Kesecker Realty, Inc.

Most real estate experts agree that it’s best to sell your home during the warmer months of spring and summer. For one thing, home buyers with children will often plan their house hunting / home buying process for the summer, when their children are out of school.

But what if you can’t sell your home during the spring or summer? What if it’s just not in the cards? Perhaps you cannot afford the home any more and you need to sell it fast, regardless of the season. Or maybe you have a job transfer that requires you to move during the winter months.

Whatever the reason, you need not despair. While there are certain challenges to selling a home during winter, they do not by any means make it impossible. On the contrary, if you follow the selling techniques and tips in this article (and the advice provided by your real estate agent), you should be able to sell your home in the winter nearly as easily as you would in the summer.

Contrast the Cold With the Warmth

Emotions play a big role in the home buying process. Granted, the buyers will be most concerned with the size of the home, the number of rooms, and other tangible items. But “gut” feelings and first impressions go a long way as well. So even in the coldest winter months, you can put this knowledge into practice. In fact, you can even take advantage of the winter cold!

The best way to do this is by showcasing the warmth and coziness of your home. By doing this, you will create a favorable first impression that the buyers will take with them throughout your house. Let’s look at an example of this concept in action.

Imagine This Realistic Scenario

Local home buyers John and Jane visit your home while house hunting. It’s cold outside, with wind and rain on top of that — the kind of conditions that make you want to hunker down someplace warm. John and Jane open the front door and enter the home. The house is well lit and exudes warmth. Candles burn atop the mantle. A fire crackles softly in the fireplace. The smell of gingerbread cookies (recently baked on offered on a glass plate) permeates the air.

Doesn’t that feel inviting? It will be the same way for buyers. So just by showcasing the warmth of your home, you have increased the likelihood of selling it. You are creating a favorable first impression by literally welcoming the buyers in from the cold.

You can think about it in terms of both psychology and physiology. The first physical impression will be one of warmth and relaxation, just as soon as the buyers walk in. This will lead to a favorable mental impression as well, and the buyers will carry this impression with them through the rest of the home.

Conclusion

Some people will tell you that selling a home fast during winter is impossible. We say it depends upon two things — (A) the amount of effort you put into it, and (B) the type of real estate market you are in. So one cannot say across the board that selling a home fast in winter is impossible. It is a case-by-case situation. Use the tips provided in this article, follow the expert advice of your real estate agent, and you have every chance of selling your home during winter!

Berkeley Springs continues to be a sculpted landscape of vertical lines that are winterized trees connected by the almost straight horizontal lines of parallel ridges. The geometry of the area is an everchanging photo opportunity. Since spending large amounts of time outdoors is alluring only to the hardy, let's tell you about all the fun INDOOR activities for the comfort-seekers.

Foodies can rejoice with the re-opening of the notable Lot 12 Public House flushed with rest, relaxation and many ideas for feeding you delectably with skilled -- and tasty -- presentations of local foods and excellent spirits. Chef Damien Heath, West Virginia's only chef to be included on the James Beard regional best chef list serves you dinner Friday, Saturday and Sunday. While Lot 12 is coming back on line for the season, Panorama at the Peak is taking a few weeks off. On the fine dining front, Tari's Cafe and the Country Inn remain ready to serve you great food daily. Try Tari's for Comfort Food at bargain prices on Wednesday while the Country Inn serves high tea Thursday through Sunday. Check the dining page for other excellent choices.

As always, the big news is in nightlife -- with some daytime art this weekend also.

The Star Theatre is showing the slightly bewildered Michael Cera in a comedy -- "Youth in Revolt" -- Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm. This movie is rated R.

Earth Dog Cafe is music central with The Telltale Signs on Friday at 8:30pm and The Gliders on Saturday also at 8:30pm. Sunday at 4:30 will be the rhythmic sound of knitting needles as the cafe co sponsors a knit in with Pocket Meadow Farm Fiber Arts. The goal is to donate 100 helmet liners towards the nation wide effort by Citizen Sam. Earth Dog is more than just a welcoming bar with great music. Open daily it is a favorite stop for barbecue and breakfast all day.

The daytime art is a unique dance and music composition: Breathing Moments - an exploration of winter site-specific to Berkeley Springs State Park in the heart of town. The free performance starts at 3pm and is staged by visiting artists -- The Goose Route Arts Collaborative -- from neighboring Shepherdstown. You'll be able to see the springs misting away as well as getting a glimpse of that winter geometry.

Shopping continues to be a favorite indoor activity even though you do get to experience some outdoors as you move door to door from shop to shop along the compact historic downtown. You'll find everything from art to antiques to books and crystals. Almost everyday -- not Tuesdays -- The RAG Shop is one of the most popular places in town featuring quality recycled goods at bargain prices. Don't miss Thrifty Thursdays when all clothing, shoes, purses and other wardrobe enhancers are ONLY $1/piece. The Vintage Kitchen starts it’s Valentine sale this Saturday with 1940’s greeting cards. Another location for rare bargains is Valley Caravan south on US522 and filled with dazzling Oriental rugs. This is a business with a cause, directing its profits to educating women in Afghanistan. Everything is on sale for the next month or so before the shop closes. Don't miss your chance this weekend.

Naturally, the allure of warm water is overpowering during these winter days and Berkeley Springs is quite literally overflowing with it in spas dotted throughout the town offering a wide range of treatments along with the baths. You will NOT be breaking new ground here -- folks have been coming to the health-inducing baths since the 1740s! But, never as luxuriously as today.

All this fun requires a place to stay and we have more than 100 choices many including wood heat as well as personal whirlpool tubs. If you want someone to do it all for you -- and offer a good price, check out the Winter Escape Packages assembled by Highlawn Inn B&B that include massage at Atasia and dinners at Tari's Cafe. There are also packages and specials available at The Country Inn. The quaint and charming Bathkeepers Cottage in the heart of town offers a third night free for any two night stay and throws in the opportunity for special historic tours of the town by your hostess, West Virginia History Hero, Betty Lou Harmison.

Let's finish with another nod to outdoor fun and suggest Cacapon State Park, a one-stop shop for adventure from winter hiking and fishing to cozy cabins and lodge rooms as well as family-friendly dining that offers a winter special of half off the second entree when you order the first.

