Berkeley Springs

Berkeley Springs is a town of 624 people (as of 2010) in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, across the border from Maryland. "Berkeley Springs" is the name of the post office, but the town is incorporated as Bath. It's a vibrant artistic community, full of quaint inns and historical connections to George Washington, but it's most famous for its mineral springs, which are used both for drinking water and rejuvenating warm baths. Understandably, the spa (and pampering) business is big in the area.

Get in

By car

Berkeley Springs is located on US-522, between Lewistown, Pennsylvania and Hancock, Maryland in the north, and Winchester, Virginia in the south. It's just south of the junction of I-68 — which leads west toward Cumberland, Maryland and Morgantown — and I-70 — which runs from Somerset, Pennsylvania in the west to Hagerstown, Maryland in the east. To the east of Berkeley Springs is I-81, which passes from Hagerstown to Winchester through Martinsburg.

By plane

The nearest commercial airports to Berkeley Springs are Baltimore Washington International Airport in Baltimore and Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C., both about 2 hours away.

Get around

There's not really any public transportation in Berkeley Springs, so you'll want to bring your car with you. Downtown, however, is compact and easily walkable.

See

• 🌍 Berkeley Springs State Park, 2 S Washington Street, ☎ [phone]. 4.5 acre park. Roman bath house and main bathhouse with private swimming baths and spa treatments; pump building with free spring water taps; primitive stone "George Washington's Bathtub" bathing area; museum with exhibits on local geology, culture and history; monument to James Rumsey, inventor of the steamboat; warm spring-water pools and sinking sands; and public spring-water swimming pool.  
• Berkeley Castle, route 9. Built from silica sandstone in 1885, the castle features 13 rooms and a dungeon. It was once open for tours, but is now privately-owned, although you can still view the exterior on the mountainside from a distance.
• The Ice House, ☎ [phone]. Independence Street and Mercer Street. An art center featuring community and youth theatre, concerts and a gallery, housed in a 1910 cold storage building. 
• Star Theatre, ☎ [phone]. Congress Street and N Washington Street. Films begin at 8PM Friday through Sunday (and Thursday, in summer). A one-screen 1928 movie theatre resurrected in 1977, showing films a few weeks past first-run. Couches available for $0.50 extra. Be sure to try their popcorn ("the best in four states") fresh out of the 1947 popping machine with real butter. $3.50. 
• Triple "B" Arena, 203 Barbecue Drive, ☎ [phone], [phone]. Old West rodeo, team roping, championship bull rides, barrel racing, special events and concerts. 
• 🌍 Cacapon Resort State Park, 818 Cacapon Lodge Drive, ☎ [phone]. Hiking, horseback riding, swimming, boating, tennis, basketball, volleyball, fishing, par-72 18-hole golf course, golf lessons, nature and recreation programs. Lodging available. Restaurant and gift shop. Scenic overlooks for drivers and hikers. Golf $12-32.  

Do

• Take a walking tour of historic downtown Berkeley Springs.
• Washington Heritage Trail. Is a 127-mile scenic driving trail through the three counties of West Virginia's eastern panhandle, highlighting George Washington's involvement in the area, as well as local architecture and scenic wonders. 
• Sleepy Creek Sports, 6265 Windsor Lane, ☎ [phone], [phone]. Shotgun and sporting clay range. NRA personal protection course and shotgun sports school available. 

Mineral Spas

• 🌍 Berkeley Springs State Park, 2 S Washington Street, ☎ [phone]. Spa open daily 10AM to 6PM (last appointment at 4:30PM). A state park renowned for its warm mineral-water springs that flow at a rate of approximately 1500 gallons per minute. The main bathhouse was opened in 1930 and recently renovated. Today its serves thousands of people who come to take the waters. The spa features heated Roman baths, whirlpool tub bathing, massages, a sauna and showers. There is a men's side and a ladies. The historic Roman Baths built in 1815, have nine private bathing chambers with 750 gal tubs of the heated spring water. Spa rates $10-80.  
• Atasia Spa, 41 Congress Street, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Open 9AM to 5PM daily. Therapeutic massage, reiki and reflexology, aroma-stone and raindrop therapy, lomi lomi, rejuvenating facials, sugar scrubs, herbal wraps, mud treatments, gardenside pedicures, manicures, whirlpools and steam baths. $15-85. 
• The Bath House, 21 Fairfax Street, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Open 10AM to 5PM Sunday through Thursday, 10AM to 5:30PM on Fridays, and 10AM to 7PM on Saturdays. Massage, facials, aromatherapy, steam therapy, spas, hot and cold stone therapy. Lodging available. $20-175, lodging $99. 
• The Five Senses Spa, 110 S. Washington St, toll-free: [phone]. Open 9AM to 5PM daily. Facials, thermoplastic treatments, masks, scrubs and wraps, massages, reiki, stone therapy, whirlpool mineral baths, manicures and pedicures, paraffin treatment, waxing. Lodging and spa packages available. $20-700. 

