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The Lake-Front Magazine

The first edition of The Lake-Front™ hit the stands in January of 1991. See how The Lake-Front can work for you. Give us a call or e-mail us today!

Monthly magazine geared towards visitors to the Deep Creek Lake area from a local's perspective highlighting local merchants, a full calendar of events, and the latest info on where to shop, dine, or enjoy live entertainment. Created and managed solely by owners Skip & Linda Carr, this monthly magazine is geared towards visitors to the Deep Creek Lake area from a local’s perspective. With personal

ized Spotlight Stories highlighting local merchants, a full calendar of events, the latest information on where to shop, dine, or enjoy live entertainment, The Lake-Front™ has become the number one choice for all things local. Skip and Linda strive to maintain a “homey” feeling to their publications including Skip’s highly entertaining, off-the-wall column, “Skip Around Town”. Pick up a copy today and see for yourself why we are the area’s main source for what’s happening at Deep Creek Lake.

10/20/2025

Reflection House is such an asset to our community 💜

10/15/2025

Barn Quilt Association Kicks Off “Facelift” Refurbishment Project

Written by Collen DuBose

When autumn rolls around in Garrett County, the hillsides turn brilliant with reds, golds, and fiery oranges. But if you take a drive along our winding country roads this fall, you’ll notice more than just the changing leaves. Scattered across barns, sheds, and farm buildings are brightly painted wooden squares—patterns that echo both the artistry of quilting and the agricultural roots of our community. These are the barn quilts of Garrett County, and they’re more than decoration. They’re a colorful way of telling stories, honoring heritage, and weaving together the threads of rural life.

The Garrett County Barn Quilt Trail was first established more than a decade ago with the creation of the nonprofit Barn Quilt Association of Garrett County, joining a national movement that was created by the late Donna Sue Groves in Ohio in the early 2000s. Today, our county boasts over 50 quilt blocks—some depicting traditional patterns like “Ohio Star” or “Log Cabin,” others inspired by the families and farms where they hang. For locals, the quilts are a source of pride; for visitors, they are a self-guided tour through backroads and valleys that might otherwise be missed.

Some of the quilt squares have been installed for 17 years now, and as such, many of them have lost some of their initial luster through fading or have been damaged by weather. The Barn Quilt “Facelift” refurbishment project was initiated this summer with kickoff funding from the Community Trust Foundation as well as the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority and Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area.

Continue reading: https://lakefrontmagazine.com/barn-quilt-association-kicks-off-facelift-refurbishment-project/

10/14/2025

Calling all local shops & makers: get featured in our “Shop Small” insert in the November Lake-Front Magazine (distributed in over 100 locations) + a shoutout on Deep Creek Times.com.

FEATURING: Local coupons, special offers, & info on new products and services!

Limited space is available. Message “INFO” for rates & deadlines.

10/11/2025

Garrett Highlands Pipes & DrumsConcert Scheduled: Oct 11

Mark your calendar: Saturday, October 11 at 11:00 a.m., the Garrett Highlands Pipes & Drums will play a public concert at the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department Firehall (31 S. 3rd St.).

Bring a lawn chair, settle in, and you’ll be perfectly placed to watch the Autumn Glory Grand Feature Parade at 1:00 p.m. from the same spot.

The band started in 1979 as the Garrett Highlanders, founded by the Hon. Fred A. Thayer, Charles P. “Chip” Evans, and Rev. John Grant. After early instruction at Garrett Community College, the group played its first public show in July 1980 and later became an affiliate of the college.

Today, under the sponsorship of the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department, the band performs as Garrett Highlands Pipes & Drums (GHPD) with 8 pipers and 5 drummers. Pipe Major leadership over the years: Fred A. Thayer (1979–2001), Gerald McGee (2001–2008/09), and Paul Browning (2009–present).

You’ve likely seen -- and heard -- the band at some big moments: opening ceremonies for the 1989 Whitewater World Championships at Frostburg State, the I-68 opening in Cumberland, Railfest (1992), the Scottish Christmas Walk in Alexandria (1991–92), and the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel dedication in Shanksville on September 11, 2002. Closer to home, they play Memorial Day at Oakland Cemetery, participate in Veterans Day observances, provide processionals for Garrett College Commencement, and pop up for St. Patrick’s Day at Mountain State Brewing.

