Deep Creek Lake Resort Report | Spring 2022

e k a L k e e r C p e e D e Th RESORT REPORT

Volume 15 Issue 1, Spring 2022 | 301.387.2000 • 301.387.2900 • www.Railey.com | 866.544.3223 • www.DeepCreek.com

In This Issue...

How’s the Real Estate Market?

Railey Realty Sponsors GC Performing Art Center Rare Frost Flowers Appeared at Deep Creek Lake Nick Fratz-Orr Inducted as GCBR President

Maryland Officials Provide Tourism Update Larry Smith Named 2021 Realtor of the Year by GCBR

Railey Realty Proud Sponsor of New Garrett County Performing Arts Center

Local Happenings and News…

The Garrett County Performing Arts Center, which broke ground in 2021, is slated to be completed this year. Garrett County is the only county in Maryland with no performing arts venue. This venue will be used for local performances, events, and recitals, as well as provide a space for musicians and performers on tour to perform. Railey Realty donated $25,000 to sponsor a section of the building that will house either recital hall, conference center, or multipurpose meetings rooms. The final use of this room has not yet been decided.

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Your 1st Choice in Real Estate Rare Frost Flowers Appeared At Deep Creek Lake In what can only be defined as a spectacularly rare phenomenon, Deep Creek Lake found itself adorned with ‘Frost Flowers’ in January of 2022. After a warm start to the month, the temps quickly dropped, and the surface of the lake was iced over in a matter of days.

Local meteorologist Justin Berk speculated that the rapid freezing causes water to push through the surface, only to freeze again when it hit the air. With temps dropping below zero, the water underneath the thin ice freezes rapidly and expands, breaking apart the thin top layer of ice, resulting in escaping water to hit the surface and freeze into these beautiful frost flower

formations.

Another theory is that the difference in temperature between the air and ice causes the ice to sublimate, and the ice turns from a solid to a gas, or water vapor. When the gas touches the cold air, the moisture in the gas freezes, which creates the frost flower formation.

This was certainly an incredible sight to see at Deep Creek! As it takes the perfect combination of weather, water temps, air temps, and ice coverage, it’s a very rare occurrence, and was a ‘first’ for nearly everyone who witnessed it in person. Photos of the frost flowers went viral on social media, shared by thousands.

Nick Fratz-Orr Inducted as Local Board of REALTORS President Railey Realty is proud to announce agent Nick Fratz-Orr was recently inducted as the Garrett County Board of Realtors President for 2022! As President, Nick will work closely with other board members, county officials, Maryland Realtor associates, and other key organizations on the state

and national level. The goal for the Garrett County Board of Realtors (GCBR) is to help promote the area, address issues and topics on a local and national level, and ensure local agents are able to do business smoothly and perform at a high level.

Nick earned his real estate license

in 2015 and got involved with GCBR and joined several committees to help maintain and improve the way the board serves the community and fellow REALTORS. The real estate industry is nothing new to Nick Fratz-Orr, whose father, Rich Orr, is a co-owner and agent at Railey Realty.

Railey Realty Sold Listings

178 Smith Pointe Rd Lakefront $3,750,000 - 12/21

123 Kendall Camp Cir Ski-In/Ski-Out $799,000 - 03/22

257 Marsh Hill Rd #44 Lakefront $451,000 - 12/21

119 Ridgewood Dr Lake Access $880,000 - 12/21

189 Sunview Dr Lake Area $555,000 - 11/21

2265 Rock Lodge Rd Split-Lakefront $949,000 - 02/22

332 Bracken Dr Lake Access $605,000 - 02/22

326 Mountaintop Rd Lake Access $2,500,000 - 03/22

1278 Deep Creek Dr 3B

Lake Area $471,500 - 12/21

1674 Paradise Pt Rd Lakefront $1,070,000 - 12/21

19 Glenview Rd Lake Access $629,000 - 10/21

306 Hazelhurst Ln Lakefront $795,000 - 10/21

1799 Marsh Hill Rd Lakefront $1,479,000 - 01/22

147 Thomas Cir Lake Access $530,000 - 10/21

698 Lake Shore Dr Split-Lakefront $785,000 - 01/22

9 Slopeside Ter Lake & Ski Access $420,000 - 01/22

2667 Mayhew Inn Rd Lake Access $475,000 - 03/22

17 Old Chestnut Lakefront $700,000 - 01/22

For a complete, updated list of all our sold listings, please visit www.railey.com/sold-properties.

