Tag: garrett county
Casa di Maria-Vacation rental In Sky Valley
Casa di Maria is a charming log cabin vacation rental located in South Deep Creek Lake, MD, offering a rustic yet modern escape with beautiful seasonal mountain views and lake access. It features 2 bedrooms (each with a queen bed), 2 full baths, and sleeps up to 8 guests, with additional sleeping spaces in the loft and lower-level family room.
The cabin has a cozy, inviting atmosphere with a blend of Craftsman and Americana décor, an open living area with a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, and a spacious deck with a private hot tub. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and hiking, or relax in the community’s park and catch-and-release pond. A 4WD vehicle is required in winter months.
Key Amenities:
Private hot tub, deck, fire pit
Full kitchen with modern appliances
Smart TV, fireplace
Wireless internet, gas grill
Access to community lake and playground
Nearby Activities: Boating, skiing, hiking, shopping, dining, and more.
Policies:
Check-in: 4:00 PM, Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum age to rent: 25, no pets allowed
Booking deposit: 50% due 30+ days prior, 100% due within 29 days
Cancellation: Full refund for cancellations 31+ days before arrival, non-refundable within 30 days.



Amenities
View
Wooded View
Seasonal Mountain View
Location
On Mountain
Lake Access
Pool
Hot Tub – Private
Pet Suitability
No Pets Allowed
Property Features
Deck
Fireplace
Iron & Ironing Board
Linens Provided
Wireless Internet
Grill – Gas
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Smoke Detector
Private Entrance
TV (s)
Fire Extinguisher
Fire Pit
Living Room
No Smoking or Vaping Allowed
No/Limited Air Conditioning
Self Check-in (Keyless Lock)
TV (s) – Smart
Hot Water
Partial/Mid-Week Stays
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee Maker
Cookware
Dishwasher
Full Kitchen
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stove
Dishes and Utensils
Bathroom
Bath Towels Provided
Parking
Parking /Access- 4WD Required for Winter
Resort/Shared Amenities
Basketball Court(s)
Children’s Playground
Community Lake Access
Nearby Activities
Boating
Canoeing
Restaurants
Fishing
Golf Course(s)
Jet Ski Rentals
Kayaking Rentals
Medical Services
Miniature Golf
Museums
Shopping
Windsurfing
Biking
Birding
Cinemas
Hiking
Historic
Sailing
Snow Skiing
State Parks
Whitewater Rafting
Winery/Brewery
Deep Creek Lake Centennial Committee announces lecture series
MCHENRY — The Deep Creek Lake Centennial Committee (DCL100) has announced the lineup for its Lecture Series.
Every Thursday in March, the DCL100 Committee will present a lecture at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College on a different aspect of the lake.
Planned lectures include:
March 6: “Wildlife and Natural Habitats of Deep Creek Lake” Chance Friend, Naturalist Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Even though it was not intentional, Deep Creek Lake has become the habitat for a rich ecosystem of wildlife that have adapted to the “new” waterbody. A Naturalist from Deep Creek Lake State Park will go through the predominant wildlife around the lake, including many fascinating, but lesser known species.
March 13: “The Fish of Deep Creek Lake” Eric Null, Executive Director Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited.
Null will share his extensive knowledge of the fish species, habitats and behavior of the fish of the lake with the potential to learn about special techniques and hot spots.
March 20: “Operation of the Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station” Operations Manager Brookfield Renewable.
The dam that forms Deep Creek Lake is rather unremarkable in appearance, but it channels water to a power plant that generates enough electricity to power thousands of homes.
The Operations Manager of the owner and operator of the dam and power plant will provide an overview of how hydroelectric power works and how the electricity it generates gets to the grid and its end users.
March 27: “History of Real Estate at Deep Creek Lake” Karen Myers, Taylor Made Deep Creek Sales.
The State of Maryland first defined most of the property parcels in the county when it created 50 acre lots as payment to soldiers in the Revolutionary War.
Myers will go through how these lots changed (and how much they cost) to become many of the lake-area property developments we recognize today.
The Lecture Series will occur each Thursday in March at 6 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College.
Attendees at the lectures will be able to collect a DCL100 Exploration Ticket and receive the stamp for the month of March, and they will be able to enter to win a DCL100 swag pack.
The use of the Performing Arts Center and AV support have been generously contributed by Garrett College.
The lectures will be recorded and published to YouTube for those who are unable to attend in person.
For more info on the lectures and the Centennial,go to dcl100.com.
Garrett County Government to allocate funding in support of local rural transit system
Garrett Transit Service will receive an allocation of $367,000 to help stabilize and evaluate its operations.
The Garrett County Government Board of County Commissioners in Maryland is working to support its local public transportation network, Garrett Transit Service (GTS), to help ensure its continuity—at least for the short term.
