Cacapon Mountain Brewing is one of the newest breweries in the state - and I might say, it's also one of the most beautiful.



Located in Berkeley Springs, this space has sky-high ceilings, tabletops, metal accents and lovely greenery all throughout. It is clean, modern, yet cozy. 



When I went, it was not too busy - but that's also because we're in the middle of a pandemic. I put in an order for pork carnitas, which were garnished with white onion, cilantro, a lime wedge and came with a side of green or red salsa. These were more in a traditional vein and were tasty. I prefer mine with a heavy spritz of the lime.



Their tap list includes a helles, dry Irish stout, session IPA, hazy pale ale, Czech pilsner, Belgian pale ale and English pub ale. I went home with a growler of the Poor Tom - English Pub Ale - Brewed with Golden Promise malt and Goldings, Fuggle and Celeia hops for a light yet deeply malty ale with earthy and fruity notes from the hops and yeast. This was good - light and more malty than hoppy (which is my preference). 



Have you been? What has been your favorite?

Grade: A

I have been to Berkeley Springs Brewing previously in their prior location, but since they have moved spaces and expanded, I needed to make another trip. 



This brewery, located along Michigan Lane in Berkeley Springs, is especially unique because Berkeley Springs is known for its spring water. And, beer is all about the water. So, it has a great selling proposition for its beverages.



The flagship styles for Berkeley Springs Brewing include Cacapon Kolsch, American Amber, Berkeley Brown, Warm Springs Pale Ale, Stonewall IPA, Old Oak Stout, and Lover's Leap IPA.



They also produce Mountain Top Tea beverages, which are low ABV, low calorie, low carb with natural flavor (and many are gluten free) seltzer alternatives. Flavors include: Blackberry, Early Grey Tea, Green Tea Sour and Mandarin Orange Rooibos.



They even had a hard kombucha, which I took home with me on this particular occasion - just because it's different. I'm not sure I know of another brewery in the state doing a hard kombucha. 



The space inside is large, with wooden beams and a huge, wooden bar. There is space for groups, but also lots of bar seating. So I ordered a snack as I took in the space.



The menu features everything from nachos and hummus to BBQ pulled pork and Belgian waffles. That's not to mention their specials, which on this day included a Cranberry-Walnut Brie Plate that I could not pass up. It was served with a large baked brie topped with cranberry and walnuts and served with pita bread.



I snacked on this all the way back to Charleston. The kombucha, of course, had to wait. 



But both were delish. I really appreciate the creative approach to both the beer and food - to branch out and try some weird stuff. It's a fun departure from my regular rotations of beer. 

I'm always excited to find out about a new winery in West Virginia. I recently came across Cold Run Valley Winery in Berkeley Springs.



This winery features 100% natural fruit aged for one year on the farm. They grow their own fruit and bottle it on the farm. 



When I visited, there were actually a few folks already there so they were passing out samples here and there. 



I was able to try a strawberry and a black raspberry - and they were both quite sweet. But, there's no doubting that they are delicious. They also have apple, strawberry, blueberry, peach and mixed fruit.



The owner said he had reached out to Lambert's, who has served as a mentor for the new winery. That's not the first time I've heard that, so kudos to the Weston winery for helping the industry as a whole.



Have you been?

One family-inspired cafe in Berkeley Springs is offering breakfast and lunch, along with fresh pastries and specialty desserts.



Charlotte's Cafe is a midsize cafe offering a standard selection of breakfast items like pancakes and eggs, as well as lunch items like soup, salad and sandwiches. It's a lovely collection of offerings, but I was most excited about the house-made sweets.



The case at the counter was full of croissants, cinnamon rolls, and one of my personal favorites: bread pudding.



This giant hunk of bread pudding was not lacking in heft. And there was a lovely caramel drizzled over top, but the actual bread itself didn't quite come together as much as I would love. I want it to be one giant moist conglomeration. I do have years of bread pudding-eating under my belt, so I have a specific idea in mind when it comes to the dessert. But, this is a solid take on it.



Grade: B

The Creekside Creamery Market & Cafe in Berkeley Springs is a towering teal home that overlooks a small brook.

The business is home to sweets, light lunches and a great place for community.

Of course, I gravitated toward the ice cream.

Looking over the options, I went for the peanut butter ice cream and made it into a sundae.

One large scoop of peanut butter ice cream. Topped with hot fudge. Whipped cream. And a cherry.



What's your favorite combo?

If you love cheese like I do, you get very, very excited when you see a cheese shop. In Berkeley Springs, there is Fleur De Lis Cheese Shop. Artisan cheeses, fine wines, and other accoutrements are all available. We tried samples of bleu cheese and roquefort, and I was in cheese heaven!

The Naked Olive is a specialty oil shop, as well as a lounge.

Think of savory olive oils, vinegars and gourmet food.

It's a fun little shop for some fancy food items.


There are even hot sauces!

Then, next door, there's a lounge with drinks and food.

It's a fairly large space with a bar and a good bit of seating.

We looked over the menu to find some snacks.

And the first thing that caught my eye was "Locs with a Schmear" - which were mini bagel crisps with a schmear of dill olive oil cream cheese and topped with tomato and salmon.

Meanwhile, Brittany went for dessert.

Look how cute they both are!

And, tasty of course!

Any chance I can, I visit a state park. It's just something I really enjoy, and I have been wanting to try the restaurants in each one.

Recently, I went to Cacapon Resort State Park for lunch with my friend Brittany.

Their lunch menu features soups, salads, and sandwiches.

After a cup of coffee, I went with a crab cake sandwich and a cream of crab soup.

What can I say? Apparently I was feeling crabby?

Either way, the proximity to the ocean on this side of the state is not something I take for granted! And, I love me some crab!

Have you been?