The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Berkeley Springs is father friendly for Father's Day with lots of things guys like: golf, hiking, shooting, eating, sleeping -- you get the idea. They might enjoy shopping for books and wine and learning about George Washington, father of our country and first tourist in Berkeley Springs (sort of.) We even have spas for those fathers who want a facial.

Let's start with a bit of nightlife -- mostly music. Thursday is Jam Night at Tari's Cafe, hosted this week by Mike Clement. Part of the fun is the special menu: prime rib and tasty appetizers. On Friday, Dads will love heading out to the Troubadour for Steak Night, karaoke and a look at the WV Country Music Hall of Fame. In town on Friday, Chelsea McBee and Alisha Hanlin play acoustic bluegrass at the Fairfax Coffee House starting at 8pm. On Saturday, the Fairfax hosts The Shifters with their blend of originals, swing and blues and rock 'n folk. Meanwhile, the Troubadour has a live band playing for country dancing out there on Saturday starting at 9pm. There's music of some sort or another all weekend long at Earth Dog Cafe plus barbecue.

If Hollywood entertainment is your treat, come to the Star Theatre Friday, Saturday or Sunday at 8pm for the Russell Crowe in the new, manly version of ROBIN HOOD. Plus, there is great popcorn to be had.

Lots of Dads are pursuing cooking these days so you might want to sign him up for a three- hour hands on Italian cooking lessons followed by a 5 course sit down served dinner with appropriate matching wines at Villa Firenze. If you don't want to cook your own, try Italian food at Maria's Garden, a family-friendly place. Sunday brunch is always a favorite Dad meal and we have them at the Country Inn and Panorama at the Peak. Breakfast is available at several places around town -- check the dining page. For more manly eating, try steaks just about everywhere in town including the much-praised Lot 12, ribs at Tari's, Earth Dog, Angus and Ale and Mountainside. Ambrae House has an alluring outdoor deck, exceptional appetizers and a bartender who "really knows his wines," for a satisfying happy hour or two while the Wilkes Street Wine Shop has wine tastings on Saturday afternoon.

George Washington, the ultimate father (he only had a country -- no kids)can be enjoyed through a visit to the Museum of the Berkeley Springs and then his footsteps followed around the county on the Washington Heritage Trail National Scenic Byway. Speaking of driving -- or really riding -- we invite all the motorcycle dads to hop on their machines and follow the great rides in the area. We have maps available to print out. One of our favorite rides, takes you into Sleepy Creek Hunting and Fishing Grounds and "over the mountain." There's also primitive camping there.

Cacapon State Park is Dad Central with the centerpiece attraction being the 18-hole championship golf course. It is complimented by other outdoor fun from miles of mountain hiking trails and horseback riding to lake swimming, fishing and a shooting range. The cabins and lodge are also great places to stay. Another fun hiking experience is a trip through the Paw Paw Tunnel on an excellent trail of a little more than a mile.

Shopping with Dad an be tricky but plenty will like Berkeley Springs Books (Fathers Day is the biggest book buying holiday), the Himalyan Trading Company, a couple antique malls, Nature Niche, Community Garden Market and the ultimate -- the more than century-old Hunters Hardware. And then there are the spas. Massages work well with men. Atasia has an excellent steam and the Bath House Day Spa has couples massage. Check out the spa page for more including not one...but two acupuncturists.

The final piece of the trip is also the most crucial -- where to stay. The Country Inn is conveniently located in town and has some excellent summer packages. There is a huge selection of fully equipped vacation homes and cabins in the country including Mountain Morning and Berkeley Springs Cottage Rentals. Look through them all for what you want from river fishing to star viewing from a mountaintop.

SOMETHING SPECIAL: On Saturday, the local garden club is having a fundraising social at the former Woodmont Sportsmen Club with two servings: 1pm and 4pm. Woodmont played a major role in Berkeley Springs' history (in spite of it being just over the Potomac in Maryland) as well as the nation's. Five presidents have hunted there and now it is open to the public ONLY TWO DAYS A YEAR. One of those days is Saturday and there are still a few tickets available. History, excellent food and outstanding auction prizes -- get lucky and call us now.