Stacy Carlson, Author at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales Blog

Tips for Your First Deep Creek Summer Vacation

If you are planning your first Deep Creek summer vacation, it can be a little overwhelming. There are tons of fun activities and adventures to enjoy! We put together a list of some absolute “musts” for first-timers.

see the sights

No Deep Creek summer vacation is complete without a little sightseeing! One of the most popular attractions is Muddy Creek Falls at Swallow Falls State Park. This towering waterfall is the tallest in the state of Maryland. It is surrounded by pristine forests and amazing scenery. Plus, hiking trails lead you to two more picturesque waterfalls. This is a great selfie spot!

If you have kids in your group, you cannot pass up a visit to the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park. Hands-on displays highlight the environment of Western Maryland. During the summer, they have daily events that include seeing the birds in the aviary, arts & crafts, guided hikes, fishing with a naturalist and more!

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center — See the Birds in the Aviary at the Discovery Center

Continue reading Tips for Your First Deep Creek Summer Vacation

June Update: Deep Creek Lake Real Estate News

The June market update includes some exciting Deep Creek Lake real estate news!

Deep Creek Lake Real Estate News

We are pleased to announce that our real estate team has grown with the addition of seventeen new agents. Many are accomplished agents with proven track records in Deep Creek Lake real estate.

By leveraging a strong knowledge base, years of experience in the local market and cutting-edge technology, experiences for both agents and clients will continue to soar moving forward.

Deep Creek Lake Real Estate Market Update

As the summer market grows, so does our office. In addition to adding new agents, we are also expanding our office space. While that is good news, so is the average sales price on lake area homes. Coming in at $569,620 for the month of May, we are seeing a 10% increase over last year at this same time. This summer is going to be hot! Inventory continues to be trending lower that the previous years.

Continue reading June Update: Deep Creek Lake Real Estate News

HART for Animals at Deep Creek Lake

HART for Animals is an important part of the Deep Creek Lake community. They use 85% of all revenues to support charitable programs, including adoptions, spay/neuters, rescue and transports and sheltering. Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales has supported their work for years through donations, volunteering and event sponsorship. HART for Animals is tireless in their endeavor to improve the condition of animals in Western Maryland.

HART is more than adoption center. They are also home to Bredel Veterinary Clinic, Bed ‘N Bark Inn pet hotel and Muttworks grooming.

Fast & Furriest 5K Run/1K Walk

In 2017, we sponsored the very first Fast & Furriest 5K Run/1K walk in conjunction with HART for Animals. It was a big success, and we are continuing the sponsorship in 2018. On Saturday, June 30th, you can bring your pup join us in supporting HART.

Registration for this dog friendly fun run/walk starts at 7:30AM at HART – 1265 Bumble Bee Rd., Accident, MD 21520. It is a fun outing for the entire family! Get more information and make plans to attend the 2018 Fast & Furriest 5K Run/1K Walk!

HART for Animals guest bartender challenge

Every spring, the Taylor-Made team looks forward to HART’s Guest Bartender Challenge. Local companies “compete” to raise the most money. Each one hosts a night where they bartend at an establishment. All tips and funds raised from silent auction items are donated to HART for Animals. Continue reading HART for Animals at Deep Creek Lake

Budget Design Tips for Vacation Rental Owners

This blog post on budget design tips was written by a special guest contributor. Kristina Dorville and her family recently purchased The Quarterdeck. They gave this lake access chalet a complete makeover with stunning results. She offered some great budget design tips for making updates that are easy on your wallet.

Kristina’s Tips

If I could start over in my professional career, I’d like to decorate homes. But not the normal way. Anyone can go to a store, spend a ton of money and have a good looking house. MY favorite part of decorating… finding the ‘treasure’ – you know, that one chair, pillow, or rug that fits with your design idea but doesn’t break the bank. I love a treasure hunt. I love a good sale. But best of all, I love making my house feel like a well-decorated, stylish home for as little money as possible!

If you’re looking for a refresh of your space, there are some easy ways to find the treasures that work for you without the hefty price tag.

Shop Around & Wait for Sales

First and foremost, you must be patient. Don’t buy the first thing you see that you like. Look around and shop around. Wait for sales, if you know they are coming (around the holidays is a great time). I got some great, after Christmas deals on things that had nothing to do with the holiday. Swing through the same store multiple times and also go to the nearby, same stores. Every store – even the same ones in various locations around town – have different stuff and different prices. Continue reading Budget Design Tips for Vacation Rental Owners

What’s New at Deep Creek Lake – 2018 Edition

Discover what’s new at Deep Creek Lake! We have started compiling our 2018 list of new activities, eateries and events in the Deep Creek Lake area. Check back often for updates!

The next time you are in town, stop by one of these fine establishments:

monkey business adventure park

Monkey Business Adventure Park – 1-866-DCL-SOAR
This aerial adventure park opened last fall and has had folks monkeying around ever since! Their ziplines offer amazing lake views, and they have something for almost every age and ability level. They recently added an arcade too!

The Rolling Pin Bakery – 301-746-8500
From delicious deli sandwiches to amazing baked goods, The Rolling Pin in Accident is quickly becoming a local favorite. Be sure to try their donuts!

Sacred Ground Gem Mining

Sacred Ground Mining Company
Mine for “gems” in Sacred Grounds lake front sluice. This is a fun family activity that is perfect for the little ones in your group. Plus, you can browse for jewelry and Deep Creek souvenirs next store or grab some ice cream at the Lakeside Creamery.

