If you have not heard of Garrett Trails here is their mission statement. Garrett Trails is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the development of a well-used network of outstanding quality trails that provide access to Garrett County’s historic, municipal, and environmental treasures which link to trails outside the county. Garrett Trails believes outstanding quality trails are important to the economic development of the county, will attract visitors, and will promote fitness and outdoor enjoyment for county residents.

Unfortunately this sometimes gets forgotten when the feast begins. What an incredible time it is. You have my word on it, there will be something to tantalize the taste buds of everyone. If you have been before, rest assured the old time favorites will be on display. Chances are that there will be plenty of opportunities to make new favorites as well.

Plan on arriving early and working up an appetite by running in the Race Up The Face or watch from the bottom.

Below is a glimpse of Taste Of Garrett 2011

Contestants ranged in age from 6 to 82 and came in every shape and size. For a registration form CLICK HERE.  Not only is this a great event to watch or run it is in conjunction with Garrett Trails main fundraiser. The Taste Of Garrett.

Below is a video that shows the race from a participants perspective.

One of the premiere events of summer at Deep Creek Lake is the Highland Festival. Celebrating 25 years this years activities are already marked on my summer list of things to do. The traditions of Highland music, games, and dance come alive at the McHenry Highland Festival! Visit the Clan tents and Celtic vendors. Kiss the highland cattle, watch the collies herd sheep, or pat an Irish Wolfhound. Enjoy a variety of food, including Scottish deli items, shortbread, and, of course, sausages, hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and fries. Join us for a weekend of Celtic celebrations– for young and old alike–in the scenic highlands of Western Maryland at Deep Creek Lake.

Friday a concert will be held at WISP resort. Saturday most events will be held at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. Tickets are required for these events. Below are some highlights of last years event.

This overlook is located along New Germany Rd. There is a picnic table that makes it a perfect place to have lunch.

Unfortunately this years schedule WILL NOT include the Deep Creek Lake location. However it will be business as usual in downtown Oakland. Wednesdays & Saturdays, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Oakland Mt. Fresh Pavilion, town parking lot off 2nd Street.

June 2, 2012 through October 31, 2012. If you would like to check out what will be ready CLICK HERE.  If you have never been it is more than just fruits and vegetables. According to the website “The Mountain Fresh Producers Association is a non-profit group of farmers, artisans, cooks, and bakers in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of western Maryland and northeastern West Virginia.

Memorial Day weekend at Deep Creek Lake the start of the summer season and plenty to do. One of the greatest things about Deep Creek Lake are the four distinct seasons and recreational opportunities each provides. The Tom Wallisch Memorial Day Rail Jam is an opportunity to mix things up. This “ON SNOW” event is a great chance to remember winter for a few moments and plunge right back into summer. Held at the WISP Resort.  Registration is from 6:00 pm to 8:oo pm with the competition to follow.

A rare opportunity to own property on both sides of Savage River. Upstream of the reservoir 3.73 level open acres backs up to Savage River State Forest. Fish for trout from your own private bridge. This huge 4BR/2BA modular home has plenty of open living space. There is also a fire pit and outdoor covered fireplace as well as several storage sheds and small cabin on the property. This is an incredible mountain retreat or full time residence. A piece of real estate this unique does not come along often.

Perfect timing as spring is slowly turning into summer at Deep Creek Lake. The 2012 Garrett County Home & Garden Show can answer the “What to do at Deep Creek Lake?” question. This family oriented event is FREE to the public and a great opportunity to meet the businesses and vendors in our area.

Exhibitors will be diverse combination of businesses and provide a great array of resources for anyone already or possibly having interest in home ownership, recreation, outdoors, Real Estate, decorating, electronics and numerous other traditional and non-traditional type home and garden products and services.

Something to do at Deep Creek Lake June 2, 2012. Deep Creek Lake State Park Rangers and Garrett Trails’ sustainable crew invite participants to join them as they clean and enhance area trails on June 2 in celebration of the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day.

“The 2012 National Trail Day theme is America’s Largest TRAILgating Party,” said Ranger David Best. “Garrett Trails and Deep Creek State Park are moving the party off the pavement to where the scenery is greener and the air is fresher.”

Participants will enjoy Deep Creek Lake State Park and share in the natural beauty of Garrett County as they join forces with Rangers of the Maryland Park Service, and Garrett Trails sustainable trail crew and interpretive staff members. Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, tools, energy and enthusiasm for pruning branches, moving rocks, raking, grading and sprucing-up Meadow Mountain and Brant Mine Trails for the summer season.

“This is a day to come together outdoors to give back to the trails in our region,” said Theresa MacLennan, Garrett Trails Executive Director. “Discover, enjoy and care for the public lands trail system in Deep Creek Lake State Park.”

Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at Deep Creek State Park’s upper overflow parking lot, off of State Park Road. Staff recommends that participants bring water, insect repellant, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing and a snack.         The event should last to about 12 p.m. More information is available by contacting Best at 301-387-5563 or MacLennan at 360-509-3492.

More than 2,000 nationwide events are to take place during National Trails Day including trail maintenance, celebrations and hiking and biking activities. Girl Scouts participating in a National Trails Day event can earn the “Get with the Land” patch by visiting the Girl Scout website. For details about this and other trail events visit garretttrails.org or americanhiking.org/ntd.