The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

It is the end of July in Berkeley Springs which means it is County Fair weekend.

The Morgan County Fair is not full of rides or sideshows.  It is a celebration of local life and has everything from a health fair and local exhibits to music and fireworks.  The site is Berkeley Springs High School just south of town.  It starts in Berkeley Springs State Park on Friday evening with an ice cream social and community swim.  The focus on local youth includes music from the bandstand.   On Saturday, at the high school, there is music all day as well as exhibits and the finale of fireworks at dark.  Sunday is more of the same: exhibits, music and games.  

One of the bonus activities connected with the Fair surrounds author and "Good Morning America's" nutrition expert, Evelyn Tribole. She'll be chatting and reading at the Morgan County Library Friday from 3-5 then moves to the Country Inn for a meet-the-author reception from 5:30 to 6:30pm then stay for a dinner with the author from 6:30 to 8pm. Reservations should be made for the dinner.
 
Since this is Berkeley Springs and we like having something for everyone, there is more to chat about than just the Fair.  There's Deblois Milledge, a noted West Coast singer/songwriter who can be heard on Friday, 8pm at the Fairfax Coffee House where she performs as Beauty and Beat with her drummer Danny Campbell.  Saturday, Deblois adds two more master musicians to her band to play in Berkeley Springs State Park for the Morgan Arts Council's free summer concert.  It starts at 5:30pm and moves in to the Ice House should it rain.  With her angelic voice and earthy lyrics, Deblois leads the band through incredible music that is not bluegrass, not folk, not jazz -- just good.  Very good.  You can warm-up hearing Deblois by tuning into The Doc on 929 WDHC in Berkeley Springs at 4pm.  After the concert, head down the block to the concert sponsor, Ambrae House, for outdoor dining and live music.  Before the concert, stop by Jules, Enchanting Gifts and Collectibles to "beat the heat with some wine and a treat" from 3 to 6pm.  

The music actually starts on Thursday, 8pm at Tari's Cafe where Jayme Salviata hosts Jam Nite and Chef Devin whips up tasty specials and appetizers.   Saturday nights there is more live music at the Fairfax Coffee House at 8pm with Steve Morris and Fergus Kennedy playing traditional and contemporary Irish music and more.
 
For family-friendly nightlife, try the Star Theater, a vintage movie house this week showing the new Karate Kid with showtimes Thursday through Sunday at 8pm.  Along with modest ticket prices, the Star is famous for its popcorn.  

Sunday is the monthly Art in the Park at the Berkeley Springs State Park from 10am to 4pm.

A county fair conjures visions of local fruits and vegetables.  They are in exhibits at the Fair but even better, they are abundantly present for sale at the Sunday Farmers Market in the center of town from 10am to 2pm.  Fresh, local food is also the centerpiece for several restaurant menus in town including Panorama at the Peak where peaches, including fresh made peach ice cream is the star this weekend.  Lot 12 has a delectable seasonal menu AND a gourmet food booth at the Farmers Market.  At Lot 12 you can choose porch dining to match with two new wines and the grilled veal porterhouse and shitake risotto. For another unique dining experience try the silver service dinner at Highlawn Inn this Saturday night. Reservations are a must.
  
Mostly what we think about with a Country Fair is outdoor fun.  So, let's talk what's happening outside this weekend.  There is lake swimming at Cacapon State Park as well as golf, clay shooting, hiking and horseback riding.  Cold Run Valley driving range and mini-golf is open all weekend.  Sporting clays and trap are available at Sleepy Creek Sports just 15 minutes from town. Everyone can enjoy the mineral waters in Berkeley Springs State Park whether swimming in the outdoor pool or wading in the open channel and pools of overflow from the springs.  There is lots of hiking in others areas including the Tuscarora Trail that takes you to Sleepy Creek Lake (you can also drive in for fishing or electric-motor-only boating.) We love having motorcyclists come visit and offer seven mapped rides throughout the region ready to be printed out from the website.  Check out the welcome motorcyclist flag at Panorama for dining.  Several other local eateries enjoy their biker friends including Tari's Cafe and Creekside Creamery. 

Whether you stay a night or three or a week -- Berkeley Springs has the place for you.  Intown historic elegance in B&Bs or the Inn; countryside cabins and vacation homes; places along the river or in the mountains -- check out the listings and decide.  Pets or no pets; hot tub or no hot tub -- it's all up to you.   More than 100 choices.

There is no choice when it comes to having fun and meeting friendly folk -- that is part of visiting Berkeley Springs, halfway to everywhere.