Escape Games at Wisp Resort – 301-387-4911
The theme for their summer game is “Detention Breakout”! This is a reality game where you are put in a room and must use team work and problem solving to complete puzzles with clues, hints and strategy to ‘escape’ the room in a set amount of time.

The Manor Steakhouse
Opening in late spring 2018, this Oakland landmark is under new ownership. Serving lunch, dinner, drinks and Sunday brunch, their menu is yet to be unveiled but will feature the freshest of ingredients.

sang_run_state_park

Sang Run State Park
Deep Creek’s seventh state park opened last fall. Formerly a farm, there are 77 acres to explore that include an old-fashioned general store and access to the Youghiogheny River. Volunteers open the Friend’s Store each Monday in July and August to sell locally hand made crafts and food snacks reminiscent of country living and trade stories of the history of the area. There are also guided hikes that are led by naturalists from DCL State Park. Check the Discover Center website for more details.

The Casselman Bakery & Cafe – 301-895-5055
Enjoy a wide variety of fresh homemade breads and desserts along with hearty breakfast & lunch options, and a salad and homemade soup bar. Continue reading What’s New at Deep Creek Lake – 2018 Edition

May 2018 Real Estate Update

Real estate activity at Deep Creek Lake is heating up with the warmer spring temperatures. We are seeing positive signs of a seller’s market in the making!

May 2018 Real Estate Update

Out of the 200 active lake area homes, 17 of them sold in the last month. And better news, the average sales price to average list price was only a 5% difference. In other words, the offer price is getting closer to the listing price. Historically, that number has been around 8-12%. The average days on market for these homes was about three months. As we get into the summer months, I will take a guess that timeframe will get shorter.

Real Estate Update

Location, presentation and price are still the key factors in any real estate transaction. You have location nailed. Deep Creek Lake is the place to be. Continue reading May 2018 Real Estate Update

Top 5 Tips to Increase Your Home Value

You can increase your home value no matter what your budget. If you are thinking of selling, little upgrades can mean a lot to buyers. You should focus your efforts (and your dollars) on tasks that pack the biggest punch.

Our real estate team put together a list of some proven ways to increase your home value. To be sure you spend appropriately for your target market, it is always recommended that you speak with an agent before getting started.

Increase Your Home Value

Kitchens Count

Buyers have always been focused on kitchens, and most are looking for something that is modern/updated. You don’t necessarily need a total overhaul. Even small investments can increase your home value.

Go for a fresh, coordinated look with new suite of appliances and a new countertop and flooring. Paint walls or cabinets and update hardware too. “Stainless steel” isn’t new but still indicates “modern” in the mind of the buyer. Also, quartz countertops are becoming increasingly popular due to their resiliency.

Focus on Floorplans

Adding to the living space in your home can definitely boost value. Many buyers are looking for either an open layout or flexible spaces that can suit a variety of purposes. Continue reading Top 5 Tips to Increase Your Home Value

Deep Creek Lake Upcoming Events

Deep Creek Lake upcoming events for spring offer something for all ages and interests. May and June weekends are ideal for enjoying the lake and the great small towns that surround it.

We put together a list of some of the Deep Creek Lake upcoming events that you don’t want to miss!

Deep Creek Lake upcoming events

Opening Weekend!
May 19 & 20, Adventure Sports Center International
Weather permitting, you can take a thrilling ride on the man-made white water rafting course. MORE INFO

Little Crossings Festival Artisan & Epicurean Faire
May 19, 11AM-6PM, Little Crossings Festival Ground in Grantsville
This annual event features numerous local artisans as well as lots of specialty foods. There is a beer and wine tent along with beverage tastings. Area musicians will provide live entertainment on the shores of the scenic Casselman River. MORE INFO Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Upcoming Events

Vacation Rental Design Tips

Vacation rental design can have a big impact on your bottom line. Whether you are furnishing a new home or refreshing your current rental property, it can be a challenging task to tackle on your own.

vacation rental design

Vacation rental design Guide

We put together this vacation rental design guide to give you a good understanding of how to get the most “bang for your buck”. Smart investments in your home can put you on the right track to get more reservations and guests who return year-after-year.

Even if you think of yourself as someone with good taste, it is always good to get another point of view. Our team can help you make good choices. You can also enlist a friend to give you an objective opinion or suggestions.

Continue reading Vacation Rental Design Tips

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants On the Water

Deep Creek Lake restaurants on the water are favorite dining options for vacationers. Beautiful views and great food are the perfect way to end a day spent boating, hiking or skiing.

Deep Creek Lake Restaurants On the Water

No vacation is complete without a stop at one of these Deep Creek Lake restaurants on the water! All three offer the option to “dock & dine”, so come by boat or by car!

Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub

Offering amazing lake views, Ace’s recently added a deck for outdoor dining. Serving lunch and dinner, the menu changes seasonally and features the freshest food available – much of it is locally sourced. You will find a variety of sandwiches, steak, seafood and pasta. You can also dine on the pub side that is outfitted with a full bar and a fireplace. MORE INFO

Taylor-Made Pro Tip: Go on a Wednesday for their “Pasta Night”. You can create your own pasta dish and watch as they make it!

20160 Garrett Highway, 301-387-6688 Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Restaurants On the Water