Just got the word of another option for what to do at Deep Creek Lake this Holiday season. The Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers will be having a Holiday Open House at the Discovery Center on December 10th, 2011. For more information on the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center check out their Website.
I was very excited about the opening of the CARC. Although not the most attractive name in my opinion. Finally a community pool, gym, fitness center and more housed at Garrett College, McHenry MD. The heart of Deep Creek Lake. The pool, the winter alternative to a Deep Creek Lake swim, gym and building have people talking. My original BLOG POST details the favorable impression my first visit left on me. Now one month later…..
I have been heading to the gym every other day for the first month. I get to see the students of Garrett County schools learning to swim in the pool. I am reminded of a saying about “Can’t have a pool with out P” but think the swimming lessons are great. Heck all ages seem to be loving both pools for all sorts of reasons.
It is the concerns I had a month ago that were to be resolved by November 1 that concern me. The wireless, cable, free weights, other equipment and cold showers? I have asked employees of the facility and gotten different vague answers. I wrote the President of Garrett College and he stepped up to the plate.
Growing pains is how I can best describe it. Cable is starting to be installed on the cardio equipment. The showers are warming up. I was told the rest of the equipment should be due by December 1, 2011 or sooner. I still think the idea of a public swimming pool and fitness center are a great addition to Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County and look forward to the completion of the entire facility.
On a side note my gym routine has caused a change in diet. Gone is a lot of processed sugar leaving my cereal kind of blah. I started blending bananas and other fruit into my cereal milk and love it.
The Garrett County Historical Society had one great museum in Oakland MD another in Grantsville. You can check out my tour of the Oakland facility by clicking HERE. Now there are three with the opening of the Garrett County Transportation Museum. Two floors of various modes of movement on land and water for every season. There is also a great collection of transportation related artifacts from Deep Creek Lake and Garrett Counties past.
Below is a video of a trip I took. It is in no way a substitute for an actual visit. The two museums make a great trip when your looking for something else to do in the Deep Creek Lake area. The best part is admission is free.
For more information on the Garrett County Historical Society you can check out their website.
Look no further for something to do at Deep Creek Lake, Garrett County Thanksgiving weekend. November 25-26, 2011 10:00am-8:00pm. at the Garrett County Fairgrounds will be this years Festival of the Trees. There will be great things to do for all ages all day long at this Deep Creek event.
Decorated trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses will be on display. There will be auctions, make your own sundae with Lakeside Creamery ice cream. Arts & Crafts, Saint Nick. will be on hand. Karaoke, door prizes and displays and much more. Check out their website for more information and a complete calendar of events.
NO Garrett Memorial Hospital is not gambling with the care they provide. As an EMT who transports many patients to GMH I can say they are by farthe best hospital in Garrett County.
It seems some funds are needed to purchase a nuclear camera to provide even better care. So it looks like the next greatest thing to do at Deep Creek Lake is plan on attending the Fabulous Night In Vegas Gala. November 12, 2011 at the WISP Resort 6:00pm til midnight. Entertainment is to be provided by ‘The Monster Band’. The event promisesa lively evening full of fun, food, dancing and entertainment. the evening’s activities include a Live Auction as well as a game table, and excellent live musical entertainment.
The anticipation is over the Garrett College Aquatic & Recreation Center, CARC, is now open. Deep Creek Lake now has a public pool, gym and fitness center. I missed the Grand Opening Gala event but went on a Sunday to check it out. I went on a delicious rumor that Fire & Rescue personnel were eligible for a discount. Sadly those volunteers who risk their lives and devote countless hours to helping the community pay full price. After taking the tour I still signed on.
First the good. It is as clean as any new building should be. There is a fitness room, pool, and locker room. The CARC is on the cusp of having real potential. What remains to be seen is the follow through in the next weeks. The locker room has showers, no hot water. The gym has televisions, No cable. There is an area to use personal computers, No Wi-Fi. The fitness center has space, No free weights. The pool did have water.
I think this is a great addition to the Deep Creek Lake area. I really believe that Garrett College will finish the facility soon. It is also my hope that the residents of Garrett County will get off their butts and use it. There is always something to do at Deep Creek Lake.
Now that Autumn Glory has passed there is no reason to think that Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County are void of things to do until the snow flies. For the next two weekends part of the Allegany Art Sale and Tour will weave through our neck of the woods.
An event sponsored by the Allegany Arts Council. This years tour will feature eight local Garrett County Artists. The entire tour will feature many varied forms photography, paintings, sculpture, glass, pottery and more. I know The Loft Shop in my hometown of Bittinger is on the route.
To learn more about the entire tour and see more about the artists check out the Allegany Art Sale and Tour Website.
If you are not familiar with the Bear project going on at Deep Creek Lake Please read up about it HERE. As the leaves are changing color and Autumn Glory will soon be upon us, it is time for the bears to find winter arrangements. The whole project is to benefit Deep Creek Lake State Park and their efforts to build a canopy walk. You can check out the details of that HERE.
After being separated for over four months for the first time ever all of the bears will be on display at one location. November 5, 2011 at The WISP Resort will host the “Bearly A Gala”. A night of good food, music, social networking and fun. Opportunities will be had to bid on your favorite bear to showcase as your own. Additionally for the first time the secret 21st bear will be unveiled.
Tickets are $35 dollars in advance and can be purchased on the Deep Creek Discovery Center Website. To view the PDF flyer about the Dee Creek Lake Bear Gala Click
The Deep Creek Lake Bear Gala is just one more great event at Deep Creek Lake. Check back often for other exciting things to do at Deep Creek and in Garrett County.
Cindy’s Fund is teaming up with Deep Creek Lake restaurant Archies BBQ to help raise money and bust bellies. The next Deep Creek Lake event. Saturday September 24, 2011 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm plan on attending as a spectator or better still participant.
What is Cindy’s Fund? Founded in 2003, as a memorial to Cindy Kutchman who was a registered nurse and a cancer victim. Cindy’s Fund is a Garrett County organization whose purpose is to provide assistance for Garrett County citizens who have been stricken with cancer. Cindy’s Fund is dedicated to helping end and alleviate the pain and heartache of cancer and extending survivorship by pursuing early screening and evaluation for Garrett County cancer victims. Cindy’s Fund also covers miscellaneous expenses not covered by insurance for those in need, such as gas cards, food vouchers, hotel stays, and medical/nutritional supplies.
What is the Mountain Man Pig Out? Not for those on a diet. 1/2 BBQ Chicken, 1 Order of Baby Back Ribs, 4 Pieces of cornbread, 1 Hot plus 1 Cold side item, 16 ounces of soft drink all in one hour. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the Archie Deluxe Sandwich. That’s a mouthful. There will also be a dinner buffet for those choosing to eat on the lighter side.
To compete you need to first raise at least $75 dollars of course more is better. You can download the entry form here. The event also promises live music.
If you have not heard about Archies BBQ you can read my review here. Or check out the ever growing list of Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County restaurant reviews here.
After the dust settles, the games quiet, and the rides stop whirling the Garrett County Fair Grounds come alive for another great event. The 17th Annual Country Fest provides something else to do around Deep Creek Lake.
What can one expect at the Country Fest? Many things country. Homemade food of all kinds will be available for tasting on site and taking home with you.
For the younger ones rides of many varieties, a petting zoo, candy drop, and plenty of other hands on activities will delight.
The auction begins at 10:30 AM. Demonstrations are held throughout the day form apple cider pressing, quilting, chair caning and my favorite ice cream turning.
Best of all this great Deep Creek Lake event is FREE OF CHARGE.