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• 1,680 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story "Ranch" - MLS® $269,000 USD - Ready & Waiting

Highland Hills, Berkeley Springs  -  Top of the World Views.....from this unique ranch style home with over 1680 sf of living space. Basement has finished family room with "Pellet" stove; bath; and three 5' windows that lets the sunshine in. Double detached garage (24 X 40) with large work shop, and wood stove. and 200 amp service.

Property information

Beginning a home search can be a somewhat disconcerting task. Perhaps the biggest question many first time homebuyers have is where to begin the process. Some people begin by looking at real estate magazines or websites, while others call real estate agents right off the bat. The process varies.

So, what is the best way to begin your quest for a new home? In truth, any way you begin the process is a good way, because the most important thing is to get started. After all, you will learn a lot as you go. But there are some things to keep in mind:

Do the Proper Research

Buying real estate can be an overwhelming experience for the first-time buyer. But you can make the process much easier simply by understanding it. Start with the lingo. By learning the terminology associated with home buying and mortgage, you will make smarter decisions along the way.

Set Your Budget

The best way to begin looking for a home is to first sit down with a mortgage lender to determine how a high a mortgage you can afford and be approved for. Remember, there is a difference between the loan amount you can be approved for and the amount you can actually afford. So in the end, only you can determine your home buying budget — not a mortgage lender.

When dealing with a mortgage lender you will want to provide him or her with an understanding of what mortgage payment you are comfortable making so they can give you a sense of the size of the mortgage that equates to, based on your credit, income and other factors.

Taking this step first will help “frame” your home search so you are only looking at homes within your budget range. Many first time homebuyers fail to take this step and therefore waste time and energy looking at homes that are well above their budget.

You can find plenty of websites that offer mortgage calculators, and these tools are a good place to start when determining your budget. Just keep in mind that the one variable you can never predict in advance is the interest rate. Only by speaking to a lender can you get a full mortgage quote that includes the interest rate (based on your credit history).

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Another reason you may wish to start with speaking to a mortgage lender is so you can be prepared to show a pre-approval letter to the seller. This gives them the confidence that you can buy their home, which is especially important for homes where more than one buyer makes an offer (i.e. a seller’s market). Do not confuse pre-qualification with pre-approval. Pre-qual is an informal process in which the lender tells you how much of a mortgage you might qualify for. Pre-approval, on the other hand, is a more formal review of your finances and is likely to reflect the actual loan amount the lenders extends to you. In other words, the person selling the home will pay more attention to the pre-approval letter.

Though there is no wrong way to begin a search for a new home, meeting with a mortgage lender first may be the best way to begin your search and find your dream home. Just remember to always keep an open mind when visiting each property and envision the possibilities. You must also stay realistic about your finances and do your best not to over-extend yourself by purchasing a home beyond your means.

© 2009, Cornett Communications.

The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Winter in Berkeley Springs has its own charms, especially when you know that warm water is pumping from the ground just in the center of town. Later we'll guide you on your own personal spa feast from the centuries-old industry that has thrived here for "taking the waters."

But first -- let's talk about nightlife. Especially music.

Berkeley Springs has become a music mecca in the past year or so and this weekend is no exception. Two big nights of dancing awaits. On Friday night, check out Earth Dog Cafe, one reason that music has bloomed. They'll be featuring the Flashbacks, a local retro band with a great sound for dancing and at least two members who think they are Buddy Holly. Earth Dog also has culinary appeal with its three Bs: burgers, barbecue and breakfast all day.

The other music treat is Saturday night when the fabulous Weber Brothers pass through stopping at the Troubadour for music and dancing starting at 9pm. The Troubadour also wants you to eat there especially on Steak Nite which is Friday and followed by karaoke. While out on the ridge, check out the Troubadour's collection of authentic country music memorabilia -- the West Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame.

There's also music at the movies this weekend when the Star Theatre shows Disney's latest classic animation: The Princess and the Frog with a sound track straight from Bourbon St. Showtimes are 8pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday night and a special Sunday matinee at 2pm. The good news is that you can buy the Star's world class popcorn anytime the lights on on whether the movie appeals or not.

OK -- that's the fun special stuff this weekend. Let's move onto the moveable spa feast. The best part is that this feast is available EVERY DAY!

Generally, when you go to a spa, you go to one place. You choose from their particular menu. Not in Berkeley Springs, We are unique. We are a spa town -- the country's first as a matter of fact. First, as in 1750s; still as in today. So, what does that mean -- a spa town. Sample the moveable spa feast and you'll get it but here's an outline. You can park your car somewhere in the heart of town and trot around the streets picking and choosing your spa treats. The mountain mama of it all is Berkeley Springs State Park, a charming village green that is, in fact, the heart of town. The springs live here. The warm mineral springs that drew colonial elite including George Washington. They established a town in 1776 -- a town that was recently named a National Historic District. Today, when the atmospheric conditions are right, you can watch steam pour off the open spring pools and channel in the park. Then drop in and take a fabulous Roman Bath in a bathhouse that dates to 1815 (don't worry, the plumbing has been updated along with the tile tubs.) The Roman Baths have nine private bathing chambers, each a tiny room with a walk-in tub filled with 750 gallons of healing spring water heated to 102 degrees. For a simple massage, try the park's facilities located in temporary buildings as the main bathhouse is renovated.

Now that you've done it the way George did, slip into the 21st century. Adjacent to the park on the south the the gleaming jewel of The Country Inn's Five Senses Spa with what many claim to be the best treatment in town. Of course, all our spas say that and we agree -- they all ARE the best. You can get the works at the Inn -- massage, facials, pedicures, baths -- and waxing. And you can stay there. Dine there. Get a spa package. And enjoy their latest treat -- classic high tea, Thursday through Saturday from 3 to 5pm.

Across Fairfax St. from the park to the north is the Bath House Day Spa. They have a long menu of excellent treatments including several brands of massage including couples and hot stone and a focus on skin based work. They also have a shop attached so you can purchase the products when you fall in love with them. Upstairs is a pristine pair of suites where you can spend the night and get a spa package as part of the deal.

Another short block further north and you step into an historic building that morphs before your eyes into an Asian-style spa -- Atasia, brainchild of master massage therapist, Frankie Tan. Their menu of treatments runs from Tan's Thai massages to sacred Hawaiian Lomi Lomi (you can get it with TWO massage therapists working simultaneously if you choose) sugar scrubs, mud wraps, steams, pedicures, facials and more.

