Spa Feast

International Water Tasting

Washington Bathtub Celebration

home - specials - mini tour - washington heritage trail - winter festival - berkeley springs

George Washington's Bathtub Celebration

March 19-21, 2010 (For more information on the Washington Heritage Trail in Morgan County, click here.)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- 3/12/10
Travel Berkeley Springs • Berkeley Springs, WV
1-800-447-8797 • www.berkeleysprings.com

Press Contact only: Jeanne Mozier -- 304-258-4248
Photos available star@starwv.com

BATHTUB WEEKEND IN BERKELEY SPRINGS
BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV ----- The first president’s bathing and eating habits are featured parts of the annual George Washington’s Bathtub Celebration in his favorite spa town of Berkeley Springs, Friday through Sunday, March 19 to 21. Businesses celebrate the town's most famous visitor with dollar specials including drinks, whirlpool baths and popcorn. "We want folks to know that George Washington's face still means something in Berkeley Springs," said Jeanne Mozier organizer of the weekend festival.

"George Washington's Bathtub is the only outdoor monument to presidential bathing in the country and we like to celebrate it by highlighting regional history," said Mozier. "This weekend was selected because it is the anniversary of George's first visit to the springs when he was a 16-year-old surveyor's assistant."

Newly minted West Virginia History Hero, author John Douglas, joins Mozier on Saturday morning at 11am for the season opening of the Museum of the Berkeley Springs. Their exchange uses Washington’s extensive writings on the area to explore his character and achievements.

George Washington was fond of good food. His favorite meal was breakfast; his favorite dish was pancakes. Ellen Lewis at the Manor B&B is serving her guests Washington’s authentic recipe hoecakes made from corn meal. Other breakfast locations from the Country Inn to Temptations Café are highlighting pancakes on their menus. “We’ve put the authentic hoecake recipe on the berkeleysprings.com website calendar so local folks and visitors can cook along,” said Mozier.

The Country Inn, located on an historic site where Washington once stayed, is Bathtub Celebration Central with exceptional specials for $48/night rooms and $1 whirlpool baths and drinks. “We even have dinner specials set at $17.48 to commemorate the year Washington first visited,” said Nancy Sostaric, the Inn’s owner.

Other special discounts and sales during the weekend can be found at Creekside Creamery, Heath Studio Gallery, the Bath House Day Spa and the Star Theatre where Sherlock Holmes shares the spotlight with Washington.

For all the details of Washington Bathtub weekend specials check www.berkeleysprings.com, call 1-800-447-8797 or check posters featuring George in a tub posted around town.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – Thursday through Sunday, March 18-21, 2010

ALL WEEKEND
Bath House Day Spa..... $1 off every $10 spent in the shop
Country Inn….$48/night room for two-night stay in Spa West Building. Authentic hoecakes served all day
Creekside Creamery ......$1 hot drinks and Panorama Overlook posters; deep discount clearance merchandise.
Heath Studio Gallery….$1 off prints and paintings.
Manor B&B…Guests served authentic George Washington “hoecakes” for breakfast.
Maria’s Garden….Serving authentic “hoecakes.”
Temptations Cafe....$1 short-stack of pancakes
Star Theatre......$1 unbuttered popcorn. Showtimes: 8pm, Friday through Sunday. Showing "Sherlock Holmes”

THURSDAY & FRIDAY, MARCH 18 & 19
Country Inn…..$1 whirlpool bath when get spa service

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, MARCH 19 & 20
Country Inn….$17.48 dinner special; $1 whiskey drink;

SATURDAY, March 20
11am-4pm....Museum of the Berkeley Springs opens for season. See new “Green George” artwork. 11m-noon...Dialogue with John Douglas and Jeanne Mozier at the Museum of the Berkeley Springs about George Washington,his regional writings and activities.
11am to 5pm…Ice House Gallery opens for season. Get a copy of Tri Tales for $1 with every art purchase.
7pm-midnight - Dance to three big bands for Petapalooza at the American Legion. Benefit Humane Society.

George Washington's Favorite Corn Cakes (Hoe Cakes)
2 cups stone-ground white cornmeal
1 1/2 to 2 cups lukewarm water
1 package active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
mild vegetable oil for greasing the griddle
honey and butter, for serving
Procedure:
1. The evening before serving, combine 1 cup cornmeal with 1 1/2 cups of the water, and the yeast in a medium-size bowl. Whisk well; the mixture will be thin. Cover bowl tightly; let sit out overnight in a warm place.
2. The next morning, whisk in the remaining 1 cup cornmeal, salt, egg. Recover bowl; let stand 15-20 minutes until just-added cornmeal absorbs some of the liquid and softens.
3. Check consistency; it should be close to a thin pancake batter. If needed, add more lukewarm water.
4. Heat well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Moisten a paper towel with vegetable oil. Once skillet is hot, rub quickly and thoroughly with the oiled towel.
5. Stir batter well; using a ladle, pour 3 inch pancakes onto hot skillet/griddle. If batter doesn't sizzle, your pan isn't hot enough.
6. Watch closely; when bubbles appear throughout and top surface is completely dry and edges are curling; then flip and cook for about 30 seconds on other side. Cakes should be golden-brown, nicely mottled, neither too pale or too dark. Repeat with remaining batter. Stir batter occasionally so it doesn't separate.
7. Serve with honey and butter.








.

.