Month: November 2011

Shop till you Drop!

I suffer from chronic holiday shopper procrastination syndrome. It’s rather awful and I am quite sure that it is an issue that has affected generations of the women in my family. This year I have decided to be proactive and actually begin my shopping before December 24th. My first stop was Four All Seasons Gift Shop located in Dry Dock Plaza in McHenry. Wow! What a wonderful little shop! I had the chance to meet with Cindy, the manager, who was kind enough to show me around. They definitely have something for everyone on your list. The selection spans from home décor, Christmas ornaments, DCL souvenirs, some garden decorations and the list goes on. For the avid football fan, they have some wonderful, unique memorabilia that would make awesome gifts (that’s a not-so subtle hint aimed at my pals, who know how much I adore my beloved Steelers!) Guys, not sure of what to get your gal? Check out their wide selection of purses, scarves, and other assorted trinkets. If you are super strapped for an idea, they have a great selection of Yankee Candles. You can’t go wrong with a Yankee Candle. I personally left there with tons of ideas and a firm start to my holiday shopping. This means the procrastination cycle has been broken and the possibilities now seem endless! Check out their Facebook page to see the Black Friday specials that they are offering. To those that will be traveling to Deep Creek or elsewhere for the holidays, please be safe in your travels! Happy Thanksgiving from your friends here at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations.

A Partridge in a Pear Tree…..


It’s the day after Thanksgiving. You are stuffed, have had your fix of football, and now what? Well, if you are a bargain shopper and competitive by nature, than Black Friday shopping is always an option. However, if you are visiting Deep Creek Lake over the holiday and looking for something a little more “family friendly” and less sportsman-like, than I highly recommend you check out Garrett County’s annual Festival of Trees event. An event that benefits our local Dove Center (http://www.garrettdovecenter.org/), guests of the event get the unique opportunity to stroll through exquisitely decorated Holiday trees, wreaths, swags, table decor, and gingerbread houses! A magical walk through a true winter wonderland, if you will. Events held throughout the festival include breakfast with Santa Claus, unique arts & crafts, a live and silent auction, and Kris Kringle karaoke (sponsored, of course, by our very own local DJ talent Johny Rock (ttp://www.jonnyrock.com/) I also heard that Jennifer Christophel from Western Maryland Dance and Jessica’s Dance Creations will also be present. Hmm, still not sure? Did I mention that Lakeside Creamery would be there to help you create your own sundae(http://lakesidecreamery.com/)! and a sale of homemade bakery goods is also available?
This is truly a chance to shop for some unique, extremely cool, Deep Creek Lake mementos for family and friends. Again, mentioning that all proceeds benefit a very worthwhile and truly notable charity, The Garrett Dove Center! Please schedule a day of good old fashioned family fun and check out a new tradition with a visit to this festival! Please check out their website for a full listing of the event’s full agenda.

Say Cheese!!!

Last week Jodi, Linda, and I took advantage of the warmer weather and headed out of the office for a field trip excursion. We found ourselves in Accident to check out Firefly Farms, a new establishment that recently opened. What a charming little shop! Specializing in artisanal goat cheeses (made mostly in house), here you can purchase delicacies such as cheese, crackers, jams, spreads, wine, and more. We met with owner, Andrea, who was kind enough to show us around and let us sample some of their fantastic cheeses (although they were all wonderful, I was particularly fond of the Allegheny Chevre).
The shop was designed so that visitors could observe the cheese making process through the large windows. They have plans in the near future for visitors to be able to actually take tours of the facility and to hear an in depth description of the cheese making process. Although you are now able to sample the cheeses and some jams, in the future they will also be doing some wine tasting at the shop as well. While in the shop, although you cannot miss it, please take time to check out the gorgeous mural on the wall that was painted and designed by renowned local artist, Mark Stutzman (most famous for his rendition of a young Elvis Presley on the US postage stamp.) It adds a wonderful serene ambience to the already quaint looking shop.
I highly recommend that the next time you are coming to the lake that you stop into the shop and check it out. Located on Main Street, it is impossible to miss. Say hello to Andrea, sample some cheese & crackers, and check out their assortment of other delicious appetizers. It is definitely worth the trip. Until next week, we can’t wait to see you at the lake!