got a shortcut to Alpine? or anywhere else??
Most of you probably don't know we moved here from the Eastern Shore...absolutely flat as a pancake! It has become a hobby of mine to find shortcuts and 'flatter' ways to get around. We were here about a year before someone told us about a shortcut back to Rt. 68 from Alpine. Here goes (mind you, I'm a woman and don't know all street names):
take 7 east towards MD.
take 219 north towards Deep Creek
take 219 north towards Deep Creek
make a right on Glendale, at McDee's
at end, make left on Rt. 495
at second road on right, bear right at 'Y' towards state parks
follow this beautiful stretch for awhile
speed limit lowers to 40..look for small sign for RT. 68
turn right..I think it's Lower New Germany Road
follow to entrance ramp for Rt. 68
We haven't seen Keyser's Ridge in a couple years, since discovering this way. On the road thru the state parks is a li'l store that sells bear carvings...one of our neighbors bought TWO! Right before the entrance ramp to highway is a liquor store that is supposed to have great prices.... I, of course, buy my liquor at Sin City aka 7-11 in Oakland. Wednesdays all liquor is 10% off.
Next time, I'll explain 'Fingerboarding' to Oakland!!
Any other shortcuts out there? Or maybe just another route that has something interesting?
Any other shortcuts out there? Or maybe just another route that has something interesting?
Thanks, Diana. For the past couple of months, we have taken that route between Frostburg and Alpine. It is a real winner on time and mileage.
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We live in Columbia and have a cabin at alpine..
How are these roads and how much time doyou think it saves ?
What is fingerboarding to Oakland ?
Thanks for the tip..
Rgrds
Brad
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Hey, Brad I make the trip from Catonsville. The only time we take 219 is during bad weather. I like this route.
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Brian,
I went to school in Catonsville with a Bob Bucklew. Related?
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Hello Chris and billybob, Yep! That's my older brother. He went to CHS and bowls in Frederick.
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Brad- The roads are normal WV roads... up, down, sideways, back & forth... just kidding!
The roads are not bad at all. That's Garrett County and they always keep the roads in good shape during the summer & winter. One caution though... there's no cell phone service as you pass through the state parks. I know that could freak a few people out!!!
I would say it saves somewhere around 15-20 minutes. May be more or less, just an easier ride. Less mountains to go over than 68. Another big plus... when there's fog on 68, this way tends to have very little fog.
I'll be doing some 'Fingerboarding" today to Oakland. I'll fill you in on it later.
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Not only is this the shortest route with the least amount of traffic, as noted, it is the most beautiful and peaceful. On the right side of the road going east, about a mile from the 495 turnoff, there is a lovely scenic overview with a picnic area - it's called Monroe Run, I think. Anyway, when it is clear weather, especially in the fall, this is a magnificent view of mountains and valleys. Enjoy. Also, just beware of wildlife crossing the road. We did see a baby bear crossing just ahead of us one time. So take it easy and enjoy the ride.
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Rt 495 -- Avoiding going through Oakland, go straight after crossing over the bridge at the Exxon station in Oakland, through Mountain Lake Park. Rt 219 will go off to the right and later, Rt 135 will go off to the right and then one is on 495. I have not held a stop watch on the timing to 68 that way, but it is an alternate.
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Wow, I come from mt airy md, and am looking forward to trying that alternate route. Hey Brian, I know your brother Bobby (bowl with him in Frederick). He told me you had a place in Alpine. Just past the boathouse right on the lake he said.
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We come from Mt. Airy too and use the same route that Diana is talking about and really enjoy it and feel like it is a shorter drive. Go Mt. Airy!
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PDD, thanks,I'm convinced...pencil me in...next trip up to dcl or alp will be the scenic route. I have a gps in the buggy so it shud be a piece of cake
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Another alternative. Coming west on 68, the exit after LaVale is Rt 36 South into Westernport and then it is straight up backbone mountain on 135 until it deadends into 495 just outside Oakland. We like this route.
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Great alternative. We like this route too.
But, while being among the shortest routes East, it is not the fastest one.
Below is the alternative route which gave us good results.
Use maps.google.com to see the map, if interested.
---------------------------------------
Start: Alpine Dr @39.465436, -79.504037
End: Friendsville Rd/MD-42 @39.661094, -79.412083
Drive: 18.9 mi – about 36 mins
1. Head southwest on Alpine Dr toward CR-46/Lime Plant
2. Turn right at CR-46/Lime Plant
3. Turn right at Cranesville Rd
4. Sharp left at Cranesville Rd
5. Slight left at White Rock Rd
6. Slight right at Trap Run Rd
7. Turn right at Blooming Rose Rd
8. Turn left to stay on Blooming Rose Rd
9. Slight left to stay on Blooming Rose Rd
10.Turn right to stay on Blooming Rose Rd
11.Turn right at Friendsville Rd/MD-42
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Let's go Fingerboarding!!!
Here we go... Alpine to Oakland
here's the written directions...
-head east on rt 7, then rt 39
-make left on Fingerboard road
-follow a few miles until Y in road and go towards right
-follow til the end and make left on Herrington manor road
-follow into Oakland (this road will take you into Oakland)
-or you can make a left on Roosevelt Way
-road bends to the right, follow down the hill
-make sure you stop at the four way stop, then proceed to the stop light
HAPPY FINGERBOARDING!!!!
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Diana, we use that route also to get get to 68 east. As for citgo/7/11 10% off wednesday liquor, try rite-aid in kingwood, most stuff is less even without a discount!
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Hey Cal! Great to hear from you. Thanks for the tip on better prices on liquor. With the cost of most everything going up nowadays, every li'l bit helps!! When going to Mo-Town, we usually go St. Joe rd. to RT 26 but will take RT 7 next time to load up at Rite-Aid!
For all you flat landers out there who get a bit queasy riding around, I highly recommend less drowsy Dramamine. Take it an hour or so before heading out and it lasts all day.
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Wanted to commend you on your blog before but better late than never! As far as morgantown goes, once you get over the bends in rt 7, you can save at least 15 mins by taking rt 7 to where it intersects at 68.
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Re: Rt 7 to Morgantown. We agree, Rt 7 is the shortest, but watch for gravel falling from trucks near the quarry. Sunday mornings are nice and quiet on Rt 7, though.
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We take any one of three different routes when we go to Morgantown. Which one depends on which part of Morgantown or surrounding area is our destination and the expected traffic or time of day.If we are going to Pierpont exit area or skirting around the north part of Morgantown we go via Brandonville Pike, Prison Road, Rt 26 then I68W. If we are going to Sabraton or Mileground area, we take Rt 7 all the way down.If we are going to the Morgantown Mall or Town Center(Sam's Club,etc.) we take either one of these two routes then continue on I68 west and then I79N to skirt around the downtown crazy traffic/congestion. It may be a little longer in distance but it is definitely shorter timewise and a lot easier on the nerves. But if we are going downtown or to the west side, we take Rt 7 to Reedsville, at the intersection of Rt 7/Rt 92/Kingwood Pike go straight thru to follow Kingwood Pike(less traffic, especially truck traffic thru the work week); then when you come to the traffic light at Greenbag Road go straight through and follow Dorsey Ave. which goes across Morgantown and comes out on Don Knotts Blvd near the Waterfront.
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Hey Ronnie-
Brandonville Pike??? Yikes!
I've got three words to say about Brandonville Pike...
DRA-MA-MINE
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