Happy Summer

I hope that you are enjoying the wonderful spring flowers and looking forward to the official start of summer on Memorial Day this weekend.

I wanted to share with you some of the events that are coming up in the next few weeks. I have listed some of my favorite ones below but there are many more.

The annual Highland Festival (a celebration of everything Scottish) is coming up the week after on June 4-6 and this year my good friend Christina Harrison will be performing – she has such a beautiful voice. There is so much to see and do at these festivals: sheep dog demonstrations, Highland games, Scottish food, great singers, and dancers. I promise you will not be disappointed. It’s also a great opportunity to dress up (kilts anyone) and you could combine it with a Girlfriends Getaway. And if you book for two nights or more for that weekend I will pay for your entrance fee to the festival.

As most of you know there is so much to do in the Deep Creek Lake area in the summer months. The lake is a hub of activity (swimming, fishing, boating etc). It is such a beautiful and peaceful place to unwind. You can also take a guided river hike (very reasonable at $10 per person) or explore the Savage River on a kayak. Both of these tours are led by our friends at All Eco Earth Tours. They also lead the Bonfire Extravaganza on Wednesday evenings at the Discovery Center in Deep Creek Lake State Park.

The country gardens tour will be on June 26 this year. If any of you belong to Garden Clubs you know that this is a wonderful way to get inspired about your own garden. I’ll be out there handing out refreshments at one of the selected gardens so I hope to see you there.

Another of my favorite things in the summer is the Chautauqua. This year it will be held July 5-7. The historical figures portrayed will be Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Landscape Architect Frederick Law Olmstead, and Shoshone Indian Sacagawea who was instrumental in the Lewis and Clark expedition. Believe it or not the Chautauqua has been held here for 15 years and it’s still free. There is usually a musical interlude before the performance. I love seeing history come alive. If you go to Chautauqua in New York you would pay a lot of money to see similar performances. Just before the Chautauqua there are the Independence Day celebrations in Accident with a parade, marching bands, food, crafts etc. In the evening you can sit under a blanket and listen to some rousing Souza music followed by fireworks on the mountain. It really reminds you of old time Americana. See if you can’t clear your calendar for that week.

If music is your passion, then you will be thrilled to attend one of the musical performances sponsored by Music at Penn Alps (in Grantsville – less than ½ hour from the B&B). These are held every Saturday evening in the summer and the cost is about $10. There are also free concerts in Oakland every Friday evening –just bring a blanket or folding chair. The local theater company is gearing up for its performances of Oklahoma and Brighton Beach this summer. On July 10-11 there is Art in the Park with artists and crafts people and of course food. I could go on and on. But you get the idea – we have lots of fun things to do that don’t cost very much.

Also Falling water (considered to be one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces) nestled within the wooded Bear Run Nature Reserve is only an hour from the B&B. It is designed to be in harmony with nature and is a timeless monument to organic architecture at its absolute best.

Tours are conducted daily (except Wednesdays) from mid- March to Thanksgiving weekend in November. Advance reservations are required.
Cost of the tour is $20 per person. They have other tours such as the Sunset Tour or the Brunch Tour, both of which are over $100. We can even prepare a picnic lunch for you for a lot less.

I am still offering a free midweek stay for soldiers who have recently served in Iraq or Afghanistan (I will need proof of service). It’s my way of thanking them for their sacrifice. So please let us spoil you with our great food and hospitality.

Much love and blessings,
Kam Gillespie
 

Julia Child, Godspell and Chinese Dance

Julia Child came today bringing her chickens and recounting her tales of Paris and her love of French food and her husband Paulski as she affectionately referred to him. We had about 20 ladies (yes they were all women) who came to watch Mary Ann Jung perform as Julia. My goodness she was just so brilliant and so knowledgeable. She researches these parts for a year or so to make sure she is totally familiar with the character. I think I speak on behalf of all the ladies who attended that a great time was had by all.

