snow – Jay's Real Estate Blog

The 10 Snowiest Cities in Maryland for Scenic Winter Weather

Story by Liz McKinley B.Sc. Environmental Science

No surprises here – every town is in Western Maryland and Garett County claims 6 of the top 10 snowiest towns in Maryland!

1. Oakland: A Snow Enthusiast’s Paradise

Oakland, located in Garrett County, often tops the list when it comes to snowfall in Maryland. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, this city receives an impressive amount of snow each winter.

The combination of elevation and position makes it a prime spot for snow accumulation. Residents and visitors alike enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

The Swallow Falls State Park, with its frozen waterfalls, becomes a mesmerizing sight during winter, drawing in photographers and nature lovers. The charming downtown area, draped in snow, offers a cozy ambiance perfect for enjoying a hot cocoa or exploring local shops.

3. McHenry: Gateway to Adventure

McHenry is another gem in Garrett County, providing a gateway to the Wisp Resort, Maryland’s only ski resort. This city is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, offering skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.

The Deep Creek Lake area, enveloped in snow, provides a serene backdrop for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. McHenry’s snow-covered landscapes, combined with its outdoor activities, make it a favorite among families and adventure seekers.

The local community embraces the winter season, hosting events and festivals that celebrate the joys of snow.

5. Grantsville: A Quaint Winter Hideaway

Grantsville is a small town with a big heart when it comes to embracing winter. Known for its close-knit community and scenic surroundings, this town receives a generous amount of snow each year.

The Casselman River Bridge State Park, with its historic bridge framed by snow, offers a picturesque setting for winter walks. Local inns and bed-and-breakfasts provide cozy accommodations, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the winter charm.

The town’s annual winter festival is a highlight, featuring local crafts, food, and entertainment

6. Friendsville: Nature’s Snowy Embrace

Friendsville, a hidden gem in Garrett County, offers a peaceful retreat for those who appreciate the tranquility of snow-covered landscapes. This small town is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Youghiogheny River providing a stunning backdrop.

During winter, the area is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The local community is welcoming, often hosting events that bring residents and visitors together to celebrate the winter season.

Friendsville’s serene ambiance makes it an ideal spot for reflection and relaxation amid nature’s snowy embrace.

7. Mountain Lake Park: A Historic Snow Haven

Mountain Lake Park is a town with a rich history and a penchant for snow. Once a popular resort town, it still retains its charm and allure during the winter months.

The town is known for its Victorian architecture, which looks even more enchanting dusted with snow. Winter enthusiasts can explore the town’s parks and trails, which offer opportunities for snowshoeing and winter hiking.

The community often comes together to celebrate the season with events that highlight the town’s history and culture, adding to its wintertime appeal.

8. Accident: A Charming Snowy Escape

Accident might have an unusual name, but its winter beauty is no accident. This small town in Garrett County is known for its friendly community and picturesque snow-covered landscapes.

The town’s rural setting provides ample opportunities for winter activities such as sledding and ice skating on frozen ponds. Local farms and markets offer seasonal produce and goods, adding to the town’s charm.

Visitors often find themselves captivated by the town’s simplicity and warmth, making it a delightful escape during the winter months.

More here.

Top 14 Deep Creek Lake Winter Activities For Non-Skiers

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales Blog

t’s a common conundrum – what’s a non-skier to do when friends and family are hitting the slopes at Wisp Resort? Deep Creek Lake winter activities offers lots of options that can keep every member of your crew entertained. It’s a great way to enjoy a weekend getaway near Pittsburgh, Baltimore, or Washington, DC.

Here are just a few of our favorite Deep Creek Lake winter activities for the non-skiers staying at a Deep Creek Lake vacation rental:

Deep Creek Lake winter activities

Hiking at Swallow Falls State Park
Crisp white snow makes this beautiful place even more spectacular, and it’s definitely a must see throughout all four seasons. If you’re up for some serious hiking, explore trails to all three of the waterfalls – Swallow Falls, Muddy Creek Falls, and Tolliver Falls. There is also a handicap accessible trail and view platform at Muddy Creek Falls for those that need an easier route or just want to take a short stroll. Be sure to bring your camera and wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Trails can be slippery during the winter months. Get more info.

Simon Pearce Tours
Watch master glassblowers at work, then shop for the beautiful items they make in the retail store. You can also choose from a wide variety of second-quality glass. Located in Mountain Lake Park, it is just a short drive from most Deep Creek Lake vacation rentals. Find out more.

Guided Snowshoe Tours
Weather permitting, All Earth Eco Tours offers another great way to experience Swallow Falls State Park. Their snowshoe tours are a “no experience required” way to cruise through the woods and take in the scenery. For those seeking high adventure, ask about their trips to Big Savage Mountain and Lost Lands.

