Written by Greg Schene, Mayor of the Town of Bath
Long before wellness retreats became fashionable, visitors were traveling to the Town of Bath to soak in its legendary mineral springs, including a young George Washington in 1748.
Today, America’s First Spa Town is still drawing people in with historic streets, remarkable food, flourishing gardens, bold local businesses, and one enduring truth: it’s the water!
Welcome to what’s famously the heart of Berkeley Springs and West Virginia’s oldest incorporated town. Founded in 1776, Bath has welcomed presidents, artists, entrepreneurs, wellness seekers, and travelers all drawn by its legendary warm mineral springs, remarkable history, beautiful architecture and authentic Appalachian hospitality.
Today, Bath is where history and innovation meet. Visitors discover beautifully preserved eighteenth and nineteenth-century buildings, locally owned boutiques, award-winning restaurants, extraordinary gardens and a walkable downtown that invites you to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of small-town life. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing getaway, exceptional dining, unique shopping, or a memorable West Virginia experience, you’ll find it here.
More than just water
Ask any local what makes Bath so special and you’ll hear the same answer: “it’s the water!”
For centuries, Bath‘s warm mineral springs have been the heart of the community. Visitors continue this tradition today by soaking in the historic Old Roman Bathhouse, experiencing one of America’s oldest spa traditions. Water also inspires one of Bath‘s signature tourism campaigns: “Serving America’s Best Coffee Since 1776.” Since coffee is nearly 98% water, every cup brewed in Bath celebrates the community’s most famous natural resource. From cozy cafés to historic inns, visitors quickly discover that coffee tastes better in America’s First Spa Town.
Bath‘s exceptional water also takes center stage during the internationally acclaimed Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting, the world’s largest and longest-running water tasting competition, attracting entries and visitors from around the globe. History Around Every Corner Walking through Bath is like stepping into a living history book. George Washington first visited the springs in 1748 and became one of their earliest champions, helping establish Bath as one of America’s first wellness destinations.
Bath continues to preserve its historic character while investing in downtown revitalization, beautification, and small business growth—ensuring that future generations experience the same charm that has captivated visitors for centuries.
A town that blooms
Community pride shines through the Bath in Bloom Garden Awards, recognizing residents and businesses whose gardens enhance the beauty of the historic Town. Throughout the growing season, colorful flowers and beautifully landscaped storefronts create one of West Virginia’s most inviting downtowns.
A culinary destination
Bath has become one of West Virginia’s premier culinary destinations. Visitors enjoy world-class dining at Lot 12 Public House and unforgettable Appalachian hospitality at Ravenwood, alongside locally owned cafés, micro-bakeries, breweries, and specialty restaurants that showcase the region’s creativity and flavor.
Celebrate the seasons
Every season brings something new to Bath. The Town of Bath Founding Flavors Food Truck Festival celebrates the community’s 1776 founding with outstanding food, live music, artisan vendors, and family-friendly fun. Each fall, the nationally recognized Apple Butter Festival welcomes tens of thousands of visitors for handcrafted goods, mountain music, local foods, and Appalachian traditions that have become a West Virginia hallmark.
Shop local, dream big
Bath isn’t just a great place to visit—it’s a great place to build a business. The town actively supports entrepreneurs through innovative economic development initiatives, including the Tiny Shoppe Village, a micro-retail business incubator that provides affordable storefronts for artisans, specialty retailers, makers, and first-time business owners. It’s where creativity, entrepreneurship, and community come together to strengthen Bath‘s vibrant downtown.
Experience America’s First spa town for yourself
Located just two hours from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Northern Virginia, the Town of Bath offers an unforgettable blend of history, wellness, shopping, dining, festivals, and small-town hospitality. Stroll historic streets, soak in legendary mineral waters and much more to discover why visitors have been returning here time and time again.
Greg Schene
Mayor – Town of Bath, WV