After a hard day of battling redcoats and founding a new nation, George Washington sure needed a little R-and-R. And where do you think he went? Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, that's where!

Today, the town calls itself the nation's oldest spa. In fact, there's even a historical landmark next to one of the outdoor tubs, identifying it as the George Washington's bath tub! Imagine, being able to soak in mineral water in the exact same place that our first president did more than 200 years ago!

Berkeley Springs State Park
The town's central square is a West Virginia State Park -- probably the smallest state park in the nation at about 3 small city blocks. Don't get fooled by that "state park" moniker -- this is no forest or wooded camping area. It's a town square, but with a difference!

Within this park are some of the famous mineral water springs, and you can sit and wade in the water. These springs aren't hot springs though, no sirree, and you're in for an unpleasant shock if you jump in thinking they will be warm. This is cool mountain spring water.

The real gem of the park though is the spa building where you can get a steam bath and massage. They've got huge tubs of hot mineral water that you can soak in, and massage therapists who will give you a half-hour rub-down for about $30. Outside the bathhouse is a pump where you can fill bottles for free, if you decide to take a little liquid souvenir home. The park has a large public swimming pool and some pleasant paths and green areas with a few picnic tables and benches where you can just sit and relax.

Shops line the small streets near the park, many of which seem to specialize in health foods and aromatherapy type of things. There's even a vegetarian restaurant on Washington Street, near the Star Theatre. If you're into antiquing, there is a very nice barn-like building next to the railroad tracks that houses dozens of different merchants. Right across the street from the bath house is another cooperative antique mall.

An interesting side trip is to the Berkeley Castle, located on the hill above town. Tours are informal and take less than an hour. You'll hear the story of the wealthy businessman, formerly a civil war colonel, who built the castle to win the hand in marriage of a woman 30 years his junior.

Where to Stay
The best hotel in town is the Country Inn, located on Washington Street, smack-dab next door to the park. The Country Inn is a gracious colonial style inn, built about 70 years ago, though renovated in the 1980s. It is famous for its relaxed luxury and sumptuous meals. They have 70 guest rooms with some antique furnishings and some modern pieces. Manicured lawns with a huge porch where you can sit in a rocker and just watch small town life going by at its own pace.

Some other places to stay include Coolfont Resort (located just south of town on US 522 and which is popular with weekenders from D.C.), Highlawn Inn (a bed and breakfast located in town), and the rustic cabins for rent at Cacapon State Park (about 10 miles south on US 522). You could also consider the Woods Resort (located off Route 9, about 10-15 miles east -- there are two Route 9 intersections off Washington Street, you want the one next to the Sheetz gas station).

Both the Country Inn and Coolfont also have spas with mineral water steam baths and massages.

I Can Not Tell a Lie...
Berkeley Springs is a quiet little town whose main business is the huge silica plant just outside the town, heading toward the Maryland line. The main claim to fame though is unquestionably the mineral springs and the spas which have attracted health fanatics for centuries. Today, the waters continue to draw visitors to the otherwise sleepy little town. I expect it'll be a lot easier for you to get there than it was for George!

NOTE: I'd originally posted this review on 2/2/00 under the generic "West Virginia" category. Now that there's a more appropriate parks sub-category, I'm updating it and moving it. I apologize if you've read it before.

Recommended: Yes

Best time to go: September-November
Recommended for: Couples
Review Topic: Overview