The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Beat the heat in Berkeley Springs this weekend the old fashioned way. The end of July began the high season at the springs in the 18th and 19th centuries as folks came to escape lowland heat. And, surprise, it wasn't the air temperature that drew them. It was the water. When the springs flow constantly at 74 degrees that means their pools in the park don't heat up to the air temp of 90 plus! So... like George Washington and a host of other over the centuries have done -- come to cool off in the warm mineral springs.

Now that our mystery has captured your attention, let's talk about the cool hours of the night and what's happening to keep you up late. As always, it's mostly about music. Although they don't usually tell in advance, there's always music happening at Earth Dog Cafe from Wednesday night on. Be surprised. Just show up. The low cost but tasty barbecue is worth it.

Tari's Cafe has claimed Thursday as Jam Night for more than 20 years and this week it's Tricky Business in charge -- Dan Stiles and Jim Fredo. There's excellent food, specials for Jam nighters, and the friendliest bartenders in town. Fairfax Coffee House goes old time with local talent this weekend. On Friday at 8pm, it's the family-based Lickety Split Banjo Boys playing hard driving bluegrass, gospel and old time mountain music followed by the claw-hammer skill of Chelsea McBee on Saturday. There's karaoke and a DJ for dancing both nights at the Troubadour. There may not be music at the Country Inn tavern on Fridays but it is Ladies Night with half price drinks for ladies from 5pm to midnight. And for all you night owls, be aware that the Country Inn tavern is the only place in town reliably open until midnight every weekend.

Saturday's concert in the park is another family band -- The Dill Pickers -- playing Americana liberally laced with outstanding harmonies from mom, dad and the son. Starts at 5:30pm and it's one more gift from the Morgan Arts Council to all who pass through this noted art town. In case it rains, head to the Ice House for the concert. Speaking of the Ice House -- the current special gallery show is a big winner featuring dog art. That's not dogs doing art but artists doing dogs. Make special note of curator Lynn Lavin's fabulous dog totem pole that greets you at the gallery entrance. Hours are 11am to 5pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If you're hot on the art trail, make sure you stop by Mountain Laurel Gallery on the square -- and Tari's Cafe, or Pocket Meadow Farm, or Heath Studio Gallery.

If you're looking for more action -- try the Star Theatre. This weekend from Thursday through Sunday at 8pm, the movie is the "A-Team" and the popcorn is the best in four states.

While you're getting ready to come down to the park on Saturday for the concert, tune in to our local radio station 929 WDHC to hear Kimmon Waldruff, guitar and vocalist from Winchester on "Beyond Country." We're not letting you escape without a dose of music -- or of wine. If you need to prepare for the concert in the park, stop by the Wilkes Street Wine Shop for their regular Saturday afternoon wine tasting from 1 to 4pm.

Fresh food and it's valuable contribution to health is important to us in Berkeley Springs and Friday is the day and evening to learn more about it. You'll probably want to go out some during the day so let's share some fun tips. The Farmers Market on Sunday from 10am to 2pm is a way to take home a tasty portion of Berkeley Springs from eight-ball squash to peaches. Fortunately for eating the rest of the weekend, several of our local restaurants go all out to use local foods. Lot 12 has their summer menu to go with porch dining AND they have a stall at the Farmers Market where you can get their fabulous every-changing soups and hand-held eats like jerked chicken or Spanish sausage sandwiches (it's different every Sunday so don't be anticipating some specific taste.)

Our friends at Panorama at the Peak create new dishes every week to match what's in the local market and this weekend they suggest everybody go vegetarian with items including leek and lovage ravioli and eight-ball squash (you taste what they do with it then go buy it from Glascock at the Farmers Market. We can recommend taste treats at all our restaurants from the spectacular fresh fish at Temptations, to Sunday brunch at the Country Inn to shrimp appetizers at Ambrae House to margaritas at Mi Ranchito to ribs at Angus and Ale and Tari's to.....well you get the idea. We need to warn you that reservations guarantee you will not be turned away on Saturday nights especially.

There's plenty to do outside from golf and lake swimming with a sand beach at Cacapon State Park to strolling through the historic town shopping to taking your motorcycle on a spin using our handy-dandy ride maps -- seven of them taking you on great roads and places throughout the region. And, of course, the reason for it all -- "taking the waters" at our various spas throughout town.

We always save the best until last -- where to stay when you come. You simply must review all the lodging places on our special pages to pick the absolutely right one for you. Want an outdoor hot tub in the woods? We have it. Want an elegant whirlpool tub in your room? Have it. Want to bring your pets? No problem. Want to bring all he cousins and kids and be together with a big screen TV and lots of space to roam? Have it! How about a rustic cabin, or an historic inn in the heart of town or.....you get the idea. There's is a place for every taste and they are ALL reasonably priced.

George Washington was known for giving good advice and he always sent his friends to Berkeley Springs in the summer.