The Deep Creek Blog

New Germany's Chili Cook-Off

Put your chili to the test at New Germany State Park's 2nd-annual Chili Cook-off.

The 2nd-annual Chili Cook-off will be held at the New Germany Lake House on Saturday, February 16th, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM.  Participants must pre-register for the cook-off no later than February 15th.  Registration is free and electricity will be provided.  Prizes will be awarded in three categories:  Home-style, Fiery Cauldron, and Ladle of Glory (Best Overall).

Cross-country skis and snowshoes will be available for rent at the New Germany Lake House (weather permitting).  A service charge of $3/ person for Maryland residents, and $5/ person for out-of-state residents will be collected at the park entrance.

For more information or to register for the Chili Cook-off, please call 301-895-5453.

New Germany State Park: Weekend Happenings July 8-10

Friday, July 8th:

Old-Time Jam, 6:30 PM

Musicians and spectators of all ages are invited to share and enjoy traditional folk, bluegrass, and other “old-time” Appalachian music.  The “Jam” will take place at the Lake House from 6:30 – 9:30 PM.  Admission is free and refreshments and gift items will be available for purchase.

Saturday, July 9th:

Nature Sleuth, 10:30 AM

Put your detective skills to the test and discover some of the many clues animals leave behind in the woods!  Following a short hike, participants can make a plaster cast of an animal track to take home.  Meet at the new Nature Center, next to the Lake House.

Jr. Ranger Program (Final Week), 1:30 PM

This week is the final session for the six-week Jr. Ranger program.  Jr. Rangers will receive patches upon completion, and will then have the opportunity to advance to higher levels, such as Naturalist, Explorer, Conservationist, and Guide.


Stream Scavenger Hunt, 3:30 PM

Join the park naturalist and discover the various aquatic critters that live in streams in the park.  Participants will learn how some critters can be used as indicators to determine the health of the stream.  Meet at the new Nature Center, next to the Lake House.  Appropriate footwear (water shoes) recommended.

 

African Discovery, 7:30 PM

Join the Chief Park Manager of Rubondu Island National Park for an in-depth look at the National Parks of Tanzania, Africa.  Discover the culture, traditions, and wildlife heritage of one of the most incredible tourist destinations in the world.  Meet at the Lake House.    

Sunday, July 10th:

Survival 101, 1:00 PM

Have you ever dreamed of exploring the wilderness, putting your survival skills to the test, and really “roughing it” in the outdoors?  Join the park naturalist and discover what it takes to survive in the wild, including essential supplies and equipment, vital skills, endurance tips, and more.  Dress for the weather (hiking boots recommended).  Meet at the new Nature Center, next to the Lake House.


Nature Center Open Daily, 10 AM – 6:00 PM.


New Germany State Park

349 Headquarters Lane

Grantsville, Maryland 21536

301-895-5453

Meyersdale Train Station Popular Attraction

The Daily American reports on the popularity and happenings at the nearby Western Maryland Train Station in Meyersdale, PA.

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A Visit to Penn Alps

We made a trip to Penn Alps and Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Grantsville last week and found many artists in residence in the cabins at Spruce Forest.  We saw world renown bird carver Gary Yoder working on his craft.  We also visited with slate painter Peg Nixon.  Potter Lynn Lais was at work in the Winterberg House.    If you've never visited Spruce Forest when the artist are working, you should make the trip.

After a great lunch at Penn Alps, we visited the Old Red Barn.  Proprietor Lucy Adams is extremely welcoming and friendly.  A trip to her quaint shop is worth it.  You'll be sure to find your favorite specialty or gourmet brand in this welcoming spot.  Also, Lucy told us that products will soon be able to be purchased on line from a new online store - www.theoldredbarn.net. 

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Scenic Railroad Plans "Regional Rail Days"

Residents of Allegany County,  and four neighboring counties will be able to enjoy a trip on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for half fare from Thursday, June 12, through Saturday, June 14, designated by the popular local attraction as “Regional Rail Days.”

