Summer Heat Wave

Tired of hot summer days? Want to get away to the mountains where its cooler? Then maybe it’s time to visit Haley Farm B&B. You know Deep Creek Lake is where the rich used to vacation before the invention of air conditioning. The temperature is in the low 80s this weekend – I’m sure that’s cooler than where you are – and there is always a cool breeze.

The first time I visited Deep Creek Lake was in July 1993 and I was mesmerized by how beautiful it was. The lake and the mountains reminded me of Switzerland but of course on a smaller scale – the Allegheny Mountains are not that tall. Even after all these years I am still awed by the natural beauty of this area. Just a couple of weeks ago I went on a hike along the Greater Allegheny Passage. This trail is quite lovely and finding wild blackberries along the way was an added bonus. I met a group of bikers who had started their journey in Pittsburgh and were headed to Washington, DC. The trail is at nearly level grade and follows winding rivers, shaded valleys and traditional small towns. It’s definitely worth exploring.

We also recently had our annual visit by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO). They always play at the Wisp and the backdrop of the mountain is a lovely setting for their music. They ended one evening with John William’s theme from Star Wars. We walked out with the music still reverberating in our heads and were greeted by a full moon! A fitting end to a lovely evening. The PSO perform here every July – one more reason to come to Deep Creek Lake.

Another reason I love summers here is because right after the 4th of July celebrations (parades, marching bands, fireworks etc) we have the Chautauqua. Before I moved here I wouldn’t have know what that meant either. But it’s basically a living biography of a historical person. In the old days they used to hold these performances at Mountain Lake Park. But ever since I have been here (1993), it’s been held at the college under a big marquee. This year we had Jefferson Davis, Abraham Lincoln and Harriet Tubman. In past years there have been performances by Coco Chanel, Julia Child, FDR, Frederick Douglas and many more. It’s always interesting and it’s free. In fact we have a lot of free stuff you can take advantage of in the area. There are Friday night concerts in Oakland with varied musical entertainers and Wednesday evening concerts at the Wisp – just bring a chair. There are food vendors or you can bring your own picnic.

Coming at the end of the month (July 30-31) will be the Artists Studio tour where you can go and visit local artists and see and buy unique art creations. Some of the local artists painted 20 life size wooden bears and these are scattered around the county. You can go to the Discovery center at Deep Creek Lake State park and pick up a booklet with a map showing where the bears are located. If you get a stamp from all the locations you will be eligible for a prize.

The week after (August 5-6) will be Friendsville Days. I went to this last year and the parade was really quaint and was followed by musical performances at Friendsville Park. But all summer I look forward to the county fair. It’s got something for all ages. I love looking at the animals (pigs, rabbits, horses, goats and sheep), as well as the giant zucchinis and pumpkins. I also love eating the rotary fries and funnel cakes - these foods just taste better at the fair. There are also carnival rides and tractor pulls. The fair will be held August 14-20.
And after that there is the Art and Wine Festival and the Savage Man Triathlon in September. So you can see not only do we have gorgeous surroundings, but also lots of fun activities. We hope to see you soon so that we can pamper you with our great food and hospitality.

Another thing you might want to check out is my cooking video. Just go to YouTube and search for "Cooking with Kam" or you can follow the link to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnKB1kMFaEo
I'd love to get some feedback on what you think of them.

Wishing you much joy and happiness,
Kam Gillespie

The leaves are back

I don't know if you are aware of this but Spring comes late to the Deep Creek area. The trees are nude till mid May and sometimes even later. But I'm happy to report that the leaves are back and the views are breath taking. I simply love the wild flowers and Haley Farm's meadows are covered with buttercups. Ever do that test to see if you like buttercups? I grew up in England and even though I lived in the city when I was a child, we still did this test. I'm sure it proved nothing but I wonder if anyone knew then that there would be so many alternatives to butter!

Anyway Spring is here and I love this season of renewal so much. It reminds me of the phrase "Hope springs eternal". Well for my part it could be Spring is a reminder to Hope. I know that we certainly need to be reminded of hope when so many people in the Midwest are facing disaster. My prayers go out to them.

Back here we are going to be celebrating the Highland Festival this coming Saturday (June 4). If are into Scottish dancing, bagpipes, games, food etc. you will have a ball. If you haven't booked yet and really want to experience this, I will pay for the entrance fee to the festival on Saturday if you book for two or more nights this weekend. So take advantage of this great offer, get out your Tartan or kilt (if you have one) and head out this way. The Gillespie's (my husband's family name) didn't have their own clan, but were affiliated to the McPhersons' I believe. I'll put up a picture in my next blog of the festival. Hope to see you there.

