Coffee Springs and Lakeside Fun
For the 4th of July weekend, we decided to add a new state to our visited states list: West Virginia! With John Denver’s Country Road on our mind, we set off to Berkeley Springs, about two hours from Washington DC. Originally known as Bath, this quaint town is known for its mineral springs, easily accessed in the center of town. George Washington was known to enjoy these spas, as did our kids! Capacon State Park is about ten miles south of town a wonderful place for geocaching, hiking, swimming, and play!
Insights
Berkeley Springs has a great number of interesting shops. If you’re looking for antiques, check out the main Antique Shop, right by the springs.
We enjoyed visiting the Fairfax Coffee Shop, considering we live in Fairfax, VA. It turns out Lord Fairfax loved the springs, just like George Washington.
We’ll definitely make a trek back sometime to spend a weekend in one of the cabins at Cacapon State Park.
Just a few minutes South of the State Park is a state run hatchery, used to raise fish to stock lakes and ponds at regional parks.
There’s a fantastic view on Route 9, 10 minutes from town, as well as within Cacapon State Park, where you can see four states from one vantage point.
It was pretty cool crossing between VA and WV several times in the State Park. We’ll definitely take a closer look at the funny northern border of VA on a map now.
Playground Islands of Fun
The Coffee
Fairfax Coffee House, Berkeley Springs, WV
Coffee: dark and medium roast
Food: breakfast and lunch
Seating: outdoor and indoor, high chairs available
Restroom: available
Child Patience Level: medium wait (~10 min for food)
Parking: street only (metered and non-metered)
The Playtime
Distance from Coffee: 15 minutes, 10 miles
Parent Rating: 4 Stars
2-Year Old Rating: 4 Stars
8-Year Old Rating: 3 Stars
Age 2-5 Equipment: Miracle
Age 5-12 Equipment: Game Time
Shade: many mature trees, but not directly at playground
Seating: benches and picnic tables, no fencing
Special features: within State Park with paddle boats, hiking trails, nature center, golf course, and geocaching opportunities.
Play surface: mulch
Restroom: typical for campsite
Parking: gravel lots, no fee
Public transit: none
