The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Berkeley Springs has four seasons and many sub seasons where the terrain and scenery look just slightly different.  Now is the late fall sub season when driving and walking displays the raw form of the earth as well as the bare bones of trees.  Some leaves hang on bringing streaks and swatches of color to brighten up the scene.  And the best way to see it?  Follow the Washington Heritage Trail National Scenic Byway on your motorcycle, car or bicycle.  Most compelling is the stretch along WV9 west from Panorama Overlook where Washington often contemplated the Potomac River as a way to open the Ohio Territory, to the old railroad town of Paw Paw near some prize waterfront land he owned.

On Friday from 5 to 9pm, it is an Artwalk showcasing original local art as gifts for the holidays.  From 5 to 7:30pm, the fun is at Mountain Laurel Gallery in the Square where two floors are filled with everything from glass and jewelry to clothing and metalwork.  After you've sipped some wine and nibbled some cheese and fruit, stroll down the main street to the Ice House Gallery where at 7:30pm, there is an opening for Out of the Box, a special exhibit featuring a variety of containers in a variety of media from more than half dozen regional artists.  Even though the art is alluring enough to BE the gift, there are plenty of fabulous pieces to go in the containers.  The Ice House Gallery is open Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

For more entertainment on Friday night, check out the vintage Star Theatre with irresistible popcorn and Gerard Butler in "Law Abiding Citizen." Leave the kids home; this movie is rated R.  Showtimes at the Star are Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm.   Before the movie check ou the wine and food specials at La Luna Gallery and Wine Bar during their Friday night happy hour from 5-7PM. 

For a truly original experience on Friday, check out a public star party at the Morgan County Observatory on Winchester Grade Rd.  Beginning at 7:30pm, the public may stargaze using the major Cassegrain fixed place telescope or any of a dozen smaller telescope that Foundation members bring along.  Jupiter is the star of the show.

Saturday night at 8pm, The Scones perform Appalachian and Celtic music at the Fairfax Coffee House which serves wine and beer along with caffeine drinks during the day.  The Scones feature Sam Morgan and Mark Walbridge, founding members of Hickory Wind.  While you are there, notice the nature photographs of local photographer Jim Hoyt on display through the end of the month.  For dance action on Saturday night, head out to the Troubadour Lounge where the live band Dixie Moon plays for the annual Deer Hunters Dance starting at 9pm.   Guitarist Jim Fredo starts the local music week off on Thursday at 8pm when he hosts the regular jam session at Tari's Cafe.  Earth Dog Cafe also features live music almost every night from Wednesday through Saturday.  Drive by and see who's playing.  

There are three favorite activities in Berkeley Springs -- OK, maybe four.  Oh yes, we can think of five.  First and foremost is "taking the waters" which has been going on since the 1740s although it's a lot more dressed up now with more than 50 different types of massage, rubs, scrubs, facials, pedicures, steams and baths.  Check our spa page for all the info you need.  And if you want to reminisce about the good old days of bathing in Berkeley Springs, check out the Museum of the Berkeley Springs on the second floor of the Roman Bath House in the park and open Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

Now you are clean and relaxed so it's time to eat.  There are more than a dozen excellent eateries catering to every taste from family-friendly dining at Cacapon State Park and Mi Ranchito to gourmet dishes featuring local ingredients at Lot 12 and Panorama at the Peak.  There are restaurants for breakfast and some for lunch and more for dinner.  For special treats check out the sushi at Rose Cafe and Thai-infused dishes at Ambrae House.  And there are several locations for wine sipping.  Check our dining page for all the eateries.

The holidays are coming so the shops of Berkeley Springs are a perfect place to search out treasures and unusual finds all at reasonable prices.  

Now about four and five. Four is golf at Cacapon State Parks 18-hole course -- or maybe their clay shooting course.  After all, hunting season is starting and Sleepy Creek Hunting and Fishing Area is ready for action.

Five is where you stay which can be as much an attraction as all the other activities.  Look over the lodging pages.  Most places have photos so you can see whether you get a spectacular mountain view or an elegant bathroom with your own whirlpool tub or lots in between.  Come visit and find out how welcoming and relaxing a weekend in Berkeley Springs, center of the universe, can be.