Sleigh Rides at Deep Creek Lake

Sleigh Rides
One of the classic Deep Creek Lake winter activities, you can take a ride back in time as you swish through open fields and over hills listening to the sound of muffled hoof beats in the snow. Sleigh rides at Pleasant Valley Dream Rides are an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors no matter what your age.

Cold Drinks By a Warm Fire
Get cozy by the fire place at local restaurants like Firewater Kitchen & Bar, Uno Chicago Grill or Dutch’s at Silver Tree, and warm-up with your favorite beverage.

Sled Riding at Blackwater Falls State Park
Within one hour of the Deep Creek Lake area, you’ll find the ultimate sledding hill! Head to Blackwater Falls State Park to ride up on a conveyor, sled to the bottom, and repeat! Bring your own sled or rent one on-site.

Sample Award Winning Cheeses
Stop by Firefly Farms in nearby Accident, to check out their award winning goat cheese and browse their selection of gourmet foods. They can even make you a personalized cheese board to go.

Cross Country Skiing
With minimal instruction, you can kick and glide on cross country ski trails at Herrington Manor State Park and New Germany State Park. Call ahead to check for availability of rental equipment.

Shops & Antiques
Avoid the cold temperatures when you visit area shops and antique stores. Schoolhouse Earth, Bear Creek Traders, A Mountain Fix, and High Mountain Sports are a few of our favorites at the lake. Take a short drive to Oakland to browse antiques at Englander’s or Cabin Fever. While you are there, hit up Flipside Sounds – a vinyl shop in downtown Oakland.

Deep Creek Axe Throwing Co.
Test your skills in the Deep Creek Lake axe throwing arena! This fun indoor activity is suitable for ages 8 and up.

Museum Tours
When visiting Oakland, history buffs should stop at the two museums operated by the Garrett County Historical Society. Return to the past as you explore area treasures, learn about early settlers, and check out Model T Fords. Call for hours of operation.

Snow Tubing & Mountain Coaster Rides
Wisp Resort is well-known for skiing, but they also offer a variety of activities that anyone can enjoy. Reserve a snow tubing session or take a ride on the mountain coaster.

Arcades
Everyone in your group will enjoy playing a wide variety arcade games and snacking on great food at Deep Creek Fun Zone.

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center
Fun for kids of all ages, the Discovery Center is a one-of-a-kind environmental center with hands-on exhibits that showcase the natural resources of Western Maryland. Open weekends during the winter season.

It is a great day at Deep Creek! Look at all of this fresh snow that we have!

Has Winter Arrived?!?!

StormReady® Recognition for Garrett County

National Weather Service officials have recognized Garrett County, Maryland as a StormReady® community. Fred McMullen, Warning Coordination of the National Weather Service forecast office in Pittsburgh will present county officials with a recognition letter and special StormReady signs during a ceremony at the Garrett County Courthouse Public Meeting Room on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.
“StormReady encourages communities to take a proactive approach to improving local hazardous weather operations and public awareness in partnership with their local National Weather Service office,” McMullen said.

For more information click here

Wisp Ends Ski Season Early

Ski season is over in Garrett County!

Due to the unusually warm winter, Wisp Resort has decided to end ski season early. The weather has been historically warm this season. Some days it has reached 70 degrees here in McHenry and others it has been back in the 20’s and 30’s.

Wondering what the Wisp looks like right now?

Here is a view of the Wisp from Taylor-Made’s Branch Office next to Smiley’s.

For comparison, here is a photo from the Wisp taken last winter.

Wisp Resort made the announcement via Facebook Sunday evening.

Well, it was a great season while it lasted! Time to move on to springtime activities.

Guess the groundhog was wrong this year!

New Germany State Park gets ready for snow activities

GRANTSVILLE — New Germany State Park has scheduled several activities for February.

In hopes of snow, New Germany rangers are inviting challengers to a snowman contest Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. at the Lake House, McAndrews Hill Road.

The Friends of New Germany will host a membership meeting Feb. 4 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Lake House. The Friends of New Germany is a nonprofit organization made up of volunteers who care about the park and want to enhance, maintain and support it through fundraising and a variety of projects. Anyone interested in joining the group or becoming a volunteer is welcome to attend. For more information, email newgermanyfriends@yahoo.com or call 301-895-5453.

The Maryland Conservation Corps will offer beginner cross-country ski lessons at New Germany State Park on Feb. 4 and 12. The lessons will begin at noon inside the Lake House and will last about two hours. There is no charge for those with their own equipment. In the event of no snow, the lessons will include some basic ski instruction, followed by a winter hike.

The lessons are being offered as part of the Healthy Parks, Healthy People program, an international movement that focuses on utilizing parks to promote the health of people and the environment.

Tag: snow