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

All the trappings of summer make Berkeley Springs a choice getaway, especially if sitting back to rest and relax is your idea of fun. And there is one gift from Mother Nature -- with some human help -- that peaks this weekend so do not miss it. Exline's Iris Garden is in full bloom and the more than 1000 varieties are a spectacular technicolor sight.

Just follow the Iris signs either at the Hancock Bridge or on SR9 east and you'll find your way.

Another timely event this weekend is the opening of "Peter Pan," a multi-generational production complete with a half dozen house fairies, four Tinker Bells and two Michaels. Pretend you're on Broadway and be there Friday at 7:30pm for the first show. It's at Berkeley Springs High School Auditorium so there's plenty of room to fly. There are also shows on Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3pm.

Otherwise, it's the usual round of spas, dining, shopping, playing outside and other unique Berkeley Springs adventures to keep you busy -- or not. One of those adventures is the vintage Star Theatre where on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at 8pm, Zac Efron starts in "17 Again" and the best popcorn in four states pours from the machine. There's local music fun at Earth Dog Cafe on Wednesday night and Tari's Cafe on Thursday where Cindy Born hosts the regular jam night. Each music venue has great food to offer -- barbecue at Earth Dog and Thursday prime rib at Tari's. For more live music, head out to the Troubadour on Saturday for country dancing to the popular sound of the Country Majestics.

Let's highlight outdoor fun opportunities since it's summer. Cacapon State Park is outdoor central. You can play golf on an outstanding 18-hole public golf course there -- and stay for lunch, the food is reputed to be excellent at the pro shop. The lake with its sand beach is open for swimming and paddle boating, there are multiple game courts, and all the hiking trails you could want. You can drive to the overlook on the east side of the mountain in the park and from there spend the afternoon on a flat, easy 12-mile road along the top of Cacapon Mountain. For the full experience, stay in one of the park's cabins tucked throughout the woods then you can hike down to the restaurant as well as the lake.

A more challenging hiking trail is Tuscarora. You can access the trail at Spruce Pine Hollow Park on SR9 east oft own. Don't let an initial mile or so through a subdivision dissuade you -- it becomes a long, steep climb up Sleepy Creek Mountain and eventually leads to the 200 acre lake. An easier trail is along the C&O Canal towpath. If you want to walk the Paw Paw Tunnel, you get a spectacular drive west in the bargain -- it's probably too far to walk but a solid bike ride.

Speaking of bikes -- motorized ones as in motorcycles -- Morgan County is an ideal ride. In fact, we've mapped out seven great rides with fun stops in town including eating at Tari's Cafe and ice cream at Creekside Creamery.

Let's see, what else is on the outdoor list. Berkeley Springs State Park in the heart of town has both a traditional swimming pool that's now open daily as well as the always open springpools and run-off channels from the famous warm mineral springs, perfect for splashing by tykes and oldsters. While you are there, visit the Museum of the Berkeley Springs over the Roman Baths in the park and learn all about the famous waters; it's open Saturday and Sunday. There's al fresco dining opportunities that are appealing including the porch at the elegant Lot 12, sidewalk style cafe dining at Tari's and a deck overlooking the creek at Creekside Creamery. Outdoor shopping is at its fresh best on Sunday morning at the Berkeley Springs Farmers Market from 10am to 2pm. There's prepared food as well as produce.

Admittedly, some of you want to gaze admiringly at the outdoors preferably from a comfortable whirlpool tub -- try the Five Senses Spa at the Country Inn, or a fine dining restaurant -- try Panorama at the Peak, or as you shop from treasures -- try all downtown Berkeley Springs. There are trees and flowers as well as great shops along the historic streets. Visit the Quilt Show at the Ice House Gallery and you'll see examples of outdoors stitched into the quilts. If the view you really want is of flashing lights, try La Luna Wine Bar on Friday or Saturday night when you can look out at the neon of the Star Theatre.

The best way to enjoy the outdoors -- and the indoors -- in Berkeley Springs is through the place you stay. We have something for everyone. There are cabins and vacation homes with outdoor decks -- some even have hot tubs ON the deck -- and nothing to see but trees and mountains. There are historic inn rooms filled with antiques ad complete with elaborate breakfasts. There are places to be alone, to bring a gang, to bring your pets. We want you to stay and enjoy all the pleasures of Berkeley Springs -- inside and out.