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

Summer in Berkeley Springs is filled with music and it all starts this weekend with the launching of the 23rd season of the Summer Concerts in the Park.

The Carpenter Ants are the music focus on Saturday and Sunday with three chances to see and hear them. A four-piece group that includes a sax, their trademark sound boasts rich, soulful harmonies, stinging solos, and a rock-solid rhythm section as they range from classic R&B, country Swamp and gospel soul with equal conviction. On Saturday afternoon at 5:30pm, the Morgan Arts Council presents them free in Berkeley Springs State Park. Late night revelers can hear them beginning at 9pm at the Troubadour Lounge. On Sunday, the Ants return to the Troubadour at 1pm for a pig roast and more music.

There's other music in town also. After the concert in the park n Saturday evening, you take an easy stroll to the Fairfax Coffee House to hear Garryowen, a band playing traditional Irish tunes and Irish/American folk music beginning at 8pm. In addition to an overflowing menu of flavorful coffees and teas, the Fairfax also serves light fare, beer and wine. The walls are covered with the watercolors of Denny Clark, on display through July and August. You can start your wine tasting earlier at la Luna Wine Bar and Gallery where they host a wine tasting of New Zealand wines from 3 to 5pm on Saturday afternoon just before the concert.

Come earlier in the week to enjoy local music. Earth Dog Cafe has a raucous karaoke/open mic night on Wednesday. You can also enjoy their signature barbecue. Tari's Cafe owns the music scene on Thursday with their regular Jam Night hosted this week by one of Berkeley Springs' most popular guitarists, Jim Fredo. The music starts at 8pm and the menu includes both a prime rib special and a list of special Jam Night appetizers.

It does not take long to feel the magic in the water in Berkeley Springs. This weekend, it's also in the shops -- at least at Portals new age shop where Pittsburgh psychic, Carol Obley does private readings from 1 to 3pm on Sunday, Saturday evening from 7:30-9:30pm, Obley conducts a Psychic Circle reading at the Ice House, sponsored by Portals.

The magic in the waters can be experienced every day either free in open springppools in Berkeley Springs State Park, for a modest fee at the park's outdoor swimming pool, or at one of a half dozen spas and health-related locations around town. One of the most noted of the spas is Atasia which is offering a Recession Relaxation package that offers a bath, massage and facial for only $99.

Family entertainment is found at the Star Theatre which is showing Ben Stiller in the new Smithsonian adventure of "Night at the Museum." Showtime is 8pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. The vintage movie theater also has the best popcorn in four states available both for moviegoers and folks just strolling by.

If you have a few extra days, stay through Monday and celebrate Bastille Day with lunch and dinner specials at the Country Inn.

There are many other benefits to the summer season in Berkeley Springs. Local produce overflows from the Farmers Market both on Thursday afternoon and Sunday from 10am to 2pm in the center of town. There's outdoor adventure especially at Cacapon State Park with its challenging golf course and exciting horseback rides. Mountain hiking, clay shooting and lake swimming are also features that can be enjoyed by those staying at Cacapon or just dropping by for the day.

If you want to see the countryside on a motorcycle take advantage of the 5th Annual Ruff Rider Poker Run to benefit the Morgan County Humane Society on Saturday. Registration begins at 9am at The Troubadour and ends at the Troubadour at 2pm with music and prizes.

Berkeley Springs is well known for so much that you'll need at least a weekend -- and probably several return visits. We encourage you to explore whatever parts attract you most. Discover the impressive range of fine dining (breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner!) and all the spa activities -- more than 55 different treatments can be found -- and then there is the shopping. Whether antiques or art or books or nature items or homeopathic medical remedies made right here in Berkeley Springs, you can find it all in a charming and walkable downtown recently named a national historic district. You can find the history around every corner and down every street or you can start with the Museum of the Berkeley Springs open in the park Fridays through Mondays from 11am to 4pm.

The beginning and the end of your stay in Berkeley Springs is the pillow where you lay your head. You can select pillows in rustic cabins or elegant B&Bs or historic inns or fully-equipped vacation homes. Take advantage of Highlawn Inn's online special. Receive a 15% discount on a two night stay this weekend if you book online only. There are more than 100 choices -- one is surely perfect for you and your companions. Come for the music and stay for the food, fun, and fabulous fingers of our many massage therapists. This is Berkeley Springs and we want you to visit.