The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Cheap thrills abound in Berkeley Springs -- some are every day, others are happening this weekend only.

The best cheap thrills are free and this weekend that means the grand opening of a new neighborhood park. So bring the kids from 10am to noon on Saturday to North Berkeley Community Park near the Old Factory Antique Mall for the ribbon cutting, games and admiring of the walking trail, horseshoe pit, fitness stations and more. Notice the pre-school age playground equipment fancifully painted by local artists.

For more free art fun, visit the Ice House Gallery and enjoy "Putting on the Dog," an enchanting collection of dog-themed art. It's open Friday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm. You can also enjoy a free wine tasting on the porch at Wilkes St. Wine Shop on Saturday from 1 to 5pm.

With the end of the summer concerts in the park, free live music now moves to the radio. Country singer Tommy Wood is performing live on "Beyond Country" and you can tune in at 4pm on Saturday on WDHC, 929 on your FM dial. There is music later at the Fairfax Coffee House where Garryowen performs on Saturday at 8pm. Garryowen is an Irish duo (at least half the duo is from County Limerick) performing everything from sea shanties and Irish tunes to American folk.

There is no such thing as a free lunch but Panorama at the Peak invites you to celebrate their 5th anniversary on Friday. Chef Scott has prepared a special menu of small but memorable taste treats. Local ingredients are used in the tapas which include troutcakes, baby lamb chops and turkey croquettes. Other dining treats range from Friday fresh fish frenzy at Temptations Cafe to half price drinks for ladies at the Country Inn's tavern on Friday. You can get Sunday brunch at several locations, ice cream at Creekside Creamery, tasty specials at Tari's Cafe and fabulous food at Lot 12 either in their elegant restaurant with porch dining or on the street at Sunday's Farmers Market. Speaking of cheap thrills -- wandering the Farmers Market is always fun even if you leave with just a bag of tomatoes or peaches or squash.

Another cheap thrill is the Star Theatre where there is certifiable world class popcorn plus Adam Sandler in "Grown-Ups" on Thursday through Sunday at 8pm plus unheard of ticket prices (only $3.75 for adults.)

Berkeley Springs has been a healing destination for centuries -- even before colonial settlers came to bathe. You can wade free in the spring water as it flows into open pools. You can take water home free from the town pump. You can learn about the water free in the Museum above the Roman Baths. You can also sample more than 50 different bodywork treatments in a half dozen locations around town -- NOT free but worth the price paid. For some free pain relief, go to the Country Inn on Saturday at 10am and join Ralph Salvagno, MD, for a lively and informative discussion about the causes and treatment options for hip and knee pain.

If you are planning ahead to September 1 and 2 -- think Quail Hollow Hunts which conducts popular dove hunts on demand during the September season.

Fortunately, much of the history and beauty of Berkeley Springs is free. Drive more than 70 miles around the county on the Washington Heritage Trail National Scenic Byway following George Washington's footsteps around his favorite getaway location seeing everything from a world class panoramic view to a fish hatchery. Not to be missed is George Washington's Bathtub where free wireless lets you inform the planet of your visit to the world's only outdoor monument to presidential bathing. Stroll around the town Historic District -- a free map and guide can be gotten free from the visitors center -- soaking up colonial and Victorian era stories. Keep one foot in the present by stopping in the shops along the way. Head all the way to the western edge of the county and walk the Paw Paw Tunnel, largest manmade structure on the C&O Canal. The trip from Berkeley Springs to Paw Paw is an impressive motorcycle ride.

Mother Nature is often the cheapest thrill of all and nowhere is that more true than at Cacapon State Park with hiking trails, game courts and naturalist programs. For a modest fee you can also play 18 holes of golf, ride horses, shoot clay pigeons and swim in a lake with a sand beach.

You'll need a place to stay and gaze at the free clouds, sky, animals -- and general view. We have something for every taste and pocket book. There are places that welcome animals and places with hot tubs on the deck. You can choose an intown B&B and be spoiled, pampered and fed. The Country Inn has rooms with spa and meal packages or you can stay in the lodge or cabins at Cacapon State Park. Name branders can stay at the Best Western.

Not only do we have cheap thrills, but Berkeley Springs is also easy. Folks want to please. It's easy to get to from everywhere and only 90 minutes from Washington and Baltimore. Get your cheap thrills while they last! Come now.