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The Deep Creek Lake Resort Report Garrett County and Deep Crek Lake Tourism Outperforms State of Maryland Members from the Maryland Tourism office recently presented their annual tourism update as part of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Before Hours series. Presenters included Assistant Secretary of the Division of Tourism, Film, and the Arts Tom Riford and Managing Director, Department of Commerce Office of Tourism and Film, Liz Fitzsimmons.

Riford addressed the room first, highlighting the importance of the tourism industry for the state of Maryland. As the 4th largest industry in the state,tax payers see the benefits of a healthy tourism economy through spending and taxes. Riford also complimented Wisp Resort General Manager Ron Hawkes, who was part of the Maryland Tourism Recovery Task Force that helped the state re-open safely in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the

ongoing efforts within the state is to highlight and promote the outdoor assets Maryland offers. It’s no secret that Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County offer many wonderful and unique outdoor assets!

Fitzsimmons presented next, showcasing statistics for the state of Maryland and Garrett County from 2020 and 2021. While almost every county across the state saw dramatic decreases in the tourism industry, Garrett County thrived! Garrett County saw a 37% increase from F20 to F21 for lodging tax collected.

In FY21, Garrett County collected an impressive $7,413,065 in lodging tax.

These are funds that stay in Garrett County and will go on to help fund pending county projects.

Fitzsimmons also touched on the many important relationships within the local community and government offices that help promote Maryland

Larry Smith Named 2021 REALTOR of The Year Railey Realty’s very own Larry Smith was named the 2021 REALTOR of the year by the Garrett County Board of REALTORS (GCBR).

The REALTOR of the year recipient is chosen by the GCBR board from a list of broker nominated applicants.

These REALTORS are those who not only have shown dedication to their real estate career and clients, but also to their community. Larry

Local Happenings and News…

NEW Deep Creek Bar & Grill opened just outside of Deep Creek Lake! Located at Sand Flat Plaza right along Rt. 219, this new spot offers ample bar seating, drink specials, and a custom menu with all your favorites. Stop by and enjoy!

Firefly Market recently reopened their brand new storefront on Main Street in Accident. This new store offers a take-out deli section with delicious options featuring their goat cheeses, a deli for purchasing their selections, and a fully stocked store featuring locally made

and Garrett County, including the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Heritage Area Groups, and the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Office.

While it’s not a surprise to hear Garrett County has had a stellar past two years, despite the pandemic, we are happy to see how well our county performed in relation to other Maryland counties. As the western-most county in Maryland, Garrett County is not usually top-ofmind for legislators or government organizations. Support from the Maryland Tourism Office is important for funding, exposure, and having a voice!

Smith is an integral part of many GCBR committees, including the legislative committee, that helps give Garrett County a voice with state and federal legislative officials.

As a unique community, both rural and tourist oriented, it’s important that the needs of Garrett County are voiced. Larry has been voted REALTOR of the Year two times prior, and has served as President

for GCBR two times. He also earned his associate broker designation in 2017, working as the office manager for the Railey Realty mid-lake office.

In addition to his help with the local board of REALTORS, Larry is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, and member at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Oakland.

goods, organic options, wine, and so much more!

The Rolling Pin recently reopened in their new location along Main Street in Accident, where Annie’s Kitchen used to be. The Rolling Pin features a wide variety of baked goods and serves a full breakfast and lunch menu. Call in orders for custom cookies, cakes, and other bakery items, too!

Shoofly Java recently opened in downtown Oakland! Located next to Vagabond Taproom, this new coffee bar offers a wide variety of

drinks and baked goods, and is open five days a week. Shoofly is owned and operated by Pat & Michelle Hudnall, who also own and operate Vagabond Taproom.

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Upcoming Events Fire on the Mountain - July 4 Art in the Park - July 9 Victorian Chautauqua - July 9 Mtn MD Dragon Boat Fest - August 27 Deep Creek Art & Wine Fest - Sept 10 Autumn Glory - Oct 12-16

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The goal of this newsletter is to keep you informed on the local real estate market, along with keeping you in touch with the issues impacting this market. We will also attempt to bring you interesting stories about the people and heritage that make Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County, Maryland such a special place.

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* All data obtained from BrightMLS for the period 1/1 - 3/31/2022.

All data is believed to be accurate, but not guaranteed. Updated 4/2022.

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