Here we are bursting into the month of May! Who doesn’t love the month of May? It’s that time of the year where the outdoors explode with life, the month that children eagerly start crossing off days on the calendar while anxiously waiting for the last day of school. The month where you can begin to daydream of hot summer days spent swimming in the lake, barbeques, and basically all things summer! Now is a great time to come visit our mountains as the leaves are turning lush and green, docks are going in and we are running some fabulous spring specials. Not sure what to do while you’re in the area? With several state parks to choose from, now is a spectacular time for hiking and mountain biking. Now, yes, I am a big fan of Swallow Falls State Park. It’s hard to go wrong with the sheer beauty of the falls and walking trails, so this time I decided to go a different route and so the family and I headed down to New Germany State Park, located outside of Grantsville, and approximately 30 minutes from McHenry. With over 10 miles of walking trails, you may find yourself wandering through a dense hemlock forest, colorful mixed hardwoods, rhododendron-filled stream valleys or towering pines and spruces. Hiking, trail-running and biking are the most popular activities throughout the year. Whether walking along the lake or wetland, or hiking the scenic trails, visitors are sure to have an opportunity to view birds and wildlife. Abundant bird species can be found throughout the area, such as pileated woodpeckers, black-capped chickadees, barred owls, great blue herons and an occasional osprey. In the late spring and summer, guests of the park can purchase snacks from the snack bar or rent a kayak or paddle boat to roam around the l3 acre lake. Swimming is also popular in the designated beach area. This Friday, May 4, there will be a “Live Jam” held at the Lake House. This is an awesome opportunity for musicians and spectators alike to join together to play and enjoy traditional folk, bluegrass, and any “old-time” Appalachian style music! Again this will be held in the Lake House from 6:30-9:30 and the admission is free! Check it out! Mother’s Day is just around the corner so now is the perfect time to treat mom to a weekend getaway. Call Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations today to begin finding your perfect vacation home. We can’t wait to see you at the lake!