Often called “America’s first spa”, Berkeley Springs is a historic spa town that can be found nestled in the mountains of West Virginia. People have traveled to the charming mountain town for centuries, mainly to visit the historic mineral spa which they believe to have healing powers for the mind and body. You’ll love the small-town feel where everyone seems to know each other - it’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of the Washington/ Baltimore metro area, which in actuality is only around 90 minutes away. Other things you should definitely do in addition to visiting the springs is playing with the cats at Give Purrs A Chance, learning about the local history at the Museum of Berkeley Springs, or having a drink and hearty meal at the Hillbilly Heaven Bar & Grill.
Visit the Berkeley Springs State Park
Berkeley Springs State Park has several features and amenities for visitors of all ages to enjoy, but their most popular aspect is the historic mineral spa which can be found in the center of the park. The waters of Berkeley Springs were thought to have medicinal and restorative powers for many years; people would bathe in it for relief from stress or body aches, while others drank it to heal internal disorders. There are two park bathhouses still operating at the health resort, which operates daily throughout the year. People come from far and wide to relax themselves - George Washington himself is said to have visited the springs.
Address: 2 S Washington St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, Phone: 304-258-2711
Give Purrs A Chance
Give Purrs A Chance is a non-profit organization with the goal of promoting cat adoption rather than purchase. Since their adoption center opened its doors in 2017, over 500 kittens and cats have found homes. Many of these animals were found in broken homes or saved from the cold outdoors. The cares are free to roam the two-story Victorian house which doubles as their temporary home as well as the cat adoption center. Visitors are more than welcome to visit the house and play with the cats even if they’re not able to adopt them. Additional aspects include a Catique Boutique which is filled with new and vintage cat-related items made by local artists.
Address: 51 Independence St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, Phone: 304-258-7299
Stop at the Museum of the Berkeley Springs
The Museum of the Berkeley Springs is a local-history museum that can be found in what was once a 19th-century Roman bath house. The official goal of the museum is to not only preserve the rich and colorful history of the springs, but to also share that history with present and future generations in a fun and interesting manner. The exhibits are filled with tons of historical documents and photographs, local artifacts, and temporary individual pieces - be sure to see the displays of tools and arrowheads used by local Native Americans, and over a dozen sketches by Porte Crayon on the “Delights of Berkeley”.
Address: 2 Fairfax St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, Phone: 800-447-8797
Check out the Historic Berkeley Springs Castle
Berkeley Springs Castle, also known as the Samuel Taylor Suit Cottage, is a castle-like house that was built in 1885 as a personal retreat for Colonel Samuel Taylor Suit of Washington D.C. Years later, the sight was also used as a boys’ summer camp and a public museum. Today, the castle can be found on a hill towering above the spa town of Berkeley Springs, and is a gorgeous sight to see even from afar. Though it is now a private residence and no public tours are held, the space can be rented for events.
Address: 276 Cacapon Rd, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, Phone: 304-258-4000
Eat at the Lot 12 Public House
Lot 12 Public House is one of the more unique dining establishments that you’ll come across in Berkeley Springs. The restaurant is housed in an elegant 1913 home that still retains much of its original charm. Their menu changes seasonally but is often filled with New American fare and an array of meticulously chosen wines. The family owned and operated restaurant is managed by Jan and Jonathan Heath - both native residents of Berkeley Springs. They pride themselves in using seasonally-available ingredients that are locally sourced and farm fresh. Patrons who prefer vegetarian or gluten-free meals will love the array of dishes they find on the menu.
Address: 117 Warren St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, Phone: 304-258-6264
Drive to the Prospect Overlook
Located 3 miles west of Berkeley Springs, Prospect Overlook (aka Panorama Overlook), offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. From this elevated point visitors can look out over the Potomac River flowing through the Great Cacapon Valleys, where West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland meet. There is room to pull off the road and spend a few minutes enjoying one of the most scenic outlooks in the country. While you are there you can check out the historic marker, which describes Civil War activity in the area during 1862. If you would like to approach the overlook on foot you will find an 11-mile trail leading from the Cacapon State Park, along the top of the mountain, to Prospect Overlook.
Prospect Overlook, 3299 Cacapon Rd, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, 301 707 3201
Have Great Coffee or Tea at the Fairfax Coffee House & Eatery
The Fairfax Coffee House & Eatery in Berkeley Springs is somewhat of a hidden gem in the renowned spa town. The spacious dining establishment is the type of place where ‘regulars’ get together for a chat and a hearty, homemade breakfast. The warm, yet trendy, coffee shop has an array of delicious cuisine for breakfast and lunch. You can also spend your time looking through their array of mugs and t-shirts for sale, or play one of the many board games with friends in the intimate bar area. If it’s sunny out, take your drink and meal and head to one of the outdoor sidewalk tables to enjoy the weather and people watch.