I don't know if I have mentioned this before but I met Mary Ann last year in Cumberland when she was performing Amelia Earhart, and I was so taken with her portrayal that I told her she had to come to the B&B. I am so happy that she managed to find time for us.

Mary Ann also does murder mystery weekends and has twelve other roles that she performs all over the country for the Smithsonian and for the Renaissance Festival. So I think I will get her to do a murder mystery in November and perform Elizabeth I next year. And this time all the audience can be dressed in period costumes. She promised she would teach us an Elizabethan dance at the end of the performance too. So as soon as I can firm up some dates with her I will put it on the website.

Now it may seem a little odd to juxtapose Julia Child with Godspell but on Thursday I went to Frostburg University's production of Godspell. It was a twenty first century version with a very modern set, hip hop dancing and references to Survivor, the Sopranos, Donald Trump, AIG and many other current events. I wasn't sure I would like a modern version but it really worked. I particularly liked a young lady by the name of Ines Nassara who led the ensemble in the number "Oh Bless the Lord".

See we may be out in the country here, but we get our fair share of culture and usually have to pay a lot less for the privilege. After Julia I went to Garrett College and saw a young lady by the name of Yu Wei perform some beautiful Chinese dances. I am so busy attending all these performances that I barely have time to do much else!

Anyway I am planning a lot of new activities and still keeping the ones that our guests love, like the Romantic Getaways and the Girlfriends weekend. So come and spend a few days with us and let us pamper you with our hospitality and great food.

Wishing you all much health, love and joy

Kam Gillespie

Art Workshop etc.

I just wanted to show you that it really is spring here in Garrett County. This is a view of my cherry tree in full bloom. I think spring is early this year because this time last year the forsythia hadn't even flowered. Right after that really bad winter we had a couple of weeks when the temperature shot up to the 80's and I am sure it confused all the plants. And last weekend when we had the art workshop it was threatening to snow (didn't quite make it fortunately).

By the way that art workshop was so much fun. Thank you Robert for making it so interesting. I learned a lot and hope that I will get my paints out more than once a year. This was the first art workshop we have held at the B&B and I hope to have at least a couple every year. Thank you also to all of you who attended. I thought you were a great group - fun and supportive.

And now its on to Julia Child. Julia (as portrayed by actress Mary Ann Jung) will entertain us on Saturday April 24. It promises to be a lot of fun, so if you haven't got any plans for this weekend, just head out to Haley Farm. After the session there will be Q&A (and Mary Ann has really researched the part) followed by English tea and the movie Julie and Julia.

I have some other packages I am working on too - details of which I will be putting up on the website soon. In particular I want guests to explore nearby attractions such as Falling Water and Kentuck Knob (both designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and within an hour of the B&B). We will make the reservations for you and pack you a picnic lunch and all you have to do is enjoy the ride. And if any of you are interested in riding the Allegheny Passage (this is a biking, hiking trail that runs from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, and eventually to Washington DC) then consider making Haley Farm one of your stops along the way. If you would like to spend a night or two at the B&B we could arrange to have you picked up on the route, or you could bike to us from there. In any case since it's only a maximum of 2% grade (not steep in other words). It's worth giving it a try - I am going to.

I am also working on offering Nutrition retreats at the B&B. I attended one of these retreats overseas earlier this year. It was based on Naturopathy and I found it really easy to lose weight in that controlled environment while eating healthy wholesome food, and exercising regularly. For most of us it's hard to do on our own (too many temptations and distractions). So I thought if I could offer a whole week (including room, food, exercise and lectures) at a reasonable price, that it would benefit a lot of people. I was thinking of offering the first one in September but if there are a group of you (6 or more) that want to do it sooner, I could look into it.

Anyway I will be putting more information on these soon on the website. And don't forget the Highland Festival is coming up on the first weekend in June. Wear your kilts and bonnie outfits and join in the fun.

