Berkeley Springs

Peter and I had a weekend away in Berkeley Springs this weekend. We went Friday through Sunday and it was a much needed weekend of R&R!

I worked the Columbus Day holiday on Monday and took Friday off instead. Peter also took off Friday so we could have a longer weekend together. We started our weekend by dropping off my sewing machine to be fixed (exciting, I know). Then we stopped at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. They had some kind of apple french toast special that Igot. Yum! I also got this new reusable shopping bag for 99 cents - super cute, and so fallish! As you can see, I have a couple other ones too. They come in handy for lots of things and are only 99 cents! :)

Then we made the rest of the drive to Berkeley Springs. When we got there, we were initially a little disappointed with the place. We stayed here. The pictures made it seem like it was in the mountains of WV. We were actually right off the highway that runs through town. The place was also obviously in the middle of being renovated still. We decided to not let it bother us and were going to the make the most of it. Which is exactly what we did.

We walked the main street of shops and did some browsing. They had a bunch of antique and thrift shops which were fun to look at. It's kind of funny to me that the same item could be in an antique shop and at a thrift shop. You'll pay so much more at the antique store!

We then went to one of the spas for a whirlpool bath which was soooo nice and relaxing. Then we went out to dinner at Ambrae House. I had crab cakes and Peter had a steak. Double yum! They served big portions so I was able to take half of mine to go. :)

After dinner, we went to a local little sweet shop where I got fudge and Peter got turtles. They had pumpkin fudge that was just delicious - so smooth and creamy! After getting our treats, we headed back to the cabin and snuggled on the couch while watching a movie. Such a fun and relaxing day!

On Saturday, we headed out to a local coffee shop for breakfast. Peter had a bagel sandwich and I had a blueberry muffin. We also got hot beverages (coffee for Peter and hot chocolate for me) to take with us to the park.

It was a sunny day, but very breezy so the hot drinks were great to have with us! We went to Cacapon State Park for the morning to get soak in some of the outdoors.

The park was HUGE! We actually kept getting back in the car to explore more of it because it was so big.

The road like this went on for miles and had all of these side roads that led to other sections of the park.

They have lots to do in the park and even have cabins right in the park.

There was also a lake that we definitely had to stop and get out at.

It was so peaceful and serene the entire time. There actually weren't that many people out.

Here's my handsome hubby at the lake:

We definitely picked a good weekend to go. The fall colors were in full swing!

I don't know, but why does water always add extra beauty to something?

We walked out on the dock and soaked in the views for a little while.

Me with the hubs :)

One last shot of the lake...

So pretty!

I thought this little bridge was so cute!

Me, thankful for the hot chocolate because it was a bit chilly. :)

At one point we saw a sign for a scenic outlook area so we decided to check it out. Along the road there were signs about rough roads, etc. They weren't kidding! There were potholes galore after getting off the main road.

We caught this glimpse on the trek up the mountain and knew we were in store for some great views so we kept going.

Then we saw this odd structure. We stopped and there were all kinds of signs about no trespassing, but we just wanted to see what it was. Turned out to be cell towers of some sort. Peter and I said that's what they wanted us to think and it's probably some kind of secret government thing. :P

This was the road for a couple of the miles. So beautiful!

We finally got to the top and were rewarded with great views!

My handsome hubby again:

Since we were at the top of the mountain, it was even windier - which means also chillier!

I love this guy!

There were basically 180 degree, panoramic views of the beautiful WV countryside.

When we got too cold, we decided to head back down the mountain and see what else we could find.

We found a golf course and resort in the park...

...as well as the ranger's house or something?

There was also a waterfall area near the lake from the dam:

And a beach house that was closed for the season. We tried to explore, but things were locked up and chained off. Bummer :(

After the park, we stopped at another thrift store and then headed back to the cabin for lunch. We had brought some food from home so we had taco salads for lunch. :) Then we looked up some places to stay on future visits with friends or alone and since we were in the area, we decided to drive out and look at them. They were much more remote and along the lines of what we were looking for so we'll definitely choose one of them next time.

We also found this other little pond on the side of the road and stopped for a few minutes.

:)

On Sunday, we had breakfast at the same coffee shop and we both got the same thing. As you can see, breakfast there was quite tasty. :)

On our way out of town we stopped at Panorama Overlook. It was pretty impressive, but we both thought that the top of the mountain at Cacapon was much better!

This view reminded us of when we were in Italy this summer and saw the Tiber River running through the Italian countryside.

I shot this last picture from the car. I really love old barns these days.

Unfortunately I started feeling like I was getting a cold on the way home and am now feeling like it might be bronchitis. I didn't go to Carrie's baby shower tonight because I was feeling yucky and didn't want to spread any germs. I have another appointment with orthopedic doctor for my hand tomorrow and might hit up Med Express on the way home if I'm still feeling bad.

Aside from feeling sick now, we had a great weekend full of rest and fun. It was definitely a needed weekend away.