The Garrett County Government says that maintaining a rural transit system like GTS is no easy task. Funding challenges, federal regulations and staffing shortages have made it increasingly difficult for GTS to meet the needs of a geographically dispersed population. The Garrett County Government says that while it isn’t directly responsible for managing or funding the local public transportation network, it recognizes how much of a lifeline this transit service is to the Garrett County community. GTS helps to connect residents to work, medical appointments and essential services and provides special programs to assist its senior members, individuals with disabilities and low-income families.
When the Garrett County Community Action Committee (GCCAC), the administrator of the GTS program, announced a budget shortfall and proposed limiting services to in-county trips only, the Garrett County Commissioners pledged support to sustain these services.
“While public transportation isn’t something the county directly funds, as soon as we knew the need, we were able to step up with this one-time allocation,” said Garrett County Commissioner Paul Edwards. “This allocation gives Community Action and GTS the time and resources they need to evaluate operations and plan for a sustainable future.”
GCCAC has a projected transportation program deficit of $489,709 for its 2025 fiscal year, which ends on Sept. 30, 2025. To address this shortfall, the commissioners will allocate $367,000 to maintain the transportation services.
Garrett County Government notes that the difference between the GTS program shortfall and the funded amount is based on dutiful coverage through the county’s fiscal year, ending June 30, 2025. Any additional county funding allocations beyond June 30, 2025, must be evaluated during the upcoming fiscal year 2026 county budget process.
According to the Garrett County Government, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic medical transportation services generated significant revenue for GTS but have endured a sharp decline in recent years. During the pandemic, federal relief programs provided crucial budget supplements to GCCAC, offering support until 2024. Simultaneously, GTS increased wages by approximately 30 percent over the past three years to meet minimum wage requirements and stay competitive in the labor market.
Ghost Towns of the Upper Potomac
Interesting article with plenty of photos documented some popular areas in and around Garrett County.
Jay’s note: I have always realized the Potomac River was a vital part of the history of Garrett County and many coal towns relied upon the waterway in some capacity. I was likewise amazed that you could/can buy land for next to nothing along the Potomac River here in Garrett County & West Virginia, but as you wind down the river towards Virginia, downstate Maryland and Washington DC, it was priceless. My wife and I actually did a little Potomac town hopping ourselves a few years back, but it was close to Williamsburg and Harpers Ferry where we picked up our trail. This story hits much closer to home.


On the way home from my ride with Neil Peart, a few weeks ago, I stopped for lunch at the Penn Alps restaurant. Their gift shop had an interesting-looking book titled Ghost Towns of the Upper Potomac. I bought a copy, and almost immediately started planning a ride to visit the remaining towns mentioned in the book–and to search for any evidence of the towns that no longer remain.
Day One: Crossing and Recrossing the Potomac
The North Branch of the Potomac River separates Garrett County, MD from West Virginia. In the late 1800s and through the early 1950s, it was dotted by numerous small lumbering and coal-mining towns. My goal was to trace the Upper Potomac, and these towns, as far as I could.
It’s always good to get an early start…



I recrossed the Potomac into Maryland at the twin towns of Blaine, WV and Kitzmiller, MD. There were still a number of houses here, but generally they were newer replacements, and only a few of the older original buildings survived the disastrous flood of March 1924. A rocky and somewhat narrower Potomac was in evidence, but there was little sign of the quaint town pictured in the book. Note the rustic building on the far bank of the river, however: I believe it is the same one pictured on the left in the old photograph (Coffman’s Department Store).
Much more detail and many more fascinating photos can be found here.
Public Hearing: County Road Name Changes
Garrett County Government Department of Community Development
Planning & Land Management Division
Public Hearing: County Road Name Changes
The Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County, Maryland, will hold a public hearing on February 18, 2025, to consider and potentially adopt the following road name additions and changes as part of the Garrett County Road Name Index, in accordance with the Garrett County Address Ordinance.
Proposed Road Name Additions & Changes
Tax Map
Former Name
New Road Name
67 N/A Azalea Lane
67 N/A Magnolia Way
49 N/A Enclave Lane
49 N/A Nature Run
95 N/A Bovie Bend
29 N/A Moon Ridge
200 Flat Street Polk Street
200 N North Street Polk Street
The Board of County Commissioners will officially adopt these road names following the public hearing, and they will become effective on February 18, 2025.
For further information or to provide before the hearing, please contact the Garrett County Department of Planning & Land Management at swigfield@garrettcountymd.gov
Community Effort Ensure Groceries for Low-Income Students Over Christmas Break
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, local businesses, non-profits, and individuals came together to ensure low-income families in Garrett County had enough groceries over the Christmas break.
It all began when Jessica Wilson from Morningstar visited the Garrett County Extension Office, looking for a non-profit organization to support during the company’s annual Global Giving Drive. Employees donated funds, which were then matched by both the company’s owner and the company itself. Willie Lantz, Garrett County Extension Agent, introduced Jessica to the newly formed Appalachian Farm and Food Alliance (AFFA), highlighting it as a deserving recipient of their generosity.
