The Surprising West Virginia Town That Makes An Excellent Weekend Getaway

There are many small towns that may not seem like ideal vacation spots, but they should not be disregarded, because sometimes places that do not get a lot of tourists are the gems of the bunch. The town of Berkeley Springs is one we think would make a great weekend getaway in West Virginia. Read on and let us know what you think!

Berkeley Springs, WV, is a small town in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. It was incorporated in December of 1776 under the name Bath. Bath was renamed Berkeley Springs in 1802.

Today, this small town with a population of just 624 at the time of the last census may not seem like a very exciting place to visit, but in actuality, there is quite a lot to do there.

There are so many things to do in Berkeley Springs, WV. For example, the town is filled with a great number of charming shops that sell things that you will not find anywhere else.

Best of all is the Antique Mall, which has a host of items both charming and archaic as the town itself. It is actually one of several spots to purchase a variety of antiquities in the town.

One of the oldest parts of the town is Berkeley Springs State Park, which features a natural spa. These natural hot springs are visited year-round, as the waters maintain a warm temperature regardless of the weather outside. This location is considered America's first spa, visited by many famous people throughout history.

The most famous visitor - and arguably the one who put the springs on the map - is George Washington. Washington frequented the hot spas after learning of the location from Native Americans, who believed that the springs had healing powers. To treat his many ailments, our first President soaked in this bathtub often.

Another great place to visit is the Museum of the Berkeley Springs, which is on the second floor of the Roman Bath House at Berkeley Springs State Park. In the museum, you will find a history of the springs with several exhibits, tours, and events.

Another incredible place to visit is Berkeley Springs Castle, built by Colonel Samuel Taylor Suite between the years 1885 and 1891. The 46-year-old military veteran did this to win the heart of a 17-year-old congressman's daughter. The two were married before the castle began construction.

Unfortunately, Suite did not live to see the castle completed. As stipulated in his will, the castle had to be completed for his young wife to see her inheritance, so that is exactly what she did. Today, the castle is available for private and corporate events, fundraisers, and weddings.

Another great spot to check out is the Morgan County Observatory, which houses a telescope from the United States Naval Observatory in Washington D.C. The observatory sits in a particularly dark area of the city to aid in the best view of the universe possible.

And best of all, the city is very near to Cacapon Resort State Park. This park has many things to do, including camping, biking, fishing, hiking, golf, geocaching, swimming, and horseback riding.

Don't let the size of a city dictate whether you wish to stay there. There is always more to a town or city for a West Virginia getaway.

Have you ever been to Berkeley Springs? What other small towns would you recommend for a weekend getaway in West Virginia? Feel free to comment below and join the discussion.

Taking a road trip to Berkeley Springs or anywhere else in West Virginia? Make sure to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List before you hit the road!