Real Travel Adventures
International
NEW
Adventure Travels
Stories & Photos
Best Inter-Generational Days at Mystic Aquarium By Bonnie & Bill Neely
By Bonnie & Bill Neely
By Nancy S. Tardy
By Alvin Starkman
By Andrew Der
By Michele Hawkins
By Duncan Davies
By Bob Brown
By Antonio Graceffo
Click Below For Previous Articles:
__________
Enjoy our past features below:
INTERNATIONAL
MAGAZINE
Travel Adventures
from Real Travel
Adventures Ezine
Adventure Travel can often
take you all over the world,
but securing accommodation
wherever you travel can be
difficult, and costly. That's why
many adventurers who find
themselves traveling frequently
have decided to purchase a
timeshare resale.
The flexibility that these vacation
properties afford allows owners to
travel to thousands of locations on
a budget; and you can find
timeshares for sale all over the world.
SMALL SHIP RIVER CRUISES
 Online Specials Daily
Sign up for Senior Travel Club
Our friendly agents are here to help.
Call 1-800-578-1479
or 1-800-559-1141 email: information@usarivercruises.com
visit: www.usarivercruises.com
|
International
Travel Adventures
Stories & Photos
We average 20,000 hits a day.
On Home Page
In Travel News
Your FREE online travel magazine e-zine of exciting travel adventures, travel reviews, travel photos from all ages and lifestyles of real travel in US and the world. International travel adventure - travel adventure magazine - travel reviews - trip planner - road trip planner - travel news - Real Travel Adventures Ezine with Book Review and Travel Guides for good reads and good listens on your trips and international travel adventures.
Sharing Travel Adventures & Adventure Travel
Discover Great get-aways, budget stays, and luxury travel to Dream About .Choose from Hundreds of Travel Reviews and and book reviews Outdoor and Nature Photos
Get Your Travel Review Published here!
INTERNATIONAL
MAGAZINE
Winter in Maryland's Appalachia - or Reality Skiing
©2008 Andrew Der
There are very few destinations which are equally enriching in winter as well as summer. Coupled with my shame of the mid-Atlantic region's apparent inability to cope with a little snow as well as the desire to minimize gasoline and air travel at the same time, I felt compelled to re-visit a summer destination in Maryland's Appalachian panhandle - the under appreciated Deep Creek Lake resort (see my previous feature: Maryland's Seashore in the Mountains). While the evening news competed to convince its listeners the end is near and we should all be lining up for milk and toilet paper, the snow forecast instead signaled for me to head directly into the snow fall on the well plowed roads essential to the well-being of this region's communities.
Within driving distance of many East Coast and upper Midwest communities lies this under-discovered and relatively secluded resort area - a massive yet cozy vacation community nestled in the natural mountain heritage of the Appalachians. While seemingly out of place atop the gentle ridges and far below any regions with natural lakes, an enterprising plan to build a dam across a mountain stream in the '60s while no one was looking resulted in what is now a premier natural resource destination and a prime family retreat for many non-Maryland metropolitan areas as well.
After all, at the close of my last summer oriented feature, I challenged the reader - and myself - to visit during a future ski season to fully appreciate what this winter oasis had to offer and the mountain ski resort of Wisp truly is a destination for all seasons. While the familiar lake of summer is frozen and overpowered by the lakeside mountain, Wisp admittedly does not have the biggest ski slopes around. But being right in the middle of the continental divide Wisp provides an altitude where the powdery and deep snow, familiar to New England, is found close to many southern cities. Other accessible resorts in the area frequently predominate in slush and ice.
Winter here revolves around the Wisp ski resort known not only for its premium winter activities but also for the convenient ski-side and value- conscious rooms. Many visitors also enjoy the numerous and cozy lodges, condos and townhouse rentals around the area - some units are even for sale, for the truly committed. In addition to regionally surreal skiing conditions consisting of over 100 inches of fluffy snowfall annually, Wisp has a surprising variety of trails for its size, a full service lodge, rental facilities and instructional staff. Rounding this out as a premium value for the family are such features as: the expanded and unprecedented choices of children's programs, recently expanded 10 trail area, Pipes, Rail Parks, Terrain Trails, upgraded premium rental fleets, an extensive renovation of the Resort Hotel and Conference Center and soon-to-be mountaintop self contained village
Don't forget to ask about special events such as March's Annual Beachin' Weekend and Total Tubular Tubing Party, as well as packages and specials such as group activities and the Wisp discount card. Real-time webcam views of the ski areas are very cool at www.wispresort.com/wisp/info/w.webcam.aspx. For something different try Nordic skiing or my favorite - the mountain coaster. Picture a cross between a gravity powered go kart and roller coaster with no skills required.