At that time, Willie Lantz and Melissa Bolyard, Garrett County Business Development’s Agriculture Business Specialist, had been collaborating with Community School Specialists on various projects. When the specialists expressed their urgent need to supply groceries to low-income families for the holiday break, we knew this was a perfect opportunity for a community-wide initiative.
They reached out to Casselman Market, who helped them order groceries for each family. Funds raised by Morningstar covered the costs. They also partnered with ALL Produce to include local potatoes and apples. Three members of a local Lutheran church further contributed by donating the $250 gift cards they each received for community volunteer work from the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans towards the grocery expenses. Casselman Market also covered some of the costs of the groceries.
Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, led by Josh Wilson, played a pivotal role in securing deer meat through an extraordinary community initiative. Yoder’s Butcher Barn, owned by Ryan and Morgan Yoder, put out a call for deer donations on social media. The response from Garrett County hunters was nothing short of remarkable. These dedicated hunters, driven by a strong sense of community and generosity, donated 15 deer in a single weekend.
The efforts of these local hunters highlight a profound dedication to supporting those in need within their community. Many of these hunters regularly participate in such donation drives, understanding the significant impact their contributions can make. The donated deer not only provided a vital source of protein for many families but also demonstrated the deep-rooted traditions of sharing and caring in Garrett County.
Yoder’s Butcher Barn graciously covered the processing costs for 10 of the donated deer, ensuring the meat was properly prepared and packaged. Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry stepped in to cover the remaining costs, showcasing a seamless collaboration between various community members and organizations. This concerted effort yielded approximately 500 pounds of meat, with each family receiving a minimum of 2 pounds, and many families receiving even more.
Mountain Laurel Medical Center, represented by Corey Edmonds, donated the 125 bags needed to package the groceries. The coordination of the entire project was made possible by Melissa Bolyard and Willie Lantz, who each played a crucial role in organizing and facilitating the initiativ, together with the tireless efforts of the 5 Community School Specialists, Amy Egress of Broadford Elementary, Ashley Wilt of Crellin Elementary, Dana Mason of Grantsville Elementary, Heather Roth of Friendsville Elementary, and Megan Knepp of Yough Glades Elementary. The efforts were further supported by the AFFA.
In total, 125 families were served at five different school locations across the county, thanks to the incredible community effort and generosity of all involved. This initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to support those in need. What started as a group of employee donations of approximately $995.00 grew into $9,000.00 project.
List of donations:
- Employee Donations at Morningstar’s Oakland Office: $995.00
- Morningstar Company/Owner Match: $1,738.00
- Lutheran Gift Cards: $750.00
- Yoder’s Butcher Barn’s Processing Donation: $1,225
- Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry: $425.00
- Value of Deer Donated: $3,960.00
- Cloth Bags for Bagging Groceries: $150.00
This is the kind of work the AFFA wants to be involved with moving forward. Seeing a donation made by employees grow to an amount that made an actual difference in the lives of each student who received provisions over the Christmas season.
Wednesday Fire Reported at Friend's Stockyard - Accident, MD
Deputy State Fire Marshals are on the scene and actively investigating this two-alarm commercial building fire in Garrett County.




At around 5:45 p.m., the Accident Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding fire departments were dispatched to Friends Stockyard in the 300
block of Stockyard Rd. Firefighters have requested law enforcement and cowboys to assist with the wrangling of cattle that have been left loose. This will be an extended operation. The current temp is 10 degrees.
#Update (7:16 p.m.): Firefighters continue to extinguish the fire. One firefighter has been treated by on-scene EMS and released. Three cows have perished. Our investigators will remain on the scene throughout the night.
#FinalUpdate (1/16/25) – Investigators remained on the scene late into the night and returned Thursday morning. The cause remains under investigation; however, Deputy State Fire Marshals cannot rule out an extension cord plugged into a skid steer or a portable heater. Investigators have no evidence of a criminal act and will continue to look at all accidental causes.
One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was treated/released on scene. Numerous cattle and hogs were able to escape the fire. However, three cattle perished, and three hogs were found inside during overhaul operations with injuries.
More info https://tinyurl.com/462rwsry
A HUGE thank you to all community members and volunteers who worked together to control this fire. We live in an amazing community!
- Accident
- Grantsville
- Friendsville
- Bittinger
- Deep Creek
- Addison
- Confluence
- Gorman
- Eastern Garrett
- Salisbury
- Oakland
- Deer Park
- Markleysburg
- Meyersdale
- Fire Marshal
- Potomac Edison
- MDOT
- Garrett Roads
- Public Utilities
- Garrett County Emergency Services
- Garrett County Emergency Management
- Northern Garrett EMS
- Bittinger EMS
- Accident Auxiliary – Our auxiliary coordinated food and drink donations from several community members and businesses to help feed and keep the firefighters warm.
- Barb Lynch from Hartmans Accident Liberty for coffee.
- Keysers Ridge McDonald’s for the generous donation of burgers and coffee.
- 11 pizzas from Brenda’s Pizzeria donated by a citizen.
- Donuts and snack cakes donated by Rodney from Husky Insulation and Remodeling.