One more block takes you to the pink Victorian HQ of Awakenings Health Center, a type of co-op of practitioners boasting everything from reflexology and therapeutic foot baths to massage and a Chines physician doing acupuncture. No baths at Awakenings, just bodywork so make the Roman Baths in the park your first stop.

There are also a collection of individual practitioners, all licensed, and all excellent. Tamme Marggraf offers traditional acupuncture located in a suite facing the park. Michael Pushkin could be called a miracle worker if the FDA would allow for the magic he works with deep massage. People hobble in and walk out with a bounce in their step. The Healing Vessel does kabbalistic massage and reiki.

And then there is the ultimate pleasure -- having a massage therapist come to your lodging place because you threw out your back and cannot get up, or because you have a gaggle of girlfriends along and you ALL want a massage, or just because. Have Table Will Travel is the one to call. The therapist is also an expert in pre-natal and post-partum massage.

If you want to do your own work-out routines as part of the spa feast, head on down south of town to Rankin's for a therapeutic pool, machine room and trainers happy to work with walk-ins.

Last, but certainly not least, is the remarkable array of lodging places -- from log homes atop a mountain to fully equipped vacation houses to elegant B&Bs in town -- that offer a whirlpool tub right in your room so the spa feast can continue.

Since humans can not live by bathing alone -- although our 19th century bathkeeper, John Davis believed they could -- we invite you to explore on your own the various dining options, shopping treasures and outdoor splendor that is part of the package when you come to Berkeley Springs -- the country's first spa.

Go online and start researching the topic of credit scores, and you will quickly be overwhelmed with information and analysis. But in truth, there are only a few important concepts that you, as a first-time home buyer, should know about credit scores.

Here are five of the most important things to keep in mind when you start shopping for a mortgage loan — an even long before that.

1. Mortgage lenders will check your score.

When you apply for a home loan, you can be certain that the mortgage lender will review your credit score — among other financial factors. It’s not the only thing that will determine their decision, but it is one of the top factors of the mortgage-approval process.

If your score is low, you won’t even get your foot in the door. You will be rejected right from the start, or you’ll have a much harder time finding a willing lender. If your score is high, you will have more options and better interest rates available to you.

2. Your score partly determines the interest rate.

The interest rate is one of the components that will make up your monthly mortgage payment. Obviously, the principal amount you borrow is the largest factor that determines your monthly payment. But the interest rate plays a major role as well.

If you have a high credit score, you are more likely to get a low rate on your home loan. This in turn will reduce the amount you have to pay each month toward the mortgage. On the contrary, a bad score generally means a higher interest rate — and therefore a higher monthly payment as well. How much higher, you ask? That’s our next point.

3. A good score can save you thousands of dollars.

The difference between a good and bad credit score can greatly affect the interest rate you receive from the lender. It could be the difference, for example, between a rate of 5.5% and 7.2%. These may seem like small numbers on the surface, but when you apply them to something as large as a mortgage loan, we are talking about thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

4. Your score comes from your own actions.

Credit scores are not arbitrarily assigned to consumers. Your score comes from the information contained within your credit reports. You have three of these reports by the way — one for each of the consumer credit-reporting bureaus.

So where does the information within your credit reports come from? It comes from your own personal actions, your financial history, and your previous use of credit. In other words, it’s a snapshot of how well (or how poorly) you have managed your credit in the past. Good behavior creates a good score, and bad behavior has the reverse effect. It doesn’t come out of thin air — it comes from your own actions.

5. There are no mysteries to improving a credit score.

There are a lot of companies out there who would like you to think that it takes some kind of special knowledge to improve a credit score. These companies make money from people who don’t realize they can handle it for themselves. So let’s set the record straight right here and now. You are the only person who can improve your credit score, and you can do it without paying any other company for assistance.

Pay all of your bills on time, maintain low balances on your credit card accounts, and use credit sparingly. These three things alone can help you earn and sustain a good score for years to come. And there’s no certainly mystery in that!

© 2009, Cornett Communications.

About the Author: Brandon Cornett is a consumer advocate and publisher of the Home Buying Institute. You may visit the author's website at www.HomeBuyingInstitute.com to learn more about this topic.

The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Berkeley Springs is snow-free and Mother Nature's winter form -- stark and pure with clean edges and sharp line -- captures the imagination luring the stressed mind into restful contemplation. Take your stroll in the downtown Berkeley Springs State Park and if the time and atmospheric conditions are right, you'll have the perfect photo op of steam rising from the warm springs channel and pools.

There is some man-made activity among the forested ridges and valleys however that revitalized souls can join with gusto.

Splashiest and most exclusive event of the weekend is Highlawn Inn's annual Wine and Dine with the West Virginia winemaster on Saturday evening. Start at 7pm with a six-course gourmet dinner with matched Fisher Ridge wines followed by a brief program, reporting "a year in the Vineyard," by Fisher Ridge owner and winemaster, Dr. Wilson Ward. Very limited seating in Highlawn's Victorian dining room requires reservations.

Local music is another highlife treat. It begins mid-week and continues every night making its headquarters at several locations including Earth Dog Cafe and the Troubadour Lounge. Saturday is the big night for local music. Start at 8pm at the Fairfax Coffee House with the high energy blues/folk rock sound of two outstanding guitarists -- Jim and Jim. That's Salman and Fredo plus some great singing thrown in for good measure. When you are ready for dancing, head out the ridge to the Troubadour where the Flashbacks take you retro. They play until midnight.

While at the Fairfax Coffee House for the music, or anytime during the weekend when you stop by for a hot drink, check out "Cascade of Events," dramatic pastels by Dr. Dave Thomas on exhibit. This is the only art exhibit in town at the moment while the floor in the Ice House Gallery moves to completion.

The other hot nightlife activity this weekend features George Clooney at the Star Theatre. That's right, the sexiest man alive in an award-winning performance on the big screen -- Up In The Air. It's rated R and showtimes are Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm. You can also stop by for the world class popcorn at the Star. The flashing lights draw the eye and illuminate the front row seats of La Luna Wine Bar across the street.

Heads-up on a couple other dining specials. Every Friday is Ladies Nite at the Country Inn's Tavern which also has a great fish and chips platter that night. The Inn also offers an elaborate Sunday brunch from 11am to 3pm. For family-style dining, head south to Cacapon State Park where Sunday through Thursday night dinner specials include order one entree get second one half price.