Events

• Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting. N. Washington St., 304-258-2210 or 866-458-2210. Held in late February at the Country Inn, the largest water-tasting competition in the world features municipal tap water, purified drinking water, and still and sparkling bottled waters. Since 1991. 
• Berkeley Springs Studio Tour, 82 Powerline Lane, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. A free, self-guided, family-friendly tour of working artists' studios in and around Berkeley Springs, Morgan County, WV. The twice-yearly event is held every Memorial Day Weekend and two weekends after Columbus Day is celebrated. 
• George Washington's Bathtub Celebration, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Held in mid-March. Dollar sales throughout town, dramatic readings of George Washington's writings about the area, guided walking tours, live entertainment. 
• Berkeley Springs Apple Butter Festival, 127 Fairfax Street, toll-free: [phone]. Two-day event on Columbus Day weekend in early October, featuring a parade, live music, contests - including apple-butter and baking contests, beard contest and hog calling - and an all-day apple-butter-making show. Over 200 vendors offer traditional crafts and antiques, home-canned goods and mountain cooking in the park and on downtown streets. Since 1974. 
• "Festival of Light Psychic Fair and Alternative Health Expo", Independence & Mercer. 800-447-8797. (http://www.berkeleysprings.com) Two-days on second weekend in November at the Ice House. More than 60 readers, bodyworkers and vendors plus lectures and workshops.

Buy

• Berkeley Springs Farmers' Market, Route 522 and Fairfax Street. Open 10AM to 2PM on Sunday from April through mid-December. Locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers and vegetable plants, fresh and dried herbs and herbal products, house plants, perennials, fresh meat, dairy products, breads and pastries, james and jellies, honey, fresh eggs, prepared foods, contests and special events. 
• Homeopathy Works, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Open 9AM to 5PM Monday through Saturday, and 12PM to 5PM on Sunday. Manufacturing homeopathic medicine since 1873, with a retail outlet and museum. 
• Jules, 13 Fairfax Street, ☎ [phone]. Enchanting gifts and collectables from around the world. 
• Mostly Woven, 19 N Washington Street, ☎ [phone]. Open Friday through Sunday. Coats, jackets, vests, shawls and cocoons. 
• The Parks House, 363 S Washington Street, ☎ [phone]. Open 10AM to 5PM Monday through Saturday (closed Wednesdays), and 11AM to 3PM on Sunday. Fine wood furnitures, collectables and country accents displayed in a restored 1911 stone house. 
• Portals, 81-A N Washington Street, ☎ [phone]. Open 11AM to 5PM Friday through Monday. A New Age shop featuring books, music, crystals, incense, jewelry, statuary, home decor, sage, ceremony kits, wood carvings, drums, tarot and oracle cards and one-of-a kind Kindred Connection Santas. Classes and seminars offered on crystals, Reiki, drumming, meditation, Wicca and card reading. 
• The RAG Shop, 109 N Washington Street, ☎ [phone]. Open 10AM to 6PM Monday through Saturday, and 12PM to 6PM on Sunday. Niche market offering furniture, books, clothing, and housewares. 
• Sage Moon Herb Shop, 47 Independence Street, ☎ [phone]. Open 11AM to 5PM Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 11AM to 6PM on Friday; and 10AM to 5:30PM Saturday and Sunday; closed Tuesdays. Herbs, plants, specialty teas, crafts, oils, books, candles and gifts. 
• Gat Creek, 5270 Valley Road, ☎ [phone]. Handmade reproduction antique furniture, made with solid wood using traditional woodworking techniques. 