Much Love, Blessings and Hope,

Kam Gillespie

Ramp Festival

Spring brings ramps. What are ramps you may be asking? They are a cross between garlic and leeks. If you like garlic or onions, you will more than likely love them. But they are strong and I saw somewhere that some dentists wont treat patients who have just eaten ramps!

I heard about the festival last year but was unable to attend. But this year I am not only attending but am going to be entering the competition. I plan to make three dishes. Ramps grow wild around here but I've heard that in New York they are becoming a delicacy. The festival is next Saturday April 30 at 11am at the Discovery Center in Deep Creek State Park. So why not make a reservation at Haley Farm next week and try the ramps.

And if you didn't get on the guest list for the Royal Wedding, don't worry. You can come and have tea with the Queen right here at Haley Farm - Queen Elizabeth I, as portrayed by award winning actress Mary Ann Jung. That will be on May 7 - Mother's Day weekend. It promises to be a fun day. You can see details under the Retreats section of the website.

Spring Offerings

Did you ever wish that you had your own safe haven set in the rolling hills of western Maryland? Of living on a gorgeous farm minutes from Deep Creek Lake and the ski slopes. Here you can escape from the hustle and bustle of city traffic and immerse yourself in nature with clean air and pure water.

Wayne and I bought the B&B and farm over seventeen years ago. We thought it looked like a mini Switzerland with the lake and the mountains. We couldn’t believe we lived so close to the ski slopes. The air was clean and there were no traffic lights (there are a couple now). We raised our daughter here with horses, dogs and chickens and rabbits. We felt totally blessed to have had this opportunity, but seventeen years is a long time and it’s time to move on. So I have decided to sell the B&B. If owning your own B&B and farm seems like a dream come true, then please contact me at my personal email at: kamisfab@verizon.net

It’s a wonderful opportunity for a young retired couple or a family wanting to raise their kids in a safe community. It’s also an incredible place for a business looking for an affordable corporate retreat. You can be your own boss and work hard or barely at all.

I don’t know how long it will take to sell the B&B so of course we are still creating wonderful memories for guests seeking a relaxing getaway. To make it more enticing we are offering a 25% discount for guests staying in April for two or more days. So hurry on down.

Also we have a wonderful actress coming for Mothers' Day weekend (May 7). Mary Ann Jung who last year came as Julia Child will be portraying Elizabeth I. This would be an incredible Mothers Day gift for any Mother especially those who are History buffs. I have seen Mary Ann perform Amelia Earhart, Julia Child and now Elizabeth. She is so entertaining and knowledgeable that everyone gave her a standing ovation... So please join us for this special event. Its free for guests staying at the B&B that weekend.

The Highland Festival is coming up soon too (June 3-4). If you are into kilts, Highland flings, bagpipes and sheep dog herding or anything Scottish, do put this on your calendar. We actually had another Celtic group perform at the college last week. They (Iona) gave us a spectacular performance with a range of music from Brittany France, Ireland, Scotland, Appalachia and New Orleans. This coupled with a fabulous dancer made it a very memorable evening.

So if you need a respite from this crazy world, head out our way and we will spoil you with our great food and hospitality.

Till then, blessings and Joy
Kam

Holiday Greetings

December 2, 2010

I hope this letter finds you healthy and happy. I can’t believe it’s almost the end of the year. Where did the summer go? Well at least it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here. We got snow this week and last. It’s not a lot but it does mean that the ski slopes will soon be open (they start making snow at the WISP when it gets cold enough). They do have an ice skating rink open this year and you can bring your own skates or rent some for only $10 or so.

Here at the B&B we are busy decorating the inn with garlands and mistletoe. Bobbi (our innkeeper) is busy making cookies because on December 10-11 we are hosting a cookie exchange. Do you remember what fun that was to do. You get together with your friends and everyone brings enough cookies to share and you end up with dozens of wonderful holiday cookies. We are not going to make you bake before you get here (unless you want to). Instead you can bring a beloved recipe with you and we can try to make it here. Either way its fine and while the wonderful cinnamon and spices waft over the inn, we can warm up with hot mulled cider and sing some carols. It will definitely get you in the mood. Or you could even combine this with a Girlfriends Getaway!

There is also a lot going on in the Deep Creek Lake area. If you know what Williamsburg looks like then you will appreciate what we have at the Spruce Forest Artisan Village nearby. It’s a colonial village (obviously on a smaller scale than Williamsburg). They have artisans working in the log cabins (candle makers, weavers, potters etc.) and plenty of gift ideas for the holidays. There are also carolers and cookies and storytelling. That is happening this coming weekend on December 3-4. So if you want to get into the holiday spirit without running into crowds, and pick out some unique Christmas gifts this might be just the thing for you.