From antiques and art galleries to books and Oriental rugs, the shops in and out of town want to show you what they have that can be found nowhere else. For Fiesta Ware collectors, stop at the Vintage Kitchen on Saturday and Sunday for 40% off old patterns and colors. The shop now includes the house's original 1916 kitchen.

We like telling you what's new and special for each weekend but that doesn't mean you should forget about the offerings Berkeley Springs has all the time. Fortunately, the website lists everything in easy-to-use format from the full menus of all our local spas and their licensed staff to the edible menus of more than a dozen eateries offering everything from tacos and pizza to local food - organically produced and deliciously prepared including steaks and lamb.

In these quiet days of winter, many visitors simply want to sit in a tastefully appointed inn or cabin, warming by the wood stove and looking out on wildlife feeding in the front woods. There are many options from which to choose including in town Victorian B&Bs and an historic inn to mountaintop log homes or retreats tucked into a wooded vale. Check all the many places and find exactly what suits you best from a cabin that welcomes pets to a vacation home with an in-room whirlpool tub. Berkeley Springs is here for your pleasure with an ever-changing array of treats suitable for every season. Come now! The famous warm water of Berkeley Springs is closer than anywhere.

The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Berkeley Springs invites you to use the first long weekend of 2010 to visit the country's first spa. There's warm water and very full spa menus. There's music and history and shopping and food. Of course, all this fun and excitement is happening all the time. We do have special treats for this weekend.

The music starts on Friday evening with the sacred. Living Springs Chorale presents a winter concert of "In Dulci Jubilo" at 7pm at the Seventh Day Adventist Church south of town on US522. Saturday at 8:30pm, the live band Outer Rim is performing at Earth Dog Cafe where there is barbecue and burgers as well as action-packed nightlife. Karaoke fans can find a place to perform both Friday and Saturday nights at the Troubadour Lounge where Friday is also Steak Nite.

If you bring the kids, (and quirky adults) the Star Theatre is the place to find fun as well as world class popcorn. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm with a Sunday matinee at 2pm, it's "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" voiced by George Clooney and Meryl Streep and great fun for kids and adults.

Another unusual outing this weekend is to visit the 4th Annual Bath-Romney Campaign Commemoration Encampment. From Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, there is a living history Civil War camp in Berkeley Springs State Park with presentations of fife and drums, and talks about history at the Country Inn adjacent to the park. For those who think musket firing is the key to any reenactment -- you're in luck. Musket firings are scheduled for 5pm on Friday; 11am and 3pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday all in the park.

Special treats are common fare at the Country Inn including their regular Classic Afternoon Tea on Thursday - Saturday from 3pm - 5pm featuring freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and preserves, finger sandwiches and pastries. Reservations are required.

There are special hours at some places this weekend including Panorama at the Peak where they'll be serving their wonderful local/farm-centric menu as well as tasty specials until 7pm on Sunday night. Choice food is also available at a variety of other restaurants all listed on the dining page. With breakfast one of the most popular meals, check out Temptations, Maria's Garden, Cacapon State Park, the Country Inn -- and all day at Earth Dog.

Happily, the RAG Shop reopens this weekend for all your recycled American goods needs. Another shopping opportunity is at Creekside Creamery where they are serving ice cream and sandwiches Friday through Monday as well as having great sales on everything in the store. The perfect memory to take home from Berkeley Springs this weekend is a beautiful color poster of the great view at Panorama available at Creekside for only $1. There are plenty of other shopping spots from antiques and art to Tibetan treasures and wine. Even though the Ice House Gallery is closed for repairs, there is plenty of other art available in places like Mountain Laurel, Tari's Cafe and Heath Gallery. For those warm coffee drinks while you stroll the downtown shops -- stop by the Fairfax Coffee House.

All the spas are open for everything from historic Roman Baths at Berkeley Springs State Park to rubs, scrubs, wraps, steams, acupuncture, reflexology, reiki and massages of all sorts. Check the spa page for details.

Now we need to find you a place to stay this weekend. Highlawn Inn has an online special that gives you 15% off the cost of a two night stay at one of their elegant Victorian rooms and spectacular breakfasts. Another special offer for lodging comes from the Bathkeeper's Cottage. All month long, you can stay two nights and get the third one free in this special little cottage in the heart of downtown. If you choose, hostess and History Hero, Betty Lou Harmison, will take you on a tour of town. The Country Inn also has a two consecutive nights and get third free special -- see their website for details and other packages.

Start your year off with a great little escape to a warm water destination that's closer than anyplace -- and that has been soothing, healing and entertaining visitors for more than 250 years. Let 2010 be your year with Berkeley Springs.

The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Berkeley Springs is special this weekend -- special entertainment plus food, shopping and lodging specials.

Let's start with The King at the Country Inn. Saturday the Inn celebrates Elvis's Birthday with a buffet of the King's favorite foods and a show by legendary Elvis Impersonator Ceasare Belvano. Dinner is from 6:30 to 8:30 and "The King of Rock 'n Roll Live" show from 8 to 10pm. Lucky Ladies get a scarf or teddy bear during the show plus an after-show picture with Elvis!

Flashing lights and Hollywood returns to Berkeley Springs this weekend as the Star Theatre re-opens for the year showing Sandra Bullock in the popular "Blind Side" Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm. As much missed as the movies have been these past couple weeks has been the world class popcorn the Star offers both moviegoers and walk-ins.

For more terrific live music, come on Friday and stop by the Fairfax Coffee House at 8pm for one of the best bluesman in the region -- singer/songwriter and guitarist Billy Thompson plays blues, rock, funk and jazz with Gene Monroe. There's more live music on both Friday and Saturday nights at Earth Dog Cafe.

Another special celebration is planned by Panorama at the Peak as their way of saying thanks to all their diners -- regulars and those of you coming for the first time. And how are they saying thanks? Hold onto your seats -- all entrees are half price! That's right, you pay half the usual price for both regular on-the-menu items and specials which this week (that's Thursday through Sunday at Panorama) means red angus steak and lamb from regional suppliers. Panorama is in the forefront of the eat fresh! eat local! eat organic movement and in their hands it tastes great. So, reap their appreciation and stop by for lunch or dinner. BUT -- YOU NEED TO BRING THIS MESSAGE or coupons available around town to get the special price.

