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American Indians believed the warm springs at Berkeley Springs had curative powers. George Washington was a frequent visitor as he sought relief from various ailments. And when land around the town was sold, Lord Fairfax specified that the springs themselves remain open to the public. And so they are, in the tiny Berkeley Springs State Park in the center of town. The park contains two bathhouses, a pavilion with water pumps (for drinking), wading canals and a swimming pool. You can soak in the waters and get a 30-minute massage for $40. Reservations required. Call 800-225-5982 or go to www.berkeleyspringssp.com
Stay here:
Cacapon Resort State Park, 818 Cacapon Lodge Drive, offers lodge rooms and cabins set amid 6,000 acres. The property includes woodlands, a lake and golf course. Lodge room rates start at $64. 1-800-225-5982; cacaponresort.com.
Eat here:
Lot 12 Public House, 117 Warren St., Berkeley Springs, serves seasonal upscale cuisine, like almond-crusted salmon, seared scallops and roasted duck. 304-258-6264; www.lot12.com.
Don't miss this:
Although Berkeley Springs is in many respects a modest West Virginia town, it boasts its own castle. The Berkeley was built by Col. Samuel Taylor Suite between 1885 and 1891 in an effort to persuade a young woman to marry him. Although she did, Suite himself did not live to see the project completed. The castle is open for tours and special events. 304-258-4000; berkeleyspringscastle.org.
Get here:
From the Baltimore Beltway, take Interstate 70 west toward Frederick and continue west to Hancock. Then take U.S. 522 south about five miles to Berkeley Springs.
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