During Autumn Glory, they’re a fixture—hosting six regional bands for a 60-plus pipes-and-drums throwdown in the 2017 Grand Feature Parade—and they’ve long served as host band for the McHenry Highland Festival (now the Garrett County Celtic Festival). Festival appearances have also included Bridgeport, Ligonier, and the West Virginia Celtic Festival.

Thinking about learning pipes or drums? The band is recruiting now and offer free lessons Mondays at 6:00 p.m. at the OVFD firehall. Questions or ready to join? Email Alma Glotfelty at [email protected], visit garrettpipes.com, or follow Garrett Highlands Pipes and Drums here on Facebook.

10/09/2025

The Mike Drop

Written by Mike Fratz

September came and went in a blur of sunshine, food, friends, and more than a few surprises. The month started strong with our Morning Market at Market on 42. The weather was perfect, the vendors brought their best, and the crowd came ready to shop. Farmers, artisans, bakers, and makers filled the place, and it felt like half the county was there.

Mark your calendar for the next one, Saturday, October 11th, from 10 to 2. If you missed September, October will give you another chance to wander through, pick up something good, and see familiar faces.

I didn’t spend the rest of the month hungry, that’s for sure. I had lunch with my friend Jessie Railey at Firewater and, as usual, ordered the scallops over cheesy grits with that rich tomato and sausage sauce. It’s on both the lunch and dinner menu, and I swear it gets better every time.

Pawn Run saw me more than once. On my first visit, I ordered the sausage and ricotta flatbread with the hot honey drizzle. The second time, I decided to try something different and went for the pork nachos, except I asked them to swap fries for the chips. That little trick is worth remembering.

Both nights came with friendly run-ins with Stefany and AJ Thomas on date night, my longtime great friends Ellen and Sam Housely, Charity Miller of Mosser Meadow, and Brian Branthoover of Hailian Landscaping.

If you’re looking for me on a Saturday, there’s a fair chance you’ll also find me at Mosser Meadow checking out their plants and garden treasures. My dear friend Falon Stutzman came in from Omaha for a quick visit. Collen and I met her there, and though the visit was short, it was one of those nights that filled the heart!

Continue reading: https://lakefrontmagazine.com/the-mike-drop/

10/08/2025

We are compiling the next Menu Guide magazine.. do you have a favorite local food combination or secret menu item that we should try?

10/06/2025

Fall Into Fun at Oakland’s FallFest Weekend!

Written by Rachel Precht

On Friday, October 10, from 11 AM – 4 PM, Downtown Oakland kicks off the Fall celebrations with games, prizes, delicious food, and rows of local vendors. This family-friendly street festival is the perfect start to an unforgettable Autumn Glory weekend.

Explore FallFest in Oakland with friends and family, discover unique treasures, and soak up the cozy, small-town charm that makes Garrett County special. Downtown’s shops will be open and ready to welcome you—The Gallery Shop (local art and handmade goods), The Bookmark’t (books, gifts, and more), The Painted Cupboard (home décor with a vintage touch), Oakland Mercantile (a trove of curiosities), Smoke N Mirrors Photography, Flipside Sound (record shop), Bougie Bottoms (clothing boutique)—plus many more! From handmade crafts to tasty treats, every stop you make supports the neighbors and businesses that keep our community vibrant.

The Garrett County Historical Society, Transportation Museum and B&O Railroad are great stops for history buffs, and enjoy food and drinks at Black Hawk Coffee, 206 Bistro & Bar, The Green Room and Tomanetti’s Italian Eatery.

And that’s not all—the Mountain Fresh Farmer’s Market will also be open Thursday through Saturday from 9 AM – 4 PM at the Oakland Town Parking Lot. It’s the perfect spot to pick up fresh produce, baked goods, and locally made treats while you’re in town.

Continue Reading: https://lakefrontmagazine.com/fall-into-fun-at-oaklands-fallfest-weekend/

10/04/2025

Preview Night for the Antiques & Artisans Market

Written by Civic Club of Oakland.