More special happenings, this one in the shopping arena. Valley Caravan is a unique and exotic shop south on US 522 chock full of beautiful, full-size Oriental rugs. Now that's exotic enough BUT there is more. The whole purpose of the store is to raise money to help Afghan women and children. It is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 5 and has MAJOR reduced prices right now to raise some funds for the dreadful situation. Here's the ideal way to help the world AND beautify your home AND save money while doing both.

If your looking for intellectual fun consider being part of the 2nd Annual Great Gray Matter Challenge on Sunday 1:30 to 4pm at Berkeley Springs High School. Answer questions, win door prizes and eat popcorn while supporting the Morgan County Literacy Fund.

One way we know that winter is here is the season long midweek escape package offered by a trio of our finest establishments. For one-price and all the planning done for you, you can have lodging at the elegant and welcoming Highlawn Inn B&B, spa treatments at Atasia and dinner at Tari's Cafe. Pampering and good value -- it doesn't get much better. Another special offer for lodging comes from the Bathkeeper's Cottage. All month long, you can stay two nights and get the third one free in this special little cottage in the heart of downtown. If you choose, hostess and History Hero, Betty Lou Harmison, will take you on a tour of town. The Country Inn also has a two consecutive nights and get third free special -- see their website for details and other packages.

Along with all the special fun -- and everyday fun, we need to tell you about a few places that have taken some time off for one reason or another. Lot 12 is closed for dining until February. The Ice House Gallery is closed for repairs until the end of February and The RAG Shop is closed for another couple weeks for owner recovery.

Spend some time roaming the website or call the Visitors Center to find out EVERYTHING that's happening from more than a dozen eateries of all types, a half dozen spas including the historic Roman Baths, and a couple dozen shops ready and waiting for you downtown. The roads are clear. the scenery is great. The water is warm -- and all the folks in town are waiting to show you how good 2010 can be. Come to Berkeley Springs this weekend -- it's closer than anywhere.

The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Berkeley Springs is the ideal break from holiday activity PLUS offers some wonderful New Years fun. Whether post-Christmas shopping or smoothing those tense nerves with a rejuvenating massage -- Berkeley Springs lives up to its centuries-long reputation as the getaway of choice.

Let's start with all the New Years specials. Most every dining place in town is open on New Years Eve and is planning to go all out to make the transition from 2009 to 2010 a tasty one. We advise reservations just to guarantee no disappointments. Cacapon State Park has a New Years Eve buffet featuring prime rib, flounder, shrimp and asparagus w/ hollandaise -- and it comes with dancing to the live music of The Shades plus a midnight toast. Temptations has become a new favorite eatery in town and is open from breakfast until 10pm on New Years Eve and then again all day on New Years Day. Their house special coconut cake will set the standard for the year to come. Panorama at the Peak has a special New Years Eve dinner planned with a final seating at 8:30pm, but they are taking New Years Day off.

Tari's Cafe celebrates New Years with dinner specials including veal and lobster served until 9pm on New Years Eve and remains open from 11am to 9pm the next day. Lot 12 is one of the best dining places in the region. They remain open all week serving on a rare Monday and Tuesday night, offering a four-course, fixed price dinner on New Years Eve at 6 and 9pm and then closing for the month of January on the 4th. Take the opportunity to dine there now. If sushi is what you crave, you'll have to wait until March when the Rose Cafe reopens.

The Country Inn has a spectacular weekend planned to welcome 2010. Start with the New Years Eve dinner and gala. The four-course dinner is from 5:30 to 8:30pm and then the party starts at 9pm featuring the live band "The Moonlighters" including a toast at midnight followed by a breakfast buffet at 12:30am. There's even more on New Years Day with a lunch buffet featuring slow-roasted pig with all the trimmings.

The Troubadour welcomes in the New Year with a great party featuring the live music of The Tonehounds starting at 9pm. There will be snacks and party favors provided.

One of the most elegant ways to welcome the New Year is at Highlawn Inn with their Silver Service Dinner. This intimate dining opportunity requires reservations. If you are fortunate enough to stay at this award-winning inn, you also get to greet New Years Day with one of Highlawn's spectacular breakfasts.

For the full extent of what there is to eat in Berkeley Springs -- check the dining page.

New Years Day finds a few of our shops closed for the day but most are open. Creekside Creamery is both an eating and shopping opportunity, open New Years Eve until 5pm then closed the next day. The RAG Shop is closed for most of January while owner Trish Shunney recovers from some unplanned surgery. If you are downtown searching for Homeopathy Works, they are no longer operating the retail shop across from the park but have moved everything down to their manufacturing operation at the 522 Business Park. It's easy to order online from their website.

All the spas but the one at Berkeley Springs State Park are open New Years Day -- and everyone will be open daily thereafter so have no fear -- your body can be tuned up for the new year. And, there are plenty of fabulous treatments beyond a dozen types of massage. You can have steams and baths; rubs and scrubs; manicures and pedicures; and other treatments from reflexology to acupuncture. There is a reason Berkeley Springs is the country's first spa -- and it's not just the history; it's what can get done to you now.

There are wonderful places to stay for during the week or weekend from elegant B&Bs in town or the Country Inn to many different country sites including cabins, fully equipped vacation homes and the lodge at Cacapon State Park. Both Cacapon State Park and the Country Inn have lodging packages for New Years that include all the partying.

Make 2010 the year that Berkeley Springs becomes part of your regular getaway plans -- and start at the beginning. Hop in your car today and head to the mountains. Warm water is closer than you think.

The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Berkeley Springs is truly a winter wonderland and a white Christmas is a sure thing. Bring your cross country skis for some winter hiking on steriods. There are plenty of welcoming mountain trails, the C&O Canal towpath and countless back roads to try your skill.

Everything is as it always is up to Christmas Eve except that all the shops are focusing on making your holiday shopping fun and rewarding -- rewarding in that you are successful in finding treasures for everyone on your list. There is the usual complement of interesting and unusual shopping opportunities from art and antiques to quilting and bellydancing supplies. Most shops are open until 5pm on the day before Christmas and closed on Christmas Day.

