Berkeley Springs is an art town. Berkeley Springs is a spa town. Berkeley Springs is a place where the outdoors is friendly and welcoming. Berkeley Springs is a place to eat well, shop for treasures and have fun with a friend or the family.

Let's start with the art. On Saturday at 5:30pm, a trio of Ozark musicians and songwriters bring their roots music sound to Berkeley Springs State Park. 3 Penny Acre invited their east coast friend David Glasser to join them adding another guitar and a voice for amazing four-part harmony. No need to dress up or leave the kids at home -- frolic in the spring channel and dance on the grass. It's a great time!

Another family adventure -- for kids of all ages -- is at the Star Theatre all weekend with the showing of Disney's "Cars 2." Showtimes are 8pm on Thursday through Sunday as well as a special 2pm Sunday matinee. Even if you do not attend the movie, you can stop by for the world class popcorn.

From 2-5pm on Saturday, come to Frog Valley Artisans for a hands-on art workshop from 2-5pm where you can make bees and bugs. Bring the kids -- the parts are all pre-cut. You can also shop for art while you're there. More art shopping at various locations including the Ice House Co-op Gallery, Mountain Laurel, Tari's Cafe, Heath Studio Gallery and on Sunday from 10-4, Art in the Park.

A special treat on Saturday for those looking to know their future can be found at the Star Theatre where Jeanne Mozier and Joyce Morningstar do individual mini-readings from noon to 4pm. Joyce does life readings with Medicine Woman tarot, animal and other cards; Jeanne is a full service oracle using astrology, tarot and runes.

Some treats in Berkeley Springs happen every week from live music at Ambrae House outdoor deck on Friday and Saturday nights to the Saturday afternoon tastings at the Wilkes Street Wine Shop. Another regular wonder is the Berkeley Springs Farmers Market on Sunday from 10am to 2pm on Fairfax Street in front of the courthouse. Local produce including peaches (mmmm) is abundant among more than a dozen different vendors. A smaller market on Thursday afternoon along the edge of the park let's you stock up for the weekend.

Fine dining is a reliable and tasty attraction available daily in a place well know for it's food since George Washington first gave it rave reviews in the 1760s. Several of the best places to eat are highlighting local produce including Lot 12 and Panorama at the Peak. Family friendly places range from Mexican food at Mi Ranchito to Italian at Maria's Garden to country food at Cacapon State Park and Mountainside. Earth Dog Cafe has breakfast all day and music all weekend. The Troubadour Lounge is another music hot spot that boasts a popular Friday Steak Nite. Tari's Cafe remains one of the must-eat places. Temptations is another favorite for all three meals with crushed almond French Toast a special treat for breakfast. Angus and Ale has steaks, ribs and an abundant Sunday brunch buffet.

Now that you've stuffed yourself on all the great food, there are several ways to work it off. Stroll the historic town to shop in more than 20 different shops from a pair of antique malls to a variety of gift boutiques. The town is rich with history and you can learn about it at the Museum of the Berkeley Springs in the park. Health and relaxation has been the "mission" of Berkeley Springs for nearly 300 years! and we're really good at it now. Take baths, visit practitioners using everything from acupuncture to reflexology, and choose from literally dozens of different treatments from massage to fabulous pedicures. Atasia Spa has a special offer to introduce your teen to the pleasures of spa tre atments. And do not miss the chance to try out the newly renovated Berkeley Springs main bathhouse in the park.

Berkeley Springs is fortunate to have TWO state parks -- in town with the springs and down the road. Cacapon State Park offers miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, an 18-hole golf course and an inviting lake with sand beach, paddleboats and fishing. Sleepy Creek Lake has primitive camp sites along lakeside. Pool swimming is available in town at the park and for guests of Best Western Berkeley Springs Inn.

To enjoy even half the pleasures Berkeley Springs has to offer, you need to stay at least the night or two -- or a week. Tari's Cafe and Best Western both have excellent room combo specials. Berkeley Springs Cottage Rentals has an extensive array of vacation homes, cabins and cottages from which to choose and there are several individual properties with special attractions. Stay in town at the Country Inn, Highlawn Inn or the Manor among other unique properties. Check our listings to discover where to best lay your head.

18th century notables came for the summer to "take the waters," and so can you. It's an easy drive from almost everywhere to the ridges, valleys and charming streets of Berkeley Springs.

(Information courtesy of Travel Berkeley Springs)