The following information was disseminated by the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Colorful spring flowers and blooming trees take a backseat to the quilts that make it easy to believe -- May is quilt month in Berkeley Springs.

There are 46 yard-square quilts hanging in businesses and shop windows all over town. They are part of a month-long silent auction that has its stirring conclusion Memorial Day weekend. Follow the maps, mark the ones you want and bid often online. Quilt month leaps into high gear Friday evening when the annual Delectable Mountains Quilt Show and sale opens at the Ice House. There is a meet-the-quilters, white glove reception at 7:30pm. More than 30 full-size quilts, more smaller ones and other quilted and fabric items including fabric rope baskets are showcased like the fine art they are. Earlier, an Artwalk starts at 5pm with receptions at Mountain Laurel Gallery on the corner of the main square, and Acorns and Oaks Quilts and More just north on main street.

The Quilt Show may also be seen Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Another exhibit is in residence at the Ice House -- the Smithsonian Institution's "New Harmonies" exhibit showcasing the images and sounds of American roots music. It can be seen Wednesday through Sunday 11am to 5pm through May 22.

Sunday brings outdoor shopping with the Farmers Market dominating the square from 10am to 2pm with more than a dozen vendors selling everything from spring plants and herbs to lettuce and other spring greens. There are locally produced organic meats and excellent baked goods. Across the square in Berkeley Springs State Park, local artists and crafters set out their booths for the monthly Art in the Park. Getting a jump on the outdoor fun, Shenandoah Women's Center sets up a benefit Plant Sale on Saturday from 10am to 4pm in front of Tari's Cafe.

Entertainment begins on Wednesday night, 7-11pm, when Michael Finley plays his masterful guitar for jazz and blues at Earth Dog Cafe, a favorite barbecue joint and now bar. On Thursday, the local music action moves to Tari's Cafe for the long running Jam Nite, starting at 8pm and this week hosted by Cindy Born. As an added attraction, it's Chef Devin's prime rib special night. On Saturday, there's a free community dance at Rankin's from 7 to 9pm. Sunday is a change-of-pace in local music with Concerts on the Hill presenting a free concert of chamber music for strings, winds, brass and keyboards at 3pm at the Presbyterian Church, on the hill overlooking the town and facing Berkeley Castle.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm, see Nicholas Cage in "Knowing" at the Star Theatre. Besides an entertaining film and the charm of a vintage movie theater, come for the popcorn -- best in four states.

Let's talk a little bit more about food and offer some hints about a few of our many fine dining experiences. The Country Inn has an excellent new spring dinner menu featuring "Ramps and Lamb." Noted chef Damien Heath at Lot 12 has also created a tasty spring menu in which locally gathered morels figure prominently. In addition to dinner Wednesday through Sunday, you can also taste Lot 12's great food at the Farmers Market ready to take home. Panorama at the Peak has worked diligently to load their menu with regionally grown meats. Their turkey croquettes are among the tastiest food treats in town. Tari's Cafe always has great specials at lunch and dinner daily while Corner Steak and Sea boasts affordable steaks and sweet potato fries. Try Maria's Garden for Italian food the whole family will enjoy -- or the Venice for more Italian. Mi Ranchito is for Mexican food lovers while Oasis Cafe offers world class vegetarian and vegan dishes for lunch all weekend. If you are planning a picnic, try Tony's Butcher Block for amazing sandwiches on real French bread or meats you can take home to cook.

With spring so firmly in the air and redbud lining all the back roads, this is the time to be outdoors and wandering. Try the downtown streets of Berkeley Springs, recently named an Historic District, pretending you are interested in the exercise as you stroll from shop to shop and spa to spa. Dabble your toes in the springpools and channels in Berkeley Springs State Park then visit the Museum over the Roman Bath House to learn the geology and history connected with these famous waters. You can also undertake REAL hikes -- on the many mountain trails in Cacapon State Park, where there is also an 18-hole championship golf course; along the C&O Canal towpath heading west to the Paw Paw Tunnel, largest man-made structure on the canal; or along the Tuscarora Trail which wends its way along the Sleepy Creek Mountain and Lake to the east. If driving is more to your liking -- take your car or motorcycle and follow the Washington Heritage Trail National Scenic Byway through the county or download any of our seven mapped motorcycle rides through the region.

We want this to be a relaxing and refreshing getaway and that means staying the night. Check on lodging specials from Highlawn Inn, the Country Inn, Bathkkeepers Cottage and more often offering a free additional night. There are places to stay for every taste and pocketbook, some welcoming children and some pets. There are cabins and fully equipped vacation homes in the woods; elegant B&Bs and historic inn in town; a state park resort and inn along Sleepy Creek -- something will be perfect for you. Check our lodging place and make your choice now to stay in Berkeley Springs surrounded by beautiful quilts, soft spring breezes and friendly faces.