Creekside Creamery has designated now through the end of the year as super sale time. Everything in the store is at least 25% off with holiday merchandise half off and clearance items up to 75% off. They even have food specials where every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in December you can buy one sandwich and get a second one half off. And, to brighten your spirits while shopping the day before Christmas -- they have free apple cider. Fairfax Coffee House is also ready with a shopping pick-me-up, and they invite you to enjoy the exhibit of nature photography now on display. At the Ice House Co-op Gallery, there is a special exhibit -- Out of the Box -- with artist created gifts focusing on boxes. And there are plenty of tiny items especially jewelry, that fits in them. And, if you cannot find the perfect art gift at the Ice House, try Mountain Laurel Gallery.

The spas in town are prepared to keep you loose and relaxed in the stressful time before -- and after Christmas. At the Country Inn spa, they are even providing services from 10am to 2pm on Christmas Day BUT ONLY by appointment so plan ahead. All the spas will be back up and rubbing down after Christmas so put some gift certificates on your wish list.

Food is always fun in Berkeley Springs -- it is something we are REALLY good at. Temptations Cafe greets the first day of winter with a new seasonal menu including four different homemade soups daily. Through end of month, they are luring you for breakfast with their 2-2-2, an under $3 special of two eggs, two pancakes and two bacon strips!

Speaking of morning food, the Country Inn is back to serving a spectacular buffet brunch on Sundays from 11am to 3pm.

Restaurant hours over Christmas are always tricky but there will be no one going hungry in Berkeley Springs -- we promise, except for Lot 12 fans who must bite the bullet instead of Chef Damian's fabulous food from Tuesday through Friday but they'll be back after Christmas for a few days.

Christmas Eve, Panorama at the Peak has its last seating at 7pm with a special local foods holiday menu. The Country Inn has a seafood buffet from 6-9pm. Tony's Pizza is open until 5pm and Temptations until 8pm. Cacapon State Park has a wonderful prime rib special planned on Christmas Eve from 4:30 to 7:30pm.

While most of our restaurants are not open on Christmas Day both the Country Inn and Cacapon State Park will be serving wonderful food -- although reservations are recommended. The Country Inn has a marvelous Christmas menu -- with brunch from 11am -1pm and a traditional English dinner from 5-7pm and will be open in their Tavern from 11am to 10pm. Cacapon State Park's Christmas buffet is served from 4:30 to 7:30pm featuring traditional roast turkey and baked ham with stuffing.

Visiting Berkeley Springs for Christmas is different than all the other weekends since the draw is often gathering friends and family together. So...pick the right lodging place for the adventure you have planned. The Country Inn is high on the list for a first choice since they will feed and massage you in the heart of town throughout the holiday -- and their exquisite decorations inside and out offer a multitude of photo opportunities. Cacapon State Park is the other full-service choice for hearty, outdoor visitors who look forward to wandering the mountain trails. Berkeley Springs Cottage Rentals has a wide range of vacation homes,cabins and in-town suites available and they can fill you in on which are a four-wheel challenge and which are walkable or easy access as well as which may have fireplaces or wood burning stoves. The Manor Inn is another charming choice with Victorian decor and breakfasts that you will talk about for years.

Wherever you choose to stay and dine and spa and shop -- the people of Berkeley Springs wish you a very special holiday season and hope to see you now and in the future.

The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

As befits the weekend before Christmas in Berkeley Springs, music fills the air.

On Thursday at 7:30pm, the Community Concert Band plays a full program of holiday music at Berkeley Springs High School. There is a long tradition of community bands in Berkeley Springs and this one fits the bill with musicians from 7 to 87.

Saturday night the music ranges from sacred to country rock. The Winter Solstice Peace Concert starts at 7:30pm at the Presbyterian Church. Part of the Church on the Hill Concert Series, it features traditional music with strings, winds and singers including John Devine, Leslie Milbourn, Linda Whitesitt and the Springs Chamber Ensemble. For those with a dancing persuasion, head on out to the Troubadour where the popular Weber Brothers stopping by while on tour. They begin playing at 9pm and keep going until the dancing stops. The fun at the Troubadour is actually a two day event with the music starting on Saturday at 2pm and on Sunday again at 2pm continuing through the evening. A single admission price covers all 18 hours of live music.

Friday night offers a unique brand of after dark fun at the Morgan County Observatory which hosts a public star party beginning at 7:30pm and starring everyone from Jupiter and Orion to the Andromeda galaxy -- all visible.

The rest of the nightlife in town is about wine bars -- Ambrae House and La Luna; and great places to eat from the Country Inn and Lot 12 to Temptations Cafe, Tari's and Panorama at the Peak. Temptations is the new kid in town and folks are really pleased with their solid menu and world famous coconut cake. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner from Thursday through Sunday. The list of good eats goes on to include Earth Dog Cafe, Angus and Ale, Mi Ranchito, Maria's Garden, Soupity Salad Express and more. Check the dining page for the full list. Don't forget those special treats like coffee at Fairfax Coffee House, ice cream at Creekside and the town's ONLY sushi at Rose Cafe.

Let's be honest -- this weekend is all about shopping and we have some stops you should make including Nature Niche on Thursday afternoon to see Santa AND get 15% off each purchase from 4 to 7pm. Guiding you to great places to shop is easy. Just start at Berkeley Springs State Park in the heart of town and follow the main street with a few side street detours. You find two antique malls and a couple shops, books, crystals, homeopathic medical remedies, new age books, herbs, jewelry, whimsical home decor items, quilt supplies, wine, Himalayan treasures and ART, ART, ART. In addition to co-op gallery filled with local art, the Ice House also has an outstanding special exhibit with items ranging from boxes and containers for the gifts that go in them. One of the great gift items is a certificate for spa services -- from a day of treatment to an individual massage or rub or scrub or wrap. You owe it to the recipient of the gift certificate for you to test the spa out for your friend or family -- you'll just need to sample that massage or pedicure to be sure.

Take your time about all the holiday adventures -- get a room. Stay the night. Choose among cabins with fireplaces and elegant B&Bs with in-room whirlpool tubs. Skim the lodging page,find the ideal place for you to pick up a certificate or two for the perfect gift.

The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Berkeley Springs is dressed up for the holidays and is acting out as well -- literally.

