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Week of June 29-July 5, 2009

Berkeley Springs was born the same year as Independence Day. There's lots of summertime fun but fireworks are nearby, not in town.

There are things happening before Saturday but since that's the 4th, let's begin there. Three hot events that you should not miss can be experienced that day-- making choosing the major issue.

The first is an official, all the fixin's pig roast -- with live music. It happens at the Country Inn so you do not need to "know someone" to be invited! Prices are modest with children under 10 free. The party goes from noon to 4pm and as well as celebrating the US birthday, it also marks the one-year anniversary of the bridge at the Inn, perfect for photos.

Next is a wonderful free concert at Cacapon State Park pavilion featuring the Morgan Community Concert Band and a great program ranging from John Philip Sousa marching band music to a spectacular assemblage of music from "West Side Story." The concert starts at 2pm.

Last, but certainly not least, is an authentic community celebration in Great Cacapon (just over the mountain from Berkeley Springs) -- the 44th annual Fireman's Festival complete with games, dinners (at 3pm), parade (at 6pm) and music by Sam Cubbage.

If you are looking to celebrate with a touch of elegance try Highlawn Inn's silver service dinner on Saturday at 7pm. Reservations are required.

As if all this is not enough for the 4th, from 7 to 9pm. Rankin's Physical Therapy is hosting their first free community dance night.

Now for some other weekend fun. The Star Theatre is showing the dazzling documentary "Earth," on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at 8pm. And to encourage lots of folks to see this amazing film, Century 21 is giving away 100 free tickets. Just stop by their office next to the Library and ask. Check out the great property around the county while you're at it. If you cannot make it to the movie, stop by for some of the Star's famous popcorn.

Local music is always a happening thing with jam nights on Wednesday at Earth Dog Cafe; and Thursday at Tari's Cafe, this week hosted by Mike Wilson. Tari's dresses up Jam Night with prime rib specials and special appetizers. Stop by any day for lunch and dinner and sample this longtime popular cafe's new menus. La Luna Wine Bar is celebrating the weekend with longer hours including being open until 11pm Thursday through Saturday nights, opening at 1pm on Friday and Saturday and serving a delectable Sunday brunch from 11am to 3pm. They've added some special brews to their beer menu: Mountaineer and Yuengling.

Shopping is special this weekend also. Vintage Kitchen is having a Summertime Celebration and Open House on Friday and Saturday from 11am to 4pm with storewide specials & 94 cent grab bags. The Farmers Market is selling in the center of town on Thursday afternoon and Sunday from 10am to 2pm. Also selling on Sunday is Art in the Park from 10am to 4pm.

Since history is the reason for this holiday weekend, we urge you to visit the Museum of the Berkeley Springs open Friday through Monday 11am to 4pm. It's newest exhibit features the formation of the town around the springs in that fateful year of 1776. You can find history driving through the county following the Washington Heritage Trail National Scenic Byway and the footsteps of George Washington. Take in everything from the spectacular Panorama Overlook to George Washington's Bathtub to the amazing Paw Paw Tunnel, largest manmade structure on the C&O Canal.

Picnics are also a major part of this holiday and Berkeley Springs has an ideal location for any family picnic in Cacapon State Park where you can also enjoy golf, lake swimming, games, horseback riding and new this year -- clay shooting. If you need to stock up for that picnic, try Tony's Butcher Block, perfect for both meats ready to grill, sandwiches, or cooked chicken and ribs. Other outdoor fun can be found biking or hiking on mountain trails at Cacapon or the C&O Canal towpath along the Potomac, or the Tuscarora Trail.

Check out all our lodging options to find exactly what pleases you most from history-rich in-town B&Bs or inns to woods-surrounded fully equipped vacation homes or rustic cabins. Berkeley Springs two best assets for these challenging times are affordable prices and being closer than anywhere. Celebrate America's birthdate in a Bicentennial town with folks who cherish their history.