Movin On Up!

A little bit of chaos combined with a definite sense of excitement is one way to describe life at the new Taylor-Made Deep Creek office. Yes, I did say new!!! This week we made the big bold move and moved into our new building located at 35 Town Center Way. If you are at all familiar with our area, then this would, in fact, be that absolutely fabulous big log building adjacent from Market Square! Now, granted, my perspective is a little big askew but I find it impressive  and rewarding to work for a company that just a mere 4 years ago started with a single property and has now grown to over 130 vacation rental homes and 40 + property service homes. Back in 2008, Jodi, Joe, and Chad grabbed a hold of the opportunity to begin their own vacation rental company, thus, Taylor-Made. Jodi and Chad grew up essentially raised into the business and learned all of the traits from 2 of the leading vacation industry pioneers, their parents, Zack and Linda Taylor.  Joe, of course, has been well known in the area for his business smarts and nothing says “Customer Service” like working and owning your own restaurant. Together the three decided to combine their knowledge and it has certainly paid off. Now, to the outside business world, they may know that Jodi is a whiz when it comes to working numbers, Chad is guru when it comes to all things computer, and Joe is exceptionally bright when it comes to all things in the maintenance department. As employees, we get to see the more in depth side of these complex personalities. For instance, when Jodi gets excited she does an extremely clumsy dance that is entertaining on many levels, Chad often tries to persuade us to have “English Accent Day” and Joe has a passion for singing along with musical Christmas decorations. These traits are among the many that make them the endearing employers that they are. They have created a company environment that is fun and exciting but allows each employee to finish each day with a feeling of pride and accomplishment. That being said, we would like to say Thank You to Jodi, Joe, and Chad. Congratulations on all of your hard work and for this new big step for the company! It’s going to be an exciting year! In the meantime, we can’t wait to see you at the lake!

Time to Espresso Yourself!

After a busy day at the office, I decided to go for a little pick me up with a refreshing beverage from Trader’s Coffee House. So many beverages to choose from! Knowing full well that my coworkers have little patience with me when I am java-ed up, I decided to try a strawberry fruit smoothie instead. Delish! Made with real strawberries and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles, it was the perfect jolt that I needed! It had been awhile since I had been in Trader’s which is surprising because I love the atmosphere there! It’s very casual but warm and inviting and their menu just continues to grow. They now serve a variety of breakfast foods such as waffles, scones, breakfast sandwiches, and more. For lunch you can choose salad, Paninis, quiche, and the list continues. All are made daily and with nothing but fresh ingredients. Not sure what to get? Ask. The employees are quick to offer suggestions and always offer exceptional customer service. Need to surf the web? No problem as the coffee house offers wireless internet. The coffee shop is also accessible by boat so stop by next time you are out cruising on the water. So, if you are looking for a comfortable place to hang out while enjoying a specialty drink and snack, then I highly recommend that you check out Brenda and her crew at Trader’s. You will be glad that you did!
Life in the mountains is flourishing as the trees are full, flowers are blooming, and the air is clean and crisp. It’s the perfect time to begin planning your summer vacation. Call Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations (1-866-351-1119) today to speak to one of our reservationist who will happily be able to help you locate the perfect home for you and your family. You can also browse through our homes on our website (www.deepcreekvacations.com) where you can see pictures of the home, take video tours, and read through a list of amenities that each home offers. There is still time to take advantage of our “Book 3 nights for the price of 2” for the Memorial Day weekend. In the meantime, we can’t wait to see you at the lake!

Mother May I?