Our local theatre is also holding its annual Christmas market in Oakland on December 4th. Again there will be an opportunity to buy local artisans products (pottery, crafts etc) while you are being entertained by local musicians and storytelling. And best of all both of these events are free and you might even be able to buy some unique gifts.

On Sunday December 12 -13 they are going to be celebrating the WISPs 55th birthday. If you always wanted to learn how to ski or snowboard, but didn’t think it was affordable, then this may be what you were waiting for, because there will be discounts on tickets and rentals. By the way lift tickets are always discounted on Wednesdays.

Now that black Friday and cyber Monday have come and gone, and you still haven’t found that perfect gift, then maybe we can help. A Haley Farm Gift certificate is always welcome because it doesn’t take up much space and helps create wonderful memories. To make this decision even easier, I am offering past guests a ten percent discount on gift certificates purchased this month. It’s always great to renew and recharge your batteries and get away from life’s hectic pace. You can purchase a spa treatment, or a dollar amount for the gift certificate. Whatever fits your budget and we can even mail it out for you. Mention this newsletter and you will get the discount.

I’m trying to remember to include a seasonal recipe in my newsletters, so this time I have selected a holiday favorite, Pecan pie. This is a very easy recipe and quite delicious (unfortunately laden with calories), but hey I am going to be offering nutrition retreats next year so you can take it off! And almost anything in moderation is fine. So enjoy.

Pecan pie
4 eggs
3/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Whisk eggs and sugar. Add remaining ingredients and stir. Pour into baked pie shell and bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 min until set. Cool before eating.

Well I hope your holiday season is filled with joy and loved ones. If it becomes too much for you and you need a break, come and see us. We’ll pamper you with our great food and hospitality. And if you are still looking for a place to ring in the New Year, we still have openings.

Much love and blessings,
Kam Gillespie

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.

Sizzling Summer

I hope you are having a wonderful summer. (The picture shown is from one of the lovely gardens on the garden tour held a couple of weeks ago). that I know that it’s been very hot on the east coast lately. It was hot here too, but nothing like the temperatures that the cities were experiencing. I am sure I have told you this before, but prior to air conditioning Deep Creek is where the rich would head out to for the summer. We used to have a great train schedule in those days. The train no longer runs but we still have the cooler temperatures.

Last week it got up into the eighties here but nothing like the heat and humidity of the Washington or Pittsburgh areas. So if you are tired of heat and humidity why not come and spend a few days here. We have so much going on that you can’t possibly get bored. And if you just want to chill out, the B&B and farm are perfect. It’s such a pretty drive through the mountains and you have none of the traffic jams that you see going to Ocean City or other beaches. And by the way we do have beaches at Deep Creek Lake State Park (10 minutes from B&B) and at Herrington Manor (25 minutes from B&B) and Broadford State Park (15 minutes away). So if its sand you crave, we have it.

Before I tell you what’s coming up, I just want to tell you about the 4th of July weekend. It was gorgeous and we didn’t get rained out as we often do. We took our chairs and blankets and sat on the lawn at the college enjoying a large ice cream and tapping our feet to the glorious patriotic music played by the Garrett County band. As soon as it got dark the fireworks started over the mountain. It was just a perfect day. The next day was the Chautauqua (living history is how to best describe it if you have never attended before). We have had fascinating characters portrayed every year and this was no exception. This year it was Thurgood Marshall (Supreme Court Justice) and Sacagawea (the native American woman who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their expedition). I didn’t know it was supposed to be pronounced Ska-ga-wea but apparently it is. And all this entertainment was free!

We also have many more events coming up that are free or very reasonably priced (most around $10). Throughout the summer there are free concerts at the WISP every Wednesday and the Little Yough Festival in Oakland has free concerts every Friday. This weekend we also have “Little Shop of Horrors” presented by the Theatre on the Lake (July 14-18). And the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will be performing July 16-17 as it has every year since I have been here (I can’t believe I have been here 17 years). Friday night is Broadway night which is my favorite.

Another one of my favorite things to attend is the Yougiogheny River Festival held in Friendsville (July 24). It has live music, food, and vendors.

I am going to help you stretch your money by offering you a summer special: Spend three nights or more and get the third night at half price. And you can use that money that you save to go horseback riding or play a round of golf or go out to dinner.

I am also 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