So till next time, wishing you great joy and happiness
Kam Gillespie

Spring is really around the corner right?

March 5, 2010

I hope that you are surviving this crazy winter. Yes it was a winter wonderland, but it was also quite an effort trying to keep the parking lot clear for guests to park. I have never before seen 10ft high snow walls. We had more snow than we have ever had in the past fifteen years (that’s when we bought the B&B). Snowfall this winter totals over 260 inches, which is about 100 inches more than average. It was obviously wonderful for skiers – I think we had more snow here than at Whistler where the winter Olympics were being held! Even now there is still plenty of skiing, tubing and snowboarding to be had for those of you planning on hitting the ski slopes. The WISP even opened an ice skating rink this year.

The annual polar bear dunk was last weekend and the week before that was winterfest with gorgeous ice carvings and winter games. But quite honestly I am ready for Spring. We have so many events coming up in the Spring.

First there is an Art Workshop on April 16-18 (a wonderful way to ignite your creative energies) and then Julia Child will be paying us a visit on April 24. The award winning actress who plays Julia is so talented that I know you will love her heart-warming portrayal. This will be followed by English tea and a viewing of the movie Julia and Julie. This would be wonderful opportunity to bring your best girlfriends and make it a true getaway. Further details of both these events are on the website. We do hope you can join us for these fun weekends.

The annual Highland Festival (a celebration of everything Scottish) is always on the first weekend in June (4-6) and this year my talented friend Christina Harrison will be performing. There is so much to see and do: sheep dog demonstrations, Highland games, Scottish food, great singers, and dancers. I promise you will not be disappointed. It’s also a great opportunity to dress up and another weekend to make it a Girlfriends Getaway.

As most of you know there is so much to do in the Deep Creek Lake area in the summer months. The lake is a hub of activity (swimming, fishing, boating etc). It is such a beautiful and peaceful place to unwind, or you can just come and chill at the B&B and enjoy a soothing massage at our Spa. Bobbi (our innkeeper) is always spoiling guests with her great soups, chili, cakes and cookies. And weather permitting we will soon resume our outdoor campfires. It’s so incredible to sit under the stars and watch the heavens without the glare of city lights.

I am still offering a free midweek stay for soldiers who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan (I will need proof of service). It’s my way of thanking them for their sacrifice. One of our guests called us chicken soup for the traveler, and we love that title. So please come by and let us spoil you with our great food and hospitality.

Much love and blessings,

Kam Gillespie

Happy New Year

December 30, 2009

Dear Guests:

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for visiting Haley Farm and for voting us one of the best B&Bs in the Mid-Atlantic. I have some wonderful events planned for the coming year as well as special prices to entice you back.

Winter is in full swing here at Deep Creek. The ski slopes (twenty three trails) at the WISP are open and the state parks (New Germany, Deep Creek Lake and Herrington Manor) have beautifully groomed cross-country trails. Both are wonderful opportunities to play in the snow. There are also horse drawn carriage rides, sledding and more.

For those of you that are fans of Robert Burns (Scottish poet) there will be a Robert Burns supper on January 23. Renowned fiddle player Bonnie Rideout will provide the musical entertainment at the Will o' the Wisp Four Seasons Restaurant.

February is also jam-packed. Apart from Valentine and President’s Day there is Winterfest on February 20-21. There will be some lovely ice sculptures and winter activities around Oakland. And the weekend after that (February 27) is the annual Deep Creek dunk. This is when some courageous (or crazy) people take a dip in the frozen lake to raise money for charity.

In April award-winning Artist Robert Yonke will conduct a watercolor workshop for aspiring artists (April 16-18) and on April 24 Julia Child will thrill us with her wit and culinary expertise (Julia will be portrayed by Chautauqua artist Mary Ann Jung). For further information on these and other retreats please check out the retreats page at www.haleyfarm.com

I am also extending the stay two nights and get the third night free offer till March 2010 (excluding holidays and holiday weekends). So here is your opportunity to take a mini-vacation while getting a great rate. Most of the guests comment on how great our food is. If you would like to learn how to make some of those wonderful dishes at home, you can watch me cooking on YouTube. Just search for Cooking with Kam. And while you are on YouTube also take a look at my friend Christina Harrison’s videos – a great Scottish singer who often performs at the B&B and at the Highland Festival.