Besides Allegany County, the special promotional fare also applies to residents of Garrett and Washington counties in Maryland, Mineral County, W.Va., and Bedford County, Pa.

Regular fares for the standard excursion are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors 60 or older, and $12 for children 12 and under. Children under age two ride free.

The train departs from the Western Maryland Railway Station on Canal Street at 11:30 a.m. for the narrated scenic excursion to Frostburg. Following a 1 ½-hour layover there, the train departs Frostburg at 2 p.m. and arrives back at the station in Cumberland at 3 p.m.

Advance reservations may be made by calling 301-759-4400 or toll-free 800-TRAIN50, or online at www.wmsr.com. Walk-up tickets may be purchased the day of the ride at the ticket office inside the station, which opens at 9:15 a.m.

Thursday’s scenic railroad excursions are powered by a diesel locomotive, and trains Friday through Sunday are pulled by the 1916 Baldwin steam locomotive known as Mountain Thunder.

On Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15, in conjunction with the 40th annual Heritage Days celebration, the scenic railroad will also offer cab & caboose rides from the Western Maryland Station from noon until 5 p.m.

Passengers may take a 20-minute ride in a vintage railroad caboose, or in the cab of the diesel locomotive, on a round-trip to Bridge #1679 in the Narrows. Fares are $5 for caboose rides and $10 to ride in the cab.

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is offering a Father’s Day special in which fathers ride free with a paid adult fare on Sunday, June 15. As part of this promotion, fathers who ride in First Class dining cars that day will pay only the price of the meal.  Advanced reservations required for First Class.

Photo courtesy of Tom Darden, Governor's Office

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Maryland National Road in National Geographic Traveler Magazine

National Geographic Traveler Magazine's Appalachian Driving Tours Map lists Garrett County's Casselman River Bridge as one of the Points of Interest.  You can view the Western Maryland component of the map here. 

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Don't Forget Glisan's

If you're from Western Pennsylvania, then you're probably familiar with Glisan's , featured today in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Living section.  If you're not, and you find yourself on the National Road in Fayette County, be sure to stop in this landmark restaurant.  My grandparents introduced me to this place when I probably about four or five.  We would stop on almost every trip back and forth from the lake, sometimes twice a week in the summer time, for lunch or dinner.  Now, I find myself running in for a pie or bag of rolls to go.  You can't miss when you show up for the weekend with something from Glisan's. 

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A Must See Near Garrett County

Smithsonian Magazine has listed Fallingwater, in nearby Fayette County, as one of twenty eight places you must see before you die.  I was there a couple of years ago and it is truly spectacular - definitely worth a trip.  One note if you're planning a visit - I don't think that children under the age of six are permitted on the adult tours, so plan accordingly. 

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On the Way to the Lake - Sideling Hill

If you travel to Deep Creek Lake from the east, be sure to check out Sideling Hill.  The DNR' website has a nice overview of the exhibit center. 

Meyersdale Train Station Follow Up

Here's a follow-up article on the Western Maryland Railroad Station in Meyersdale that I posted on last month.

Smallest Church in the Pines

With only one car at the lake this weekend, we ended up driving down to Mountain Top, West Virginia yesterday to drop pap pap off at an old-time music jam.  On the way back, we stopped off on U.S. 219 near Thomas at the Smallest Church in the Pines, or Our Lady of the Pines as it's officially named.  This little church was built around 1957 and is believed to be the smallest church in forty eight states.  The church was built by Mr. and Mrs. P.L. Milkint, in honor of their parents.  It measures 24'x12' on the outside and 16'x11' on the inside.  The church has six pews and can seat twelve worshipers, twenty-four if the aisle is filled and standing room taken. 

Coincidently, the church's next door neighbor is the "smallest mailing office", serving the village of Silver Lake.  No surprise, my tiny daughter enjoyed these tiny treasures. 

Meyersdale Train Station

I found this article today in Somerset's Daily American.  The Meyersdale Train Station's new exhibit is set to open Memorial Day weekend. 

An easy day trip, this looks pretty interesting and worth checking out.