Extended Weekend Getaways By Robin O’Neal Smith / Associate Editor
The History
Long before our country had a president, people were visiting the small town of Bath, Virginia, to enjoy soaking in the mineral waters. The waters were thought to provide healing and therapeutic effects.
George Washington first visited and soaked in the water when working as a surveyor for Lord Fairfax. He was just 16 at the time.
Soaking areas were holes dug in the sand, lined with rocks, and the fresh mineral spring water flowed through each of the “tubs.” George was enamored by the experience and eventually purchased ground and helped build America’s first spa in 1776.
George visited and brought his family and friends to enjoy the mineral springs even after becoming president.
A bathhouse built in 1784 was rustic but a better alternative than the holes in the ground.
When the postal service set up a mail delivery station in 1801, the town’s name was changed to Berkeley Springs. After the Civil War, Virginia split into two states, and Berkeley Springs was in West Virginia.
In 1815, the original bathhouse was replaced and still stands today. It has been renovated, but visitors can still enjoy a Roman Bath.
Things To Do In Berkeley Springs
There are various things to enjoy including sightseeing, antique shopping, outdoor activities, and festivals in Berkeley Springs. It is a great place to enjoy a romantic weekend or celebrate President’s Day. Let’s look at some of the things to do and see.
Berkeley Springs State Park
The smallest state park in West Virginia, Berkeley Springs State Park, is in the middle of the town and is only one block in size. There are two bathhouses, a variety of springs, George Washington’s bathtub, a gazebo, swimming pool, public drinking spring, museum, and a few other structures within the park. The mineral springs constantly flow at 74°F at a rate of 1000+ gallons per minute.
Visit the Spas
When visiting America’s First Spa, make time to enjoy the therapeutic effects of the mineral waters either in a Roman or whirlpool bath. Berkeley Springs State Park has two bathhouse facilities operated by the state and are a part of the park. The historic Roman Bathhouse has nine private rooms with walk-in tubs, each holding 750 gallons of water.
The second bathhouse is a full-service spa offering saunas Roman and whirlpool baths, massages, and other services. We enjoyed a Roman Bath in the historic bathhouse when we arrived, and it was a great way to relax and start the weekend.
Next door to the State Park is the Renaissance Spa at the Country Inn of Berkeley Springs. We enjoyed not only the whirlpool bath but a couples massage at the Renaissance Spa on our second day in Berkeley Springs.
The Atasia Spa is just one block from the park. It is a full-service spa with a eucalyptus steam room and whirlpool baths that include Berkeley Springs’ therapeutic waters. What could be more romantic than a long soak in the warm mineral water and then a couple’s massage?
George Washington’s Bathtub
The famed outdoor monument to presidential bathing, George Washington’s Bathtub, is located within the State Park. It is not the exact tub used by George, but a replica of the one he used. The Old Bathhouse stands where George’s actual tub was located.
A sign identifies George’s tub. The so-called bathtub is a hole in the ground about two feet wide and five or six feet long and lined with stones. The spring water inside the tub is about a foot deep and 74 degrees year-round. I doubt sitting in it was very comfortable, but legend has it that many people came to the springs for the therapeutic effects.
The Smithsonian Magazine ranked the tub as one of the world’s six most breathtaking baths in 2016.
Lord Fairfax’s Spring
Lord Fairfax sent George Washington to survey the area. The largest spring in the park bears his name. There are several running springs, and during summer months, visitors dangle their feet and wade through the waters.
The Museum Of the Berkeley Springs
The Museum of the Berkeley Springs was built in 1815 and is above the Roman Bath House within the Berkeley Springs State Park. It is the oldest public building in the town. The museum is free and has activities, exhibits, and publications highlighting the story of the famous mineral springs and the town. 
Antique Shops in Berkeley Springs
Antique shops and unique stores line the streets of Berkeley Springs. Many people visit to shop. You might find the perfect treasure in the stores.
Old Time STAR Movie Theatre
The STAR Theatre shows a first-run movie on the weekends at 8 pm. A true historic, mom-and-pop theater, they offer hot-oil popcorn with real butter. Even the prices are nostalgic.
Walking Tours
Take a stroll around the town with a self-guided tour. Focus on the State Park and its history with the Treasure Tour of Berkeley Springs State Park, or take the Walking Tour of Berkeley Springs for a walk all over town to all unique places of interest and the historical spots.
Public Drinking Spring
Don’t go home empty-handed. Bring or purchase a jug at the Bathhouse and fill it with the special mineral water at the public drinking spring. The free public tap is located under the Gentlemen’s Spring Building. Several people stopped by to fill gallon jugs when we visited, and one man pulled a wagon full of five-gallon jugs to fill.
Yearly Celebration
America’s first spa town showcases the nation’s one and only outdoor monument to presidential bathing with George Washington’s Bathtub Celebration on the weekend nearest March 18. The weekend event is devoted to live theater, local history, and dollar sales.
Where To Stay In Berkeley Springs
When George Washington visited the area, he complained there were no good places to spend the night. Well, that has changed. There are several places to stay, and here are a few of our favorites.
The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs
If you are visiting the State Park or any of the spas, this is the perfect place to stay. It is right next door to the Berkeley Springs State Park in the center of town, and everything is walkable. The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs is a hotel rich in history with a touch of elegance. The historic inn offers rooms and suites with a touch of charm. Our suite had a separate sitting area, a king-size bed, and a large bath with a stand-up shower and a separate tub.
The West Inn provides modern accommodations in their spacious rooms. There are restaurants and a spa on-site.
During the summer and early fall, you can enjoy the English Country Gardens and the twinkling lights during the evening.
Cacapon State Park Resort
A lodge and rustic cabins are available at the Cacapon State Park Resort. Hiking, water activities, golfing, plus horseback riding are available.
Highlawn Inn
A beautiful restored Victorian B&B offers ten rooms plus a carriage house, each with delicious gourmet breakfasts. The Highlawn Inn offers specials that include spa discounts. Be sure to check their website.
Whether you come to Berkeley Springs, WV, for a romantic weekend getaway, take in the waters, or explore the historic town, you will understand why readers voted it as one of USA Today’s Top 10 Best Small Historic Towns in 2020. Come and see America’s First Spa that George Washington helped create for yourself. Miles of beautiful mountains, valleys, and rivers, you will find it’s a place to get away from it all and relax.