September is the best month for Berkeley Springs according to the cottage society of the 19th century. To judge the accuracy of that observation for yourself, come this weekend.

Peace Jam 2 on Saturday beginning at 6pm in the courtyard of the Ice House presents an evening of music and poetry celebrating peace and awareness with a group of local artists and musicians including the Shifters, Pete Gordon and the Berkeley Swings. Peace is also the topic of a workshop on Peace Meditation In Commemoration of 9/11 on Saturday from 1 to 3:30pm at Awakening Health Center.

Another one-of-a-kind form of entertainment can be enjoyed at Hillbilly Heaven on Friday night from 9-11pm when a traveling group of the world famous Chippendales presents an all-new show for ladies over 18. Saturday at 8pm, the Fairfax Coffee House hosts Brendan's Voyage with Dennis Vaughan performing traditional and contemporary Irish music. This version of the band consists of Fergus Kennedy and Stevie Morris, both from County Tyrone, Ireland. Ambrae House is the perfect blend of dining and entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings with live music and steamed crabs on their outdoor deck. Also try their outstanding half-price appetizers from 4 to 6pm.

There is family-style entertainment this weekend at the Star Theatre with the live-action/animated feature: "The Smurfs." Evening shows are at 8pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with a special Sunday matinee at 2pm. A very special activity for kids 8 to 17 can be found at our little airpark near the river on Saturday morning until 11:30am when there is breakfast served and a fly-in with free Young Eagles flights.

On Saturday from noon to 4pm, Jeanne Mozier and Joyce Morningstar do mini-readings at the Star Theatre. Joyce reads cards while Jeanne reads stars, cards and runes. You can sign up on the door.

Shopping is a favorite activity for visitors and Saturday has a fabulous opportunity for showcasing art. Frog Valley Artisans is staging an Appreciation Day for their friends -- of which you can be one just by attending. From 10am to 5pm there is a Tent Sale, chock full of "misfits and second chances," as well as a last chance for Miz Tari's jewels, a real find at end of season prices. Refreshments will be served from 1 to 4pm.

There is always great shopping in downtown Berkeley Springs and we urge you to stroll the historic district while you shop. Stop at Wilkes Street Wine Shop Saturday afternoon for a wine tasting and visit the artists coop gallery at the Ice House open Friday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Other art shopping can be done at Mountain laurel Gallery, Heath Studio Gallery and at Tari's Cafe while taking a dining break. Antiques and collectibles are so abundant, you can conduct your own treasure tour. Visit everything from the Vintage Kitchen, a block off the main street and overflowing with glass, linens and more, to Berkeley Springs and Old Factory antique malls hosting more than 50 dealers between them. Retrodini focuses on 1950s items while Berkeley Springs Books has many vintage volumes.

Spas are always the highlight for most visitors from the newly renovated main Bathhouse in Berkeley Springs State Park to the Bath House Day Spa with attached shop. Atasia Spa offers exciting special packages including one especially for teens. Other locales for health-giving treatments include Awakening, the Country Inn, Berkeley Springs Acupuncture and Able-Body Wellness. A walk-in yoga class at the Ice House on Saturday morning is a must. Try Rankin's Fitness for indoor therapy pool and active work-out classes.

A long list of eateries can be found by checking the restaurant page. Panorama at the Peak is targeting peaches this weekend (there is NOTHING like a tree-ripened peach!) Although Chef Scott has not yet worked out how to do a peach sandwich, he has come up with other dishes including peach breadpudding, chilled peach soup and a peach and spinach salad. Lot 12's porch dining and gourmet food keeps them tops on everyone's list for elegant dining. Tari's Cafe always has tasty specials from the kitchen of Chef Devon. There is barbecue at Angus and Ale and Earth Dog Cafe; a Friday night fresh fish frenzy at Temptations and great margarita's at Mi Ranchito Mexican Cafe. Family-friendly dining includes Cacapon State Park and Maria's Garden as well as Mountainside. Temptations Too Bakery has now added mini cannoli's to their list of baked goods. The Country Inn serves up three meals each day and the Troubadour makes Friday a Steak Night not to be missed especially since you can visit the WV Country Music Hall of Fame while you wait. To take home some of the fresh produce featured in many of the fine-dining places, visit the Berkeley Springs Farmers Market on Sunday from 10am to 2pm. They are SURE to have fresh peaches for you to eat on the street or take home.

September is a blissful month at Cacapon State Park with a well-maintained 18-hole golf course, great hiking trails and a lake for boating and fishing. There is also clay shooting at the park and at Sleepy Creek Sports. For the ultimate game-bird hunting experience, check out Quail Hollow Farm where doves are a September favorite. And bring your motorcycle. There are lots of Biker Welcome signs out and our website serves up seven mapped rides of the area.

All our many lodging places shine this month whether they are B&Bs and inn rooms in town or cabins, vacation homes and lodges in the countryside. Check out our new 100-mile logo to see how close Berkeley Springs is to everywhere. Join your voice to those from the 19th century and declare September the month to visit Berkeley Springs and "take the waters."

(Information courtesy of Travel Berkeley Springs)