West Virginia is repeatedly mentioned in the lyrics of John Denver's famous song "Take Me Home, Country Roads."
There is a mineral spring that was loved by George Washington, the first president of the United States.
Berkeley Springs State Park
West Virginia is a state rich in nature, as sung in "Country Roads".
Berkeley Springs, the only spa town in the state, is less than a two-hour drive from Washington, D.C.
A small state park located in the middle of the small town.
There was a family pool just beyond the first channel.
The second channel ran along the edge of the park facing the hill, with springs concentrated between the slope and the channel.
The original Lord Fairfax Spring was one of the most active mineral springs.
The pool was enclosed in a rectangular shape with concrete and exposed bedrock.
The water was clear and 75 degrees F.
In 1748, George Washington, a young man of 16, visited this area in the service of Lord Fairfax.
Records show that he often revisited here after achieving fame as the first president.
I wondered if he was reminiscing about his first visit and feeling refreshed.
At the back of the other rectangular pool, the Old Roman Bathhouse, built in 1815, still existed.
When I saw it, it was under renovation, but it is expected to reopen when the pandemic is over.
Next to the old bathhouse, there was a drinking fountain.
The water was soft and refreshing.
The first presidential tub was so small.
I was told that this was actually a reproduction and not based on historical facts, but I found the gap interesting.
Main Bath House
The old bathhouse was at the north end of the park, and the new one is at the south end.
The "new" bathhouse means the main bathhouse, established in 1929.
I waited for my turn in the fancy waiting room.
There were five bathrooms, all of which were reserved for private use.
Before taking a bath, I was taken to the changing room and changed into a bathrobe.
All the guests had to use only one changing room at different times.
It seemed that those who ordered spa menus other than soaking would receive their treatments in this large room.
I was shown to a long, narrow private room.
The pool was already filled with hot water, and there were plenty of towels and drinking water.
The spring was still cold, so it was heated by steam and kept at 102 degrees F.
It was a small, quiet, and relaxing space.
With a twist of the lever, the cold spring water was poured in with a rumbling sound.
The water temp in the pool dropped even lower, which was going to be a nice temperature in the summer.
Almost heaven, West Virginia!
Summary
The Roman Bath House, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, U.S.
My rating
Type: Walk-in
Rule: Private pool
Chlorination: Not detected
Water temp: Artificially heated water