You don’t have to wait until Mother’s Day for a little pampering.  Even if you’re not a mom, you deserve to relax and rejuvenate.  Lucky for us, there are great salons and spas in the area that are waiting to pamper you.  Here are just four of the many local places to visit.

Off Mane Street on Princess Street in Shepherdstown lets customers indulge in a full menu of services, including therapeutic or Swedish massage from a certified massage therapist, facials from their esthetician, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and hair services.  “Getting a full makeover with hair and makeup really makes you feel beautiful,” said owner Chrissy Welsh.  “A facial-massage or manicure-pedicure combo is another way to indulge and feel great.” As a regular customer of Off Mane Street, I have always been pleased with the service and (based on compliments I receive from Observer staff) the outstanding results!

The Skin Care Shop, located on German Street, is another great place to find invigoration.  In addition to skin care, hair care, household and garden products, The Skin Care Shop offers a variety of skin and hair care treatments.  Owner Patti recommends facials.  “There is nothing more relaxing than a facial,” she said. I visited The Skin Care Shop and received the Classic European Facial, which can best be described as heavenly. Complete with a neck and shoulder massage, the experience left me feeling completely refreshed.  Esthetician Chrissy Lewin said, “I have a lot of magic potions that can help your skin, but a lot of the time, people just need to relax and have someone else to take care of them for a little while.”

The Beauty Center on West Washington Street in Charles Town is a full-service salon and spa, with hair and body treatments for your absolute pleasure.  Enjoy just one of their services, or treat yourself to an all day excursion.  Their services include manicures, pedicures, facials, and body care rituals such as hot and cold stone body therapy or a Hungarian Moor Mud body treatment.  Their Chocolate Cake Brown Sugar body treatment sounds absolutely delicious and refreshing. Based on that alone, I’m adding them to my “pampering to-do” list.

If you’re looking for a pampering getaway, drive a few miles west to Sleepy Creek Spa at The Woods Resort in Hedgesville.  This is the perfect retreat for you and your friends for a day (or longer).  Sleepy Creek Spa provides the works, including their signature body wraps, body scrub, and the body cocoon.  Enjoy one service or treat yourself to an entire day of pampering.  You and your little girl can get pampered together, thanks to their Princess Treatments.  Another plus: Sleepy Creek Spa is open seven days a week! Friends tell me it’s their place to take out-of-town guests for a special treat.

You don’t even have to leave home to enjoy some TLC.  Shepherdstown resident Scoot Greeno has created a new bathing experience called The Body Tub, which is customized to fit the curves of your body and can be built with massaging jets, aromatherapy, and calming lights.  “The stone from The Body Tub feels so smooth and really holds in the heat,” stated Melanie Friedman, who tested one of the customized tubs.  “The contoured back really supports your head, neck and back, making it very comfortable and relaxing.”

No matter how you choose to spend your time, the important part of pampering is to relax. You do so much for others every day and it’s important to take time for yourself.  In theory we all realize this, but sometimes a gentle reminder is needed … you deserve it!

Pampering means taking time from your busy schedule to do something you enjoy.

Here are other ways to relax every day (and the places that can help):

Find a quiet, cozy spot and get lost in your favorite book. Four Seasons Books on German Street in Shepherdstown has a unique selection, from best sellers to those of local interest. 

Natural surroundings provide instant relaxation, so why not go for a walk along the C&O Canal?  Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along the banks of the Potomac River.

Yoga focuses on aligning the mind, body and spirit.  Harmony Healing on Princess Street in Shepherdstown offers a variety of classes for beginners and more advanced yoga participants.  They even offer free one-time classes for those interested in trying it out. 

For a daily boost, Patti Foss of The Skin Care Shop recommends Jane Iredale’s Balance Antioxidant Hydration Spray, which delivers moisture and antioxidants, leaving you looking and feeling refreshed. Chrissy Welsh from Off Mane Street recommends a nice robe, aromatherapy bath oils, and an eye mask.