Galleries

• Heath Studio Gallery, 327 N Washington Street, ☎ [phone], [phone]. Watercolors, woodcuts, linocuts and monoprints. 
• Hsu Studios, 80 Reeder Lane, ☎ [phone]. Jewelry, wall pieces, bowls, mobiles and collages made of anodized aluminum. 
• Frog Valley Artisans, Ltd., 82 Powerline Lane, ☎ [phone]. A growing artists' collective with working studios in metal, ceramics, pottery, stained and fused glass, a small gift-shop and onsite gallery. Open Friday thru Saturday from April through December and by appointment. 
• Mountain Laurel Gallery, 1 N Washington Street, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Open 10AM to 5PM Monday through Friday, 10AM to 6PM on Saturday, and 11AM to 5PM on Sunday. Designer jewelry, wearables, fine art, glass, pottery, metal, wood and candles. 

Shopping centers

• Berkeley Springs Antique Mall, 7 Fairfax Street, ☎ [phone]. Open 10AM to 5PM daily; closed Wednesdays. Quality antiques & collectibles from 30 dealers. 

Eat

• The West Virginia Room and Morgan Tavern, 110 S Washington St, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Open for breakfast 7:30AM to 11AM Monday through Friday (full breakfast) and 8AM to 11AM Saturday and Sunday (full breakfast), for lunch 11AM to 5PM Friday through Sunday, and for dinner 5:30 to 9PM Friday through Sunday. Appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, poultry, seafood, grilled meats, desserts. $5-30. 
• Grandma's Country Kitchen, 103 Winchester Street, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. In Paw Paw. Breakfast, salads, sandwiches, burgers and dinners. On-site inn. Most items $2-7. 
• Lot 12 Public House, 117 Warren Street, ☎ [phone]. Open 5PM to 9PM Wednesday through Saturday, and 5PM to 8PM on Sunday. Northern Italian cuisine including salads, soups, pasta, seafood, poultry, meat, and homemade desserts. $19-32. 
• Maria's Garden, 42 Independence Street, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Open 11AM to 8PM Sunday through Thursday, 11AM to 9PM Friday and Saturday, and breakfast from 8 to 11AM Saturday and Sunday; closed Wednesdays. Italian and American cuisine, including appetizers, pasta dinners, seafood, down home favorites, platters, subs, sandwiches, salads, burgers and pizza. $4.50-22. 
• Panorama at the Peak, 1 Prospect Peak Lane, ☎ [phone]. Off WV-9. Open 5 to 9PM Wednesday and Thursday, 5 to 10PM Friday and Saturday, and 3 to 8:30PM on Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday. Appetizers, soups, salads, seafood, prime rib, steaks, pork and desserts. Try the spicy butternut squash and cider soup, the bacon-wrapped shrimp, the Panorama eggplant lasagna rolls, and Chef Daddy's pot pies. $12-28. 
• Tari's Cafe, 33 N Washington Street, ☎ [phone]. Open daily until 9PM. Cafe and tavern featuring imaginative recipes with fresh and homegrown ingredients, in robust portions. On-site gallery. Appetizers, soups, sandwiches, salads, burgers, house specialties, desserts. Lunch $6-10, dinner $14-27. 
• The Troubadour Lounge, ☎ [phone]. Highland Ridge Road. Open 1 to 10PM Tuesday through Sunday; closed Mondays. Lounge with full-service bar, outdoor grill and tiki bar. Appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, platters and steaks. Live bands on Saturday nights. Also home to Winchester Records, a functioning recording studio, and the West Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame. $1.50-15. 

Drink

• Fairfax Coffee House, 23 Fairfax Street, ☎ [phone]. Open 8:30AM to 5PM Sunday through Thursday, and 8:30AM to 5:30PM Friday and Saturday. Coffee, espresso, cappuccino, tea, grilled panini, sandwiches, homemade soups, quiche, hummus, salads and fresh-baked pastries. Funky gifts and West Virginia food products available. 

Sleep

• Kayser Ridge, 375 Breakthrough Lane, ☎ [phone]. This beautiful log lodge is situated on top of a 20-acre mountain and is located just 2 miles from Cacapon State Park and 12 miles from Berkeley Springs State Park. It has 3000 sq. ft. of space inside, complete with 5 bedrooms/sleeping areas, 4 full bathrooms, 2 fully-equipped kitchens, conference room, WIFI, and two gas fireplaces. Just outside any one of 8 sets of French doors is another 3000 sq. ft. of deckspace for meeting, relaxing, and taking in the splendor of 360° views of four states (PA, MD, VA, and WV)! 