Here we are bursting into the month of May! Who doesn’t love the month of May? It’s that time of the year where the outdoors explode with life, the month that children eagerly start crossing off days on the calendar while anxiously waiting for the last day of school. The month where you can begin to daydream of hot summer days spent swimming in the lake, barbeques, and basically all things summer! Now is a great time to come visit our mountains as the leaves are turning lush and green, docks are going in and we are running some fabulous spring specials. Not sure what to do while you’re in the area? With several state parks to choose from, now is a spectacular time for hiking and mountain biking. Now, yes, I am a big fan of Swallow Falls State Park. It’s hard to go wrong with the sheer beauty of the falls and walking trails, so this time I decided to go a different route and so the family and I headed down to New Germany State Park, located outside of Grantsville, and approximately 30 minutes from McHenry. With over 10 miles of walking trails, you may find yourself wandering through a dense hemlock forest, colorful mixed hardwoods, rhododendron-filled stream valleys or towering pines and spruces. Hiking, trail-running and biking are the most popular activities throughout the year. Whether walking along the lake or wetland, or hiking the scenic trails, visitors are sure to have an opportunity to view birds and wildlife. Abundant bird species can be found throughout the area, such as pileated woodpeckers, black-capped chickadees, barred owls, great blue herons and an occasional osprey. In the late spring and summer, guests of the park can purchase snacks from the snack bar or rent a kayak or paddle boat to roam around the l3 acre lake. Swimming is also popular in the designated beach area. This Friday, May 4, there will be a “Live Jam” held at the Lake House. This is an awesome opportunity for musicians and spectators alike to join together to play and enjoy traditional folk, bluegrass, and any “old-time” Appalachian style music! Again this will be held in the Lake House from 6:30-9:30 and the admission is free! Check it out!  Mother’s Day is just around the corner so now is the perfect time to treat mom to a weekend getaway. Call Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations today to begin finding your perfect vacation home.  We can’t wait to see you at the lake!

Shopping? Why, yes! I think I will!

Those of us native or local to Garrett County are well aware that we are certainly not, nor likely to become, thought of as a shopping mecca. Everyone knows if it is a shopping mall that you seek then you will head to Morgantown, Uniontown, and Cumberland. So, we are grateful for our small little unique specialty shops that are scattered throughout the area. It is usually at these cool little shops that one is most likely to find over the top customer service and truly unique collectibles! Today I journeyed to downtown Oakland to see what was going on for the day. One of the first stores that caught my attention was a shop called The Painted Cupboard! How I ever missed the store in the past is beyond me! Focusing on primitive country wares, this store is a jackpot for those that love any kind of country deco, candles, signs, beads, flowers, the list is endless! The three little showrooms give you ample room to roam about and check out all of the many different signs, from “Family Gathers Here” to “Man Cave; Enter at your own risk”! You also have a large selection of candles, scented oils, and potpourri to choose from. Sabrina, the proprietor, was very kind and also directed me to another shop they manage, across the road, called The Chic Shack. Truly a woman’s shopping paradise with a large selection of scarves, handbags, and jewelry. They have something for everyone and a great selection if you are looking for a birthday gift for a special friend or even for Mother’s Day! As always, I encourage everyone to check out the downtown area of our county seat. Make a day out of it and hit the historic museum, the antique shops and especially The Painted Cupboard and Chic Shack! I must say, I am a fan! Weather is still looking great and now is the perfect time to call Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and take advantage of our Stay 3 nights for the Price of 2 Special! In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you at the lake!

Eggs-Actly the Perfect Time To Visit!

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations happily welcomed back a large number of our staff and owners from their recent networking/ training seminar that they attended at the the Outer Banks in South Carolina. Thank you to Doug Brindley and staff from Brindley Beach for graciously hosting our group for their stay. Although I had to stay behind and maintain the fort, I was informed that team building skills were a big focu and successfully implemented, breathtaking sunsets ere photographed and witnessed, good food and drink were enjoyed by many, and a great deal of fun was had by all! All in all, a very successful trip!

Garrett County weather continues to amaze and thrill both locals and visitors! Perfect mountain weather! We are offering some great last minute deals for the Easter weekend. Besides that, there is a bevy of fun activities going on in the area this weekend. CARC (Garrett Community College Aquatic & Recreation Complex) is hosting its first Easter egg hunt and community swim on April 7th. The egg hunt is open to children ages 2-12 and will be @ 12 Noon, rain or shine! The pool will then stay open to the public from 12-2:30 for a mere $5 for non-members. Also held on Saturday April 7th, is the natural egg dying that is held annually at the Deep Creek Discovery Center. Kids bring their own eggs and learn how to use dye made of beets, onions, anc chlorophyll. I also have the inside skinny on the possibility of the Easter Bunny stopping by so you definitely don't want to miss out! Wisp Resort will once again be hosting a sunrise service held on top of the mountain on Sunday April8th. Chairlift #1 will begin to transport to the mountaintop @ 6 am. A continental breakfast will be held in Wisp Resort's main lodge following
the service. Stick around with the kids for an Easter egg hunt @ 11 am followed by a scavenger hunt @ 12 noon. Location will be announced closer to the event. Lots of fun and games going on up here in the mountains! We are starting to see a trickle of activity on the lake these days as well. Fisherman are out bright and early taking advantage of the calm waters, boat docks are beginning to be put in, and kayak and canoes are brightly adorning the water in bright hues of red and yellow. Aww! Spring! Call Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations today @ 1-866-351-119 or look us up on the web http://www.deepcreekvacations.com/ to begin planning your next relaxing Deep Creek Lake getaway. Our Reservation Team is available 9-9 daily to not only help you find your dream vacation rental but to help you create a memorable, fun experience as well. Until later this week when we explore the world of the stinky onion, Aka The Ramp, we can’t wait to see you at the lake!