For one hundred and fourteen years, the Civic Club of Oakland has been active in Garrett County, engaged in many community projects and organizations. For fifty-one years, the Antiques & Artisans Market has been a major fundraiser for the club. The money raised by this event is donated back to local nonprofit organizations, allowing them to do the work they do best. While the look of this event has changed over the years, one thing remains the same: the Antiques & Artisans Market is a fun, family-friendly event and an Autumn Glory tradition that is not to be missed.

In recent years, the ‘Antiques Market’ has taken on a fresh look, but organizers remain committed to providing a unique event during the Autumn Glory festivities. “This year, we are adding a Preview Night on Thursday, October 9th, to celebrate our 51st year and provide extra time for folks to come and browse vendor booths before the market opens on Friday. Vendors will be set up and ready to sell their unique wares. In addition to getting an early jump on the best merchandise, we will be offering an event for families to celebrate the Autumn Glory season in a relaxed and new way,” said Jean Tumbarello, one of the event chairs.

Continue reading: https://lakefrontmagazine.com/preview-night-for-the-antiques-artisans-market/

10/02/2025

A “Skip” Around Town

Written by Linda “Mrs. Skip” Carr

What a wonderful end to summer!

The weather the past several weeks has been nothing short of spectacular… warm, sunny days and lovely cool evenings. As beautiful as Deep Creek is any time of year, I spent the first week of September at the beach with Caitlin and her family. It’s been a yearly tradition since 2020 for us to take that vacation, and as my grandsons get older, it gets more and more fun.

Skip and I met while we were both working in Ocean City, so it’s always had a special place in our hearts. It’s been fun passing on our traditions and creating new memories with my grandsons. I feel like I left in the summer and came back in the fall, with the changing leaves.

September marks the unofficial “festival season” here on the mountaintop. It kicked off with the annual Art, Wine & Spirits Festival, and although I missed it, from all reports, it was very well attended despite some wet weather.

Featuring a mix of wine tastings, local vendors, and original art, it’s been a fall tradition for over twenty years. Paula Yudelevit, director of HART for Animals and festival coordinator, told me they had a record number of artists apply to participate this year. The next fundraiser for the organization will be their Yappy Hour for Pups, to be held at The Harbor Bar at Dutch’s on October 5th. Speaking of Dutch’s at Silver Tree, their weekly specials are back, and mark your calendar now for their annual Harborween event, happening Oct. 25th.

Continue reading: https://lakefrontmagazine.com/a-skip-around-town/

09/30/2025

Will you tag all of the local Veteran-owned businesses? And, those that will be offering a special on Veteran's Day? We want to spread the word!

09/29/2025

For the Love of Community

This month’s Unsung Hero has a bevy of stories and experiences that could each fill their own article. From high-stakes sports broadcasting to start-up chaos during the Napster years, to fundraisers that bring people together, Missy Gralish has done a little bit of everything. But for this story, we’d like to shine a light on something a little closer to home, specifically her work the past two years helping our Garrett County Community. First, Gralish supported a friend of the Lake-Front Magazine and beloved local business owner, and founder of Cashmere Clothing Co., Marcia Warnick.

When Warnick found out she had cancer, Gralish joined the group of volunteers hosting a benefit potluck event to raise funds. According to Warnick, “Among other people, Missy Gralish was fundamental in spearheading the fundraising to help with my out-of-pocket costs during my battle with cancer. She did everything she could to help out during my treatment.”

Gralish credits her parents for instilling in her a strong value for volunteering. She has served on nonprofit boards, organized huge festivals, and raised money for hospitals.

“My family always instilled how important volunteering is. My parents have always practiced it. So when someone comes to me with a fundraiser, I’m not a sit back on my laurels person. I work under the gun.” And in Garrett County, she’s found a communi- ty that works the same way. “I love the sense of community. I just looked at it like we all need each other. People need help. I can help. And I don’t really want anything in return. I feel like there are a lot of people like that.”

Read more: https://lakefrontmagazine.com/for-the-love-of-community/

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