The big event this weekend is "Christmas Vignettes" at the Ice House -- four performances of five mini-pays about Christmas plus luscious desserts. Each evening, there will be a different opening act performed by a local music group including the Victorian Carolers, Sleepy Creek Children's Choir and Springs Chamber Ensemble. Showtimes are 7:30pm on Thursday Friday and Saturday and 2pm on Sunday. Tickets are going to be hard to get so call now and make a reservation -- 304-258-2300.

If you come with teenagers who are not interested in a holiday play, drop them off at the Star Theatre showing "New Moon," this weekend, the second film of the popular "Twilight Saga." Showtimes are 8pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and the fabulous popcorn with real butter can be bought to go.

Dancers should head out to the Troubadour on Saturday starting at 9pm to hear Road House. And while you are trying to decide on which of the Saturday night events to attend stop at LaLuna Gallery and Wine Bar for their monthly wine tasting from 3pm to 5pm featuring the variety Cabernet Sauvignon.

One of the most special holiday reasons to come visit this weekend is to pick out your own Christmas tree from one of several tree farms. In fact, for the most comprehensive of experiences is to STAY at the place your tree lives and that's what you can do at Sleepy Creek Tree Farm B&B. There are also local trees available at street stands or you can find them at Timber Ridge Tree Farm. Then you go out and visit the shops in town for original, handmade or antique ornaments for your special tree. There are at least a half dozen shops with ornaments from crystal angels at Jules to hand painted tiny gourds at the Ice House Gallery to fabric tidbits at Acorn and Oaks. While you visiting the shops, don't forget to check them out for stocking and big gifts as well. The Vintage Kitchen has Fiesta Ware on sale and stays open late on Friday night. Speaking of BIG gifts, check out the array of motorcycles, four-wheelers and all the needed supplies for these toys at Ridersville Cycle just south of town. You'll be amazed at both the amount of stuff and the incredibly low prices.

Lunch in the midst of shopping is a treat not to be denied and Berkeley Springs has multiple choices mixed in among the shops from the antique surroundings of the Country Inn and Ambrae House to light fare at Creekside Creamery and Fairfax Coffee House to sushi at Rose Cafe to filling soups, sandwiches and salads at the famed Tari's Cafe or Maria's Garden. If you are here on Thursday Temptations Cafe is having a Meowy Christmas and a portion of all the day’s proceeds will go to the Humane Society. There are other options as well so check the dining list. If spectacular winter scenery is what you want to accompany your lunch, head out of town a couple miles to Panorama at the Peak and hundreds of miles of mountains and rivers. Highlawn Inn has their Victorian Christmas silver service dinner on Saturday night. All these places and more are available for tasty dinners also as well as Lot 12 Public House. One dinner experience you may want to try is a fabulous new menu in the West Virginia Room at the Country Inn.

This may be the last weekend you can get away with indulging yourself before the holidays which are all about -- other people. So, take advantage of Berkeley Springs being the self indulgent capital of West Virginia when spas are what does it for you. And how could they not. Trained professionals loosening your muscles, buffing your nails, unkinking your feet, smoothing your face and skin -- and so much more. Check the spa list. Everyone is open and ready to smooth, buff and polish you this weekend. Combining all the fabulous services at a half dozen locations adds up to a spa menu ranging from invigorating steams and sugar scrubs to acupuncture and a couple dozen types of massage. And if you cannot allow yourself to indulge now, get a gift certificate and slip it into your own stocking as a gift from Santa.

Now that hunting season is over, you can also find some peace and solitude on forested trails in Cacapon State Park, Sleepy Creek or along the C&O Canal.

Finally, we want you to stay the weekend. There are so many places to relax with fabulous breakfasts, in-room whirlpool tubs, amazing views, spectacular holiday decorations and so much more. Check the list, Pick one.

All in all, Berkeley Springs is THE perfect pre-holiday getaway where the shopping is easy, the food outstanding and people working to soothe your stress. Come now and get a gift certificate to surprise yourself with an after-holiday trip as well.

The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Late fall is magical in Berkeley Springs with skeletal trees, visible rock formations and scatterings of brightly lit holiday decorations. It's also the end of deer season on Saturday so we caution you to wait until Sunday for any walks in the woods.

Instead, enjoy a full schedule of special entertainment along with shopping for the season as well as indulging yourself with fine food and luxurious spa treatments.

Saturday night has so many choices, you'll need to start weighing your decision now. Cacapon State Park features a Mystery Theater production in which you can play a part. You can get a bargain package at the park that includes room, dinner and the mystery theater and breakfast -- or you can just attend the dinner and theater fun. It all starts at 6:30pm and is staged by the local New World Theater Company noted for developing original mystery stories with a local twist for the past twenty years. You will love the experience.

The Country Inn is also the scene of dinner/entertainment on Saturday when The Stevens Family sings bluegrass backed up by a tasty Country Inn buffet from 6 to 10pm. Just across the park at 8pm, the Fairfax Coffee House serves up wine and beer along with hot drinks as well as presenting Teporah, a classically-trained pianist and composer who performs an original sound comprised of influences from blues, indie rock, soul, folk and world music. At 9pm Moontree will be performing at La Luna Gallery and Wine Bar, an eclectic mix of acoustic, tribal, classical, grungy, chilled out and modern sounds.  It is all original. A holiday musical treat is the Christmas concert and carol sing "In Dulci Jubilo" by the Living Springs Choral at 7pm on Saturday at the Seventh Day Adventist Church south of town or Sunday at 3:00 pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Great Cacapon.

Finally, for those who like their music hot and want to dance, head on out the ridge to the Troubadour for an end-of-deer-season dance with the Flashbacks on Saturday from 9pm to midnight. A local band, the Flashbacks are just that -- a flashback to the sounds of 60s and 70s rock and roll.

All weekendlong, there's the Star Theatre, a vintage movie house showing the hugely popular, apocalyptic action film 2012 starring John Cusack. Showtimes are Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm. A bonus attraction at the Star is the world class popcorn, just the treat to sustain you through the end of the world as we know it.

Fortunately, we have it on good authority that the end is not this weekend so you have a chance for a day at the spa treat. There are several choices among our local spas and within each spa, there are almost countless choices of available treatments including various types of massage, scrubs, rubs, wraps, steams, facials, pedicures, manicures -- and more. Check the spa page for all the options including on-call practitioners -- and don't forget the very good idea of a spa certificate for someone's Christmas stocking.