For a fantastic lakefront view, seclusion and all the comforts, my favorite place to stay is the Suites at Silver Tree, known for both summer and winter quality accommodations. In a mountain lodge style with timber cathedral lobby ceilings, this elegant retreat is centrally located to all regional points of interest with a plethora of quality room choices varying in decor, size and amenity from studio to separate bedrooms and lofts. Enjoy the restaurant, sauna and fitness facilities and if you are staying during the summer, a marina and waterfront swimming is included. Do not forget to inquire about its ski packages and discounts.
But what if skiing is not your thing? No, you are not a scrooge, and it is not a problem because this is the perfect place to either learn or enjoy other winter opportunities. To start, a premium tubing area is available at Wisp with unexpectedly vast and fast undulating slides that will please the grownups as well as the kids. Another favorite - and a rush for newbies - is to have the skilled Wisp staff provide guided snowmobile excursions and demonstrate that this is no more difficult than riding a bike - and it is fun, fun, fun! Rev it up and be adventurous.
The grand prize for something different in the category of non-traditional winter activity goes to dog sledding. That's right - relatively new to those in this part of the country, this should not be missed. Husky Power Dog Sledding provided an interesting and new educational experience hosted by an enterprising couple running the operation at their country residence who will teach everything about the husky dog breed - or sled dogs, their care, and the tradition of canine winter transportation.
A sleigh ride through the woods cannot be beat followed by an opportunity to mingle with and pet the very friendly tykes in their kennel area while being told about their varied, delightfully quirky and intricate personality traits. Some wry humor abounds as demonstrated by the lone doghouse, among the numerous others. labeled Husband. .I wondered if the female partner of the business keeps the male host on his toes, describing the ins and outs of dog sledding and preparing for the ride. Make sure to allot adequate time and winter clothes, including insulated boots, because the lecture part of the experience required an hour and half of standing motionless outdoors before any sleigh ride, causing a bit of foot numbness.
Eventually, warming up indoors at the end of the day is vital and welcome, but take a break from the fireplaces at Suites at Silver Tree or the Wisp lodge and try the lakeside Uno's restaurant with a couple of after-dinner drinks at the adjacent Honi Honi bar. A more hi-tech, stimulating and down right fun experience can be found at Smiley's FunZone, the ultimate arcade and game park of the western mid-Atlantic. My favorite game was the laser tag. This is a great opportunity for a tech fix for kids, but all the family should take a break at their excellent restaurant to rest.
IF YOU GO:
A good starting point for all things Deep Creek is Garrett County Chamber of Commerce www.garrettchamber.com. Upon arrival, stop by also at 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry if they are open. Sign up for their comprehensive one-stop-shop guide at www.garrettchamber.com/mailme.php
Also useful is http://deepcreekresort.com/activity_guide.htm
Where to Stay:
The above will have accommodation and reservation links to many options - the below are my suggestions.
Wisp Deep Creek Mountain Resort
www.wispresort.com, 800-462-9477
A very slick and effective website for all things winter - and summer - including changing ski and winter activity specials and events. If this is also where you are staying then this can be your one-stop-shop for everything including superior quality restaurants and spa.
Suites at Silver Tree
565 Glendale Road, Oakland, MD 21550, 800-711-1719
In a nutshell, if you are going to do this, do it right and go for the gold and value. Choices for waterfront seclusion include lodges, cottages and condos.
Where to Eat
Numerous excellent opportunities abound - most are meat and potatoes fare and I cannot truly locate any establishment that is mediocre. The following though stand out.
Traders Coffee House
www.traderscoffeehouse.com, 301 387 9246
My favorite spot for breakfast and daytime snacking is a sensibly priced and cozy gathering place with a neat menu as well as gelato, beer and wine, crafts, books and giftware and even WiFi.