I am still offering a free two night mid-week stay for our soldiers who have served in Afghanistan or Iraq. So if you know someone who has recently served in Iraq or Afghanistan and deserves a free two night stay at the B&B please email me their particulars. I will select two soldiers every month for as long as our soldiers are there (I will need proof of their service). I hope for their sake that peace breaks out soon, but I am honored to able to show support for our brave men and women in this small way.

One of our guests described Haley Farm as "chicken soup for the traveler". We couldn't agree more. We want to be the respite from peoples’ busy lives. Here you can unwind, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and allow us to pamper you with great food and hospitality. So if you are in need of a little indulgence, why not head out our way.

Wishing you a Happy New Year and a life filled with joy, love and laughter

Kam, Bobbi and Pete

Holiday Greetings

December 2, 2009

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones and that despite the bleak economy and the war situation, you were reminded of all the great things in life to be grateful for. Don’t forget that I am still offering a free two night mid-week stay for our soldiers who have recently served in Iraq and Afghanistan. (I will need proof of service). I am delighted to be able to offer this to our men and women in the military and have been doing so for over five years. So if you know a returning veteran who needs a super getaway, please be sure to have them contact us.

It’s fast approaching that time of year when we have to buy presents for family and friends and hope that we chose wisely. I know a lot of us procrastinate about buying gifts. So this year I’m making it a little easier by offering a ten percent discount for all gift certificates purchased till the end of the year. So if you buy a $100 gift certificate you will only have to pay $90. You can buy these online by clicking on the buy gift certificate button or call us and we will mail them out in time for the holidays.

Winter is also fast approaching and that is when the Deep Creek Lake area is transformed into a winter wonderland – skiing, sledding, snowboarding and carriage rides. The ski slopes are just fifteen minutes from the B&B and they are busy making snow for their 54th anniversary at the WISP. To celebrate this they are offering $7 (yes only seven dollars) lift tickets on December 13-14, 2009. There are also discounts on ski equipment and lessons. So if skiing is something you have always wanted to try but thought it was too expensive, now might be the time to the plunge. In addition if you book a room for two nights at Haley Farm we will give you the third night free. How about that for an early Christmas present?

I think I may have mentioned this in the past, but some of the cooking videos I have been making are now up on YouTube. You can type in Cooking with Kam or follow the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnKB1kMFaEo

I really enjoyed making these videos because some of them are recipes of items we serve at the B&B, such as our signature dish the Blueberry Souffle that so many of our guests love. So if you want to learn how to make it, just watch the video and then email me with a picture of how the dish turned out, and I’ll put it on our facebook page. I am in the process of filming more shows and may eventually group them together in a DVD. I want to show everyone that you can make delicious food without a lot of time or money. My new mantra is “Life is too short to eat bad food, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune”. Having grown up as a vegetarian for the first 25 years of my life I absolutely love vegetables, so I have converted some of my favorite recipes into vegetarian versions. So look for vegetarian hot and sour soup, Chili, and an Afghan soup called Aush and more. You will find these soon on YouTube or on Cooking with Kam.

In addition to the cooking shows I have also been busy finding attractions for you to enjoy in the future. I have Julia Child coming in April. Well at least an actress who plays Julia Child. Award winning actress Mary Ann Jung will portray Julia Child on April 24, 2010. She gives a lively talk on Julia and her two loves – French cuisine and her husband. You can later ask questions and then we will have a wonderful tea and watch the movie “Julie and Julia”. I am offering this at no cost to guests staying at the B&B that weekend.