Hotels and Motels

• Berkeley Springs Motel, [phone]. $45.
• Best Western Berkeley Springs Inn, 1776 Valley Road, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Heated outdoor pool. Complimentary breakfast. 

Inns

• Grandma's Country Inn, 103 Winchester Street, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. In Paw Paw. 3 rooms. On-site restaurant. $50-80. 
• The Country Inn, 110 S. Washington St, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. 62 rooms, 5 suites and 1 guest cottage. Fitness center. On-site spa (The Five Senses Spa), restaurants (The West Virginia Room and The Morgan Tavern), and gift shop. Ask about Spa Packages. 
• Maria's Garden and Inn, 42 Independence Street, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. 10 rooms, 1 suite. Whirlpool rooms available. $75-195. 
• Tari's Inn, 33 N Washington Street, ☎ [phone]. 4 rooms. Sleep-and-Dine packages available. 

Bed and Breakfasts

• Highlawn Inn, 171 Market Street, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. 10 rooms, 2 cottages. Flower and herb gardens with pebble paths, wraparound veranda, porch swings, fireplace, three resident cats. Opulent healthy breakfasts. Whirlpool and fireplace rooms available. Rooms $95-170, cottages $199-320. 
• The Manor Inn, 234 Fairfax Street, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. 4 rooms. Historic 1874 second empire Victorian home with large porch and 10-foot ceilings. $85-190. 
• River House, ☎ [phone]. Rock Ford Road off WV-9 in Great Cacapon. 3 rooms. 1924 Sears Craftsman home. Walking, bike riding, access to the Cacapon River, inner tubing, ping-pong, morning or afternoon yoga classes, guided botanical walks, two resident cats. Specializing in creative vegetarian cuisine using organic fruits and vegetables grown on the property. $60-90. 

Resorts

• Cacapon Resort State Park, 818 Cacapon Lodge Drive, ☎ [phone]. Lodge (48 rooms), inn (12 rooms), 27 cabins (15 modern, 13 standard) and bungalows. Restaurant and gift shop. Lodge $61-82, inn $49-58, cabins $66-988, bungalow $63-378. 
• Woods Resort, P.O. Box 5, Mountain Lake Road, Hedgesville, WV 25427 [phone]

12 miles from Berkeley Springs on Route 9. Lodge and villas. 2 Golf Courses, Full Spa, Tennis, 2 Swimming Pools, Restaurants, fitness center, hiking trails.

Cabins

• Husky's Hideaway, ☎ [phone]. A cozy 2 bedroom cabin nestled in more than 7.5 acres of woods just minutes from downtown Berkeley Springs. Fully equipped kitchen, down comforters & Egyptian cotton sheets, canopy bed, 2 master baths, & wood burning stove. Grill on the large deck which overlooks a creek for kayaking, tubing, & fishing. LCD TVs in each bedroom. Sleeps 4. Children and dogs welcome. $150-165. 

Camping

• Cox Camping, 5822 Milo School Road / 44 Cox Lane, Great Cacapon (a few miles from downtown, go about 7.5 miles and turn right on Detour Rd, go approximately 2 miles and turn left on Milo School Rd, 1 mile on the left just look for the sign), ☎ [phone], [phone]. Year round family friendly camping with fantastic mountain views on our 60 acre site. 

Go next

• Hancock, Maryland is about 10 minutes north on US-522.
• Hagerstown, Maryland is about 40 minutes east on I-70.
• Cumberland, Maryland is about 45 minutes west on I-68.
• Winchester, Virginia is about 45 minutes south on US-522.
• Martinsburg is about 1 hour southeast on I-70 / I-81 or about 30 minutes on West Virginia Route 9.
• Somerset, Pennsylvania is about 1.5 hours northeast on I-70.
• Lewistown, Pennsylvania is about 2 hours north on US-522.
• Morgantown is about 2 hours west on I-68.

Routes through Berkeley Springs

Lewistown ← Hancock ←	N  S	→ Winchester → Jct
Cumberland ← becomes ←	W  E	→ Hedgesville → Martinsburg