The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Magic headlines in Berkeley Springs this weekend with the 11th annual Festival of Light Psychic Fair and Alternative Healing Expo at the Ice House. One of the largest events of its kind in the region, the Festival of Light features more than 40 readers, bodyworkers and vendors offering wares that range from tarot card readings to Reiki energy work to crystals and jewelry. A single price weekend pass also provides admission to six major lectures, 10 mini-lectures and a half dozen movement mini-classes where you can learn everything from self hypnosis techniques and Tai'Chi moves to what the stars have in store for 2010. Hours are Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

As a bonus to your magical weekend, visit the Ice House Gallery and experience the special art exhibit: Magical, Mystical, Fantasy Creations. The gallery is open 11am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

No matter what you choose to do in Berkeley Springs this weekend, it promises to be magical especially when art is involved. On Thursday at 8pm, Cindy Born hosts the regular Jam Nite at Tari's Cafe. Friday from 5 to 8pm is an opening reception at Fairfax Coffee House for the photography exhibit "National Parks and Other Great Places" by Jim Hoyt. On Saturday, it's back to the coffee house to hear The Rolling Coyotes perform beginning at 8pm.

"Couples Retreat" is the comedy film showing at the Star Theatre this weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at 8pm. Reports are that no couples argue at the excellence of the Star's world famous popcorn so stop by and try it yourself.

Since the Festival of Light is offering introductions to various spa services, let's talk about the full treatments available in a half dozen locations around this spa town daily, year 'round. The grandaddy of all the spaworks is at Berkeley Springs State Park where the warm springs can be found wild and free and available for toe dabbling. Although the main bathhouse is being upgraded, massages are still available in portable buildings in the park and the noted historic Roman Baths remain open daily. Dating back to the early 10th century, the baths are available in nine private bathing chambers with tubs filled with 750 gallons of 102 degree heated springwater. Bring a partner or friend if you like.

A slight digression to remind visitors that Berkeley Springs, spa town dates back to 1750 when a teenage George Washington brought his older brother here to try and find a cure in the water -- visit the Museum of the Berkeley Springs upstairs over the Roman Baths. You can learn all about the geology of the water, see antique bathing suits and steam cabinets, view photos of a long line of former park bathhouses and meet "Green George." The Museum is open on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

If the state park is the hometown diner of spa treatment, then Atasia is the gourmet shop with a menu that includes the largest array of scrubs, rubs, wraps, and massage types along with an alluring herbal steam room, whirlpool tubs and facials and pedicures. You can try such wonders as raindrop therapy, aroma-stome and Lomi Lomi massage. They also offer a recession-friendly package for under $100. The Bath House Day Spa also has wraps and scrubs along with a much-praised couples massage. Stop into their shop after your treatment to select from shelves full of organic products. For the best deal, stay in their suites upstairs and get a spa package too.

The Country Inn's Five Senses Spa is queen of spectacular views while bathing as well as complete spa packages that come with rooms at the historic inn and dining opportunities there. Insiders rave about the facials as well as massages available. There are whirlpool tubs that take full advantage of the birds-eye view of park and town. Awakening Health Center has gathered a cluster of individual practitioners under one colorful Victorian roof just north of the park. These specialists offer reflexology and energy work as well as traditional Chinese acupuncture and massage. Downstairs from their office suites is an herb shop and the tasty Rose Cafe with the only sushi in town. Healing Vessel is next door to Awakenings upstairs from the Himalayan Trading Company and features massage as well as Kabbalistic and Brennan healing systems. Down the block, find the popular massage therapist Michael Pushkin whose integrated massage techniques have put many despairing clients back on their feet and walking again. Another popular individual bodyworker is Tamme Marggraf who works in a treatment space over Homeopathy Works using acupuncture to treat everything from respiratory ailments to chronic pain. If going to a spa is not on your list of things to do, call Have Table Will Travel for massage treatment in your lodging place. Not only does therapist Redston offer integrated techniques for a variety of ailments, but she is certified for pre and post partum massage for mothers-to-be and new mothers.

Rankin Physical Therapy fills a state-of-the-art facility south of town that includes a machine room, indoor basketball court and therapy pool -- they encourage walk-ins from visitors in town for the weekend or overnight.

While George Washington came to "take the waters," neither he nor his cronies who together founded the spa town officially named Bath although known to the world then as now as Berkeley Springs could have ever imagined what the country's first spa would have to offer today. Enjoy 21st century spa pleasures in a town that has been practicing for more than 250 years!

Since most of these treatments leave you a relaxed puddle of soothed flesh and bones, we urge you to plan to stay. In fact, we see it in your future. Come to Berkeley Springs, choose from among more than 100 room options including many with spa packages or in-room whirlpool tubs, and get ready to face 2010 and beyond.