Just Me and My Peeps...

When a relative texted me earlier this week and asked me if I wanted to have lunch at Cornish Manor, I quickly said yes! Not only because I immensely enjoy her company but, like most locals, I also love Cornish Manor! Built in 1868 and housed in what is a Victorian Style home, this restaurant has long rich history and is well known for his beautiful décor and phenomenal American and French cuisine. We arrived early for the lunch shift and were quickly seated at a window table. We were warmly greeted by our waitress who gave a listing of all of the specials that were being offered that day. While the chicken wrap that I ordered was extremely tasty, I
couldn’t help being slightly jealous of Bridgette’s choice which was Chef Fabrice’s warm chicken salad served in a bread bowl! It looked scrumptious. The dining room has a wonderfully comforting ambience and I imagine that dining on the screened porch in the summer seasons would be quite lovely. All in all, I had a wonderful meal, awesome service, and fabulous company. The restaurant is also a terrific place to dine for dinner if you are celebrating a special occasion. I highly recommend that you check them out.

If you are in the area this weekend, you may want to take the kids to New Germany State Park where they are having an old fashioned Easter egg hunt and a “Peeps Diorama Contest” which encourages kids to create a miniature world of marshmallow peeps, using natural and recyclable materials that are provided. You will need to bring your own peeps, however. Prizes will be awarded! The Discovery Center at Deep Creek State Park is also offering a presentation on “Our Feathered Friends” where a naturalist will be on hand to help observe and find some of our favorite wintertime birds. Kids get to make a pinecone bird feeder that the can take home. Wisp Resort is also now offering a bevy of fun such as the Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour, mountain coaster, scenic chairlift rides and more! The weather is absolutely beautiful as of late and it’s the perfect time to call Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations @ 1-866-351-1119 or check us out online http://www.deepcreekvacations.com/ to find out about some the fabulous specials we are currently offering. We can’t wait to see you at the lake!

One Sweet Deal...

Garrett County has been experiencing some amazing weather lately with perfect temperatures in the low 70’s. Spring Fever is definitely in the air so when Jodi gave me a “Get out of the office” Free Card, I didn’t think twice. I decided to head to Accident to check out the new bakery that opened a few months ago, called Mountain Flour Baking Co. Upon entering the little shop, located on Main Street, I was immediately overcome by the sweet smell of…well, sweets! I knew right then that my diet plan was definitely in jeopardy. I met with owner Christine Cornish Lewis, who was kind enough to show me around the shop. Not only does she specialize in every good imaginable (cookies, muffins, donuts, gobs, cheesecakes, etc) she also specializes in cupcakes, cakes in general, and wedding cakes. Not just your average cupcake/ cakes either, mind you. These cakes were Amazing! They almost looked too pretty to eat! Christine showed me the back room where future brides and grooms-to-be can go to sample some of the cakes. She had some on display and again, if you are looking for a specialty cake of some kind, you should definitely check out her handiwork. Of course, I knew it would be very rude of me to simply just leave afterwards, so I did the civil thing and bought an assortment of cookies to bring back to the office. (Nothing says “Favorite Employee” like she who delivers sugary goodness!) Needless to say, they were absolutely delicious.
Since, I was already out and about, I figured it would be rude of me not to stop in and say Hello to our friends at Firefly Farms ( see previous blog for more information). Of course, while I was there, I had to, once again do the civil thing, and buy some cheese and crackers to bring home. Their artisanal goat cheeses are out of this world!
Next time, you are coming to visit us here in Deep Creek, be sure to drive through Accident and stop by these shops on your way through. You will not be disappointed.
On another note, Rita, our accounting and fishing guru, has informed us that now is the perfect time for fishing on the lake for Perch, Walleye, and Bass. Grab your poles and come see us. Call Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations today at 1-866-351-119 or visit us online http://www.deepcreekvacations.com/ to take advantage of some spectacular Spring specials. Our “Stay 3 nights for the price of 2” is still going on. Time to shake off winter and embrace spring with a refreshing visit to the mountains! We can’t wait to see you on the lake!