Groundhogs

Another 12 days until Spring if you believe in Groundhogs. If you don’t, it’ll be another 16 days until the Vernal Equinox, the first day of spring. Either way, considering the 73 days of winter we’ve already survived since the Winter Solstice on December 21, 2013 , it seems to be safe to say that the worst is over. Even better, for April and May the Farmers’ Almanac predicts warm and dry weather and a hot (and rainy) summer and . . .

Snowshoeing in Garrett County, MD

As winter still is in full swing and there is plenty of snow on the ground, make the most of it! A really nice alternative to skiing are the snowshoeing tours offered by All Earth Eco Tours at Swallow Falls State Park. The tours will be guided by a professional outdoor guide and start Saturday and Sunday at 10:am and 1:00 PM. While moving through the State Park you can learn about the plant and wildlife in winter and enjoy . . .

Goosebumps and Grapes

On Friday, February 21, 2014, from 6 to 9pm, Goosebumps & Grapes will take place at the HoniHoni Bar at Deep Creek Lake, MD. The event features a bonfire as well as a wine sampling. The wines are courtesy of Republic National Distributing Company and will be sold at Arrowhead Market on Friday and Saturday. $3 from every bottle purchased will be donated to Special Olympics Maryland. Admission is $20 (Donation to Special Olympics Maryland). So far $98,099 have been . . .

7th Annual Winterfest in Oakland, MD

Next weekend, Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16, 2014 the 7th Annual Winter Fest will take place in d0wntown Oakland, MD. Enjoy a stroll through the Great Small Town, there will be so many things to see and do. For example, you can watch how ice sculptures are carved and admire the finished sculptures, there will be more than 36 on display!. To warm up again you can visit the train station for book readings or have a hot . . .

Happy (Chinese) New Year!

Today, February 1, 2014, is the first day of the Chinese New Year 2014, the year of the Wood Horse. Unlike in the US and Europe where we celebrate for only one evening, the celebrations for the New Year go on until the 15th day of the month. Legend has it that Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve animals, namely a rat, an ox, a tiger, a rabbit, a dragon, a snake, a . . .

WEEKEND!

This weekend there are a lot of things you can do around Deep Creek Lake! There finally is enough snow on the ground to go cross country skiing, also the slopes at the Wisp should be in perfect condition for skiing and tubing now. Swallow Falls are definitely frozen by now – always a beautiful photo opportunity! On Saturday evening there will be Live Entertainment at the Black Bear, the Moonshadow Cafe and also at the HoniHoni. Another -very tempting- . . .

Plans for the weekend?

Not sure yet how to spend your weekend? For Saturday, January 18, 2014, the weatherman has cold temperatures and snow for us – the Mountain State Brewing Company in McHenry, MD offers a cozier alternative: From 1 to 4pm Scott Alexander will perform at the Brewery. His music is described as “… nonrepetitive pop. His music is truly unique in the way it avoids verse-chorus repetitive structures, while employing catchy melodies and witty lyrics that evolve naturally through each song”. . . .

Tonight in Accident, MD!

The Moonshadow Cafe in Accident, MD has another evening of live music coming up tonight, January 10, 2014. The Moonshadow Cafe’s website describes the music of The Glen Strother Project as”funky jazzy soul with horns”. The concert starts at 7pm, admission is $5 per person. Please contact their website http://moonshadowcafe.com/ for more information.