I also have two other events planned for April 2010. One is an Art workshop (water colors) led by country and bluegrass artist Robert Yonke. It will be held April 16-18, 2010, and will only cost $345 per person (based on double occupancy). This includes two night stay at Haley Farm, the cost of the Art class, a welcoming reception on Friday, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, and lunch on Saturday (and you know we have the best food).

Lastly for those of you considering whether you are in the right job, or are reconsidering your options I have a workshop planned for April 30-May 2, 2010. This workshop called “Discover Your Passion” is led by Sharazad Arasteh, who is the founder of Career Consulting Services. She has over ten years of experience in customized career counseling. This retreat is designed for women to find a career path that honors their values, passions and life. Career counseling usually costs a lot of money, but Ms. Arasteh is offering this course for only $399 a person if you book by March 1, 2010. And if you book by January 15, 2010 and bring a friend you will get another $25 off. Registration deadline is April 1, 2010. Lodging cost at Haley Farm is extra. For further information on Ms Arasteh and her firm, please check out her website:

http://careerconsultmd.com/

Well that’s all for now, except to wish you and your loved ones a blessed holiday season and a joyous and prosperous New Year. One of our guests described Haley Farm as "chicken soup for the traveler". We couldn't agree more. We want to be the respite from peoples’ busy lives. Here you can unwind, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and allow us to pamper you with great food and hospitality. So if you are in need of a little indulgence, why not head out our way. Even two days here will make you forget the traffic and bills you left behind.

Blessings and Good wishes,

Kam Gillespie

Thriller

It was an incredible evening. We didn't care that it was cold and wet. There were some incredible zombies ready to thrill. Most of you are probably not aware of this but Michael Jackson's Thriller was performed simultaneously in 40 countries at 8.30pm (EST) on Saturday October 25, 2009. Our town, Oakland, was led by Brenda of Brenda's Dance Studio. She made her studio and staff available to the county and was an inspiring fund raiser. Each person wishing to dance had to raise a minimum of $50 to participate - all of it went to the House of Hope (a wonderful organization run by two incredible nuns). We raised over $30,000 - an enormous amount for a small town. One little girl raised over $2000 by herself. That is a picture of us presenting the check after the dance. It's not a particularly easy dance to learn but everyone rose to the occasion and some of the costumes and makeup were spectacular. I'm so glad I was a part of it. You can watch us on the YouTube link below and we may be on Oprah this Wednesday for raising the most money for a single charity. We performed at the Stables at Herrington, near the state park.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9WknyJs6zg

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons -I love the fall colors and crunching leaves beneath my feet. A great time to enjoy long walks in the state parks.

I have some great activities I am lining up for next spring (another favorite season of mine). I have Julia Child coming in April!

Award-winning actress Mary Ann Jung will cook up her unique recipe for fun in this show about Julia Child's two great loves-her husband and French cuisine. Learn how Julia changed culinary history by opening up America's kitchens and minds in the days when TV dinners reigned supreme. Discover why anyone who loves ethnic cooking and fine dining should thank this vivacious, funny innovator whose joie de vivre captured the hearts of all who saw her. Mary Ann is a recognized performer in the Chautauqua circuit.

Julia will be appearing on Saturday, April 24, 2010. This will be followed by a delicious English tea and a question and answer session. This event is free to guests staying at Haley Farm that weekend.

In addition to Julia I have organized an art workshop for April 16-17, 2010 and many other fun programs are in the pipeline. The Girlfriends Getaway is always a fantastic way to enjoy time with your best friends. And I'm still offering a free two night mid-week getaway to soldiers who have served in Afghanistan or Iraq (proof of service is required).

Check out what our guests are saying about us, and why we were awarded Best in the Mid-Atlantic. I do hope to welcome you soon to Haley Farm and treat you to our great food and hospitality.

http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/ShowReviews.aspx?inn=605013&m=1#s3626379

Kam Gillespie