I hope that you are having a wonderful summer. Don’t forget it’s a lot cooler here in the mountains than in the DC or Pittsburgh areas. They just cut the hay on the farm and there are all these beautiful bales of hay in the fields. The plums (from the fruit trees that Wayne planted sixteen years ago) are so delicious that I ate ten in one sitting. I hope those guests that were here this and the past week got a chance to sample them - we gladly share the bounty of the farm with our guests. And soon the purple plums and Asian pears will be ripe.
Another thing I love about summer are the beautiful wildflowers blooming everywhere. First it was the daisies, then flox and right now its English lace and some pretty blue flowers. I even like crown vetch - the carpet of purple flowers you on the side of highways.
I have attended so many fun events in the past few weeks. There is a ton of stuff to do in the Deep Creek Lake area in the summer. Two weeks ago I went to the Little Yough Festival held in Friendsville. There were some great live bands throughout the day and free Whitewater rafting rides courtesy of Precision Rafting. I am more of a pontoon boat person, than whitewater rapids, but this was so pleasant. It was a float boat ride which meant no more than level 2 rapids and the Yough river is incredibly beautiful. You really should try it out.
On Sunday it was the first barn quilt festival. There are now 8 barn quilts around Garrett County. These are quilt designs painted on the side of barns. They preserve the heritage of quilting and include many old time favorites. Most of the quilts were painted by Gini Neff, a talented local artist who also does incredible stained glass designs. You can get a map of the barn quilts and go and check them all out. This one was held in Accident where the corn maze is located. We were lucky with the weather too, as it was calling for rain. A minister did a dedication ceremony and then unveiled the new quilt. There was a live Dixie Jazz band (the Sugarfoot Stompers), many craft vendors and a live auction with a lady auctioneer (I had not seen a female auctioneer before). All the auction items were donated (I donated a free night at Haley Farm and a porch swing) and they raised a lot of money. I didn’t get a chance to try the corn maze that day, but I was told that every year the maze has a different pattern and is designed using GPS (everything is high tech now). Later we went to pick fresh corn from a nearby farm. Just another great day in Garrett County.
On Wednesdays the WISP is hosting free outdoor concerts. So a week ago I went with a friend to check it out. It was so pleasant sitting on the grass (we took a couple of chairs) and enjoyed the live music. They had a food stall too but you could bring your own food and wine. Just a lovely way to spend an evening – best of all its free. There are also free concerts every Friday in Oakland where the Farmers market is held. I think it’s great that so much of the entertainment in Garrett County is free, or at minimal cost.
The Theatre on The Lake produced 3 plays/musicals this summer. I have attended all three. My favorite was Brighton Beach memoirs – a touching Neil Simon play. East of Eden (a musical number about Adam and Eve) is currently playing in a charming barn in McHenry till Saturday.
Coming soon (August 7-14) is the Garrett County Fair with its carnival rides, demolition derbies, animal exhibits, tractor pulls, nightly entertainment and of course great food. Then the weekend after Labor Day is the Annual Art and Wine festival (September 10-11). This has become a major attraction with many wineries and artists participating.
Soon after that I am starting something I am calling Nutrition Bootcamp. These are two/three day workshops designed to help you detoxify your body and jump start a healthy lifestyle. I have scheduled these for September 24-26, and October 4-6, 2010. I thought that the beautiful autumn weather and colors would be a lovely setting for these workshops. I have also priced them very reasonably at only $375 per person.
Anyway hope to see you soon so you can see that I am not exaggerating when I tell you how beautiful everything is here. Bobbi and Pete (our innkeepers) can’t wait to spoil you with our great food and hospitality.
