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Week of February 8-14, 2010

Berkeley Springs is undoubtedly the closest naturally warm water -- and a getaway geared up to celebrate LOVE this weekend. Psst -- remember, Sunday is Valentine's Day and it's the long President's Day weekend. Besides, everyone needs some uplifting fun.

The Valentine weekend fun is focused on nightlife and romantic dining. Then there is great shopping for the ideal gift, tempting spa treatments and plenty of lodging specials as bonuses.

Let's start with nightlife and a VERY busy Saturday night. The big news on the music scene is world class bluesman, Tom Principato (16 CDs, dozens of awards, and a decades-long career in the US in Europe) and his band playing in concert at the Ice House at 7:30pm. This is limited seating so check the MAC website for advance tickets.

Once that concert is over, you can hear more blues from another longtime bluesman, Billy Thompson, who is playing at Earth Dog Cafe starting at 8:30pm. Or, if you want to shift to some country/rock dance music from a great local band, head out along the ridge to the Troubadour Lounge to hear the Tonehounds at 9pm. Play your cards right and you can do all three!

In Berkeley Springs, the Library fundraisers are famous for their entertainment. Usually the locale means limited attendance and insiders snap up all the tickets weeks in advance. This time dancing is the focus and the locale is the American Legion on the north end of town with PLENTY to room for anyone who wants to come. On Sunday at 5pm it's light dinner and dancing with The Flashbacks, Blue Eyed Soul & Berkeley Swings. Call the Library at 304-258-3350 for advance tickets or take your chances at the door. Plus, you benefit the local library!

The Star Theatre has lined up Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin to entertain you this weekend with their romantic comedy hit: "It's Complicated." The movie is rated R, the popcorn is rated the best in four states, and the ambiance is vintage 1940s. Showtimes at Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm.

One traditional Valentine treat that we have down pat is fine food to stir the romantic heart. Almost everyone has a Valentine's Day special dinner on Saturday or Sunday -- pick your favorite and make certain you have a reservation.

The most romantic -- and most exclusive with limited seating -- is Highlawn Inn's single-seating, silver service Hearts Aglow gourmet dinner on Saturday at 7pm featuring WV wines and special gifts in Victorian splendor with lighted Valentine Tree and blazing fire.

Ambrae House makes the whole weekend a Valentine's treat with a special menu, four course dinner for two with matched wine on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Tari's Cafe is also celebrating Valentine's Day all weekend -- and celebrating it with a fabulous seafood dinner for two that includes lobster tails, crabcakes and more plus a special dessert tasting and champagne. Even La Luna Gallery and Wine Bar is getting in on the act by preparing special Valentines Day dinners on Sunday evening.

Snow prevented Lot 12 from re-opening this past weekend so they'll be back with a delectable fixed price three-course dinner on Sunday evening --reservations are almost gone so move quickly -- or start early with their exceptional standard menu Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Another Sunday celebrator is Temptations Cafe which also re-opens this weekend on Thursday, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Get a tasty dinner for two plus the music of Mike Clement from 6 to 9pm on Sunday. For a wonderfully romantic breakfast, try their famous French Toast. Cacapon State Park has a Sweetheart Getaway package on Saturday that includes a night lodging, a special menu dinner and entertainment by an acoustic guitarist. You can also mix and match the pieces and come just for dinner or entertainment.

The Country Inn has their special Valentine's menu available on Saturday AND Sunday evenings. Saturday has dancing to live music as well. The Inn is also offering two exceptional romantic lodging packages that include chocolates and champagne in the room; one also offers spa treatments at the Five Senses Spa.

C.J.'s Floral wants your Valentine meal or visit to be perfect so they are ready to deliver your flowers to your table or room -- just give the information when you order.

Several of our specialty shops are celebrating with Love-themed specials. Wilkes St. Wine Shop is having a free wine tasting on Saturday from 2pm to 5pm with a focus on South American wines. While you are there, visit Himalayan Trade and Tour, next door and shop storewide sales for some Valentine Day jewelry and clothes. Jules, Enchanting Gifts & Collectables wonders who needs a Valentine when you've got chocolate -- and Jules backs that up with a brownie tasting weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm when you can come in, sample and vote on your favorite. Second only to chocolate for a love treat is ice cream. Creekside Creamery supplements the allure of their ice cream Friday, Saturday and Sunday with discount prices on their handmade truffles and Valentine items. Nature Niche's Valentine Special turns your love to dogs and cats offering a chance to win outdoor prizes when you make a donation to the Humane Society of Morgan County. For Homer Laughlin China and Fiesta Ware collectors, stop at the Vintage Kitchen Saturday through Monday for 20% off old patterns and colors. Art and antiques also make ideal Valentine gifts so visit Mountain Laurel Gallery and our several antique malls and shops while you are strolling the streets of historic downtown.

Check our spa page for all the options related to bathing for two ( the historic Roman Baths in Berkeley Springs State Park are MOST spacious) couples massage -- a particular specialty of the Bath House Day Spa or all the other alluring massage and bodywork treatments at our various spas to guarantee you will be soft and relaxed for this weekend.

The perfect room with the perfect ambiance and the perfect pillow is essential to make this weekend work -- and we have more than 100 choices for you. From the special packages at the Country Inn and Cacapon State Park to Victorian splendor of Highlawn Inn and the Manor Inn to a variety of country-style inns, cabins and full vacation homes -- there is an ideal place for you. Check the lodging page and make your choice -- then come and let us make your weekend getaway one to remember.