Travel and Dish

Escape to the Panhandle of West Virginia for a rustic getaway in the a place known worldwide for having exceptional water quality and healing springs. 

Cacapon Lodge is a resort hotel in the West Virginia State Parks system. Tucked into the Appalachian Mountains, the lodge is upscale and comfortable, with the design inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape. The suites have a sleeper sofa, gas fireplace, and a sitting room, making it convenient for families or choose a 2- and 3-bedroom cabins just a mile from the lodge.

In the evenings, guests gather in the Legacy Lounge to play board games, while enjoying a local craft beer or moonshine cocktail. The Cacapon Dining nods to Mission-style architecture with stone flourishes and glass lighting. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night snacks, the portions are big enough to share. In warmer weather, dine outdoors overlooking the golf course. Or sit by the bonfire and roast s’mores. 

For breakfast, Fairfax Coffee House is known for its homemade pastries and expert baristas. Begin your day with a Mama Trey’s wheat biscuit served with local honey and homemade jam, or for a heartier version, smoother it with sausage and sage gravy. The cozy coffee shop is located beside the famous Berkeley Springs State Park, a historic spa established in 1920.

The spa was built to preserve the Mineral Baths that date back to 1748, and have attracted travelers for centuries, from tribal nations, to colonial settlers, to modern day families; all who come to immerse themselves in the healing waters. There’s even a marker identifying George Washington’s Bathtub, as the first president made regular pilgrimages here from the time he was 16 years old. Inside the Main Bathhouse, the flowing waters remain at a constant temperature of 74.3 degrees, which makes it a tad chilly, but refreshing in the summer months. Book a family soak in a Roman Bath, a private room containing 750 gallons of mineral water heated to 102 degrees and sourced right from the spring.

If that spa isn’t available, The Country Inn next door, has a full-service spa and eucalyptus steam room.

After lunch, take the kids to see the nostalgic items for sale at the Berkeley Springs Antique Mall. The store is stacked top to bottom with treasures, like Star Wars memorabilia, illuminated beer signs and crystal glassware. Right next door is Marley Max Candles home goods store and around the corner, the Naked Olive Tasting Room, where you can sample a variety of olive oils and vinegars. It’s a great place to find gifts for the chef in your life. Across the street is the Morgan Arts Council’s Ice House, featuring a collective of local artists working in a variety of media. Kids will appreciate the whimsical folk art pieces, like fabric animals and wooden gargoyles.

Stop for dinner at Canary Grill, perched high a hill. The views of the mountains from here are stunning, and the restaurant serves a tasty items for all ages. Favorites include the stacked-up sandwiches, cauliflower pizza, and Brauhaus pretzels with beer cheese. Canary’s bar offers margarita tasting with seven shots of flavored margaritas, but be sure you have a designated driver for this sampler. Back at Cacapon Lodge, challenge each other to board game by the fireplace. 

If weather permits, you can go for a guided horseback ride along Warm Springs Ridge (April 1- Oct. 31; reservations required) with Triple “C” Outfitters. They offer discounts for large families and groups and cater to beginning riders. Cacapon Lodge is also the perfect place to hike into the hills. Cacapon has 20-miles of trails – highights include Central Trail with multiple stream crossings and the Ziler Trail up Cacapon Mountain, a 2,400-foot elevation with two scenic overlooks. 

For more family fun on a rainy or cold day, enjoy a rousing game of bowling at Midway Berkeley. The bowling center has an arcade and snack bar. Or see a movie at Berkeley Springs’ old time movie house Star Theatre. On weekends, the theatre has a a family film matinee, as well as showing black and white film classics. The popcorn (with real butter) is a must. For lunch or breakfast, with a family of four or more, try the Family Bundle Meal at Charlotte’s Cafe.

For dinner, reserve a booth at Morgan Tavern inside the town landmark, Country Inn of Berkeley Springs. This historic hotel plays host to the annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Festival where entrants from around the globe compete for an honorable designation. The chef specializes in Bang Bang Shrimp, burgers and the cheesy potato pierogis. After dinner, head back for a swim in the mineral-fed pool at Cacapon Lodge. 

Country roads, take me home, to West Virginia. If only for a weekend!