Address: 23 Fairfax St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, Phone: 304-500-2710
Maria's Garden and Inn
Maria's Garden and Inn is the product of the faith and hard work of the Perry family, especially Margaret “Peg” Perry who displayed a gift in the kitchen from her childhood. Though they invested their time and energy on several endeavors throughout their life, Maria’s Garden and Inn is the one that stood the test of time. You’ll find the dining establishment full of gifts from afar, many of which are relics, rosaries, statues, and other religious articles. Connected to the restaurant is a charming inn where you can stay as your home away from home.
Address: 42 Independence St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, Phone: 304-258-2021
Hillbilly Heaven Bar and Grill
Hillbilly Heaven Bar and Grill was established by brothers Time and Andy Coble in 2010. They wanted the residents and visitors of Berkeley Springs to have a laid-back and relaxed place where they can enjoy delicious food, have a cold drink, watch the game, play a game of pool, or just have a chat with their friends. The bar and grill is open well into the night, and has often been ranked as the area’s “#1 nightclub”. You can feast on great foods like pulled pork, prime rib, and seafood - be sure to pair it with a drink from their full menu of local, national, and international beers and spirits.
Address: 3280 Martinsburg Rd, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, Phone: 304-258-0004
Enjoy the Outdoors at the Cacapon Resort State Park
Peacefully nestled in the shadow of the Cacapon Mountains, which have the highest peak in the eastern panhandle, the Cacapon Resort State Park offers visitors a comfortable back-to-nature getaway destination. You will find 12 timber cabins, all of which are fully insulated and outfitted with modern amenities, full bathrooms and kitchens with all you need for rustling up a great meal. The resort has 6 hiking trails including the popular 1.9km Cacapon Ridge Trail and the more-demanding 8km Ziler Loop Trail. You can also enjoy swimming and boating from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when a lifeguard is on duty and boat rental are open.
Cacapon Resort State Park, WV-9, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, 301 2581022
Relax in the Berkeley Springs Salt Cave
It’s amazing what a little salt therapy (Halotherapy) can do for your physical health and mental well-being. Halotherapy has been an acclaimed form of wellness treatment for many decades, since it was noted that workers in East European and Russian salt mines seemed to enjoy exceptional health and youthfulness. It is now understood that breathing in minute particles of pharmaceutical-grade salt can help improve a long list of health conditions including asthma, sinusitis, eczema, colds & flu, stress, anxiety and fatigue. When you visit the Berkeley Springs Salt Cave you will spend 45 minutes in the salt cave, in a comfortable reclining chair, inhaling microscopic salt particles produced by a halogenorator.
Berkeley Springs Salt Cave, 19 Greenway Trail, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, 304 258 0381
Frog Valley Artisans LTD
Frog Valley Artisans LTD is a prominent art gallery and studio located in Berkeley Springs. The artists’ collective was established in 1996 to showcase the artistic talents of several local artists and now comprises a gallery, workshop and sculpture garden. The studio offers a selection of hands-on workshops and demonstrations during the summer season and offers a wide range of beautiful and functional glass, wood and metal art for sale. This is the ideal place to find one-off artworks for your home or for gifting. The gallery is open to the public on weekends or by appointment at just about any time.
Frog Valley Artisans LTD, 82 Powerline Lane, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, 304 258 3541
George Washington Bathtub
If you enjoy all things quaint and quirky, you could plan a visit to see the George Washington Bathtub in the Berkeley Springs State Park. For centuries the natural thermal waters of Berkeley Springs have attracted visitors to the area, and George Washington was apparently no exception.
In fact, it is believed that he regularly visited the springs as a young man while he worked as a surveyor’s assistant. Today visitors can find a replica stone and brick bath tub, similar to the one he would have enjoyed soaking in back in the late 1700’s. If you happen to visit in mid-March you could join the annual Bathtub celebration.
George Washington Bathtub, 127 Fairfax Street, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
Take Your Date to the Berkeley Springs Brewing Company
The Berkeley Springs Brewing Company is the place to go for a masterfully brewed craft beverage and a delicious meal. The brewing company takes beer-making seriously and endeavors to produce the best artisan beers in the region. You will always find a core selection of beers such as ales, IPA’s, Kolsch, American Amber and stout on tap. To stir things up a bit, you can try a selection of interesting hard seltzers, mocktails and hoptails (cocktails made using beer). The food menu is equally intriguing offering a range of favorites like BBQ pork, burgers and brisket along with some tantalizing new offerings.
Berkeley Springs Brewing Company, 110 Michigan Lane, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, 304 258 3369
Have Some Fun at Midway Bowl Berkeley Springs
Midway Bowl Berkeley Springs is waiting to welcome you to a year-round fun destination for families, couples and groups. The facility currently has 14 lanes where you can enjoy open bowling or book your lane for the popular Friday and Saturday night Cosmic Bowling slots. Shoe rental is available on site and there is a lounge area with a restaurant where you and your group can enjoy a meal and drink. In addition to the bowling lanes Midway Bowl has arcade machines and a special party room which you can hire for your next birthday party or corporate team-building event. Enthusiasts are invited to join one of the league teams.
Midway Bowl Berkeley Springs, 4909 Valley Rd, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, 304 258 1815
