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What do three signers of the U.S. Constitution, seven Congressmen, and George Washington
have in common? So amazed by the natural springs in Bath, Virginia (now Berkeley Springs, West Virginia) these men worked together
to create the nation's first spa. Since its earliest days, the natural springs have
filled visitors with wonder. Close to 2,000 gallons of fresh water tumble out of
five springs every minute and even after hundreds of years, scientists are not sure
why the water is always a constant 74.3°F, although they now have a good idea that
Cold Run Valley is the source of the water.
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Luxurious Spas and Massages
 Today,
Berkeley Springs State Park is the village green in the heart of this historic
town that surrounds the spings. The state-run spa offers massages, heat therapy,
Roman and relaxing baths. Each of the 13 large private Roman baths can be taken
alone or accommodate several people. In addition to baths, visitors may include
either 30-minute or hour-long massages to further melt stress away. There are many
packages and more than 52 different bodywork and pampering treatments offered to
the public, daily at several private spas, including the premier Atasia Spa, using
the town's renowned spring water.
Golf, Hiking and Outdoor Fun
Cacapon Resort State Park has rooms available in its lodge and
inn as well as numerous furnished cabins. Cacapon Resort, only 10 miles south of
town, is perfect for business seminars and wedding receptions with rooms that can
hold as many as 250 people. This state park also boasts a challenging golf course
with 73 sand bunkers and numerous water hazards. Cacapon State Park is home to a
popular lake featuring a sand beach and miles of mountain hiking trails.
Shopping
Easily accessible by foot, the attractions of charming
downtown Berkeley Springs provide a lively cultural scene and shopping area. Mountain Laurel Gallery specializes in fine jewelry, clothing,
candles, and metal pieces.
 The
Ice House Co-op is well known for its unique wares and nationally renowned
artists.
The Parks House offers elegant wood furniture including pieces made by acclaimed
local manufacturer Caperton Furnitureworks, sold in shops as far away as California.
Other unusual shops include Homeopathy Works, the world's only combination museum, manufactory
and storefront of homeopathic medical remedies; Himalayan Trader, Nature Niche and Bath Bookworks. There are also a half dozen galleries
and two antique malls with more than 100 dealers between them. A self-guided walking
tour hits all the historical high spots.
Fine Dining
With a full day of shopping behind you, head towards
one of Berkeley Springs many fine restaurants. Panorama at the Peak offers an unsurpassed view of the Potomac
River and three states. Just three miles west of town, this view is ranked
 as one of
National Geographic Magazine's top scenic sights in the United States. The Panorama
specializes in fresh regional food while its wood carving of a sunset made from
seventeen West Virginia trees always impresses diners. Open daily for lunch and
dinner,
Tari's Café is well known for its delectable dishes and art-covered walls.
All of the artwork is locally created and for sale. Lot 12 offers some of the finest gourmet food in the region
prepared by James Beard regional finalist chef and owner Damian Heath. The Country Inn dining room serves three meals daily, year
'round. Creekside Creamery is a colorful and tasty ice cream parlor.
Lodging
Following an evening of art and fine dining, you'll
want to rest your head at one of Berkeley Springs' many inns and lodges. The Country Inn offers decadent massages, a lovely hotel,
and a wonderful in-house restaurant. The cabin at Gobblers' Knob is perfect for a romantic getaway, but is
also great for a family escape. For a wonderful Bed and Breakfast, go to Highlawn Inn and enjoy unforgettable breakfasts. Another
memorable B&B is The Manor. Berkeley Cottage Rentals offers more than 80 different
properties from intown suites to mountain chalets as well as providing packages
with various spas and restaurants.
Berkeley Springs is host to several fairs and festivals
offering many exciting opportunities to experience unique sights, new sounds, and
interesting people. The Apple Butter Festival allows visitors a chance both to make
apple butter and buy this delicious concoction right out of the pot. The Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting pits water
companies and cities from as far away as New Zealand and Slovenia against each other
to see who can claim the tastiest water. George Washington's Bathtub Celebration is centered on the
rich local history and the Museum of the Berkeley Springs.
Repeatedly ranked as one of America's best small
art towns, Berkeley Springs has a summer-long free concert series in Berkeley Springs
State Park, a lively local music scene every weekend, community theater, and a spring
and fall studio tour. The vintage Star Theatre serves up great popcorn along with first-run
films every weekend in a 1940's "mom and pop" neighborhood theater that delights
many visitors.
Entertaining festivals and famous spring waters are only half the story in Berkeley
Springs. Beautiful scenery, a pair of rivers and forests dotted with wildflowers
and ferns make this a truly breathtaking getaway. Visitors quickly learn to relax
and forget about the cares of the workaday world. For over 200 years, the country's
first spa has been wholly devoted to making sure its guests are so pampered that
they keep coming back to this small town gem.
For more information, click here to visit Berkeley Springs Convention & Visitors
Center.
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