My favorite place in the world has always been a white sand beach looking out on turquoise water with my toes in the sand. We have traveled extensively and explored more than a couple Caribbean islands, but I now find myself looking out on a herd of deer walking past our sunroom in Garrett County, Maryland through several inches of fresh snow!
I was born and raised in Western Maryland. After attending Fort Hill High School in Cumberland and Frostburg State University I moved to the Baltimore area to finish graduate degrees and began my professional career as a CPA and Financial Analyst. But I would always need my “mountain fix” and looked forward to visiting friends and family in Cumberland and enjoying Deep Creek Lake at my family’s property on Poland Run and retirement home in Swanton.
After 15 years in the corporate world, I left to pursue my passion for jewelry and over the years built a successful wholesale jewelry business serving the beach and resort market on the east and gulf coasts and the Caribbean.
“I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be…”
Douglas Adams
After years supporting my parents during my dad’s fight with Parkinson’s and then keeping mom going as she nears 90 years of age, my husband Roland and I decided to sell our house in Carroll County, Maryland and move to Deep Creek Lake to become my mom’s primary caregivers. Although I often thought I might open a gift shop in Hilton Head or somewhere south, I decided to see what possibilities there might be in Garrett County. Through a friend, we found out about a prime location at The Fort in McHenry and couldn’t pass it up!
In December 2020, “A Mountain Fix” boutique opened its doors. Offering a curated collection of the coolest gifts, gourmet eats and treats, apparel, and lake themed décor, we feature the area’s largest selection of fine sterling silver jewelry. We are also proud to offer a wide variety of locally-sourced products from both Garrett and Allegany counties.
We’ve gained many fans since opening, both local and tourists alike. Shoppers have described us as a “dangerous gift shop” – shoppers can truly find something for anyone!
In October 2021, after running out of room, we opened a second shop downstairs at The Fort – Marsh Hill Mercantile! This unique space has provided a gallery setting to showcase local artists’ work on the walls and more room for cool seasonal décor, lake-themed pillows, comforters, rugs, wood and metal wall art and much more! The Gallery and Artisan Market now provides a year-round showcase for local artisans right in the heart of Deep Creek Lake’s shopping district.
Living here in Garrett County has definitely been an adventure, and I am looking forward to sharing more of our experiences in 2022!