Caitlin and her family. It’s been a yearly tradition since 2020 for us to take that vacation, and as my grandsons get older, it gets more and more fun.
Skip and I met while we were both working in Ocean City, so it’s always had a special place in our hearts. It’s been fun passing on our traditions and creating new memories with my grandsons. I feel like I left in the summer and came back in the fall, and the changing leaves.
September marks the unofficial “festival season” here on the mountain top. It kicked off with the annual Art, Wine & Spirits Festival, and although I missed it, from all reports, it was very well attended, despite some wet weather.
Featuring a mix of wine tastings, local vendors, and original art, it’s been a fall tradition for over twenty years. Paula Yudelevit, director of HART for Animals and festival coordinator, told me they had a record number of artists apply to participate this year. The next fundraiser for the organisation will be their Yappy Hour for Pups, to be held at The Harbor Bar at Dutch’s on October 5th. Speaking of Dutch’s at Silver Tree, their weekly specials are back, and mark your calendar now for their annual Harborween event, happening Oct. 25th.
In my new role as Executive Director at the House of Hope, I have been representing them at some local functions, which has been an honor and a delight. The first event I attended was the Women’s Equality Day forum sponsored by AAUW Garrett Branch, which brought local organizations and citizens together to discuss the lack of affordable child care in the county. On Friday, September 12th, I attended The Women’s Empowerment Summit, hosted by the Dove Center and First United Bank, featuring speakers from local businesses on how to become more financially independent. It was such a joy to watch some of the speakers and coordinators of the event, women whom I have known since they were children, step into leadership roles in our community, working together to make it a better place for all.
I enjoyed lunch with the incomparable Brenda McDonnell at Pine Lodge Steakhouse and Saloon. We enjoyed their prime rib sandwich and flatbread. I also had the pleasure of a late summer dinner at Firewater Kitchen & Bar, on their wonderful deck next to their expansive firepit. So much fun…beautiful views and delicious food. Hopefully, the great weather continues into October with many more opportunities for outdoor dining and fun.
Of course, October brings its own fun with one of the highlights being our Annual Autumn Glory Festival happening October 8 – 12. One of the most popular events in the country, Autumn Glory packs a multitude of activities into five fun days. Marching bands, fiddle contests, antique and craft shows… There is truly something for everyone. And, of course, the event coincides with peak fall foliage, and that alone is worth the trip. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.visitdeepcreek.com/autumn- glory/.
Wisp Resort has several events planned for October as well, starting with their Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, October 4th. Enjoy an authentic Bavarian experience with an Oompah Band, delicious food, and kids’ activities. Tasting tickets are available to sample local beers as well. They also have two murder mystery dinners happening on October 18 and 24th. The evening includes dinner and a show, all for $49.99 per person. Visit www.wispresort.com for tickets and information.
Deep Creek Pottery is offering several events in the upcoming months to create your own artwork. From Halloween to Christmas-themed items, they have projects for all ages. Visit their website at www.deepcreekpottery.com for their schedule.
Don’t forget, Lakeside Creamery closes for the season on October 12. Make sure you enjoy that last cone of the season. Lucky for us, you can get delicious creamery ice cream year-round at the Copper Kettle Popcorn Factory, located next door to their main shop on Deep Creek Lake.
Things are hopping at The Fort these days. Owner Charlotte Savoy has brought in several new businesses to the complex. Now you can enjoy a full day of shopping for men’s and women’s clothing, buy some great gifts, and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee or a happy hour beer. Be sure
to check them out.
Enjoy these last days of fall. See you on The Lake-Front!
Written by Linda “Mrs. Skip” Garr