After a rejuvenating first day at Cacapon Resort State Park (ICYMI, check out Part 1 of our weekend escape), we weren’t quite ready to head back to real life. With one more day to soak in West Virginia’s beauty, we decided to explore beyond the park, starting with breakfast at Mi Ranchito, a Mexican restaurant in downtown Berkeley Springs.
What followed was a perfectly slow-paced Sunday: a mix of cozy eats, small-town charm, hidden waterfalls, and overlooks that truly lived up to the name “Almost Heaven.”
Cabin Check-Out & Breakfast Cravings
We checked out of our rustic “Mayapple” cabin at 11 AM, saying goodbye to the woodsy comfort that had felt like home for the night. But we were hungry, and thankfully, Mi Ranchito in Berkeley Springs was just the kind of spot we needed.
While it’s not your traditional breakfast spot, this local Mexican eatery delivered. The huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos, and fresh salsas hit the spot after a morning of packing and checking out. Friendly staff, flavorful food, and hearty portions, it was the kind of local gem that makes road trips memorable.
A Soothing Stop at Berkeley Springs State Park
After breakfast, we wandered into Berkeley Springs State Park, located right in the heart of downtown. This spot is known for its historic mineral springs, used for centuries and even favored by George Washington himself.
We dipped our toes in the spring water and took a quick splash in the public bath-fed pool,a simple but soothing experience. It was the kind of calm moment that makes you appreciate the little things: flowing water, sunlight through the trees, and the calm energy of a small town on a Sunday morning.
Strolling Through Downtown Berkeley Springs
Berkeley Springs has this quiet, artsy charm, filled with boutiques, galleries, and antique shops you’ll want to linger in. We wandered without any real plan, which is honestly the best way to enjoy a place like this. From handcrafted jewelry to vintage books and quirky souvenirs, each little shop had its own story.
The streets were peaceful, lined with historic buildings and friendly faces. No crowds, no rush, just that small-town warmth you don’t find often.
View Points Around Berkeley Springs
Of course, being the view-chasers that we are, we had to squeeze in a couple more stops before heading home.
📍 Prospect Peak
Just minutes from downtown, Prospect Peak offered a stunning view overlooking the valleys of three states, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The overlook is easy to reach and gives you that classic layered mountain view that begs for a photo (or five).
🚙 Almost Heaven Viewpoint
Next, we made the adventurous drive to Almost Heaven Viewpoint. Fair warning: the road was rough, gravelly, and rustic, but the reward at the top made every bump worth it. Surrounded by panoramic views of the Appalachian foothills and tree-lined valleys, we stood in awe for a few quiet moments. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause, breathe, and feel incredibly grounded.
Last Stop: Waterfall by Cacapon Lake
Before making our way back home, we looped back toward Cacapon Lake to check out the small waterfall tucked nearby. It’s not huge, but it’s serene, one of those “if-you-know-you-know” kind of places. We sat by the rocks, listening to the water, feeling the last bit of mountain magic before hitting the road.
Back to York With Full Hearts and Camera Rolls
By late afternoon, we were packed up and heading north again, grateful for a weekend that was both grounding and energizing. From cabin coziness and trails to quiet springs and sweeping viewpoints, this Cacapon-Berkeley Springs combo is an East Coast gem.
If you’re looking for a nature-packed escape with charm, character, and soul, don’t overlook this part of West Virginia.
