The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Berkeley Springs is snow-free and Mother Nature's winter form -- stark and pure with clean edges and sharp line -- captures the imagination luring the stressed mind into restful contemplation. Take your stroll in the downtown Berkeley Springs State Park and if the time and atmospheric conditions are right, you'll have the perfect photo op of steam rising from the warm springs channel and pools.

There is some man-made activity among the forested ridges and valleys however that revitalized souls can join with gusto.

Splashiest and most exclusive event of the weekend is Highlawn Inn's annual Wine and Dine with the West Virginia winemaster on Saturday evening. Start at 7pm with a six-course gourmet dinner with matched Fisher Ridge wines followed by a brief program, reporting "a year in the Vineyard," by Fisher Ridge owner and winemaster, Dr. Wilson Ward. Very limited seating in Highlawn's Victorian dining room requires reservations.

Local music is another highlife treat. It begins mid-week and continues every night making its headquarters at several locations including Earth Dog Cafe and the Troubadour Lounge. Saturday is the big night for local music. Start at 8pm at the Fairfax Coffee House with the high energy blues/folk rock sound of two outstanding guitarists -- Jim and Jim. That's Salman and Fredo plus some great singing thrown in for good measure. When you are ready for dancing, head out the ridge to the Troubadour where the Flashbacks take you retro. They play until midnight.

While at the Fairfax Coffee House for the music, or anytime during the weekend when you stop by for a hot drink, check out "Cascade of Events," dramatic pastels by Dr. Dave Thomas on exhibit. This is the only art exhibit in town at the moment while the floor in the Ice House Gallery moves to completion.

The other hot nightlife activity this weekend features George Clooney at the Star Theatre. That's right, the sexiest man alive in an award-winning performance on the big screen -- Up In The Air. It's rated R and showtimes are Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm. You can also stop by for the world class popcorn at the Star. The flashing lights draw the eye and illuminate the front row seats of La Luna Wine Bar across the street.

Heads-up on a couple other dining specials. Every Friday is Ladies Nite at the Country Inn's Tavern which also has a great fish and chips platter that night. The Inn also offers an elaborate Sunday brunch from 11am to 3pm. For family-style dining, head south to Cacapon State Park where Sunday through Thursday night dinner specials include order one entree get second one half price.

From antiques and art galleries to books and Oriental rugs, the shops in and out of town want to show you what they have that can be found nowhere else. For Fiesta Ware collectors, stop at the Vintage Kitchen on Saturday and Sunday for 40% off old patterns and colors. The shop now includes the house's original 1916 kitchen.

We like telling you what's new and special for each weekend but that doesn't mean you should forget about the offerings Berkeley Springs has all the time. Fortunately, the website lists everything in easy-to-use format from the full menus of all our local spas and their licensed staff to the edible menus of more than a dozen eateries offering everything from tacos and pizza to local food - organically produced and deliciously prepared including steaks and lamb.

In these quiet days of winter, many visitors simply want to sit in a tastefully appointed inn or cabin, warming by the wood stove and looking out on wildlife feeding in the front woods. There are many options from which to choose including in town Victorian B&Bs and an historic inn to mountaintop log homes or retreats tucked into a wooded vale. Check all the many places and find exactly what suits you best from a cabin that welcomes pets to a vacation home with an in-room whirlpool tub. Berkeley Springs is here for your pleasure with an ever-changing array of treats suitable for every season. Come now! The famous warm water of Berkeley Springs is closer than anywhere.