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GO FOR THE H2O:

WEST VIRGINIA'S BERKELEY SPRINGS

The region is full of places where George Washington supposedly slept. "Washington Slept Here" is a tourism slogan rivaling "Virginia is for Lovers." But not too many attractions can say, "Washington watered here." The famed water that attracted Washington is still flowing and attracting many visitors to Berkeley Springs.

A weekend (or more) in Berkeley Springs is truly restorative, whether you take to the waters, drink it, or just enjoy everything else this wonderful West Virginia town offers. Just go for the H20.

Long before the first Europeans discovered the warm waters of Berkeley Springs (officially called the Town of Bath), it was already a famous health mecca. Local legend has it that the water attracted Indians all the way from the St. Lawrence Seaway in Canada down to the Carolinas. The first settlers, who came in 1730, learned the uses and value of the springs from the Indians and began spreading the word of its benefits throughout the settlements of the east. The most notable advocate of the curative power of the springs was George Washington. He, along with three signers of the Declaration of Independence, four signers of the Constitution, seven members of the Continental Congress, and five Revolutionary generals, were among the prominent colonists to buy land and establish the springs as a health resort. It has slowly developed into a watery mecca for vacationers.

Today, visitors can enjoy the historic waters in comfort. The genuine small-town atmosphere is conducive to weary workers in search of relaxation, comfortable accommodations, excellent dining, sightseeing, and shopping.

The waters flow at a constant 74 degrees from the base of Warm Springs Ridge. Locals and visitors can fill their jugs at Lord Fairfax's public tap and wade in the ancient stone pools in the nation's smallest state park. The town has endured cycles of notoriety and fashion, but still remains the "Country's First Spa," a quiet haven surrounded by West Virginia's gorgeous outdoors.

A visit centers around spa activities. There are three major spa options (see "A Spa Sampler"), along with several individual operations. Luxuriously relaxing treatments include all kinds of massages, baths, facials, pedicures, and much more. Coolfont's new Spectrum Spa and the Country Inn's Renaissance Spa are full-service spas with excellent facilities. The Berkeley Springs State Park provides soaks in the 1815 Roman Bath House and unique, affordable treatments--it's an experience not to be missed.

After a therapeutic spa visit, Berkeley Springs offers a variety of accommodations. Just outside town, the Coolfont Resort, Conference Center, and Health Spa is one of the state's most popular getaways. This is the place to head for excellent accommodations (from chalets to lodge rooms), legendary meals at the Treetop House, and a large selection of spa and fitness programs. Coolfont has become one of the most-talked about resorts in the region and for good reason.

Back in the center of town, there are many excellent possibilities. The Country Inn provides full amenities with the atmosphere of a large country home. It's the best large in-town choice and is a perfect base of operations.

B&Bs abound in this small town. Local favorites include the Victorian Highlawn Inn, the elegant Manor Inn, Maria's Garden & Inn (also a popular restaurant), and Tari's Premier Cafe & Inn above a bustling local restaurant.

If you have time between spa treatments, sleeping soundly, and enjoying local fare, there's lots more to do. For shoppers, try one of the two local antique markets, the bargain-hunter's Blue Ridge Outlet Center, or any of the interesting local shops. History buffs should head for the Museum of Berkeley Springs or the Paw Paw Tunnel. Outdoors enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking around Coolfont and Cacapon Resort State Park.

Berkeley Springs is simply a relaxing (if watery) getaway. George Washington knew it and so do many modern-day visitors from around the region. H20 on the go will never be more enjoyable.

For more information, contact Travel Berkeley Springs, 304 Fairfax St., Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, 304/258-9147 or 800/447-8797, call the Chamber of Commerce at 304/258-3738, or use the state's excellent tourist informaton line at 800/CALL WVA.

SIDEBAR #1

A SPA SAMPLER

*Berkeley Springs State Park, 304/258-2711 or 800/CALL WVA--1815 Roman Bath House, mineral water treatments, therapeutic massage, showers, steam, and much more in a unique and affordable setting.

*Renaissance Spa & Boutique, 304/258-2210 or 800/822-6630--Located at the Country Inn, this spa offers mineral baths, many massage options, European-style facials, manicure, pedicure, hair-styling, and much more in a contemporary crystal and chrome setting.

*Spectrum Spa, 304/258-4500 or 800/888-8768--Coolfont's new and luxurious spa offers a large indoor pool, professional massage, facials and hair design, fitness programs, healthy cuisine, weekend packages, smoking cessation, and many other programs.

SIDEBAR #2

WASHINGTON SLEPT, ATE, AND WATERED HERE

Accommodations:

*Cacapon Resort State Park, 304/258-1022 or 800/CALL-WVA.

*Coolfont Resort, Conference Center, and Health Spa, 304/258-4500 or 800/888-8768.

*The Country Inn, 304/258-2210 or 800/822-6630.

*Highlawn Inn, 304/258-5700.

*Janesway Bed & Breakfast, 304/258-4079.

*The Manor Inn, 304/258-1552.

*Maria's Garden & Inn, 304/258-2021.

*On the Banks Guest House, 304/258-2134.

*Tari's Premier Cafe & Inn, 304/258-1196.

Dining:

*Cacapon State Park Restaurant, 304/258-5225.

*The Country Inn, 304/258-2210.

*Maria's Garden & Inn, 304/258-2021

*Tari's Premier Cafe & Inn, 304/258-1196.

*Treetop House (Coolfont), 304/258-4500.

SIDEBAR #3

SOME SITES, SCENES, FESTIVALS, AND EVENTS

GO FOR IT:

*Apple Butter Festival, each weekend preceding Columbus Day.

*Coolfont Foundation Arts Series--year-round recitals.

*Craft Studio Tour & Arts Showcase, second weekend in August.

*Magical Victorian High Tea, Wednesdays June through October.

*Winter Festival of the Waters, mid-January through March.

SIGHTSEEING AND SHOPPING:

*Berkeley Springs Antique Mall, 304/258-5676.

*Blue Ridge Outlet Center, 800/445-3993.

*Museum of Berkeley Springs, 304/258-2711.

*The Paw Paw Tunnel (hand-hewn tunnel), 301/739-4200.

*Old Factory Antique Mall, 304/258-1788.

*The STAR Theatre (vintage movie house), 304/258-1404.