Shopping for the holidays tops everyone's list of things to do in December and Berkeley Springs offers more unique opportunities than places two and three times its size. Plus, you can stroll the town while shopping soaking up the Historic District ambiance as you go. As for the content of the shopping -- check the long list of intown locations. You'll find someplace to go for everyone on your list from antiques and art galleries to books, crystals, quilts and belly dancing supplies. There are health related products including herbs, oils and homeopathic medical remedies produced here in Berkeley Springs. Vintage Kitchen is having a sale which includes old china and Homer Laughlin sugar and creamer sets and is open on Friday night until 7pm. While you shop, you'll encounter one of the best kept secrets in the region -- the number of fine dining choices. You can find spicy curries and sushi, local and regional food ingredients turned into exquisite dinner offerings, barbecue and breakfasts, wine bars and cafes. Check the list or stop in when you are ready for a break from shopping or spa-ing.

Hiking is still possible -- and extremely interesting -- as long as you wait until Sunday when hunters are safely out of the woods. Another fun adventure, but only on Saturday from 11am to 4pm, is a visit to the Museum of the Berkeley Springs above the Roman Bath House in Berkeley Springs State Park. The Museum closes for the season after Saturday.

Review the lodging page for all your choices as to pillows, tubs, heating sources and locale. What that means is that you can have an elegant Victorian room filled with antiques and a whirlpool tub of your own or a well-appointed log house on a mountaintop with a wood stove and soft beds laden with handcrafted quilts. There is truly a room especially for you whether you are a romantic couple, a family of 10 or traveling with pets. The folks of Berkeley Springs have been decorating the town and are ready to welcome you for a pre-holiday excursion.

The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Berkeley Springs is where "grandma's house" is ........ over the mountains and through the woods this Thanksgiving weekend. And the weekend is devoted -- as it should be -- to eating and family fun.

The Star Theatre devotes the weekend to Disney's animated version of Dickens' holiday classic -- The Christmas Carol. There are shows Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening at 8pm and a special Sunday matinee at 2pm. The popcorn alone makes it an event at the vintage movie house.

On Saturday night at the Ice House, there is a rare concert featuring local roots musicians including father-son pairs. The music ranges from gospel and bluegrass to traditional country with banjos, fiddles and guitars in evidence. Hosts John Douglas and Joe Herrmann chat with the players along with Jim McCoy, founder of the WV Country Music Hall of Fame. The show starts at 7:30pm. Another Saturday music spot is the Fairfax Coffee House where at 8pm "Choo Choo" Charlie Williams and Eddie Becker play the spectrum from blues and Cajun/Zydeco to rock and jazz.

On T-Day itself, some of your favorite eateries are not serving, like Tari's Cafe, but others are offering a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast. Have no fear, though, Tari's is open throughout the rest of the weekend. Reservations are recommended for all the T-Day dinners.

Most elegant and intimate is the Holiday Silver Service dinner at Highlawn Inn. With very limited seating, this is one that would require immediate action to reserve a space.

The Country Inn offers a buffet featuring both roast turkey and baked ham plus all the trimmings from 1 to 6pm in their charming Garden Room. There is piano and harp dinner music as well. Chef Scot has gone all out with a predominantly local sourced special menu at Panorama at the Peak on Thursday featuring everything from a traditional turkey dinner and the ever-tasty turkey croquettes to an elaborately stuffed acorn squash for vegetarians. Hours are from 2 to 6:30pm when the spectacular view is at its prime. Family dining is featured in the Cacapon State Park buffet and one at the new Mountainside Restaurant open from noon to 8pm. Check at other dining places to determine whether they are open on Thanksgiving or not. We do guarantee that there will be plenty of fine dining available the REST of the weekend at favorites including Tari's, Lot 12 and Earth Dog Cafe.

Shops and spas are closed Thanksgiving but open and ready to soothe your strains and aid in holiday treasure shopping the rest of the weekend including Sunday. Check the spa page and pick your favorite one or two or more to sample and indulge. If you plan to give spa gift certificates for holiday gifts, you need to do your research. Try the spa and make certain YOU like it, just in case. As for shopping -- we will not try and list all the alluring little places to check out on the main streets. We'll just urge you NOT TO MISS a one. Stop in. Chat with the owner. Check out what they have. We promise there will be treasures you never imagined -- and no Black Friday stampedes or parking nightmares. Just sweet and friendly people wanting you to find something special, like Happy the owner of Jules, Enchanting Gifts and Collectibles. Jules is celebrating their 12th Anniversary and is saying thank you with a weekend of treats and a special evening of wine and Happy's famous chocolate chip cookies on Saturday from 5-8pm.

Now, we do have to warn you about outdoor adventures this weekend. Deer hunting season is in full swing. What does that mean? Hunters know what they need to know. It's the hikers that pose a problem. Stick to marked trails in Cacapon State Park where there is no hunting and there will probably be so many deer taking refuge you'll be bumped off the trail. The golf course is open so bring your clubs and investigate what a "deer hazard" is. Avoid the Tuscarora Trail since it passes directly into Sleepy Creek Hunting and Fishing area. The C&O Canal towpath is safe and that leads you -- eventually -- to the Paw Paw Tunnel which the kids will love. What you should NOT do, is simply wander around unknown woods.

Here's a special treat you may not have tried. Visit the Ridge Fish Hatchery on US522 about 15 miles south of town. It's open for visitors from 8am to 4pm every day and the kids will love seeing all the golden rainbow trout in stonelined pools head into the pipes where the springs feed in water. Why? It's the oxygen. No feeding them though -- they get plenty to eat. Play your cards right and next spring, you could be fishing some of these same trout out of the lake in Cacapon State Park.

For more factoids moments about Berkeley Springs, check out the Museum on the second floor of the Roman Bath House in the downtown park open this Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm -- and then next Saturday before it closes for the winter.

Lodging places fit your idea of what Thanksgiving should be -- whatever that idea is. You can choose an intown B&B where pampering is the main idea, or the Country Inn where you're sure Grandma is lurking around every corner. Then there are rustic cabins in the woods where you can snuggle up to a wood stove or fully equipped vacation homes where you can make your own Thanksgiving meal and keep the kids plugged into the screen-based universe. Whatever your taste or century -- we have the right place for you in Berkeley Springs -- a place where Thanksgiving is something we do everyday!