Little Sandy's
Intersection of Sand Flat Road and MD Rt. 219, 301 387 0850
Pay attention as you go by because it is easy to miss this true country diner that is at home with the locals as well as visitors and has meat and potatoes breakfast and lunch fare when all you want to do is eat at the best price in some seclusion.
Cornish Manor
830 Memorial Drive, Oakland, 301-334-6499
An excellent quality restaurant near Oakland in a B&B style building with varied menu. Great for Sunday brunch as well as an upper scale lounge with entertainment.
Sweetwater Grill at the Inn, 301-387-5555
Part of a popular lodge, I had understood this to be a favorite restaurant for many from word of mouth but alas it was closed on the Sunday we were there. The scenery is spectacular on the lake especially at sunset.
Other Activities:
Smiley's FunZone
Husky Power Dog Sledding
Deep Creek Lake State Park
Oakland
This is the County seat with interesting historic areas.
Circle R Ranch Horseback Riding, 301-387-6890
This is definitely another new thing to try if not too cold.
Buggy and Sleigh Rides
A massive Clydesdale horse will pull you over hill and dale while the Amish proprietor regales with local lore and wit.
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
|
 |
|
||
 |
 Online Specials Daily Sign up for Senior Travel Club
Our friendly agents are here to help.
Call 1-800-578-1479 or 1-800-559-1141 email: information@usarivercruises.com
visit: www.usarivercruises.com
|
Book & Audio Reviews For Your Travels
!--var bookmarkurl="http://www.realtraveladventures.com"var bookmarktitle="Real Travel Adventures"function addbookmark(){if (document.all)window.external.AddFavorite(bookmarkurl,bookmarktitle)}-->Add to Bookmarks
Subscribers:So that your free subscription is not mistaken for spam,
Please copy & paste our E-mail address into your address book: mail@realtraveladventures.com
It's that simple!
Real Travel Adventures International Magazine
Adventure Travels in your Free Ezine
If any links don't work
Thanks for visiting us!
Real Travel Adventures International Magazine
Real and Armchair Travelers: Enjoy best trip reviews, travel features, and excellent travel photos in RealTravelAdventures.com, your FREE on-line international magazine. Send your funny or outrageous travel experiences & photos and get published!
Visit or dream of fascintating places with Real Travel Adventures e-zine! This site offers travel humor, photos, stories, helpful guidebooks, and more. Visit for fun or to seek tips for your next travel adventure...and then share your own stories with us here at
realtraveladventures.com, your free online travel magazine, where you'll find great book reviews, international travel adventures magazine, airline tickets, real travel adventures, camping, RV travel, RV's, Cruises, restaurant reviews, RVing, FamilyTrips, traveling with kids and children, Nature and eco trips, ecology, international travel, Ski Trips, Spas, Spiritual Retreats, interviews with Special People, Travel Humor, Travel News, Unbelievable, WeddingTrips, restaurant reviews and advisor, traveling adventures, adventure travels, travel, virtual and armchair travel, Back Roads, off the beaten path, where to go Camping and enjoy RV trips, where to Dine and Sleep, fun Family Trips, our Favorite Finds, Arts and Crafts, cruises and cruise vacations, romantic trips, traveling tips, travel stories, audio book reviews for your travels, books reviews, good books for a trip, wedding trip planner, wedding Trips, Honeymoons, Unbelievable adventures, Travel News, humorous travel stories, spas and retreats, spiritual retreats, meditation retreats, ski trips, week-end trips Near You, nature's Best places, ecology trips, travel guide books, traveling with children, e-zines, FREE Ezines, Free travel magazines, magazine, free online magazines, internet magazines, free magazine subscriptions, web magazines, true stories, humorous articles, funny features, human interest features, nature photos, environment photographs, photos, adventurous stories, real true stories, true adventrues, camping gear, vacation, holidays, safaris, Caribbean vacations, cheap hotels, great places to go, nature hikes, nature photography, family vacations, family holidays, trip planner, great trips, scenic photos, holiday vacations, holidays, holiday stories, foreign destinations, International travel trips. And you can Get published here too! Send us your travel stories and pictures.
© 2008 Bonita Productions Inc.
If you wish to use our features or photos you must first contact us