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

Even now that summer weather has finally arrived in Berkeley Springs, it is pleasant with daytime temperatures not reaching 90 and nights cooling to the 60s. Due to adequate rainfall all spring, the countryside remains lush and green. In other words -- it is perfect!

The perfect summer getaway in Berkeley Springs this weekend begins and ends, as it has all summer, with music. And Saturday is THE music day where you can start in the early afternoon and go late in the evening. Music lovers can get warmed up by heading out along Highland Ridge to the Troubadour where the popular Weber Brothers are having a CD release party starting at 1pm. Back into town by 5:30pm for the Morgan Arts Council's final summer concert in the park of the season which showcases the Junkyard Saints playing a gumbo of New Orleans sound with a brass and accordion-rich band. The free concert is in Berkeley Springs State Park with a rain location at the Ice House, just down the block. Take a quick dinner break then head across from the park to the Fairfax Coffee House at 8pm for the Lickety Split Bluegrass Band playing traditional bluegrass and gospel. Or, if soulful music is your choice, La Luna Wine Bar and Gallery is hosting Gregorio Lacerda and Josh Stella beginning at 8pm.

La Luna is making this an event-filled weekend. On Friday evening, they are opening the Friends and Respected Artists exhibition with Sangria specials and Sunday features their delectable, chef-prepared brunch from 11 to 3 with free coffee to help wake everyone up from partying late the night before. Other brunch buffets are available at Panorama at the Peak and Angus and Ale.

Local music starts early in the week with music at Earth Dog Cafe. On Wednesday at 8pm it's Mike Clements and songwriters night while Friday at 8pm is the Bad Bitches. Try their super barbecue while your groovin' to the sound. At Tari's Cafe, Thursday is jam night, this week hosted by Mike Wilson. Chef Devin's great food is always part of Jam Night so come early for the prime rib special or just munch on Jam Night appetizers.

For Hollywood entertainment, try the Star Theatre this weekend where from Thursday through Sunday night at 8pm Johnny Depp stars as celebrity gangster John Dillinger in Public Enemies. This movie is rated R so leave the kids home.

Sometimes it is hard to believe that Berkeley Springs is this small mountain town in West Virginia when you look at the bustling historic streets and check out all that's happening. From the African Art show at the Ice House Gallery to the informative Museum of the Berkeley Springs to the long list of fine dining restaurants to the half dozen spa and bodywork locations offering more than 50 choices of treatments -- it's a happening with a level of excitement and fun that most larger places envy. There's also plenty of outdoor fun for this end-of-summer time. Cacapon State Park is outdoor central offering golf, games, hiking and swimming in a sand beach lake. The kids also love the pool open daily for swimming in Berkeley Springs State Park. And then there are two rivers and lots of hiking trails including one through the Paw Paw Tunnel on the western edge of the county.

Let's talk about the really fun walking opportunity presented by the town -- now an OFFICIAL National Historic District. We call it SHOPPING and it was not here when George Washington visited. Don't limit yourself to the main streets, check up and down side streets too for tucked away shops like Vintage Kitchen, Gypsy Shop, C.J. Floral or the Old Factory Antique Mall although it's hard to tuck away something that big. We have other antique malls and shops including Berkeley Springs Antique Mall right across from the park. For alluring and different gifts, try Jules and Portals. You'll find everything from fairies to bellydancing outfits. Lions Lair has home decor items you'll have to have and Himalyan Trade and Tour has authentic items from the top of the world. The Bath House Shop offers beauty items while the RAG Shop has something for everyone and at a price you cannot resist. Nature Niche is one of the most popular shops in town with everything from Audubon plush birds that make authentic calls to many nature-related games and items the kids will love. Recycling Works is all about books and Homeopathy Works all about homeopathic medical remedies made right here in Berkeley Springs. Come on Saturday mornings and get a tour. Sage Moon is an herb shop and lots more -- and they are having a huge sale to prepare for moving in next to Jules. The Vintage Kitchen is making room for fall with a large sidewalk sale and 99 cent grab bags.

Art remains the biggest single item in shops and galleries around town from the two-floors of outstanding American art and crafts at Mountain Laurel to more than 30 local artists at the Ice House Co-op gallery. On the streets in between and around, seek out art treasures in Tari's Cafe and Gallery, Cathy's Art, La Luna Wine Bar and Gallery and the marvelous domain of premier artists Jonathan and Jan Heath at Heath Studio Gallery. Acorn and Oaks is devoted to the art of quilting while Colonial Woodworks does custom made furniture. A little out of town but truly worth a visit is Frog Valley Artisans offering metal work, pottery, glass and more and Pocket Meadow Farm's wool and fiber shop soon to be on the main street in town! Nathan Studio is open weekends. The Glass Coven can be found at Panorama at the Peak and other locations and Hsu Studio's work is featured at the Ice House. Valley Caravan is a house full of Afghan and other rugs south on 522 with proceeds used to benefit women's schools in Afghanistan. The store's treasures can help heal a war torn country.

For healthy food shopping try Community Garden Market everyday and the famed Berkeley Springs Farmers Market set up in the heart of town on Thursday afternoon and Sunday from 10am to 2pm.

Give yourself the ultimate treat before school starts and spend the weekend or a week exploring all parts of Berkeley Springs. Berkeley House wants to help you enjoy your time here by offering a 15% discount on their intown vacation cottage all month long. Check for other specials and packages at various lodging places. You can choose among everything from cabins at Cacapon State Park to elegant B&B rooms to the historic Country Inn to name brand rooms at Berkeley Springs Inn/Best Western to an amazing array of vacation homes, cabins and suites at Berkeley Springs Cottage Rentals. Check out individual properties as well all listed on our lodging page and all ready to welcome you and make your stay a memorable one.